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Living in Nampa Idaho 🏡 | What to Know Before Moving to Nampa

Last Updated On: 3rd September 2026, 08:05 pm

Living in Nampa Idaho can transform your life! The Shoshone people lived in the Nampa area for thousands of years before White settlers arrived in the 1800s. In the early 1880s, settlers built the Oregon Short Line Railroad through southern Idaho. People built Nampa as a depot, and it quickly expanded as other railroads stretched through the town and people began moving to Nampa. 

Nampa was initially named "New Jerusalem," but it was renamed to Nampa once it was incorporated as a city in 1891. "Nampa" is a derivative of the Shoshone word "namb," which means "moccasin" or "footprint."

Nampa remained a railroad hub for most of the 20th century. It also became prominent in agriculture, food processing, and technology, becoming home to the first Amazon fulfillment center in Idaho in 2020. Nampa is now a thriving and fun community. The official Nampa motto is "What a Place to Live", and the official Nampa nickname is "The Heart of the Treasure Valley."

What is Nampa Idaho known for? Nampa is well known for being the gateway to the Idaho Wine Country and for its top attractions like the Ford Idaho Center and Nampa Train Depot Museum. Is Nampa Idaho a good place to live? Yes, Nampa is a great place to live, with an affordable cost of living, high-paying job opportunities, and natural beauty.

Moving to Nampa may be at the top of your to-do list. But it's important to learn more about living in Nampa Idaho, and understanding more about this special city. Here's what to know about the benefits of living in Nampa.

Where Is Nampa Idaho?

A meeting of residents and city councilors at Nampa City Hall

Where is Nampa Idaho, and what county is Nampa Idaho in? Nampa is in Canyon County, inside the Boise metro area. It is 19.6 miles from Boise to Nampa, so Nampa is a suburb of Boise, Idaho. Nampa does not border Boise, but it does border Meridian, Kings Corner, Underkoflers Corner, and Maddens.

Nampa ID is well-developed and predominantly residential, with a few commercial districts. It borders Lake Lowell and contains a few parks, but it doesn't have any other notable geographic features. Interstate 84, Idaho Route 55, and Idaho Route 45 run through Nampa and connect the community to cities near Boise.

Valley Regional Transit offers on-demand rides in the Nampa area. You can download the Valley Regional Transit app and request rides along Route 150, including rides to Caldwell and other nearby communities. ACHD Commuteride is a ride-sharing service in the Nampa area, and you can take rides beyond the city limits and to Downtown Nampa.

Nampa Idaho Population and Demographics

What is the population of Nampa Idaho? According to the US Census, the Nampa Idaho population in 2023 was 114,268, up by 40.1% since 2010 and up by 14.0% since 2020. Nampa is the second largest city in the Boise metro area, and it's the largest city in Canyon County, accounting for nearly half of the county population. The Nampa Idaho population density is 2,992.7 people living in Nampa Idaho per square mile, over seven times higher than the countywide density.

Notable residents living in Nampa Idaho include Bud Clark, Mark Lindsay, and Ronee Blakley. Nampa Idaho demographics include:

  • 50.5% female, 49.5% male
  • Median age of residents living in Nampa Idaho: 35.3
  • Racial and ethnic composition of people living in Nampa Idaho: 75.4% White (68.1% non-Hispanic), 24.5% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% two or more races, 1.2% Black or African American, 1.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% Asian, 0.3% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
  • Median household income of residents living in Nampa Idaho: $72,122 (3.8% lower than the state median)
  • Educational attainment of people living in Nampa Idaho: 89.0% of Nampa residents older than 25 have graduated high school, 23.6% have a bachelor's degree
  • Foreign-born population of residents living in Nampa Idaho: 7.3%

48% of residents living in Nampa Idaho are single, higher than the metro area and state averages. Nampa is a hub for the Hispanic and Latino communities of Idaho. Nampa has a large Mexican American community, with over 4,300 residents living in Nampa Idaho being born in Mexico. Nampa also has small communities of people born in Romania, Germany, China, and the Philippines.

