Boise, Idaho facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Boise, Idaho
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| Nickname(s):
The City of Trees
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| Motto(s):
Energy Peril Success
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Location within Ada County in Idaho
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 Boise, Idaho
Location in Idaho
Boise, Idaho
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States | ||||
| State | Idaho | ||||
| County | Ada | ||||
| Founded | 1863 | ||||
| Incorporated | 1864 | ||||
| Government | |||||
| • Type | Strong-mayor | ||||
| • Body | Boise City Council | ||||
| Area | |||||
| • State capital city | 85.00 sq mi (219.45 km2) | ||||
| • Land | 84.03 sq mi (216.96 km2) | ||||
| • Water | 0.97 sq mi (2.49 km2) | ||||
| Elevation | 2,704 ft (824 m) | ||||
| Population
(2020)
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| • State capital city | 235,684 | ||||
| • Rank | U.S.: 95th ID: 1st | ||||
| • Density | 2,860.54/sq mi (1,055.28/km2) | ||||
| • Urban | 433,180 (US: 94th) | ||||
| • Urban density | 3,111.2/sq mi (1,201.3/km2) | ||||
| • Metro | 764,718 (US: 74th) | ||||
| Demonym(s) | Boisean | ||||
| Time zone | UTC−7 (MST) | ||||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−6 (MDT) | ||||
| ZIP codes |
83701-83709, 83711-83717, 83719-83720, 83722, 83724-83726, 83728-83729, 83732, 83735, 83756, 83799
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| Area code(s) | 208, 986 | ||||
| FIPS code | 16-08830 | ||||
| GNIS feature ID | 2409876 | ||||
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Boise (pronounced BOY-see) is the capital city of Idaho. It is also the largest city in the state. In 2020, about 235,684 people lived there. Boise is located in southwestern Idaho, along the Boise River. It is about 41 miles (66 km) east of the Oregon border. The city's downtown area is about 2,704 feet (824 m) above sea level.
The larger area around Boise is called the Boise metropolitan area or the Treasure Valley. This area includes five counties and has a population of over 749,202 people. It is the biggest metropolitan area in Idaho. The Treasure Valley includes Boise, Nampa, and Meridian, which are the three largest cities in Idaho.
Downtown Boise is a lively place. It has many small businesses, shops, and restaurants. 8th Street is a special area with cafes and restaurants where people can walk around. You can also find the Basque Block there, which celebrates Boise's Basque heritage. Important places downtown include the Idaho State Capitol, the historic Egyptian Theatre, the Boise Art Museum, and Zoo Boise.
Contents
History of Boise
How Boise Got Its Name
The name "Boise" has an interesting origin story. One idea is that Captain B. L. E. Bonneville of the U.S. Army named it. After a long journey through dry land, his group saw the green Boise River Valley. A French-speaking guide supposedly shouted, "Les bois! Les bois!" which means "The woods! The woods!" This name might have stuck.
Another idea is that early mountain men gave the river its name. In the 1820s, French Canadian fur trappers from the Hudson's Bay Company were in the area. The valley of the Boise River, with its many trees, was like an oasis in the desert. So, the French trappers called it "la rivière boisée" meaning "the wooded river."
How to Say "Boise"
Most people who live in Boise say BOY-see. You might hear people from other places say BOY-zee. The city's website confirms the BOY-see pronunciation.
Early People and Contact
The Boise Valley was once home to the Shoshone and Bannock tribes. They were part of the "Snake Country" groups. These tribes would gather in the valley every year to trade and catch salmon from the Boise River. They spent winters in the valley because the weather was milder. They also used the hot springs for bathing and healing. A place called Castle Rock, or Eagle Rock, was and still is a sacred site for them.
The Boise Valley Bannock tribes were known as "black trout eaters." The Boise Valley Shoshone were called "groundhog eaters." They were among the first Shoshone groups to ride horses. They traveled widely, especially along the lower Boise River and Payette River.
