Gooding County, Idaho Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 21st-largest in Idaho
The population of Gooding County, Idaho is 15,740 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 21st-largest county in Idaho. The median household income is $62,395, the median home value is $231,800, and the median age is 38.4.
The population of Gooding County has grown 4.6% since 2010 (15,470 → 16,189), a +0.33% annualized rate.
15,740
Population
+0.33%
Annual growth
22
People / sq mi
$62,395
Median Income
$231,800
Median Home Value
Gooding County covers 729 sq mi of land at 21.6 people per square mile.
About Gooding County, ID
Remote work is unusually prominent in Gooding County: 12.0% of workers primarily work from home, above the 14.0% national rate. Gooding County is a county in Idaho with a population of 15,740. It ranks #21 among counties in Idaho by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $62,395 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 9.5%, below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $231,800, with typical rent around $859.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 17.1%, below the national 35.0%. About 12.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
The remote-work concentration is telling in Gooding County — it skews toward higher-income, college-educated workers and reshapes both commute patterns and housing demand.
Gooding County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Gooding County had a population of 15,470 in 2010 and 16,189 in 2024, a 4.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 16,189 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.33%.
16,189
Population (2024)
15,470
Population (2010)
16,189
Peak (2024)
0.33%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 15,470 |
| 2011 | 15,352 |
| 2012 | 15,246 |
| 2013 | 15,162 |
| 2014 | 15,080 |
| 2015 | 15,181 |
| 2016 | 15,150 |
| 2017 | 15,155 |
| 2018 | 15,187 |
| 2019 | 15,290 |
| 2020 | 15,657 |
| 2021 | 15,806 |
| 2022 | 15,890 |
| 2023 | 16,113 |
| 2024 | 16,189 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 72.1% |
| Black or African American | 0.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.4
Median Age
49.5%
Female
50.5%
Male
18.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 22.0% · Seniors (65+): 18.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $62,395$-12,241 vs state |
| Mean household income | $81,334 |
| Per-capita income | $29,647 |
| Poverty rate | 9.5%+2.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 60.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Gooding County is agriculture, accounting for 20.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
3.2%
Carpool
73.0%
Public transit
12.0%
Work from home
22.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$231,800$-144,200 vs state
Median home value
$859
Median rent
71.4%
Homeownership rate
6,100
Total housing units
90.4%
Occupied
9.6%
Vacant
28.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
80.4%
With health insurance
91.0%
With broadband internet
34.0%
Foreign-born
7.7%
Veterans (18+)
16.1%
With a disability
71.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
79.8%
High School+
17.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Idaho
Other counties in Idaho
Part of Idaho
Metro areas in Idaho
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Gooding County, Idaho has a population of 15,740 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 21st-largest county in Idaho. Population density is 22 people per square mile.
The population of Gooding County has grown 4.6% since 2010 (15,470 → 16,189), a +0.33% annualized rate.
The median household income in Gooding County, Idaho is $62,395, with mean (average) household income of $81,334 and per-capita income of $29,647. 9.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Gooding County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (72.1%), Hispanic or Latino (3.1%), Black or African American (0.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Gooding County, Idaho is 38.4 years. Residents are 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
The median home value in Gooding County is $231,800 and median monthly rent is $859. 71.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,100 total housing units, 9.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Gooding County, Idaho is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 20.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.
Boise City is among the largest cities associated with Gooding County, Idaho, with a population of 235,701.
Gooding County, ID Climate
Gooding County, ID has an average annual temperature of 9.6°C (49°F) and receives about 278 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.6°C
Avg Temp
278
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -3° / 27° | 37 mm |
| February | 0° / 32° | 28 mm |
| March | 5° / 40° | 28 mm |
| April | 9° / 48° | 19 mm |
| May | 13° / 56° | 22 mm |
| June | 18° / 65° | 20 mm |
| July | 22° / 72° | 7 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 9 mm |
| September | 17° / 62° | 14 mm |
| October | 11° / 51° | 18 mm |
| November | 4° / 38° | 40 mm |
| December | -2° / 29° | 36 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Gooding County, ID
The most comfortable months to visit Gooding County, ID are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near -8°C low). November is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Gooding County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.