Idaho (ID)

Known as the "Gem State," Idaho is famous for its rugged landscapes, outdoor recreation, and rich farming heritage. Home to stunning mountain ranges, scenic lakes, and vast wilderness, it's a paradise for nature lovers. Whether you're exploring Yellowstone's edge, rafting the Salmon River, or tasting world-famous potatoes, Idaho offers adventure and charm in every corner.

• Population: ~1.9 million
• Weather: Cold, snowy winters (15-40°F); warm, dry summers (80-100°F).
• Famous Sites: Shoshone Falls, Craters of the Moon, Sun Valley, Hell's Canyon, Coeur d'Alene Lake.
• Top Activities: Hiking, fishing, skiing, whitewater rafting, hot springs, wildlife spotting.

Idaho’s job market is growing, with strong opportunities in healthcare, technology, agriculture, and construction. These industries offer stable careers with competitive salaries. Here are the top five in-demand jobs in Idaho based on earnings and job openings. Click on the job titles to view more details from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Idaho offers picturesque landscapes and inviting communities, with many cities serving as educational hubs. These Idaho cities provide a welcoming environment, attracting new residents and college students every year. Below is a table highlighting Idaho's top 10 largest cities, their approximate populations, and college student enrollments.

Idaho is home to excellent public and private universities that offer strong programs in agriculture, engineering, healthcare, and business.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Idaho

• University of Idaho (UI) – The state's flagship university, known for its strong engineering, law, and agricultural science programs.
• Boise State University (BSU) – A major research university with strong business, technology, and healthcare programs.
• Idaho State University (ISU) – A leader in healthcare, pharmacy, and nuclear engineering education.
• Lewis-Clark State College – Offers strong programs in nursing, education, and business.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Idaho

• Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) – A Christian university known for business, education, and nursing programs.
• Brigham Young University–Idaho (BYU-Idaho) – A private university affiliated with the LDS Church, offering strong business, education, and engineering programs.
• The College of Idaho – A top liberal arts college known for personalized education and strong business and science programs.

Idaho is home to several outstanding public and private high schools that excel in academics, extracurricular activities, and college preparation. These schools provide students with excellent learning opportunities and resources to ensure future success.

Top Public High Schools in Idaho

• Boise Senior High School, Boise – One of the oldest high schools in Idaho, known for its strong academic programs and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
• Timberline High School, Boise – Offers a comprehensive curriculum with a focus on STEM education and college readiness.
• Coeur d'Alene High School, Coeur d'Alene – Recognized for its strong athletics, music programs, and a wide range of AP courses.
• Moscow High School, Moscow – A high-performing school with excellent academic programs and a close partnership with the University of Idaho.
• Renaissance High School, Meridian – Specializes in rigorous academics, including International Baccalaureate (IB) and dual-credit programs.

Top Private High Schools in Idaho

• Riverstone International School, Boise – Offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) program and a globally focused curriculum.
• The Ambrose School, Meridian – A Christian classical school with strong academics and character development programs.
• Sage International School, Boise – Focuses on a globally-minded education with an IB curriculum emphasizing critical thinking.
• Sun Valley Community School, Sun Valley – Provides rigorous academics along with top-notch outdoor and experiential learning opportunities.
• Bishop Kelly High School, Boise – A Catholic school known for its academic excellence, strong athletics, and community involvement.

Unlike many other states, Idaho does not have major league professional sports teams (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL). However, sports are still an important part of the state’s culture, with fans rallying behind college teams and various minor league and semi-pro franchises.

The Boise State Broncos are the most well-known sports team in Idaho, particularly for their success in college football. Their famous blue turf field and competitive play have made them a nationally recognized program.

While Idaho lacks major league teams, it is home to several minor league and semi-pro sports teams that provide exciting entertainment for fans.

Minor League & Semi-Pro Teams in Idaho

Baseball 🏟️

• Boise Hawks (MLB Partner League – Pioneer League) – A well-supported baseball team that previously served as a minor league affiliate for various MLB clubs.

Hockey 🏒

• Idaho Steelheads (ECHL – Dallas Stars affiliate) – A successful minor league hockey team with a strong fan base and multiple championships.

Soccer ⚽

• Idaho Falls Spud Kings (USPHL – Junior Hockey League) – A newer team bringing competitive junior league soccer to the region.

Indoor Football 🏈

• Idaho Horsemen (AIFA – American Indoor Football Alliance) – An entertaining indoor football team providing fast-paced action for fans.

1. Famous for Potatoes 🥔 – Idaho is known as the "Potato State" because it produces nearly one-third of all potatoes grown in the United States.
2. Home to the Deepest Canyon in North America 🌄 – Hell’s Canyon, located in western Idaho, is deeper than the Grand Canyon at 7,993 feet!
3. First State to Have a Ski Chairlift 🎿 – Sun Valley, Idaho, was the first place to install a ski chairlift in 1936, revolutionizing the sport.
4. You Can Find a Blue Football Field 🏈 – Boise State University’s football field, known as "The Blue," is one of the most famous non-green fields in sports.
5. Has One of the Largest Wilderness Areas in the U.S. 🌲 – The Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness is one of the biggest untouched wilderness areas in the lower 48 states.
6. Birthplace of TV 📺 – Philo Farnsworth, the inventor of television, developed the first fully functional all-electronic TV in Idaho.
7. Contains the Longest Floating Boardwalk in the World 🌊 – The boardwalk at Coeur d'Alene Resort is 3,300 feet long and offers gorgeous waterfront views.
8. Idaho Has Over 3,000 Miles of Rivers 🚣‍♂️ – With more river miles than any other state in the U.S., Idaho is a paradise for water lovers.
9. Named After a Fake Word 🤔 – The word "Idaho" was originally thought to mean "Gem of the Mountains," but it turned out to be made up by a mining lobbyist.
10. World's Largest Potato Chip 🍟 – The largest potato chip ever made was created by the Idaho-based company Pringles. It measures 25 inches long!