In 1811, Wilson Price Hunt led an expedition through the Boise Valley. This was the first time white Americans entered the area. For a while, the region remained mostly free from settlers. This was partly because the eastern U.S. thought the area was a "Great American Desert" and not good for living. Also, the British Hudson's Bay Company tried to discourage American settlers.
The Hudson's Bay Company built a fort called Old Fort Boise about 40 miles (64 km) west of modern Boise. They were there until 1844, then handed it over to the United States Army.
The Oregon Trail and Changes
Starting in the 1840s, more settlers began moving to Oregon Country. This led to the Oregon Treaty, where the British gave the region to the U.S. So, the Boise Valley became part of Oregon Territory.
After gold was found in California in 1848, even more settlers traveled through the area. This increased travel through Shoshone and Bannock lands. Settlers also used the valley's resources, which made the Native tribes upset. Because of this, Native peoples began to resist the settlers' movement through their lands.
One event was the "Ward Massacre" in 1854, near modern Boise. A group of Shoshone and Bannock warriors attacked a wagon train. This led to military responses from the U.S. Army. Between 1846 and 1856, many settlers were killed along the Oregon Trail. The conflict grew, and the U.S. Army had to leave Old Fort Boise. Travel became very dangerous without army protection.
Gold Discovery and City Founding
In 1863, gold was discovered near the Boise Valley. This, along with the ongoing conflicts, led the U.S. Military to build a new Fort Boise where the city is today. This new location was chosen because it was near important roads connecting gold mining areas.
In the same year, the Idaho Territory was created. Boise became the capital of Idaho in 1866. This was a debated decision, but it showed how quickly the population was growing in southern Idaho because of gold.
There was no formal agreement with the Native tribes about the land. Violence continued between settlers and Native warriors. To try and solve this, Governor Caleb Lyon negotiated the "Treaty of Fort Boise" in 1864. This treaty said the Shoshone tribe would give up land around the Boise River. It also said both the Shoshone and settlers could fish in the river. However, the U.S. Senate never approved this treaty, and the tribe never received payments.
Some settlers and newspapers in Boise called for the tribes to be removed or worse. The Idaho Statesman newspaper, which started in 1864, printed strong opinions against Native peoples.
Native warriors, like Howluck (also known as "Bigfoot"), continued to fight against settlers on the Oregon Trail. The U.S. Army also increased its attacks on Native groups. This led to the "unofficial" Snake War from 1866 to 1868. This war was very deadly.
In 1868, the Fort Hall Indian Reservation was created far away in southeastern Idaho. In 1869, the U.S. Military forced Native people from the Boise region to move to this reservation. This event is known by the Shoshone and Bannock people as Idaho's Trail of Tears. Some managed to escape to other reservations in Nevada.
Boise's Growth and Development
Boise grew quickly because it supplied the gold mining towns nearby. Many early business owners were miners who settled in Boise. By 1864, farming was starting on irrigated land near the river.
Boise officially became a city in 1868, after earlier attempts failed. More people wanted proper legal ownership of their homes and businesses. By 1868, Boise had over 400 permanent buildings and many businesses. People also started asking for railroad connections to other cities.
The U.S. Assay Office was built in 1871. It bought gold and silver, so miners didn't have to send their ore all the way to San Francisco. The Old Idaho State Penitentiary also opened nearby. Mining was important for Boise's economy, but gold and silver production peaked in the 1860s.
Boise earned its nickname, City of Trees, during this time. Many people planted trees, especially fruit trees. In 1907, Thomas J. Davis gave 43 acres of his orchard to the city for a park, named Julia Davis Park after his wife.
Electricity came to Boise in 1887. This allowed for an electric streetcar line in 1891, which helped the city grow. The streetcar system expanded over decades, connecting different parts of Boise and even nearby towns like Caldwell and Nampa.
In the 1890s, Boise gained more services. Hot water from natural springs was used to heat many homes along Warm Springs Avenue. A public swimming center called the Natatorium was built near the hot springs. Churches, a synagogue, stores, a theater, a hospital, schools, a City Hall, and a new train station were all built. By 1900, Boise's population was 5,957.
