Canyon County, Idaho

County in Idaho, United States

Not to be confused with Canyon Country, Santa Clarita, California.

County in Idaho

Canyon County

County

Boise River and Canal Bridge in Caldwell

Seal

Location within the U.S. state of Idaho

Idaho's location within the U.S.

Coordinates: 43°38′N 116°43′W﻿ / ﻿43.63°N 116.71°W﻿ / 43.63; -116.71
Country|  United States
State|  Idaho
Founded| March 7, 1891
Seat| Caldwell
Largest city| Nampa
Area

• Total

| 604 sq mi (1,560 km2)
• Land| 587 sq mi (1,520 km2)
• Water| 16 sq mi (40 km2)  2.7%
Population

(2020)

• Total

| 231,105

• Estimate

(2024)

| 266,892
• Density| 394/sq mi (152/km2)
Time zone| UTC−7 (Mountain)
• Summer (DST)| UTC−6 (MDT)
Congressional district| 1st
Website| www.canyoncounty.org

Canyon County is located in the U.S. state of Idaho. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 231,105,[1] which by 2022 was estimated to have risen to 251,065.[2] making it the second-most populous county in Idaho. The county seat is Caldwell,[3] and its largest city is Nampa. Canyon County is part of the Boise metropolitan area.

## History

[edit]

Hudson's Bay Company established Fort Boise in 1834 near what is now Parma,[4] but abandoned it in 1855. Emigrants traveled through Canyon County on the Oregon Trail.[5]

Discovery of gold in the Boise Basin in 1862 brought settlement to the region again.[4] The lower Boise River was fully contained within Boise County from 1863 until the formation of Ada County in 1864. Settlement of the lower Boise River west of Boise City was limited prior to the completion of the Oregon Short Line Railroad.[4] Middleton was the first European settlement of Canyon County, starting in 1863.[6] The 1870 Census for Ada County listed 76 residents of the Boise Valley, excluding Boise City and the 1880 Census listed 44 residents at Middleton.[7][8] The arrival of the railroad at Caldwell led to the establishment of a town there as of August 1883.[9]

Businessmen James A. McGee and Alexander Duffes filed the plat for nearby Nampa in 1886.[10] Parma was settled around the same time, with the Old Fort Boise post office being moved to the town's location; it was incorporated in 1904.[11] Ada County established precincts for each of the settlements with a combined 1890 Census population of 2,311.[12] Significant settlement of Greenleaf and Notus started around 1904 with the two settlements listed as precincts at the 1910 census. Notus was incorporated in 1921 while Greenleaf was incorporated prior to 1980.[13][14] Melba was incorporated in 1912 while Wilder was incorporated in 1919.[15][16] The City of Star annexed a portion of territory in northeast Canyon County prior to 2007, becoming the county's ninth incorporated city. The majority of Star is located within Ada County.[17]

The Idaho Legislature created Canyon County from Ada County in an act approved March 7, 1891, effective at the November 26, 1892, election. Caldwell was established as the county seat. The county originally contained all of Canyon and Payette counties and part of Gem; Gem County formed in 1915 and Payette County in 1917.[18] Some sources attribute the name to the canyon of the Boise River near Caldwell, while western writers John Rees and Vardis Fisher believed it was named for the Snake River canyon, which forms a natural boundary with Owyhee County to the south and west.

## Geography

[edit]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 604 square miles (1,560 km2), of which 587 sq mi (1,520 km2) is land and 16 sq mi (41 km2) (2.7%) is water.[19]

### Adjacent counties

[edit]

* Payette County (north)
* Gem County (northeast)
* Ada County (east)
* Owyhee County (south)
* Malheur County, Oregon (west)

### National protected areas

[edit]

* Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge (part)
* Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (part)

### Major highways

[edit]

* Interstate 84
* US 20
* US 26
* US 30
* US 95
* SH-19
* SH-44
* SH-45
* SH-55

## Demographics

[edit]