Here are the latest crime rates in Nampa, according to the FBI in 2022:

  • Overall Nampa Idaho crime rate: 1,619 offenses per 100,000 residents living in Nampa Idaho (38.6% higher than the Idaho crime rate, 30.3% lower than the national average)
  • Violent Nampa Idaho crime rate: 352 crimes per 100,000 people living in Nampa Idaho (45.8% higher than the state rate, 4.8% lower than the national rate)
  • Property Nampa Idaho crime rate: 1,267 offenses per 100,000 people living in Nampa Idaho (36.7% higher than the state rate, 35.2% lower than the national average)

While Nampa has higher crime rates than the state average, it is still a safe community to live in. The official Nampa crime map reveals that the overwhelming majority of crimes are minor offenses. The police are called to handle animals that have gotten off their leashes or to perform welfare checks. 

Violent crime rarely happens, and the violent crimes that happen most often are simple assaults, not murders or home invasions. The Nampa Police Department employs 138 sworn police officers who respond to all emergencies in Idaho Nampa.

Cost of Living in Nampa Idaho

Nampa Idaho cost of living statistics can be hard to find, so you can use Boise cost of living figures and make a rough estimate. The Boise cost of living index is 104.6, meaning items in the area cost 4.6% more than the national average. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Canyon County would need to earn $98,387 a year to cover their cost of living. 

Transportation is the highest expense for the cost of living in Nampa Idaho, at $1,573 a month ($18,876 a year), so you can live a more affordable life by walking instead of driving. Nampa's proximity to Boise can cut down on your commute, so you may save money on gas over time after moving to Nampa. 

Child care is the second highest expense for the Nampa Idaho cost of living, at $1,326 a month ($15,912 a year), so singles living in Nampa Idaho without children can live an affordable life.

Nampa Idaho real estate is relatively affordable compared to a big city or another community like nearby Caldwell. Many young families start moving to Nampa so they can buy a home. According to Redfin, the median price of homes for sale in Nampa Idaho is $409,000 with an average cost per square foot of $249. 

The average home price in Nampa Idaho has hovered around $400,000 in recent months. According to RentCafe, the average cost of apartments for rent Nampa is $1,504 a month. The average rent in Nampa Idaho is nearly $250 less than the national average. Roughly 30% of residents living in Nampa Idaho rent in Nampa Idaho.

Typical Nampa Living Expenses

  • 12 regular eggs: $2.80
  • 1 pound of oranges: $1.68
  • 1 pound of onions: $1.00
  • 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.52
  • Average Nampa utilities per month: $136.12
  • 1 pair of jeans: $52.62

Source: Numbeo

Nampa Neighborhoods | Where to Live In Nampa

Nampa does not have formal neighborhoods, but it does have formal subdivisions for residents living in Nampa Idaho. You can use the official Nampa subdivision map to figure out where to live Nampa. You have a few options for Nampa subdivisions. Some are better than others and better than the best areas to live in Idaho Falls. Here are just a few of the best places to live in Nampa.

Park Ridge | Spacious Nampa Neighborhood Close to Boise

Park Ridge is a sprawling subdivision in eastern Nampa. It's not centrally located, but it's one of the closest Nampa communities to Boise, so it's good for commuters into Boise. It's a predominantly residential community, though it contains Park Ridge Elementary School and a few parks with outdoor activities like Kings Road Park. It offers single family homes for sale in Nampa Idaho with three bedrooms and 2,000 square feet for less than $500,000, making it good for first time home buyers and young professionals living in Nampa Idaho.

Weatherby Estates | Most Tranquil and Upscale Nampa Neighborhood

Weatherby Estates is an upscale subdivision in southeastern Nampa, in a rural area with community warmth. Homes in Weatherby Estates are luxurious, with special features like spacious yards, stainless steel appliances, and covered porches. Prices vary, but a five-bedroom home covering over 3,300 square feet can cost around $650,000. Weatherby Estates is close to Kings Road Park and other outdoor destinations, and it's a short drive away from Ridgecrest Golf Club, making it a good natural habitat.

