Ada County Overview
Ada County, located in southwestern Idaho, is the most populous county in the state. It is home to Boise, Idaho’s capital and largest city. Established in 1864, the county was named after Ada Riggs, the daughter of a local settler. Ada County is bordered by Canyon County to the west, Elmore County to the east, Gem County to the north, and Owyhee County to the south. The region’s economy is driven by government services, healthcare, technology, and agriculture.
Ada County boasts a population of over 500,000, with much of the population concentrated in Boise and its surrounding suburbs. The county is characterized by a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty, with the Boise River running through its heart and the foothills of the Rocky Mountains providing outdoor recreational opportunities.
- County Seat: Boise
- Number of Cities and Towns: 5
- Major School Districts: Boise School District, West Ada School District, Kuna School District
Boise
Boise Overview
Boise, the capital city of Idaho and the county seat of Ada County, is located along the Boise River in the southwestern part of the state. It is bordered by Eagle to the northwest and Meridian to the west. Founded in 1863, Boise quickly became a central hub for commerce and government. Today, it serves as the cultural, economic, and educational heart of Idaho, known for its vibrant downtown area, numerous parks, and access to outdoor activities.
Boise has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The city is home to several major landmarks, including the Idaho State Capitol, Boise Art Museum, and the Boise River Greenbelt, a scenic pathway that follows the Boise River for miles through the city.
- Population: 240,380
- Population Density: 3,100 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 83701-83799
- Road Network: Interstate 84, U.S. Highway 20, U.S. Highway 26, State Highway 21
- Nearest Airports: Boise Airport (BOI)
- Libraries: Boise Public Library, Main Branch, and four other branches
- Hospitals: St. Luke’s Boise Medical Center, Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center
Schools in Boise
Boise is served by the Boise School District, one of the largest in Idaho. Boise High School (grades 9-12) enrolls approximately 1,500 students and offers a wide range of advanced placement courses and extracurricular activities. North Junior High (grades 7-9) serves around 900 students, focusing on both academic and social development. Longfellow Elementary School (PreK-6) has about 400 students and emphasizes early childhood education and community involvement. Boise schools are known for their academic rigor, diverse extracurricular offerings, and strong support systems for students.
Meridian
Meridian Overview
Meridian, located west of Boise, is one of the fastest-growing cities in Idaho and is now the second-largest city in the state. Founded in 1891 as a small farming community, Meridian has rapidly expanded into a suburban center known for its family-friendly atmosphere, thriving business sector, and excellent schools. The city is bordered by Eagle to the north and Kuna to the south, offering easy access to both urban and rural amenities.
Meridian has a semi-arid climate, with hot, dry summers and cold winters. The city is home to The Village at Meridian, a popular shopping and entertainment center, as well as Roaring Springs Waterpark, one of the largest waterparks in the Pacific Northwest.
- Population: 125,963
- Population Density: 3,300 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 83642, 83646
- Road Network: Interstate 84, U.S. Highway 20, U.S. Highway 26
- Nearest Airports: Boise Airport (BOI)
- Libraries: Meridian Library District, Main Branch and Silverstone Branch
- Hospitals: St. Luke’s Meridian Medical Center
Schools in Meridian
Meridian is part of the West Ada School District, Idaho’s largest school district. Meridian High School (grades 9-12) enrolls around 2,000 students, offering a comprehensive curriculum with a variety of advanced placement and vocational programs. Sawtooth Middle School (grades 6-8) serves approximately 1,000 students and provides a robust selection of academic and extracurricular activities. Ponderosa Elementary School (K-5) enrolls about 600 students, with a focus on literacy and STEM education. The schools in Meridian are known for their modern facilities, high academic standards, and strong community involvement.
Eagle
Eagle Overview
Eagle is a suburban city located northwest of Boise, known for its upscale residential areas and scenic surroundings. Situated along the Boise River, Eagle is bordered by Meridian to the south and Star to the west. The city was founded in the late 1800s as a farming community, and while it has retained much of its rural charm, it has become a sought-after location for families and professionals seeking a quiet, upscale lifestyle with proximity to Boise.
Eagle has a mild climate with four distinct seasons, featuring hot summers and cool, rainy winters. The city is home to several parks, including Eagle Island State Park, a popular destination for swimming, hiking, and picnicking.
- Population: 31,270
- Population Density: 1,700 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 83616
- Road Network: State Highway 44, State Highway 55
- Nearest Airports: Boise Airport (BOI)
- Libraries: Eagle Public Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Meridian (St. Luke’s Meridian Medical Center)
Schools in Eagle
Eagle is also part of the West Ada School District. Eagle High School (grades 9-12) has about 2,100 students and is known for its strong academic programs and wide variety of extracurricular activities, including an award-winning debate team. Eagle Middle School (grades 6-8) enrolls around 900 students and focuses on preparing students for high school success. Eagle Hills Elementary School (K-5) has approximately 500 students, with an emphasis on STEM education and personalized learning. Eagle’s schools are recognized for their academic excellence, modern facilities, and community-centered approach.
Kuna
Kuna Overview
Kuna is a rapidly growing city located south of Meridian, in the southern part of Ada County. It was established in the 1860s as a stop along the Oregon Trail and later became a railroad town. Today, Kuna is known for its rural charm, affordable housing, and proximity to both Boise and the Snake River Plain, which provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Kuna has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The city is home to several parks and the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, a major attraction for wildlife enthusiasts.
- Population: 24,011
- Population Density: 1,100 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 83634
- Road Network: State Highway 69, Interstate 84
- Nearest Airports: Boise Airport (BOI)
- Libraries: Kuna Library District
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Meridian (St. Luke’s Meridian Medical Center)
Schools in Kuna
Kuna is served by the Kuna School District. Kuna High School (grades 9-12) has around 1,500 students, offering a diverse curriculum that includes vocational training and advanced placement courses. Kuna Middle School (grades 6-8) enrolls approximately 800 students, with a strong focus on preparing students for the transition to high school. Indian Creek Elementary School (K-5) serves around 400 students and emphasizes literacy and STEM education. Kuna schools are known for their strong sense of community, personalized learning approaches, and commitment to student success.
Star
Star Overview
Star is a small, suburban city located northwest of Boise, between Eagle and Middleton. Originally established as a farming community in the late 1800s, Star has grown into a residential suburb known for its quiet, family-friendly atmosphere. It is bordered by Canyon County to the west and enjoys easy access to both urban and rural environments.
Star has a mild, four-season climate, with hot summers and cool, wet winters. The city is known for its historic downtown area and access to the Boise River, which provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and outdoor activities.
- Population: 11,117
- Population Density: 1,000 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 83669
- Road Network: State Highway 44, U.S. Highway 20
- Nearest Airports: Boise Airport (BOI)
- Libraries: Star Branch of the Ada Community Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Eagle (St. Luke’s Eagle Medical Center)
Schools in Star
Star is part of the West Ada School District. Star Elementary School (K-5) enrolls approximately 500 students and focuses on providing a strong academic foundation. Star Middle School (grades 6-8) serves around 800 students, offering a variety of academic and extracurricular programs to foster both intellectual and personal growth. High school students typically attend Eagle High School in nearby Eagle. Star’s schools are known for their strong academic programs, supportive learning environments, and active community involvement.