Historical population Census| Pop.| Note| %±

|
|
|

1900| 7,497| | —
1910| 25,323| | 237.8%
1920| 26,932| | 6.4%
1930| 30,930| | 14.8%
1940| 40,987| | 32.5%
1950| 53,597| | 30.8%
1960| 57,662| | 7.6%
1970| 61,288| | 6.3%
1980| 83,756| | 36.7%
1990| 90,076| | 7.5%
2000| 131,441| | 45.9%
2010| 188,923| | 43.7%
2020| 231,105| | 22.3%
2024 (est.)| 266,892| [20]| 15.5%
U.S. Decennial Census[21]
1790–1960[22] 1900–1990[23]
1990–2000[24] 2010–2020[1]

### 2010 census

[edit]

As of the 2010 census, there were 188,923 people, 63,604 households, and 47,481 families living in the county.[25] The population density was 321.6 inhabitants per square mile (124.2/km2). There were 69,409 housing units at an average density of 118.2 per square mile (45.6/km2).[26] The racial makeup of the county was 83.0% white, 1.1% American Indian, 0.8% Asian, 0.6% black or African American, 0.2% Pacific islander, 11.4% from other races, and 3.0% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 23.9% of the population.[25] In terms of ancestry, 18.8% were American, 17.4% were German, 13.0% were English, and 8.8% were Irish.[27]

Of the 63,604 households, 42.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.7% were married couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 25.3% were non-families, and 20.1% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.92 and the average family size was 3.36. The median age was 31.6 years.[25]

The median income for a household in the county was $43,218 and the median income for a family was $48,219. Males had a median income of $38,132 versus $28,356 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,366. About 12.7% of families and 17.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.8% of those under age 18 and 8.5% of those age 65 or over.[28]

### 2000 census

[edit]

As of the 2000 census, there were 131,441 people, 45,018 households and 33,943 families living in the county. The population density was 223 people per square mile (86 people/km2). There were 47,965 housing units at an average density of 81 units per square mile (31 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 83.10% White, 0.32% Black or African American, 0.85% Native American, 0.80% Asian, 0.13% Pacific Islander, 12.17% from other races, and 2.62% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 18.61% of the population. 15.9% were of German, 12.7% English, 10.3% American and 7.6% Irish ancestry.

There were 45,018 households, of which 39.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.70% were married couples living together, 10.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.60% were non-families. 19.80% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.85 and the average family size was 3.28.

30.90% of the population were under the age of 18, 10.70% from 18 to 24, 28.30% from 25 to 44, 19.10% from 45 to 64, and 11.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.30 males.

The median household income was $35,884 and the median family income was $40,377. Males had a median income of $29,418 compared with $22,044 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,155. About 8.70% of families and 12.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.50% of those under age 18 and 10.70% of those age 65 or over.

## Communities

[edit]

### Cities

[edit]

* Caldwell
* Greenleaf
* Melba
* Middleton
* Nampa
* Notus
* Parma
* Star (partially)
* Wilder

### Unincorporated communities

[edit]

* Bowmont
* Huston
* Roswell
* Sunnyslope
* Walters Ferry, Idaho

## Politics

[edit]

Like the majority of Idaho, Canyon County is reliably Republican by comfortable margins. The last time a Democratic candidate carried the county was in 1936 by Franklin D. Roosevelt. In elections, Republican candidates usually achieve approximately two-thirds of the vote from Canyon County.