Nampa Idaho Weather and Climate

The Nampa Idaho climate type is cold and semi-arid, with hot and dry summers and cold and cloudy winters. According to Weather Spark, July is the hottest month of Nampa Idaho weather by month, with an average temperature of 75 degrees and an average high of 91. Temperatures peak in late July and fall steadily through August and the autumn. January and December are the coldest months of the year, with an average temperature of 30 degrees and an average low of 24.

Nampa receives 8.9 inches of rain on average every year. Does it snow in Nampa Idaho? Yes, Nampa receives an average of 7.6 inches of snow every year. Most precipitation falls in the winter, with only 0.2 inches of rain falling in July and August each. July and August are the sunniest months of Nampa Idaho weather year-round, with 82% clear, mostly clear, and partly cloudy days. This means that there is almost no humidity in Nampa, so you can enjoy outdoor activities throughout the summer. Nampa does not experience severe weather on a regular basis.

September is the best time to visit Nampa, start moving to Nampa, and enjoy Nampa Idaho weather. The average temperature is 62 degrees, with an average high of 79, so you can stay comfortable in a long-sleeved shirt without a jacket. Peak foliage begins in Nampa in September, so you can visit parks and enjoy beautiful colors.

Things to Do in Nampa Idaho

You can find a wide range of unique things to do in Nampa Idaho, including family-friendly attractions, indoor points of interest, and outdoor destinations! Many of the best things to do in Nampa Idaho are better than the best things to do in Boise. You can also find endless opportunities for shopping in Nampa. Top shopping malls in Nampa include Karcher Mall, which contains a Ross Dress for Less and a Mor Furniture for Less. You can also shop at Treasure Valley Marketplace, which has a Costco, a Kohl's, and a HomeGoods. Fred Meyer is the top grocery store in Nampa.

Ford Idaho Center

The Ford Idaho Center is a sports and entertainment center with many entertainment options. You can enjoy musical performances, monster jams, football games, and expos, among other special events. Annual events include the Snake River Stampede, the largest professional sporting event in Idaho.

16114 North Idaho Center Boulevard, Nampa, ID, 83687, 208-468-1000

Lions Park

Lions Park is a 15-acre kid-friendly park with a baseball/softball field, a basketball court, a volleyball court, and picnic shelters. The park also has a swimming pool open during the summer.

409 Lyons Drive, Nampa, ID, 83651, 208-468-5858

Warhawk Air Museum

The interior of the Warhawk Air Museum, with a few veterans living in Nampa Idaho visiting it

The Warhawk Air Museum is the top museum in Nampa. The museum contains over a dozen vintage aircraft from World War II and other conflicts, as well as unique artifacts from the Spanish-American War, World War I, and the Cold War.

201 Municipal Drive, Nampa, ID, 83687, 208-465-6446

Additional Things to Do in Nampa

The City of Nampa Parks and Recreation Department manages public spaces and parks in Nampa. The department plans special events and programs throughout the year, including sports leagues, horticulture workshops, and Easter egg hunts. You can visit the City of Nampa Parks and Recreation programs and events page to find out when these events will take place.

Nampa Restaurants

Idaho cuisine is well known for its fresh produce and ingredients, including huckleberries, mushrooms, and red trout. You can find fresh ingredients and delicious meals at Nampa restaurants, including romantic and family-friendly experiences.

The Griddle

The Griddle is a family-friendly diner that serves breakfast and lunch, including homemade waffles, pancakes, and crepes. You can enjoy weekly specials with seasonal ingredients, so no two visits to The Griddle are the same.

