April 27th 2023
The Magic Valley region of Idaho has seen significant growth over the past decade, with a population increase of over 10% since 2010. This growth has been driven by a number of factors, including a strong economy, attractive quality of life, and abundant natural resources. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the growth of the Magic Valley region using statistics.
Population Growth:
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of the Magic Valley region has grown from 186,000 in 2010 to 205,000 in 2019, representing a growth rate of 10.2%. This is significantly higher than the national average growth rate of 6.3% over the same period.
Employment:
The Magic Valley has a strong and diverse economy, with employment opportunities spanning a wide range of industries. According to the Idaho Department of Labor, the unemployment rate in the Magic Valley has consistently been lower than the state average since 2010. In 2019, the unemployment rate in the Magic Valley was 2.9%, compared to the statewide average of 3.2%.
Agriculture:
Agriculture is a major industry in the Magic Valley, and the region is known for its production of potatoes, sugar beets, and dairy products. According to the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation, agriculture is the largest industry in the state, contributing $3.7 billion to the economy in 2019. In the Magic Valley, the value of agricultural products sold increased from $2.8 billion in 2012 to $3.2 billion in 2017.
Housing:
The growth in population and employment has also driven demand for housing in the Magic Valley. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median value of owner-occupied housing units in the Magic Valley was $157,000 in 2019, which is lower than the statewide median value of $259,000.
Conclusion:
The Magic Valley region of Idaho has experienced strong and consistent growth over the past decade, driven by a diverse economy, attractive quality of life, and abundant natural resources. The region’s population has grown at a rate higher than the national average, while unemployment rates have consistently been lower than the state average. Agriculture is a major industry in the region, contributing billions of dollars to the state’s economy. As the region continues to grow and develop, it is poised to remain a vibrant and dynamic part of Idaho for years to come.