United States presidential election results for Canyon County, Idaho[29] Year  | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies)

|
|
|

No.  | % | No.  | % | No.  | %
2024 | 72,755  | 72.01% | 25,669  | 25.41%  | 2,606  | 2.58%
2020 | 61,759  | 68.27% | 25,881  | 28.61%  | 2,817  | 3.11%
2016 | 47,222  | 64.88% | 16,883  | 23.20%  | 8,680  | 11.93%
2012 | 44,369  | 66.47% | 19,866  | 29.76%  | 2,512  | 3.76%
2008 | 42,752  | 66.07% | 20,147  | 31.14%  | 1,807  | 2.79%
2004 | 41,599  | 74.69% | 13,415  | 24.09%  | 684  | 1.23%
2000 | 30,560  | 71.07% | 10,588  | 24.62%  | 1,852  | 4.31%
1996 | 23,988  | 59.48% | 11,800  | 29.26%  | 4,540  | 11.26%
1992 | 19,220  | 50.78% | 9,095  | 24.03%  | 9,534  | 25.19%
1988 | 21,426  | 66.14% | 10,207  | 31.51%  | 763  | 2.36%
1984 | 24,613  | 75.53% | 7,527  | 23.10%  | 447  | 1.37%
1980 | 24,375  | 67.68% | 9,172  | 25.47%  | 2,469  | 6.86%
1976 | 17,263  | 62.91% | 9,460  | 34.47%  | 718  | 2.62%
1972 | 18,383  | 68.45% | 5,630  | 20.96%  | 2,844  | 10.59%
1968 | 14,995  | 62.75% | 5,717  | 23.92%  | 3,186  | 13.33%
1964 | 13,466  | 55.95% | 10,601  | 44.05%  | 0  | 0.00%
1960 | 15,865  | 62.10% | 9,681  | 37.90%  | 0  | 0.00%
1956 | 15,483  | 67.25% | 7,540  | 32.75%  | 0  | 0.00%
1952 | 17,065  | 71.33% | 6,810  | 28.47%  | 48  | 0.20%
1948 | 9,700  | 52.82% | 7,903  | 43.04%  | 760  | 4.14%
1944 | 9,215  | 54.98% | 7,306  | 43.59%  | 241  | 1.44%
1940 | 8,776  | 50.21% | 8,639  | 49.43%  | 63  | 0.36%
1936 | 4,910  | 33.75%  | 8,290  | 56.99% | 1,347  | 9.26%
1932 | 5,065  | 38.80%  | 6,940  | 53.16% | 1,049  | 8.04%
1928 | 7,293  | 75.82% | 2,187  | 22.74%  | 139  | 1.45%
1924 | 3,820  | 38.40%  | 965  | 9.70%  | 5,163  | 51.90%
1920 | 5,633  | 62.53% | 3,375  | 37.47%  | 0  | 0.00%
1916 | 3,570  | 39.84%  | 4,478  | 49.98% | 912  | 10.18%
1912 | 1,842  | 22.25%  | 2,432  | 29.38%  | 4,005  | 48.38%
1908 | 4,023  | 54.28% | 2,783  | 37.55%  | 605  | 8.16%
1904 | 3,172  | 66.57% | 1,025  | 21.51%  | 568  | 11.92%
1900 | 1,350  | 50.68% | 1,314  | 49.32%  | 0  | 0.00%
1896 | 303  | 20.16%  | 1,178  | 78.38% | 22  | 1.46%

## Education

[edit]

School districts include:[30]

* Caldwell School District 132
* Homedale Joint School District 370
* Kuna Joint School District 3
* Marsing Joint School District 363
* Melba Joint School District 136
* Middleton School District 134
* Nampa School District 131
* Notus School District 135
* Parma School District 137
* Vallivue School District 139
* West Ada School District (Meridian Joint School District 2)
* Wilder School District 133

Residents are in the area (and the taxation zone) for College of Western Idaho.[31]

## Healthcare

[edit]

The county is served by the Southwest Idaho Health District.[32]

## See also

[edit]

* National Register of Historic Places listings in Canyon County, Idaho
* Vallivue School District

