Want to know more about the most populous cities in Idaho? Here’s an updated list of the largest cities in Idaho by size and population.
Idaho is a state in the northwest United States and ranks as the 39th most populated state in the mainland United States with a total population of 1,754,208. The state is ranked 37th in terms of total area covering 83,797 sq. mi (216,900 sq. km).
Idaho has a total of 201 municipalities officially designated as cities and with seven cities having a population of over 50,000. Idaho is a mountainous state with the United States Forest Service controlling nearly 38% of the total area, the highest percentage out of all states in the country.
Boise
Boise is the state capital and the largest city of Idaho. Boise has a population of 226,570 which also makes it the most populous city of the state. The city is the seat of Ada County in southwestern Idaho and is famous for the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial, the only human rights memorial site in the whole country.
Boise’s downtown area is a notable cultural center. The main attractions include the Idaho State Capitol, the Boise Art Museum, the Egyptian Theatre, the Julia Davis Park, and the Zoo Boise on the grounds of Julia Davis Park. Boise is also home to Boise State University.
Meridian
Meridian is located in Ada County in southwestern Idaho. With a population of 99,926, it is the second-most populous city in the state. Meridian is considered the fastest-growing city in the state and also one of the fastest-growing in the whole country.
Idaho State Police headquarters are situated in Meridian. The state police academy is also on the same campus and all police officers statewide undergo the mandatory training on its premises.
Nampa
Nampa is the largest city in Canyon County in western Idaho. It is also the third-most populous city in the state with a population of 93,590. Historically a railroad town, Nampa is now fast becoming the state’s largest retail center with shopping malls and new businesses opening fast.
The famous Idaho Center arena in Nampa is best known for hosting the annual Snake River Stampede Rodeo in the third week of July. The Snake River Stampede is considered one of the nation’s top rodeos. The city is also home to 24 parks, the largest of which is the Lakeview Park.
Idaho Falls
Idaho Falls is the seat of Bonneville County in eastern Idaho. It is the fourth-most populous city in the state with a total population of 61,076. Idaho Falls is the major commercial, cultural, and healthcare hub for eastern Idaho.
The city’s economy is largely dependent on the Idaho National Laboratory even though several retail and entertainment sector businesses have now started operating here as well.
It is home to some of the region’s top cultural attractions like the College of Eastern Idaho, the Museum of Idaho, the Willard Arts Center, the Colonial Theatre and the Civic Auditorium.
Pocatello
Pocatello is the seat and the largest city of Bannock County in southeastern Idaho. It is the fifth-most populous city in the state with a population of 55,193. Pocatello is the home of Idaho State University and served by the Pocatello Regional Airport.
Pocatello hosts the Pocatello Marathon and Half Marathon every year and the times for these two are eligible for qualification to the Boston and New York marathons. Outdoor sports are also an integral part of the culture of Pocatello. Pebble Creek is a ski resort located just south of Pocatello and offers skiing and snowboarding activities in the season.
Caldwell
Caldwell is the seat of Canyon County in western Idaho. The city has a population of 54,660 and a total area of 22.23 sq. mi (57.57 sq. km). Caldwell was incorporated in 1890 after the Idaho and Oregon Land Improvement Company persuaded businessman and settlers to move to the area.
The city is also home to one of the oldest education institutions in the whole state, the College of Idaho, founded in 1891. Caldwell has ten city parks, a public golf course, and also a city pool.
Coeur d’Alene
Coeur d’Alene is the seat and the largest city of Kootenai County in northern Idaho. The city gets its name from the Native American tribe of Coeur d’Alene peoples. The Lake Coeur d’Alene is also located towards the south of the city. Coeur d’Alene has a total population of 50,665.
Coeur d’Alene is the regional center for healthcare, education, media, manufacturing, retail, and recreation in northern Idaho. The city also hosts several activities throughout the year such as the Ironman Triathlon called Ironman Coeur d’Alene, the Coeur d’Alene Crossing which is a swimming race to cross the eponymous lake, and the Coeur d’Fondo which is a cross-country bike race.
Twin Falls
Twin Falls is the seat and largest city of Twin Falls County in southern Idaho. The city has a population of 49,202 which makes it the eighth-most populous city in the state. Twin Falls is the regional center for commercial activities since it’s the largest city in a more than 100-mile-radius.
As one of the fastest-growing cities in Idaho, Twin Falls is home to a diverse range of industries and businesses. Twin Falls is also home to a large community college, the College of Southern Idaho.
Most Populated Cities in Idaho
| 1 | Boise | 226,570 |
| 2 | Meridian | 99,926 |
| 3 | Nampa | 93,590 |
| 4 | Idaho Falls | 61,076 |
| 5 | Pocatello | 55,193 |
| 6 | Caldwell | 54,660 |
| 7 | Coeur d’Alene | 50,665 |
| 8 | Twin Falls | 49,202 |
| 9 | Post Falls | 33,290 |
| 10 | Lewiston | 32,820 |
| 11 | Rexburg | 28,337 |
| 12 | Eagle | 26,089 |
| 13 | Moscow | 25,146 |
| 14 | Kuna | 19,200 |
| 15 | Ammon | 15,540 |
Biggest Cities in Idaho
| 1 | Boise | 79.36 sq. mi |
| 2 | Fort Hall | 35.06 sq. mi |
| 3 | Argon Valley | 34.03 sq. mi |
| 4 | Pocatello | 32.22 sq. mi |
| 5 | Nampa | 31.19 sq. mi |
| 6 | Robbie Creek | 30.09 sq. mi |
| 7 | Eagle | 28.92 sq. mi |
| 8 | Meridian | 26.79 sq. mi |
| 9 | Idaho Falls | 22.35 sq. mi |
| 10 | Caldwell | 22.23 sq. mi |
How many of the largest cities in Idaho did you know about?