Gooding, ID
Population 3,731 · Idaho
About Gooding, ID
Gooding is a small town located in Idaho with a population of 3,731 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $36,889 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.1 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Gooding features a median home value of $175,800, which is 28% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Gooding in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $869, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,366 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (717 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (549 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Gooding shows an unemployment rate of 14.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 34.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Gooding have an average one-way commute time of 19.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
9.2% of Gooding residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 31.1% White, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 8.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Gooding Ranks in Idaho
Cost of Living in Gooding, ID
Compared to national averages, Gooding has a median household income of $36,889 (51% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $175,800, which is 28% below the national median. Monthly rent at $869 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within Idaho, Gooding's income is 43% below the state average of $65,190, and home values are 36% below the state median of $274,721.
Why Live in Gooding, ID?
Gooding offers affordable housing with a median home value of $175,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $869/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($36,889) that falls below the national average. However, Gooding’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Gooding has a population of 3,731 with a median age of 33.1 years. Compare Gooding with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Idaho.
Similar Cities Near Gooding
Cities in Idaho with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln | 3,759 | $80,818 | $307,800 | Compare |
| Heyburn | 3,678 | $70,078 | $205,300 | Compare |
| St. Anthony | 3,818 | $52,446 | $199,600 | Compare |
| McCall | 3,847 | $60,197 | $564,500 | Compare |
| Ketchum | 3,551 | $87,658 | $756,200 | Compare |
| Hidden Springs | 3,490 | $159,439 | $683,800 | Compare |
| Grangeville | 3,443 | $59,013 | $262,000 | Compare |
| Orofino | 3,254 | $57,171 | $218,900 | 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 Gooding With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Gooding
What is the population of Gooding, ID?
The population of Gooding, ID is 3,731 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Idaho.
What is the median household income in Gooding?
The median household income in Gooding, ID is $36,889 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gooding?
The median home value in Gooding, ID is $175,800, which is 28% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Gooding?
The median monthly rent in Gooding, ID is $869, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gooding?
The unemployment rate in Gooding, ID is 14.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Gooding, ID a good place to live?
Gooding offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,731 and a median age of 33.1, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Gooding, ID?
9.2% of residents in Gooding aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Gooding?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gooding, ID: median home value is $175,800 (28% below national), median rent is $869/month, and median household income is $36,889. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Gooding?
The poverty rate in Gooding, ID is 34.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Gooding, ID?
Gooding's population is 31.1% White, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 8.4% of residents are foreign-born.