Boise, by the numbers

Boise is booming with economic opportunity. Our city continues be a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and business growth across diverse industries. From cutting-edge startups to notable corporate headquarters, a new wave of dynamic companies is fueling Boise's rise as one of the nation's fastest-growing metro areas. Discover why ambitious professionals are flocking to capitalize on Boise's unique blend of urban energy, entrepreneurial spirit, talented workforce, and unparalleled quality of life.  

Economic Strengths

Top 10 Industry Sectors By Employment (2018)
  • Health Care and Social Assistance - 27,200
  • Retail Trad - 17,300
  • Administration & Support, Waste Management and Remediation - 15,900
  • Manufacturing - 15,400
  • Public Administration - 13,000
  • Accommodation and Food Services - 11,900
  • Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services - 10,600
  • Wholesale Trade - 9,200
  • Educational Services - 8,500
  • Finance and Insurance - 7,600

Source: US Census Bureau, Longitudinal Employers-Household Dynamics, 2018

Major Employers
  • St. Luke's Healthcare System | Healthcare, Not-for-Profit
  • St. Alphonsus Healthcare System | Healthcare, Not-for-Profit
  • Micron Technology | Semiconductor R&D, Private
  • Albertson's Companies | Food / Grocery, Private
  • Boise State University | Education / Government, Public
  • Idaho Military Division | Government, Public
  • HP, Inc. | Computer Hardware, Private
  • J.R. Simplot Co. | Agriculture /AgTech, Private
  • Idaho Power | Utility, Regulated Utility
  • Clearwater Analytics | FinTech, Private

Source: ESRI Business Analyst; Community Attributes, Inc.

Demographics

Boise Total Population: 235,684

Median Household IncomeBachelor's Degree or HigherEmployment RateUnemployment
Boise$65,46342.2%66.4%2.7%
United States$65,71233.1%60.2%5.7%

Source: American Community Survey, 2021

Education

Education partners within the City of Boise work to inspire lifelong learners and empower all students with knowledge, skills and values to pursue their dreams and success in an ever-changing world.

K-12 West Ada and Boise School Districts

  • Boise School District - 2nd largest K-12 system in Idaho - 23,000 students / 50 schools
  • 23 Students/Class - average class size (high school)
  • 92+ Languages Spoken
  • Skilled Trades and Tech - Dennis Technical Education Center
  • 50%+ AP Participation - at all four traditional high schools
  • Top 10% of U.S. High Schools

Higher Education, Career and Tech-Ed

  • 60,000 Students in the Region
  • 9 Campuses
  • Majority represented by Boise State and College of Western Idaho
Person rides bicycle in Boise foothills with yellow flowers on the hillside

Quality of Life Metrics

Here are a few quick facts highlighting why Boise continues to rank among the nation's leaders for quality of life across numerous studies and publication lists.

#1
Most Livable City

#5
Most Livable State

90+
Parks and 190+ miles of trails

  • Ranked #1 most livable city (livability.com, 2019)
  • Idaho ranked #5 "Best State" (U.S. News & World Report, 2020)
  • 90+ parks, 190+ miles of trails, 4,000+ acres of habitat
  • Wide range of cultural amenities
  • Recreation including hiking, cycling, rafting, fishing, hunting, kayaking, surfing and more!
  • Cultural experiences like Boise Art Museum, Morrison Center, Treefort Music Hall, Boise Contemporary Theater, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Idaho Botanical Gardens
  • Basque cultural heritage
  • Designated Welcoming City
  • Top events and festivals

More Quality of Life

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