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Idaho Surpasses 2 Million People as Population Growth Slows

Idaho’s population has officially surpassed the 2 million mark, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates. While the state continues to experience growth, the rate of increase has slowed significantly, raising questions about future trends.

Growth Slowdown: What’s Behind Idaho’s Changing Population Numbers?

Idaho’s recent population surge has captured attention for years, but the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows a slowdown. From 2023 to 2024, the state’s population grew by just 1.5%, or roughly 30,500 people. This marks a noticeable deceleration compared to past years, though Idaho remains one of the fastest-growing states in the nation.

For comparison, the U.S. population as a whole grew by 1% during the same period, adding around 3.3 million people. Idaho’s growth rate, which ranks as the 7th highest in the country, is still robust, but the pace is far from the double-digit spikes of previous years.

This slowdown has sparked discussions among economists about its possible causes. While the state’s overall population increase remains significant, experts like Jan Roeser, a regional economist with the Idaho Department of Labor, point to economic factors that may be influencing migration patterns. “We could be slowing down, but I just think with people being concerned about inflation and the cost of living and the cost of housing — I just don’t think people are moving as readily as they were,” Roeser said in an interview. “They’re not changing jobs as frequently.”

Idaho population growth estimate 2024

Economic Anxiety: A Key Factor in the Slowdown?

Roeser’s comments reflect broader concerns shared by many who have moved to Idaho in recent years. The state’s affordability—once a major draw for new residents—has been impacted by rising housing prices and inflation. As the cost of living climbs, some people are hesitating to make the leap to a new state. The once-hot job market has also cooled, with fewer job openings now compared to the explosive growth seen earlier in the decade.

Despite these economic concerns, Idaho still offers many opportunities. The state remains an attractive place to relocate, with plenty of job prospects and a high quality of life. However, it seems that some of the enthusiasm that fueled its rapid expansion may be waning as people reconsider the financial implications of moving.

While the pace of new arrivals has slowed, Idaho continues to benefit from an influx of out-of-state movers. Most of the state’s population growth comes from people moving in, rather than a high birth rate. For many newcomers, Idaho’s low taxes and appealing lifestyle are still enough to make it worth the move. However, the slower growth rate signals a potential shift in migration trends, especially as economic pressures build.

A Changing State: Where Are Idaho’s New Residents Coming From?

For years, Idaho has been a magnet for people looking to escape higher costs of living in larger states like California, Washington, and Oregon. The influx from these places has played a crucial role in the state’s population boom. The 2024 figures show that Idaho’s growth continues to be driven primarily by newcomers from out of state, though the migration patterns have started to change.

Many of these new residents are coming from neighboring states, seeking the relatively affordable housing and relaxed lifestyle that Idaho offers. However, the continued increase in housing prices may discourage future migration, as more people weigh the financial consequences of moving.

The challenge now for Idaho policymakers is how to balance this population growth with sustainable development, especially in urban centers like Boise, where the housing market has been under pressure for years. Local officials are beginning to recognize the need for policies that address the changing economic realities, from affordable housing to job creation.

Population Trends: Idaho’s Standing Among U.S. States

Idaho, now home to just over 2 million people, remains the 38th most populous state in the U.S. Despite its slowed growth, the state has been climbing steadily in terms of total population since 2020. Over the last four years, Idaho has added nearly 152,000 people, representing an 8.2% increase since 2020—far outpacing the national growth rate of 1% during the same period.

However, this population increase may not continue at the same rapid pace in the coming years. The slowing trend could signal that Idaho is reaching a point where its appeal is less about growth and more about quality of life. With fewer job openings and an increasing cost of living, the state may see its annual growth rates dip further in the near future.

Idaho’s slow but steady population growth has positioned it as one of the more desirable states to live in, but as the economy fluctuates, residents and potential newcomers may become more cautious in their decisions.

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