Modern Boise: 20th and 21st Centuries
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In 1925, the Boise Union Pacific Depot train station was built. It served passengers until 1997.
In 2019, the city council changed the names of a park and natural preserve to names in the Shoshoni language. This was done to honor their importance to the local Native peoples.
Geography and Areas of Boise
Boise is in southwestern Idaho. It is about 41 miles (66 km) east of the Oregon border. The downtown area is about 2,704 feet (824 m) above sea level.
Most of the Boise area is a flat plain that slopes to the west. Mountains rise to the northeast, known as the Boise foothills. These are part of the Rocky Mountains. The Owyhee Mountains are about 34 miles (55 km) southwest of Boise.
Boise covers about 80 square miles (207 square kilometers). Most of this is land, with a small amount of water. The Boise River flows through the city. The city is part of the Treasure Valley.
Boise's Neighborhoods
Boise has several distinct neighborhoods. These include the Bench, the North End, West Boise, and Downtown. The Boise Police Department works with a neighborhood blogging site called Nextdoor to connect with local areas.
Downtown Boise
Downtown Boise Downtown Boise is the city's cultural heart. It has many small businesses and tall buildings. You can find a variety of shops and restaurants here. 8th Street is a special pedestrian area with outdoor cafes. The Basque Block celebrates Boise's Basque heritage. Main attractions include the Idaho State Capitol, the Egyptian Theatre, the Boise Art Museum, and Zoo Boise.
Boise State University Area
South of downtown is Boise State University (BSU). This area has many homes and businesses for students. A major landmark is the blue playing field at Albertsons Stadium, home to the Boise State Broncos football team. The campus also has the Velma V. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts and ExtraMile Arena.
The North End
The North End has many of Boise's older homes. It is known for its tree-lined streets, like Harrison Boulevard. It's a quiet area close to downtown. You can see downtown Boise from Camel's Back Park. Hyde Park on 13th Street has restaurants and shops. The North End also hosts the annual Hyde Park Street Fair. In 2008, it was named one of 10 Great Neighborhoods in America.
Boise Bench
The Bench is an area about 60 feet (18 m) higher than downtown Boise. It gets its name because it looks like a step or "bench" in the land. The Bench was formed by an ancient river channel. It is home to the Boise Union Pacific Depot. Like the North End, it has older homes. The Boise Airport is just south of the Bench.
Southeast Boise
Southeast Boise stretches from Boise State University to Micron Technology. Its oldest part, Original South Boise, was planned in 1890. Other parts have more modern suburban homes. Columbia Village and Oregon Trail Heights were early planned communities here. Bown Crossing is a newer community with easy access to the Boise Greenbelt.
Boise's Climate
| Weather chart for Boise, Idaho | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1.4
39
26
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1
46
29
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1.3
56
35
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1.2
62
40
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1.5
72
48
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0.8
81
54
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0.2
93
62
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0.2
91
61
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0.4
80
53
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0.8
65
42
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1.2
49
32
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1.5
39
25
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| temperatures in °F precipitation totals in inches |
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Metric conversion
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Boise has a semi-arid continental climate with four clear seasons. Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures often reaching 90°F (32°C) or higher. Winters are moderately cold, with snow averaging about 18 inches (46 cm) per year. Spring and fall are mild.
