Counties at a glance

Technically minded factoid lovers should be able to build at least a rough picture of the demographic and economic character of the Treasure Valley's five counties from this basic survey, taken from statistics released by the United States Census Bureau. Below the counties, you will find state and national data for comparison purposes.

Ada County

Idaho's most populous and affluent county, and also the home of the state's capital and largest city, Boise. Created in 1864, it is named after Ada Riggs, the first child born to European parents in the area. Notable geographic features include the Boise Foothills to the north and west, the Boise River and the Snake River, which runs along the county's southern border. Major cities include Boise (the county seat), Meridian, Eagle, and Kuna.

Population (2006 estimate): 359,035

Growth from 2000 to 2006: 19.3%

Area: 1,054 square miles

People per square mile (2006): 340.6

Races (2000): 89.5% white (non-Hispanic), 5.5% Hispanic, 1.9% Asian

Percentage foreign-born (2000): 4.3%

Percentage who speak a language other than English at home (2000): 7.8%

Percent below the poverty line (2003): 9.3%

Canyon County

The second most populous county in the state is also its fastest growing and home to Nampa, the state's second largest city. Created in 1891, it is named after at least one of the canyons in the area, either on the Snake or the Boise rivers. Those rivers and the canyons that accompany them are, not coincidentally, also the county's most notable geographic features. The county's largest cities are Nampa and Caldwell (the county seat), though there are many smaller rural communities in the county as well. They are: Greenleaf, Huston, Melba, Middleton, Notus, Parma and Wilder.

Population (2006 estimate): 173,302

Growth from 2000 to 2006: 31.8%

Area: 589 square miles

People per square mile (2006): 294.2

Races (2000): 76.6% white (non-Hispanic), 20.3% Hispanic or Latino

Percentage foreign-born (2000): 8.6%

Percentage who speak a language other than English at home (2000): 17.6%

Percent below the poverty line (2003): 13.5%

Gem County

Anchored by the growing town of Emmett, Gem County has a strong agricultural, ranching and fruit-growing heritage. Emmett is joined by a number of rural, unincorporated settlements such as Letha, Ola and Sweet.

Population (2006 estimate): 16,558

Growth from 2000 to 2006: 9.1%

Area: 562 square miles

People per square mile (2000): 29.4

Races (2000): 90.7% white (non-Hispanic), 7.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1% American Indian or Alaska Native.

Percentage foreign-born (2000): 4.9%

Percentage who speak a language other than English at home (2000): 7.2%

Percent below the poverty line (2003): 11.8%

Owyhee County

Idaho's second largest county is also one of its most sparsely populated. Owyhee County contains some of the most remote areas in the country, and is growing as a popular destination for outdoor recreation. The county's two biggest towns, Marsing and Homedale, lie along the Snake river near the border with Canyon County. Other towns include Bruneau, Hammett, Murphy (the county seat), Oreana and Grand View.

Population (2006 estimate): 11,104

Growth from 2000 to 2006: 4.3%

Area: 7,677 square miles

People per square mile (2006): 1.4

Races (2000): 73.3% white (non-Hispanic), 22.7% Hispanic or Latino, 2.9% Indian or Alaska Native

Percentage foreign-born (2000): 11.9%

Percentage who speak a language other than English at home (2000): 22.7%

Percent below the poverty line (2003): 16.2%

Payette County

Named after a French-Canadian fur trapper who worked at Fort Boise during the 1830's and 40's, Payette is now known for its agriculture and recreation opportunities. The county's three primary towns, Payette (county seat), New Plymouth and Fruitland all lay within easy reach of Ontario in neighboring Oregon.

Population (2006 estimate): 22,595

Growth from 2000 to 2006: 9.8%

Area: 407 square miles

People per square mile (2006): 55.4

Races (2000): 83.4% white (non-Hispanic), 13.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Asian

Percentage foreign-born (2000): 5.5%

Percentage who speak a language other than English at home (2000): 10.2%

Percent below the poverty line (2003): 13.4%

United States of America

Population (2005 estimate): 299,398,484

Growth from 2000 to 2006: 6.4%

Area: 3,537,438 square miles

People per square mile (2006): 84.6

Races (2000): 66.9% white (non-Hispanic), 14.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% black, 4.3% Asian, 1% American Indian or Alaska Native

Percentage foreign-born (2000): 11.1%

Percentage who speak a language other than English at home (2000): 17.9%

Percent below the poverty line (2003): 12.5%

State of Idaho

Population (2006 estimate): 1,466,465

Growth from 2000 to 2006: 13.3%

Area: 82,747

People per square mile (2006): 17.7

Races (2000): 87% white (non-Hispanic), 9.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% American Indian or Alaska Native, 1% Asian

Percentage foreign-born (2000): 5%

Percent below the poverty line (2003): 11.8%