More about Idaho...
 Wide open and wild, Idaho is more than just potatoes. Attractive to those who enjoy nature and outdoor activities and with an average of only 15 people per square mile, the 1.4 million residents of Idaho have plenty of space to enjoy. Idaho’s landscape is primarily rivers, lakes, mountains and farmland. Located on the western side of the Rocky Mountains, central Idaho is dominated by jagged peaks. The northern or panhandle part of the state is lush, forested and has many lakes. Southern Idaho is home to Boise, the state capital, where the Snake River Plain creates fertile fields. Nearly 70 percent of the state is public land in the form of state, county and city parks, national monuments, preserves and reserves.
Idaho’s residents are defined by the geography of the state. Those living in rugged mountainous regions are quite self-sufficient, while those living in or near the cities enjoy arts and culture, golf courses, resorts, excellent shopping and restaurants. Most communities in Idaho are defined by agriculture, ranching, mining or forestry. Did You Know... | State Nickname: The Gem State State Capital: Boise State Flower: Syringa State Bird: Mountain Bluebird |
| Sun Valley is recognized as the home of America's first destination ski resort. | | Idaho ghost towns include Silver City, Yankee Fort, Gold Dredge and Sierra Silver Mine. | | Idaho takes up 82,747 square miles. | | Though Idaho is popularly believed to be an Indian word, it is an invented name whose meaning is unknown. | | The economy of Idaho City originally developed around gold mining in the 1860s. | | Shoshone Falls, The Niagara of the West, spills over a 212-foot drop near Twin Falls. |
Idaho’s various regions include the: Northern Region, set among shimmering lakes, thick forests and abundant wildlife; North Central Region, featuring winding rivers, deep gorges and farmland; Southwestern Region, a contrast of densely wooded mountains and high desert plains; South Central Region, marked by waterfalls, towering rock formations and spring; Southeastern Region, featuring lava rocks, the Oregon Trail and natural hot springs; Eastern Region, with hallmarks such as excellent fishing, trails and breathtaking vistas along with proximity to Yellowstone National Park; Central Region, home to Sun Valley, which opened in 1936 as the first destination ski resort.
| More than 95 percent of the roads in Idaho are rural, so getting around by car can be an adventure. Ten airports connect the regions as do public bus services. Train service is available in the northern part of the state only.
The cost of living in Idaho is the second lowest of the 11 western states. Housing costs are moderate and vary among cities: Boise, $163,000; Idaho Falls, $118,700; Lewiston, $111,300; Pocatello, $98,900; and Twin Falls, $110,219. About 70 percent of housing units are detached and range from modest cottages to elegant mansions. The Wood River Valley is very unique in average housing costs: Bellevue: $350,000; Hailey: $400,000; South Blaine County $306,000. The median per capita income in Blaine County is $53,245. For more information on Blaine County please visit: Idaho Department of commerce: http://community.idaho.gov/Portals/15/Profiles/County/Blaine.pdf 
Idaho has a strong and diversified economy with manufacturing and agriculture as the top industries. Technology, tourism, retail, healthcare and service industries are growing sectors as well. About 600,000 residents are employed and on average, enjoy a modest 20 minute commute. The state’s largest employers are Albertsons, Bechtel BWXT Idaho, Micron Technology, Inc, Boise School District, Hewlett-Packard Company; Idaho Dept. of Health & Welfare and Mountain Home Air Force Base. The Wood River Valley is a haven for tourism and retail. For more information: http://community.idaho.gov/Portals/15/Profiles/Community/Hailey.pdf
Idaho has a somewhat diverse population with 87.2 percent Caucasian, 1.4 percent American Indian, 0.6 percent Black, 1 percent Asian and 8.9 percent Hispanic. The median age is 33, and 50.8 percent of the population is male. Various ethnic groups have formed the Basque Museum and Cultural Center, Idaho Black History Museum, Hispanic Cultural Center and International Community Center of Idaho to preserve and share their heritages.
Education in Idaho is excellent. Nearly 94 percent of the state’s children attend public schools and Idaho ranks in the top one-third of the nation for adults aged 25 and older who graduated from high school. Almost every city with a population greater than 20,000 has a college or university and there are professional as well as vocational training centers throughout the state.
Some of Idaho’s notable attractions, events and historical places include Idaho International Film Festival, Paul Bunyan Days, the oldest standing building in the state, Cataldo Mission, the Idaho Military History Museum and Hells Canyon, which is the deepest river gorge in America and spills over a 212-foot drop near Twin Falls.
Outdoor recreation includes whitewater rafting, fly fishing, mountain biking, hiking, snow skiing, jet skiing, snowmobiling, lake fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, back packing, off-roading, rock climbing, camping and hunting. |
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