The highest temperature ever recorded was 111°F (44°C) in July 1898 and July 1960. The lowest was -28°F (-33°C) in January 1888. Tornadoes are very rare in the Boise area.
| Climate data for Boise Airport, Idaho (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1875–present) | |||||||||||||
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| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 66 (19) |
71 (22) |
82 (28) |
92 (33) |
100 (38) |
110 (43) |
111 (44) |
110 (43) |
104 (40) |
94 (34) |
78 (26) |
70 (21) |
111 (44) |
| Mean maximum °F (°C) | 52.6 (11.4) |
59.5 (15.3) |
71.0 (21.7) |
80.7 (27.1) |
90.1 (32.3) |
98.3 (36.8) |
104.5 (40.3) |
102.2 (39.0) |
95.9 (35.5) |
83.9 (28.8) |
65.0 (18.3) |
54.5 (12.5) |
105.2 (40.7) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 38.8 (3.8) |
46.0 (7.8) |
55.5 (13.1) |
62.3 (16.8) |
72.3 (22.4) |
81.4 (27.4) |
92.7 (33.7) |
90.7 (32.6) |
80.0 (26.7) |
64.8 (18.2) |
48.8 (9.3) |
38.8 (3.8) |
64.3 (17.9) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 32.2 (0.1) |
37.5 (3.1) |
45.2 (7.3) |
50.9 (10.5) |
59.9 (15.5) |
67.8 (19.9) |
77.3 (25.2) |
75.8 (24.3) |
66.3 (19.1) |
53.2 (11.8) |
40.3 (4.6) |
32.1 (0.1) |
53.2 (11.8) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 25.5 (−3.6) |
29.0 (−1.7) |
34.9 (1.6) |
39.6 (4.2) |
47.5 (8.6) |
54.1 (12.3) |
61.9 (16.6) |
60.8 (16.0) |
52.6 (11.4) |
41.5 (5.3) |
31.7 (−0.2) |
25.4 (−3.7) |
42.0 (5.6) |
| Mean minimum °F (°C) | 10.0 (−12.2) |
15.8 (−9.0) |
22.8 (−5.1) |
27.5 (−2.5) |
33.0 (0.6) |
41.0 (5.0) |
50.4 (10.2) |
48.2 (9.0) |
38.4 (3.6) |
26.6 (−3.0) |
17.4 (−8.1) |
10.9 (−11.7) |
5.1 (−14.9) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −28 (−33) |
−15 (−26) |
5 (−15) |
11 (−12) |
22 (−6) |
30 (−1) |
35 (2) |
32 (0) |
23 (−5) |
11 (−12) |
−10 (−23) |
−25 (−32) |
−28 (−33) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 1.41 (36) |
1.00 (25) |
1.33 (34) |
1.23 (31) |
1.45 (37) |
0.75 (19) |
0.21 (5.3) |
0.17 (4.3) |
0.43 (11) |
0.81 (21) |
1.18 (30) |
1.54 (39) |
11.51 (292) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 5.3 (13) |
3.3 (8.4) |
1.2 (3.0) |
0.1 (0.25) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.1 (0.25) |
2.0 (5.1) |
5.6 (14) |
17.6 (45) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 11.1 | 9.1 | 10.1 | 9.2 | 8.4 | 5.3 | 2.3 | 2.1 | 3.9 | 6.0 | 9.7 | 12.0 | 89.2 |
| Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 5.2 | 3.3 | 1.6 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 2.2 | 5.5 | 18.2 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 75.0 | 69.9 | 59.5 | 52.3 | 48.7 | 44.7 | 36.1 | 37.2 | 45.1 | 53.6 | 68.5 | 74.6 | 55.4 |
| Average dew point °F (°C) | 21.6 (−5.8) |
25.9 (−3.4) |
27.3 (−2.6) |
30.2 (−1.0) |
36.0 (2.2) |
41.4 (5.2) |
43.2 (6.2) |
42.3 (5.7) |
37.9 (3.3) |
32.7 (0.4) |
28.9 (−1.7) |
22.5 (−5.3) |
32.5 (0.3) |
| Mean monthly sunshine hours | 109.3 | 151.9 | 238.6 | 281.4 | 335.5 | 351.6 | 399.8 | 358.8 | 303.6 | 238.1 | 119.6 | 105.2 | 2,993.4 |
| Percent possible sunshine | 38 | 52 | 64 | 70 | 74 | 76 | 86 | 83 | 81 | 70 | 41 | 38 | 67 |
| Source: NOAA (relative humidity, dew point, and sun 1961–1990) | |||||||||||||
People of Boise
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1870 | 995 | — | |
| 1880 | 1,899 | 90.9% | |
| 1890 | 2,311 | 21.7% | |
| 1900 | 5,957 | 157.8% | |
| 1910 | 17,358 | 191.4% | |
| 1920 | 21,393 | 23.2% | |
| 1930 | 21,544 | 0.7% | |
| 1940 | 26,130 | 21.3% | |
| 1950 | 34,393 | 31.6% | |
| 1960 | 34,481 | 0.3% | |
| 1970 | 74,990 | 117.5% | |
| 1980 | 102,249 | 36.4% | |
| 1990 | 125,738 | 23.0% | |
| 2000 | 185,787 | 47.8% | |
| 2010 | 205,671 | 10.7% | |
| 2020 | 235,684 | 14.6% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2020, Boise had 235,684 people. Most residents (81.24%) were white. About 9.03% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.
