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Middleton, Idaho facts for kids

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Middleton, Idaho
State Bank of Middleton (Middleton, Idaho).jpg
Motto(s): 
"Life is Better Here"
Location of Middleton in Canyon County, Idaho.
Location of Middleton in Canyon County, Idaho.
Country United States
State Idaho
County Canyon
Incorporated 1910
Area
 • Total 5.62 sq mi (14.55 km2)
 • Land 5.58 sq mi (14.44 km2)
 • Water 0.04 sq mi (0.11 km2)
Elevation
2,402 ft (732 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 9,425
 • Density 1,677.3/sq mi (647.6/km2)
Time zone UTC-7 (Mountain (MST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-6 (MDT)
ZIP code
83644
Area code(s) 208
FIPS code 16-52660
GNIS feature ID 2411095

Middleton is a city located in Canyon County, Idaho, United States. It is part of the larger Boise City–Nampa area. In 2020, the city had a population of 9,425 people. Middleton is known for being the oldest settlement in Canyon County.

A Look at Middleton's History

Middleton got its name because it was located right in the middle of two important places: the old Fort Boise and Keeney's Ferry. It was a perfect rest stop for travelers heading to the ferry. In the early days of the Oregon Trail, Middleton had a stage station where people could stop and rest.

A post office opened here in 1866, and a water-powered mill for grinding grain started in 1871. A sad event called the Ward Massacre happened near Middleton in 1854.

Middleton is the oldest settlement in Canyon County. William N. Montgomery first divided the land into plots in 1863. In 1872, the Boise River flooded and changed its path, leaving the town on an island. Because of this, the town moved to a new spot after 1880. Middleton officially became a city in 1910. The current mayor is Jackie Hutchison.

Where is Middleton?

Middleton is located in Idaho. The city covers a total area of about 5.71 square miles (14.79 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 5.66 square miles (14.66 square kilometers), is land. A small part, about 0.05 square miles (0.13 square kilometers), is water.

How Many People Live Here?

Middleton has grown quite a bit over the years! In 2000, there were 2,978 people living in the city. By 2010, the population had grown to 5,524. The most recent count in 2020 showed that 9,425 people call Middleton home.

Historical population
Census Pop.
1920 585
1930 372 −36.4%
1940 477 28.2%
1950 496 4.0%
1960 541 9.1%
1970 739 36.6%
1980 1,901 157.2%
1990 1,851 −2.6%
2000 2,978 60.9%
2010 5,524 85.5%
2020 9,425 70.6%
U.S. Decennial Census

Getting Around Middleton

Idaho State Highway 44 sign

The main road serving Middleton is State Highway 44. This highway connects Middleton to Interstate 84 at exit 25, which is about three miles (5 kilometers) to the west. If you travel east on State Highway 44, you will reach the city of Star, which is about six miles (10 kilometers) away.

Famous People From Middleton

Middleton has been home to several notable people, including:

  • Erik Fisher, a World Cup alpine ski racer.
  • Sierra Jackson, a sprint car racer.
  • George Kennedy, a well-known actor.
  • Alison Rabe, an attorney and member of the Idaho Senate.
  • Carlos Trujillo, a long-distance runner.

See also

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

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