Boise City, ID
Population 235,701 · Idaho
About Boise City, ID
Boise City is a major city located in Idaho with a population of 235,701 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $81,308 per year, which is 8% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Boise City features a median home value of $456,000, which is 86% above the national median of $244,900. This places Boise City in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,359, 17% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 104,833 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (62,805 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (36,811 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Boise City shows an unemployment rate of 3.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 10.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Boise City have an average one-way commute time of 19.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
46.6% of Boise City residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 7.0% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 7.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Boise City Ranks in Idaho
Cost of Living in Boise City, ID
Compared to national averages, Boise City has a median household income of $81,308 (8% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $456,000, which is 86% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,359 is 17% above the US average of $1,163. Within Idaho, Boise City's income is 25% above the state average of $65,190, and home values are 66% above the state median of $274,721.
Why Live in Boise City, ID?
Boise City offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $81,308, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 46.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 10.6%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $456,000. However, as a major city, Boise City provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Boise City has a population of 235,701 with a median age of 38.2 years. Compare Boise City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Idaho.
Similar Cities Near Boise City
Cities in Idaho with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meridian | 124,865 | $98,686 | $485,000 | Compare |
| Nampa | 106,289 | $72,122 | $332,500 | Compare |
| Idaho Falls | 66,672 | $69,630 | $298,600 | Compare |
| Caldwell | 63,465 | $66,663 | $322,100 | Compare |
| Pocatello | 57,152 | $57,931 | $240,600 | Compare |
| Coeur d'Alene | 55,558 | $70,845 | $451,600 | Compare |
| Twin Falls | 53,219 | $60,760 | $279,400 | Compare |
| Post Falls | 41,716 | $73,313 | $425,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Idaho
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Boise City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Boise City
What is the population of Boise City, ID?
The population of Boise City, ID is 235,701 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Idaho.
What is the median household income in Boise City?
The median household income in Boise City, ID is $81,308 per year, which is 8% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Boise City?
The median home value in Boise City, ID is $456,000, which is 86% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Boise City?
The median monthly rent in Boise City, ID is $1,359, which is 17% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Boise City?
The unemployment rate in Boise City, ID is 3.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Boise City, ID a good place to live?
Boise City offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 235,701 and a median age of 38.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Boise City, ID?
46.6% of residents in Boise City aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Boise City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Boise City, ID: median home value is $456,000 (86% above national), median rent is $1,359/month, and median household income is $81,308. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Boise City?
The poverty rate in Boise City, ID is 10.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Boise City, ID?
Boise City's population is 7.0% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 7.2% of residents are foreign-born.