Real Estate Directory - Idaho

Population: 1,393,262 (2004)
Capital city/population: Boise (190,117)
Largest cities/population:

  • Boise - 190,117
  • Nampa - 64,269
  • Idaho Falls - 51,507
  • Pocatello - 51,009

Idaho is the 14th largest state, with an area of 83,574 square miles. In northern parts of the state, winters are long and severe. The lower valleys enjoy milder winters. Southern and central sections are dry, with heavy winter snowfalls. Precipitation ranges from 8” – 50” annually. Idaho achieved statehood on July 3, 1890. Idaho has 3,100 miles of rivers, more than any other state, and 63% of the land is public.

HOUSING

Boise – (2005) There are over 77,000 housing units in the city, with an average price of $204,803. Homes are being sold at a premium, with average days on the market at 53.

Nampa – The city has 19,379 housing units, with 298 sold in the last 30 days. Average sales price is $176,000. A higher population growth has caused a strong sellers market, with home prices increasing.

Idaho Falls – A strong home market has increased sales volume in the city. Current average residential selling price is $156,479, with an average of 79 days on the market.

Pocatello – The real estate market remains strong. Prices start at $40,000 and up, with average days on the market of 64. Home sellers are receiving offers close to asking prices.

BUSINESS/ECONOMY

The state’s 2004 gross product was $43.6 billion, with a per capita income for the same year of $26,881. Idaho has a strong agricultural industry, producing nearly one third of the potatoes grown in the nation. Other agricultural products include beans, lentils, sugar beets, wheat, and barley.

Manufacturing is also a strong industry, producing electronic and computer equipment, processed foods, lumber, and chemicals. Tourism is also important, with Sun Valley being an important year-round vacation spot. Mining, although not as important as manufacturing or agriculture, produces phosphates, gold, silver, molybdenum, lead, zinc, and other minerals.

SCHOOLS

Idaho has 75 K-12 school districts and 10 private schools. Many schools have been consolidated with the public schools being directed by the State Board of Education. The 1994 student-teacher ratio was 19:1, with an average 1994 teachers’ salary of $30,891. State-supported schools of higher education include Albertson College, Boise State University, Brigham Young – Idaho, Lewis-Clark State College, Northwest Nazarene College, and the University of Idaho. State junior college districts include North Idaho College – Coeur d’Alene, and College of Southern Idaho – Twin Falls.

HISTORY

The Lewis and Clark expedition members were among the first non-natives to enter the area that became Idaho. Fur traders established trading posts in the early 1800s, and traders sent by John Jacob Astor established Astoria on the Columbia River. Fur trading activity eventually severely depleted the region’s supply.
It was not until gold was discovered on the Clearwater River in 1860 that settlers poured into the area, resulting in a population large enough to establish the Idaho Territory in 1863.

In 1876 – 77, the Nez Perce, let by Chief Joseph, made an heroic but unsuccessful attempt to flee to Canada while being pursued by U.S. troops.

In 1949, the Atomic Energy Commission built the National Reactor Testing Station in southeast Idaho. The facility provided energy for Arco, the first American town to be lighted by electricity generated from a nuclear plant.

RELIGION (2004)

  • Christian – 80%
    • Protestant – 50%
      • Baptist – 10%
      • Methodist – 10%
      • Lutheran – 3%
      • Presbyterian – 3%
      • Other Protestant or general Protestant – 24%
    • Mormon – 14%
    • Catholic – 15%
  • Other Religions – <1%
  • Non-Religious – 20%

DEMOGRAPHICS (2004)

  • White - 88%
  • Hispanic - 7.9%
  • Native American - 1.4%
  • Asian - 0.9%
  • Black - 0.4%
  • Mixed race - 2%