The average household size was 2.4 people. About 20.3% of the population was under 18 years old. The median age was 37.1 years.
| Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000 | Pop 2010 | Pop 2020 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 167,022 | 175,310 | 185,838 | 89.90% | 85.24% | 78.85% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 1,363 | 2,901 | 5,142 | 0.73% | 1.41% | 2.18% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 1,147 | 1,107 | 1,145 | 0.62% | 0.54% | 0.49% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 3,812 | 6,398 | 8,293 | 2.05% | 3.11% | 3.52% |
| Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 281 | 432 | 640 | 0.15% | 0.21% | 0.27% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 239 | 309 | 1,331 | 0.13% | 0.15% | 0.56% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | 3,513 | 4,608 | 12,019 | 1.89% | 2.24% | 5.10% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 8,410 | 14,606 | 21,276 | 4.53% | 7.10% | 9.03% |
| Total | 185,787 | 205,671 | 235,684 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
Boise's Economy
Boise is home to many important companies. These include Boise Cascade LLC, Albertsons, J.R. Simplot Company, and WinCo Foods. The state government is also one of the city's biggest employers.
Technology is a growing industry in Boise. Companies like Hewlett-Packard, Cradlepoint, and Micron Technology have a presence here. Micron Technology is the largest private, publicly traded employer in the area. Many call centers also provide jobs in Boise.
Varney Air Lines, which later became United Airlines, was started in Boise in 1926. Today, United Airlines still serves the city's airport.
Top Employers in Boise
Here are some of the largest private employers in Boise:
| Employer | # of Employees |
|---|---|
| St. Luke's Health Systems | 6,000-6,999 |
| Micron Technology | 5,000–5,999 |
| Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center | 5,000–5,999 |
| West Ada School District | 4,000-4,999 |
| Boise State University | 3,000-3,999 |
| Walmart | 3,000-3,999 |
| Albertsons Inc. | 3,000-3,999 |
| Idaho Department of Health and Welfare | 3,000-3,999 |
| City of Boise | 3,000-3,999 |
| J.R. Simplot Company | 3,000-3,999 |
Culture and Arts in Boise
Boise is a center for jazz, theater, and indie music. The Gene Harris Jazz Festival happens every spring. Many theater groups perform in the city, like the Idaho Shakespeare Festival and Boise Little Theatre. The Treefort Music Fest in March features new bands and other art forms. The historic Egyptian Theatre hosts concerts and film screenings.
Boise has one of the largest Basque communities in the United States. Many Basque people live in Boise. A big Basque festival called Jaialdi takes place every five years. Downtown Boise has a special "Basque Block" where visitors can learn about Basque culture.
The city has several museums, including the Boise Art Museum, the Idaho Historical Museum, and the Basque Museum and Cultural Center. On the first Thursday of each month, art galleries in downtown Boise host a special event called First Thursday.
Boise also has a strong performing arts scene. The Boise Philharmonic and Ballet Idaho perform at the Velma V. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts. Opera Idaho also brings grand opera to the area.