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
2. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2022". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
3. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
4. ^ a b c Bird, Annie Laurie (May 3, 1962). "Canyon County has roots in a violent past". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). p. 8, section 2.
5. ^ Idaho.gov - about Idaho - Canyon Co. Archived December 20, 2004, at the Wayback Machine accessed May 3, 2009
6. ^ "City of Middleton Comprehensive Plan" (PDF). City of Middleton. City of Middleton Planning and Zoning. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 24, 2016. Retrieved February 5, 2017.
7. ^ Ninth Census—Volume I: The Statistics of the Population of the United States (PDF). Washington: Government Printing Office. 1872. p. 107\. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 24, 2005. Retrieved February 5, 2017.
8. ^ Statistics of the Population of the United States at the Tenth Census (PDF). Washington: Department of the Interior. June 1, 1880. p. 130\. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 14, 2006. Retrieved February 5, 2017.
9. ^ "City of Caldwell 2030 Comprehensive Plan". City of Caldwell, Idaho. City of Caldwell, Idaho Planning and Zoning Department. Retrieved February 5, 2017.
10. ^ "Nampa 2035 Comprehensive Plan". City of Nampa, Idaho. City of Nampa, Idaho Planning and Zoning Department. Retrieved February 5, 2017.
11. ^ "History fan names Parma after town in Italy". Idaho Press. Idaho Press. Retrieved February 5, 2017.
12. ^ Report on Population of the United States at the Eleventh Census: 1890 (PDF). Washington: Department of the Interior. 1895. p. 99\. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 24, 2005. Retrieved February 5, 2017.
13. ^ "The hazy history of Notus". Idaho Press. Idaho Press. Retrieved February 5, 2017.
14. ^ Thirteenth Census of the United States, Taken in the Year 1910 (PDF). Washington: Department of Commerce. 1913. p. 390\. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 3, 2006. Retrieved February 5, 2017.
15. ^ "City of Wilder Comprehensive Plan" (PDF). City of Wilder. City of Wilder, Idaho. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 11, 2009.
16. ^ "History of Melba". cityofmelba.org. Melba Idaho. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved February 5, 2017.
17. ^ "The Comprehensive Plan for the City of Star". Star City. Star City, Idaho. Archived from the original on October 19, 2016. Retrieved February 5, 2017.
18. ^ Atlas of Idaho Historical County Boundaries. Chicago: The Newberry Library. 2010. pp. 66–68.
19. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
20. ^ "County Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2024". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 17, 2025.
21. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
22. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
23. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
24. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
25. ^ a b c "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 9, 2016.
26. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 9, 2016.
27. ^ "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 9, 2016.
28. ^ "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 9, 2016.
29. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
30. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Canyon County, ID" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022. \- Text list
31. ^ "College of Western Idaho, pg. 1-77" (PDF). Idaho Legislature. January 26, 2022. Retrieved March 12, 2024. \- See the map. Also see area 3 in: "TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 21 JUNIOR COLLEGES". Idaho Legislature. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
32. ^ Luchetta, Julie; Oppie, Troy (October 23, 2024). "Southwest Idaho Health District Board pulls COVID vaccines from its clinics". Boise State Public Radio. Retrieved October 27, 2024.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Canyon County, Idaho.

* Official website \- Canyon County
* Western Canyon Chronicle \- Official newspaper for Parma, Notus, Wilder & Greenleaf, in Canyon County, Idaho

* v
* t
* e

Places adjacent to Canyon County, Idaho

|  | Payette County | Gem County

|
|

|  |
Malheur County, Oregon |

Canyon County, Idaho

| Ada County
|  |
| Owyhee County |

* v
* t
* e

Municipalities and communities of Canyon County, Idaho, United States

County seat: Caldwell

Cities|

* Caldwell
* Greenleaf
* Melba
* Middleton
* Nampa
* Notus
* Parma
* Star‡
* Wilder

Map of Idaho highlighting Canyon County

Unincorporated
communities|

* Bowmont
* Huston
* Roswell
* Sand Hollow‡
* Sunnyslope
* Walters Ferry

Footnotes|

‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties

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43°38′N 116°43′W﻿ / ﻿43.63°N 116.71°W﻿ / 43.63; -116.71
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