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Kuna, Idaho
Main Street in Kuna, April 2008
Main Street in Kuna, April 2008
Official seal of Kuna, Idaho
Seal
Motto(s): 
"Gateway to the Birds of Prey"
Location of Kuna in Ada County, Idaho
Location of Kuna in Ada County, Idaho
Kuna, Idaho is located in the United States
Kuna, Idaho
Kuna, Idaho
Location in the United States
Country United States
State Idaho
County Ada
Area
 • Total 19.88 sq mi (51.49 km2)
 • Land 19.78 sq mi (51.23 km2)
 • Water 0.10 sq mi (0.26 km2)
Elevation
2,802 ft (854 m)
Population
 • Total 24,011
 • Density 1,207.8/sq mi (466.32/km2)
Time zone UTC−7 (Mountain)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−6 (Mountain)
ZIP code
83634
Area code(s) 208, 986
FIPS code 16-44290
GNIS feature ID 2411563

Kuna (pronounced KYOO-nuh) is a city located in Ada County, Idaho. It is part of the larger Boise metropolitan area, which is a big group of cities and towns connected to Boise. In 2020, about 24,011 people lived in Kuna.

Kuna is one of the fastest-growing places in Idaho. Its population almost tripled between 2000 and 2010. It grew by another 60 percent between 2010 and 2020!

History of Kuna

Kuna started as a stop for trains and coaches going to Boise. Many people believe the name "Kuna" means "the end of the trail." However, some historians say it comes from a Shoshone Indian word meaning "green leaf, good to smoke."

The Western Heritage Historic Byway is a special road that goes past many important historical places in the area. It is recognized as both a state and national scenic route.

Geography and Nature Around Kuna

Kuna's main business area is about 18 miles (29 km) southwest of downtown Boise, which is the capital city of Idaho.

The city covers a total area of about 18.18 square miles (47.09 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 18.08 square miles (46.83 square kilometers), is land. Only a small part, about 0.10 square miles (0.26 square kilometers), is water.

South of Kuna, you can find the Kuna Caves. These are lava tubes, which are like natural tunnels formed by flowing lava.

A small creek called Indian Creek flows through Kuna. It's a seasonal creek, meaning it doesn't always have water. Today, it's used as an irrigation canal, filled with water from the New York Canal. This water comes from the Boise River Diversion Dam. Indian Creek is a popular spot for local residents to swim.

People and Population of Kuna

Historical population
Census Pop.
1920 366
1930 398 8.7%
1940 443 11.3%
1950 534 20.5%
1960 516 −3.4%
1970 593 14.9%
1980 1,767 198.0%
1990 1,955 10.6%
2000 5,382 175.3%
2010 15,210 182.6%
2020 24,011 57.9%
U.S. Decennial Census

In 2020, the average income for a household in Kuna was about $68,017. For families, the average income was around $75,296. About 8.0% of all people in Kuna lived below the poverty line. This included 7.8% of kids under 18 and 14.5% of people aged 65 or older.

Kuna's Population in 2010

According to the census from 2010, there were 15,210 people living in Kuna. These people lived in 4,782 households, and 3,838 of these were families. The city had about 841.3 people per square mile (324.8 people per square kilometer).

Most people in Kuna were White (91.2%). Other groups included African American (0.6%), Native American (0.8%), and Asian (0.7%). About 8.6% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.

Out of all the households, 56.1% had children under 18 living with them. About 63.3% were married couples living together. The average household had 3.18 people, and the average family had 3.53 people.

The average age in Kuna was 28.1 years old. Many residents were young: 37.7% were under 18, and 35.1% were between 25 and 44 years old. The population was almost evenly split between males (49.9%) and females (50.1%).

Fun Things to Do in Kuna

Kuna has some exciting annual events and cultural activities.

Kuna Days Celebration

Every year during the first weekend in August, Kuna celebrates Kuna Days. It's a big party with lots of fun things to do:

  • Vendors selling goods in the park.
  • Live music playing at the bandshell.
  • A free carnival for kids.
  • A rubber duck race in Indian Creek.
  • A BBQ fundraiser at the fire station.
  • A parade through the streets.
  • A street dance.
  • A fireworks show to end the celebration!

Snake River Birds of Prey Festival

In mid-May each year, the Snake River Birds of Prey Festival takes place. This festival is special because it's near the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area. This area has the largest number of nesting raptors (birds of prey like eagles and hawks) in North America! The festival offers:

  • Talks about raptors.
  • Tours to see the birds.
  • Information about local history.

The 1995 independent movie Not This Part of the World was filmed close to Kuna.

Parks and Recreation

In the center of Kuna, you'll find Colonel Bernard Fisher Veteran's Memorial Park. This park is named after Bernard Fisher, a very important person from Kuna.

Notable People from Kuna

Some famous people have connections to Kuna:

  • Bernard Fisher: He was awarded the Medal of Honor, which is the highest military award for bravery.
  • Robin Fontes: An Army Major General and the highest-ranking woman in Afghanistan at one point.
  • Bill Sali: A former member of the United States House of Representatives.
  • Ingrid Wilhite: A filmmaker.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Kuna (Idaho) para niños

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