The steady shift of Idaho’s population from rural to urban counties continues.
According to estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau, from July 2016 to July 2017, six urban counties – Ada, Canyon, Kootenai, Bonneville, Bannock, and Twin Falls – accounted for 75 percent of the growth in the state’s population, and 65 percent of overall population.
The state’s total population was estimated at 1.717 million, up 2.2 percent.
Fifteen counties had a percent increase larger than the state’s gain.
Forty-two counties showed population increases, while two counties experienced a decrease, including Clearwater County, which saw its population fall by 9 people. Nez Perce County gained 289 people, up 0.7 percent; Idaho County up 141 people, or 0.9 percent; Latah County rose by 541, or 1.4 percent; and Lewis County gained 44 residents, or 1.1 percent.
Nearly 93 percent of the state’s population growth was due to people moving into the state.
Births and deaths are two other major components in population changes. Statewide there were 23,000 births and 12,600 deaths, resulting in a gain of more than 10,300 people. (Idaho Department of Labor)
