Is Idaho full? Is there still room to live the life you’re dreaming of? You’ve seen the bumper stickers. You’ve seen the social media posts. But what’s the truth?

Lets cut through the noise and sharing real numbers, real insights, and what living in Idaho — especially North Idaho — is actually like in 2025.

Whether you’re ready to move now or just starting your research, here’s everything you need to know before you pack your bags.

Idaho’s Population Boom: The Real Numbers

There’s no denying it — Idaho’s population has grown rapidly over the past decade.
From 2010 to 2020, Idaho added roughly 278,000 people, representing a 17% growth rate compared to the national average of 7%.

Between 2020 and 2024 alone, Idaho’s population climbed from about 1.84 million to over 2 million — an 8.8% increase in just four years.

Bottom line: Yes, Idaho has grown — fast. But when you zoom out, it’s still one of the least densely populated states in the country.

How Crowded is Idaho, Really?

Here’s where it gets interesting.

• Idaho’s population density: About 23.5 people per square mile (as of 2023).
  
  
• But 60% of Idaho is public land — forests, parks, mountains.
  
  
• That means the land where people actually can live is only about 25,700 square miles.
  
  
• Real-world population density (on livable land): 78 people per square mile.
  
  

For context:

• Ada County (Boise) has a population density of 504 people per square mile.
  
  
• North Idaho is much lower — depending on where you settle, you’ll find wide-open spaces and room to breathe.
  
  

Even after the growth surge, Idaho remains the 7th least densely populated state in America.

Where Are People Moving From?

The migration patterns probably won’t surprise you:

• California
  
  
• Oregon
  
  
• Washington
  
  
• Texas
  
  
• Florida
  
  
• New York
  
  
• Carolinas
  
  

Most newcomers we’ve worked with at North Idaho Experience share strong conservative values and are looking for a safer, freer, and more family-friendly lifestyle.
Contrary to some online myths, the overwhelming majority of people moving to North Idaho are not seeking to change its culture — they’re moving because they love what already exists here.

Why Are People Moving to Idaho?

Here’s what most families tell us:

• Freedom: Personal freedoms and conservative values.
  
  
• Outdoor lifestyle: Hunting, fishing, hiking, boating, skiing.
  
  
• Community: Friendly, connected, traditional small-town culture.
  
  
• Lower crime: Safer cities and rural areas compared to most of the U.S.
  
  
• Fresh air, open space, and privacy.
  
  

It’s not just about politics — it’s about raising families the way many people feel is becoming impossible elsewhere.

Housing Market Shifts: Did You Miss the Boat?

There’s no sugarcoating it — home prices have risen dramatically.

• In 2016, the median single-family home price was around $260,000 statewide.
  
  
• In 2024, the typical home value has reached around $450,000 — about 126% of the U.S. average.
  
  

That’s a 155% increase over 10 years, the highest growth rate among all U.S. states.

While that sounds painful if you’re just now looking to move, keep in mind:

• Home prices went up everywhere across the U.S.
  
  
• If you own property elsewhere, your home’s value likely rose, too.
  
  
• Idaho’s cost of living is still lower than many West Coast metros.
  
  

Key takeaway:
The longer you wait, the higher prices are likely to climb. Supply is limited, and demand remains strong.

Urban vs. Rural: What’s Filling Up and What’s Not

• Urban areas (like Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Hayden) are growing vertically — with new condo and hotel projects rising.
  
  
• Rural areas still offer wide-open spaces, larger parcels, and more privacy.
  
  
• Subdivision restrictions (covenants and codes) often prevent overdevelopment in rural areas, helping to keep them wild and beautiful.
  
  

If you want a more “city” lifestyle (walkable downtowns, restaurants, amenities), the clock is ticking — the best locations are filling up.

If you want seclusion, land, and starry skies, there’s still room — but expect to compete with others who want the same.

Infrastructure: Traffic, Roads, and Growth Planning

Is traffic an issue in North Idaho?
Not really.

If you’re coming from Seattle, LA, or Phoenix, you’ll feel like you stepped back in time.

That said, infrastructure projects are underway:

• Expanding I-90 to four lanes each way through Coeur d’Alene.
  
  
• Widening Highway 41, Highway 95, and Highway 53.
  
  
• More planned investments in bridges, traffic signals, and bypasses.
  
  

Schools and healthcare are a mixed bag:

• Good public schools, but funding is a constant local debate.
  
  
• Strong homeschool culture if you prefer private education.
  
  
• Kootenai Health and nearby Spokane offer excellent medical facilities.
  
  

North Idaho is working hard to manage growth before it becomes a bigger problem — but it’s something every new resident should be aware of.

The Local Perspective: Are Newcomers Welcome?

You might see a few “Idaho is Full” bumper stickers — but most locals understand that growth is inevitable.
The key is preserving the values and culture that make Idaho special.

Advice for newcomers:

• Respect local traditions and values.
  
  
• Get involved in the community.
  
  
• Support local businesses.
  
  
• Don’t bring the politics you left behind.
  
  

North Idahoans are fiercely independent but incredibly welcoming if you share a love for freedom, self-reliance, and community spirit.

Is Idaho’s Culture Changing?

In short: Not in North Idaho.

• Conservative values remain strong.
  
  
• Small-town culture is alive and well.
  
  
• Families, churches, and civic groups are the heartbeat of daily life.
  
  

Boise (southern Idaho) may feel slightly different — it’s a much larger city and has absorbed more diverse political influences.
But up north, the community ethos hasn’t wavered.

So… Is Idaho Full?

Urban areas are filling fast.
Rural areas still have room — but the best properties move quickly.

If you’re waiting for the “right time,” remember:

• Inventory is limited.
  
  
• Demand is steady.
  
  
• Prices are likely to keep rising — not crashing.
  
  

Idaho isn’t full — yet. But the window to get in at today’s prices and availability might be shrinking faster than you think.

At North Idaho Experience, we’re not here to “sell” you on Idaho — we’re here to help you figure out if it’s the right fit for you and your family.
If it is, we’ll make your move smooth and seamless.
If not, we’ll tell you that, too. We care about protecting the community we love.

Ready to start the conversation?
Contact us here and let’s see if Idaho — and North Idaho Experience — are right for you.