Idaho Population 2013
The United States Census Bureau estimates that the population of Idaho in 2013 was 1,595,728, which is ranked the 38th largest population in the United States. This estimate shows a 1.8% increase since the last census in 2010, also conducted by the United States Census Bureau. The population density of the state is 19.2 people per square mile, ranked 44th largest density in the United States.
Idaho Population Projections
By the year 2020, the population is expected to reach approximately 1.74 million people, which is an approximate 9% increase from the current population. By the year 2030, the population is expected to reach 1.97 million people, which is an approximate 23% increase from the current population.
Idaho Land Mass
The state of Idaho is approximately 429 miles long and 305 miles wide with a square area of 83,574 square miles, making it the 14th largest state in the Untied States. Of the 83,574 square miles, only 823 square miles are covered by water. The highest point in the state of Idaho is Borah Peak, which reaches 12,662 feet above sea level. The lowest point in the state is the Snake River in the northwestern section near Lewiston, which reaches 710 feet above sea level. The geographic center of Idaho is in Custer County on the Yankee Fork River, southwest of Challis. Idaho is bordered by six states in total: Nevada, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Washington, and Oregon. Idaho is also bordered by Canada on the northern border of the state.
There are three distinct areas of land in the state of Idaho: Rocky Mountains, the Columbia Plateau, and the Basin and Range Region. The Rocky Mountains Region is the largest of the three regions. It starts from the narrow strip at the top of the state and extends south along the border shared with Wyoming. The highest point in the state is in this region, specifically in the Lost River Range, which extends at least 70 miles. This area is home to snow-capped mountains. The Columbia Plateau starts at the bottom of the Idaho Panhandle and follows the Snake River across the southern portion of the state. Idaho’s leading crops, beets and potatoes, are grown in this region along the Snake River Plain. Lastly, the Basin and Range Region is in the southeastern portion of the state. It contains many grassy plateaus and deep valleys.
Idaho Demographics
Of the approximate 1.6 million people in the state of Idaho, about 50% of the population is female and 50% is male. Also, approximately 94% of the population identifies as white (including Hispanic or Latino). But, out of that 94%, only about 12% do identify as Hispanic or Latino and the other 82% as Caucasian. Those that identify as Black or African American make up only 1% of the entire population of the state of Idaho. The rest of the population is made up of those that identify as Asian, American Indian, Native Hawaiian, other Pacific Islanders, Alaskan Native, or those that identify as two or more races. These other races make up only about 5% of the Idaho population.
Idaho Religion
The population of Idaho identifies as religious at a slightly higher rate than the national average. About 51% of the state population identifies as religious, compared to the national average of 49%. Out of the 51%, about 26% identify as members of the Church of Latter Day Saints, otherwise known as Mormonism, making it the largest denomination in Idaho. The next largest denomination in the state is Catholic. About 8% out of the 51% identifies as Catholic. All other Christian denominations make up around 16.5% out of the total 51%. Judaism, Islam, and Eastern religions make up only about 0.5% out of the total 51%.
Idaho Regions
Idaho Economy
The unemployment rate in the state of Idaho is approximately 6.2%, which is a 0.1% increase from the last measurement of unemployment. While the rate increased slightly, the number of jobs in each sector has been increasing. The number of new business claims has for the first time since 2006 increased. The service industry makes up the largest portion of Idaho’s economy. The biggest portion of this industry is the wholesale and retail trade industry. Beef cattle are the most valuable farm product and the potato is the main source of agricultural income.
Other Resources
More resources about Idaho population statistics can be found here.