Keeping Idaho’s growth in perspective
Yes, Idaho was the fastest growing state by percentage rate in 2018.
The top 10 fastest-growing states based on the data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau are:
· Idaho
· Nevada
· Utah
· Arizona
· Florida
· Washington
· Colorado
· Texas
· South Carolina
· North Carolina
With that growth, does it mean that Idaho is overrun with people? Let’s see!
Of the ten fastest growing states Idaho is, by far, the least populated as seen in this chart:
Despite its aggressive growth over the past 40 years, Idaho is still the 39th least populated state in the country and has nearly half the population of Nevada and Utah! Texas has 17 times more people.
“But…” you say, “I don’t want to live where it is going to grow!”
Good luck with that!
The whole country is growing.
Here is the reality:
According to the US Census, in 2019, the United States is expected to experience one birth every 8 seconds and one death every 12 seconds.
Meanwhile, net international migration is expected to add one person to the U.S. population every 34 seconds.
The combination of births, deaths and net international migration will increase the U.S. population by one person every 16 seconds!
It’s true…the whole country is growing! Some places, faster than others…and Idaho would be on the “faster than others” list.
If you are bound and determined to live where there is no growth at all…here are your options:
Chart declining states from University of Virginia:
Places that have attractive lifestyles are going to grow!
Idaho, and more specifically North Idaho, offers one of the best lifestyles in the country.
Those coming to North Idaho are doing so for the…conservative culture, clean and safe cities, affordable cost of living, unmatched outdoor lifestyle, modern and plentiful amenities, mild four seasons, and yes…
low population density!
To be even more specific, Kootenai County (the largest county in North Idaho and home of Coeur d’Alene) has 1 person for every 4 that Ada County (the home of Boise) has.
Furthermore, Kootenai County has topographic and legislative reasons that will prevent over-aggressive urban sprawl going forward. For more info VIDEO: North Idaho Land Mass Breakdown
For a fun perspective on how low North Idaho population density is, see our VIDEO: North Idaho…the next California?
So, in review, Idaho is growing because it offers one of the best lifestyles in the country.
Despite its growth and recent popularity, Idaho is still one of the least populated parts of the country and the least populated, by far, of the fastest growing states!
An awesome lifestyle with low population density…two reasons you can Live Better in North Idaho!
Written by: Kory Martinelli Owner/Realtor of The Martinelli Realty Team