RANK #773 / 996 · POP 497,494 · ID
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.4%
Ada County, Idaho, is perhaps best known for Boise, its capital city, which anchors the county's identity. Located in southwestern Idaho, Ada County is part of the larger Treasure Valley, characterized by high desert landscapes, foothills, and the winding Boise River. The Boise River Greenbelt, a 25-mile tree-lined pathway, offers opportunities for walking, running, and biking, and Barber Park is a popular starting point for floating the Boise River. Commuting within the county is primarily by car, with an average commute time of 21.2 minutes, though options like vanpools, carpools, and public transit are available. The community offers a blend of urban amenities and access to natural scenery, including over 90 parks and more than 200 miles of trails.
Life in Ada County attracts families and young professionals, with highly rated public schools, including the West Ada School District, the largest in Idaho. The economy is experiencing growth, with low unemployment rates. Major investments are occurring across sectors such as healthcare, technology, and construction. This economic activity, coupled with opportunities for outdoor recreation, contributes to the area's appeal for those seeking a balance of lifestyle and career.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.9x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
rPlus Energies Solar & Storage Portfolio (Blacks Creek Energy Center, Bluebird Solar, Pleasant Valley Solar 1 & 2)
rPlus Energies
|
$1,400M | Planned |
|
Ada County Highway District Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
Ada County Highway District (ACHD)
|
$1,200M | Approved |
|
Meta Kuna Data Center
Meta
|
$800M | Under Construction |
|
Boise Bench Substation Battery Project
Idaho Power
|
$200M | Planned |
|
Desri 150 MW Solar Facility
Desri
|
$150M | Approved |
|
Ada County Landfill Renewable Natural Gas Facility (Hidden Hollow RNG)
Biogas Development
|
$50M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Ada County has a Boom Town Index score of 22/100, ranking #773 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +2.1% and a median household income of $83,881, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Ada County is $423,500 with median rent at $1,320/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.1981, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +2.5% year-over-year. Job growth: +2.1%. Home values changed +1.0% in the past 12 months.