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Population Review

Kootenai County, Idaho Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 3rd-largest in Idaho

The population of Kootenai County, Idaho is 177,736 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest county in Idaho. The median household income is $77,034, the median home value is $467,400, and the median age is 40.8.

The population of Kootenai County has grown 35.6% since 2010 (138,860 → 188,323), a +2.20% annualized rate.

Kootenai County within Idaho · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

177,736

Population

+2.20%

Annual growth

144

People / sq mi

$77,034

Median Income

$467,400

Median Home Value

Kootenai County covers 1,238 sq mi of land at 143.6 people per square mile.

About Kootenai County, ID

Kootenai County is a county in Idaho with a population of 177,736. It ranks #3 among counties in Idaho by population. The median age is 40.8, older than the national median. The population is 49.9% male and 50.1% female.

The median household income in Kootenai County is $77,034, near the US median of $74,580. 6.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $467,400, with monthly rent averaging $1,330. The homeownership rate of 72.2% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Kootenai County reflects 28.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 14.0% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.4 minutes each way.

Kootenai County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Kootenai County had a population of 138,860 in 2010 and 188,323 in 2024, a 35.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 188,323 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.21%.

2024 · 188K20102024

188,323

Population (2024)

138,860

Population (2010)

188,323

Peak (2024)

2.21%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010138,860
2011140,986
2012142,173
2013144,019
2014146,687
2015149,566
2016153,221
2017157,594
2018161,279
2019165,656
2020172,791
2021180,089
2022183,540
2023185,237
2024188,323

Race & Ethnicity

White88.2%
Black or African American0.3%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)2.7%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

40.8

Median Age

50.1%

Female

49.9%

Male

19.6%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.5%
5–9
6.5%
10–14
6.5%
15–19
6.0%
20–24
5.3%
25–34
12.5%
35–44
13.0%
45–54
11.6%
55–59
6.1%
60–64
7.2%
65–74
12.0%
75–84
5.6%
85+
2.0%

Children (under 15): 18.5% · Seniors (65+): 19.6%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$77,034+$2,398 vs state
Mean household income$98,298
Per-capita income$38,797
Poverty rate6.0%-1.0% vs state
Unemployment rate2.0%
Employment-to-population58.5%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
21.9%
Construction
10.9%
Education & health care
10.0%
Finance & real estate
9.5%
Information
7.6%
Manufacturing
7.3%
Arts, entertainment & food
5.3%
Retail trade
5.1%

The largest employment sector in Kootenai County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.9% of workers.

How residents commute

0.4%

Drive alone

1.6%

Carpool

74.6%

Public transit

14.0%

Work from home

22.4 min

Avg commute

Housing

$467,400+$91,400 vs state

Median home value

$1,330

Median rent

72.2%

Homeownership rate

78,013

Total housing units

88.6%

Occupied

11.4%

Vacant

27.8%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

90.4%

With health insurance

96.2%

With broadband internet

66.1%

Foreign-born

10.0%

Veterans (18+)

15.0%

With a disability

96.5%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

94.4%

High School+

28.8%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Idaho

Other counties in Idaho

Part of Idaho

Metro areas in Idaho

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Kootenai County, Idaho has a population of 177,736 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest county in Idaho. Population density is 144 people per square mile.

The population of Kootenai County has grown 35.6% since 2010 (138,860 → 188,323), a +2.20% annualized rate.

The median household income in Kootenai County, Idaho is $77,034, with mean (average) household income of $98,298 and per-capita income of $38,797. 6.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Kootenai County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (88.2%), Hispanic or Latino (2.7%), Black or African American (0.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Kootenai County, Idaho is 40.8 years. Residents are 50.1% female and 49.9% male.

The median home value in Kootenai County is $467,400 and median monthly rent is $1,330. 72.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 78,013 total housing units, 11.4% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Kootenai County, Idaho is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.0%.

Boise City is among the largest cities associated with Kootenai County, Idaho, with a population of 235,701.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.