According to countryaah, Ada County, Idaho is located in the southwestern part of the state, bordering Canyon, Elmore, Boise, Gem and Valley Counties. It is bordered by the Payette River to the north and east and the Boise River to the south. The county seat is Boise which is also Idaho’s capital city. The county covers an area of 1,062 square miles and has a population of 425,000 people as of 2019. The county provides a wide array of recreational activities for its residents such as fishing in the many rivers, creeks and lakes that flow through it; camping in one of its seven state parks; or skiing at Bogus Basin Mountain Resort. There are plenty of hiking trails throughout Ada County that offer breathtaking views and a chance to explore nature up close. Other popular attractions include Ann Morrison Park which has a beautiful lake with walking paths around it; Zoo Boise which houses over 200 species; and Table Rock which offers spectacular views of downtown Boise. There are also many festivals throughout the year such as Alive After Five in downtown Boise or Treefort Music Festival which showcases local talent from all over Idaho.
Demographics of Ada County, Idaho
Ada County, Idaho is home to a diverse population of 425,000 people. According to the 2019 US Census, the racial makeup of the county is 85.3% White, 2.2% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American or Alaska Native, 5.5% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander and 4.9% from other races. Additionally, 11.1% of the population is Hispanic or Latino of any race. The median age of Ada County residents is 35 years old and the median household income is $56,772 according to 2019 census data.
The largest industries in Ada County are health care and social assistance (20%), retail trade (13%), educational services (12%) and accommodation and food services (10%). The unemployment rate for Ada County in 2020 was 4%, lower than both the state’s average of 5%.
Ada County has a higher percentage of college-educated adults than most counties in Idaho with 37% having a Bachelor’s Degree or higher compared to 28%. Additionally, 95% of adults have a high school diploma or higher compared to 88%. These statistics demonstrate that Ada County has an educated workforce with plenty of opportunities for employment in various industries.
Places of Interest in Ada County, Idaho
Ada County, Idaho offers a wide variety of attractions and places of interest for both locals and visitors. The Boise River Greenbelt is a 25-mile long urban park located in the heart of the city. It features a paved pathway for walking, cycling and rollerblading that follows the river, as well as grassy areas for picnics and relaxing. The Greenbelt also connects to many parks, including Julia Davis Park which is home to the Boise Art Museum, Zoo Boise and the Idaho Historical Museum.
Table Rock is another popular spot in Ada County with spectacular views of downtown Boise. It’s located in the foothills of the nearby mountains and offers plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing. Warms Springs Golf Course is also located nearby where you can enjoy a round of golf or catch some stunning views from its hilltop location.
The Tolman Trestle Bridge is an iconic landmark in Ada County that was built over 100 years ago by Chinese laborers. It stands at 85 feet tall and spans over 1,200 feet across Lucky Peak Reservoir. Visitors can take a scenic drive along Highway 21 to get there or take advantage of one of several boat launches around the reservoir to explore it up close.
Finally, no visit to Ada County would be complete without visiting one (or more) of its seven state parks. These include Lucky Peak State Park which offers camping sites with stunning views; Dierkes Lake which has two beautiful lakes surrounded by nature trails; Bruneau Dunes State Park where you can explore sand dunes up to 500 feet tall; and Hell’s Gate State Park which has an old-fashioned covered bridge crossing Snake River Canyon.
Communities in Ada County, Idaho
Ada County, Idaho is home to several vibrant communities. Boise is the largest city and the county seat, and it is known for its bustling downtown area, diverse neighborhoods and vibrant culture. Other cities in Ada County include Meridian, Kuna, Eagle and Garden City.
Meridian is one of the fastest-growing communities in Ada County. It offers a variety of amenities including an award-winning school system, a growing business community and plenty of outdoor activities such as golfing at Settlers Park Golf Course or walking along the Boise River Greenbelt.
Kuna has a small-town charm with a population that prides itself on being close-knit. It’s home to several parks such as Kuna City Park and Kuna Caves which offer plenty of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. The city also hosts several annual events such as the Kuna Days Festival which features food vendors, live music and other entertainment throughout the day.
Eagle is another popular community in Ada County that’s known for its small-town atmosphere and friendly people. It’s home to Eagle Island State Park which offers camping sites with stunning views of the surrounding mountains; Lake Lowell which features fishing spots; and Barber Park where you can take advantage of its extensive trail system or rent canoes or kayaks to explore the lake up close.
Garden City has become well known for its diverse restaurants, breweries and shopping options along Chinden Boulevard – making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike. The city also hosts several festivals throughout the year including Garden City Street Fair which celebrates artisans from all over Idaho; Blues & Brews Festival featuring craft beers from local breweries; and Harvest Fest showcasing local produce from area farms.
Notable People of Ada County, Idaho
Ada County, Idaho is home to a wide variety of notable people from all walks of life. One of the most famous residents is author and poet Vardis Fisher who wrote about the history and culture of the region in his novels. Another notable person is former U.S. Senator and Governor Dirk Kempthorne who served in both roles during his political career.
The county also has several prominent athletes such as Olympic gold medalist Kristin Armstrong who won her medal in cycling; professional bull rider Ty Murray who was inducted into the Professional Bull Riders Hall of Fame; and NFL quarterback Kellen Moore who played for the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys.
Ada County is also home to some well-known musicians including singer-songwriter Brandon Flowers, former lead singer for The Killers; country music star Blake Shelton; and jazz musician Curtis Stigers whose albums have been nominated for several Grammy Awards.
Other notable people from Ada County include actor Bruce Willis, author Chris Crutcher, artist James Castle, and U.S. Representative Mike Simpson. Each one has made a lasting impact on the county through their respective fields – making them all an integral part of Ada County’s history and culture.
Bordering States of Idaho
According to abbreviationfinder, Idaho is bordered by five states: Washington, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Oregon. The border between Idaho and Washington measures approximately 672 miles in total length as it stretches from Idaho’s northwestern corner near Coeur d’Alene to its southeastern tip near Lewiston. Additionally, Idaho shares a lengthy border with Montana that measures about 463 miles in total length. It extends from the westernmost point near Sandpoint to its easternmost point near Leadore.
To the east, Idaho has a relatively short border with Wyoming that measures only 109 miles in length as it runs along Wyoming’s western edge from Caribou County to its easternmost point near Teton County. Additionally, Idaho also has an extensive coastline along the Snake River that is about 1,056 miles long as it follows the river from Hells Canyon up to Jackson Lake just south of American Falls Reservoir. Finally, Idaho also has a small border with Utah and Oregon that measure only 33 and 44 miles in total length respectively as they extend from Twin Falls up to Weiser on the Snake River and Ontario on the Owyhee River respectively.
