Demographics

As of 2023, Ada County, ID has an estimated population of 522,000. The median age is about 37 years, with 23% under 18 and 15% over 65. Females make up 50.4% of the population. Racially, the county is 84% White, 2% Black or African American, 2% Asian, and 10% Hispanic or Latino (of any race). Other races and those identifying with two or more races comprise roughly 2%.

Education, Employment and Housing

Ada County, ID boasts a strong educational system, with over 120 public schools (including 23 high schools) serving the area. Approximately 94% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 40% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety scores are generally above the national average, with West Ada and Boise school districts consistently rated highly. Adult education and vocational training programs are available through community colleges like College of Western Idaho. Diverse academic offerings—including Advanced Placement and STEM programs—promote educational attainment, with most public schools rated B or above on state assessments.

As of 2023, Ada County, ID, boasts an employment rate of approximately 96%. Top industries include healthcare (14%), retail (13%), professional and technical services (11%), and education (10%). Major occupation types are management, business, and science (38%), sales and office (22%), and service occupations (17%). The average commute is 21 minutes, with 80% of workers driving alone and 6% carpooling. Most employees work within the county, primarily in Boise, Meridian, and Eagle, reflecting Ada County’s strong local employment ecosystem.

Ada County, ID, includes Boise and Meridian, with a 2022 homeownership rate of about 69%. Median home values hover near $462,000, while median gross rent is around $1,350/month. The market has grown over 70% since 2020, though prices have stabilized in 2023–2024. Housing types are mainly single-family homes, with some apartments and townhomes, especially in Boise Bench, North End, and Eagle. Property tax averages 0.75% of assessed value, and Idaho’s annual property tax on a $400,000 home is roughly $3,000. Popular neighborhoods offer diverse amenities, walkability, and access to parks.

County Crime & Safety

Ada County, ID, generally experiences lower crime rates compared to national averages. In 2023, the county reported a violent crime rate of 2.2 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 13.5 per 1,000. Boise, the largest city, reported 540 violent crimes and 2,900 property crimes. Local law enforcement encourages crime reporting through online and non-emergency lines, aiding in response effectiveness. Overall, Ada County remains one of Idaho’s safer urban areas, with proactive community policing and ongoing safety initiatives reflected in its decreasing crime trends.

Elections

Ada County, Idaho, had 309,785 registered voters in 2022. Elections include local, state, and federal races, plus school levies and bonds. In 2020, turnout was 85%, with Republicans winning 53% of presidential votes and Democrats 44%. There are over 80 polling locations, managed by the Ada County Elections Office. Key issues include property tax, growth, and education funding. Administration ensures ADA compliance and secure ballot handling. The Republican and Democratic parties are most active. For the May 2023 election, Ada County reported 56,343 ballots cast, a 21% turnout rate.