The Boise City Department of Arts and History works to promote art, culture, and history in the city. They manage public art, create historical tours, and keep a city historical research collection. A study in 2012 showed that arts in Boise bring in $48 million each year and support about 1,600 jobs.
The Boise Centre on the Grove is a large convention center downtown. It hosts many events, from conferences to consumer shows. The Grove Plaza next to it hosts outdoor events, like the New Year's Eve celebration. The Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center offers wildlife experiences.
Boise has diverse religious communities, including Jewish synagogues, a Latter-day Saint temple, Christian churches, and a Hare Krishna Temple.
Boise hosted the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games, with over 2,500 athletes from many countries.
Boise is known for its good quality of life. Magazines like Forbes and Fortune have praised the city. In recent years, Boise has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.
Fun Things to Do in Boise
Boise offers many outdoor activities. You can hike and bike in the foothills north of downtown. The Boise River Greenbelt is a long trail system along the river, great for walking and biking. The Boise River is popular for fishing, swimming, and rafting.
Zoo Boise in Julia Davis Park has over 200 animals from around the world. The Aquarium of Boise is a hands-on facility with many marine animals.
The Bogus Basin ski area is only about 16 miles (26 km) from the city. It offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing in winter.
Boise is home to the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial, a special place dedicated to human rights.
The World Center for Birds of Prey, located just outside Boise, helps bring back endangered birds like the peregrine falcon and the California condor.
Sports in Boise
Boise has several sports teams. The Boise Hawks play baseball in the Pioneer League. The Idaho Steelheads play minor league hockey in the ECHL. Boise Pro Soccer plans to have professional men's and women's soccer teams starting in 2024.
The Boise State University campus is home to Albertsons Stadium, a football stadium famous for its blue playing field. It's where the Boise State Broncos football team plays. ExtraMile Arena hosts basketball games and other events.
The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl football game is held in Boise every December.
| Club | League | Sport | Venue | Established | Championships |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boise Hawks | Pioneer League | Baseball | Memorial Stadium | 1987 | 6 |
| Idaho Steelheads | ECHL | Ice hockey | Idaho Central Arena | 1997 | 2 |
Education in Boise
The Boise School District serves most of the city. It has many elementary, junior high, and high schools. Some parts of Boise are in the West Ada School District. Boise has public high schools like Boise, Borah, Capital, and Timberline. There are also private schools, including Bishop Kelly and Riverstone International School.
For higher education, Boise has Boise State University (BSU). The University of Idaho (UI) and Idaho State University (ISU) also have campuses in Boise. Boise is home to Boise Bible College, which trains church leaders.
Boiseko Ikastola is a special preschool that teaches in the Basque language. It is the only Basque preschool outside of the Basque Country.
Media in Boise
The Boise area has two daily newspapers, The Idaho Statesman and the Idaho Press. There is also a free weekly newspaper called Boise Weekly. Many radio stations serve the area. Boise also has five main TV stations: KBOI-TV (CBS), KAID (PBS), KIVI-TV (ABC), KTVB (NBC), and KNIN-TV (Fox).
Transportation in Boise
I-84 is the main highway serving Boise. It connects Boise to Portland, Oregon, and Salt Lake City, Utah. Interstate 184 (called "The Connector") links I-84 to downtown Boise.
Boise has a large network of bike paths, including the Boise River Greenbelt. Boise is known for having many people who bike to work.
Public transportation is provided by ValleyRide buses. The Boise Airport offers commercial flights. It is served by several airlines. The airport is also home to the National Interagency Fire Center.
The Amtrak Pioneer passenger train used to stop at the Boise Union Pacific Depot until 1997. A short line railroad, the Boise Valley Railroad, serves local industries.
International Connections
Sister Cities
Boise has two sister cities:
Guernica, Basque Country, Spain
Syracuse, New York, United States
Images for kids
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Boise from the Aspen Condos and Lofts
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Downtown Boise as seen from the Boise Bench
See also
In Spanish: Boise para niños