1124 Caldwell Boulevard, Nampa, ID, 83651, 208-461-7835

Brick 29

Confit duck pot pie on a white plate from Brick 29

Brick 29 is a classy and modern American restaurant with seasonal dishes with ingredients from local farms. The restaurant offers steak, seafood, and sandwiches, among other items, including beers and wine from Crescent Brewery.

320 11th Avenue Suite 300, Nampa, ID, 83651, 208-468-0029

Boise Fry Company

Boise Fry Company is a burger joint well known for its unique fries, including yam, purple potato, and red potato fries. The restaurant also has special deals on burgers and fries, including $1 fries on Mondays, making it one of the most affordable Nampa restaurants.

224 12th Avenue South, Nampa, ID, 83651, 208-965-8696

Jobs in Nampa Idaho

A Nampa Chamber of Commerce meeting with representatives from Nampa businesses

According to DataUSA, 53,022 people have jobs in Nampa Idaho, up by 61.7% since 2013. Nampa's job market has grown steadily over the last 10 years, with nearly 10,000 Nampa jobs added to the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people are moving to Nampa to apply for Nampa jobs. 

Health care, construction, and retail trade are the three largest job sectors in Nampa, with each sector contributing over 5,700 Nampa jobs to the economy. Each of these sectors also has median earnings of at least $60,000 a year, with construction jobs paying over $90,000 in median earnings.

According to Payscale, the average base salary in Nampa is $63,000 a year, and the average hourly rate is $19.09. Major employers in Nampa include Nampa School District, St Alphonsus Health System, and Plexus Corp. You can apply for and research additional jobs in Nampa Idaho using Indeed, and you can apply for City of Nampa jobs on the municipal government's website.

Nampa Schools

Nampa School District is the official school district for all students living in Nampa Idaho. The school district serves over 13,000 students living in Nampa Idaho across 25 schools, and the district strives to offer an individualized education for each student. You can use Nampa School District maps to find out which schools your children living in Nampa Idaho will attend.

US News ranks Willow Creek Elementary as the top elementary school in Nampa and among the top 200 elementary schools in Idaho. US News ranks Skyview High School as the top Nampa high school and in the top 100 Idaho high schools. Skyview High School offers 27 AP and dual credit classes, including courses with Boise State University.

The main campus of the College of Western Idaho (CWI) is in Nampa. CWI is a community college with over 100 majors. Nampa does not have any notable private schools. The Nampa Public Library serves all residents living in Nampa Idaho.

Nampa Statistics and Information

  • County: Canyon County
  • Nampa area: 34.77 square miles
  • Nampa zip code: 83651, 83653, 83686, 83687
  • Nampa Idaho area code: 208 and 986
  • Nampa elevation: 2,474 feet
  • Nampa time zone: Mountain Time Zone (UTC -6 and -7)
  • Closest airport to Nampa: Boise Airport (BOI), 18.3 miles from Nampa

Nampa Map

You can use this Nampa map to find the best restaurants in Nampa, things to do in Nampa Idaho, and stores!

Start Living in Nampa Idaho Now

Living in Nampa Idaho can give you access to many wonderful things! You can enjoy convenient access to higher education, a low crime rate, and prosperous businesses.

Moving to Nampa can be wonderful as well. BustNMoves has a team of the top Nampa movers, with years of experience in the moving industry. Call 208-557-3328 for a free estimate now.

BustNMoves Moving Company
Taylor Kerbs, Founder of BustNMoves: Taylor Kerbs founded BustNMoves Moving Company in 2021 after identifying a growing need for professional moving services in Southeast Idaho. His journey in the moving industry began in his teenage years, where he gained hands-on experience coordinating and executing numerous residential relocations. This practical background, combined with his detailed market research and business planning, established the foundation for BustNMoves. Under Taylor's leadership, the company has grown from a weekend operation to a full-service moving business with three dedicated trucks and year-round staff. He has personally overseen moves ranging from single-bedroom apartments to 9,000-square-foot homes throughout Idaho. Taylor's commitment to transparent pricing and customer service has helped establish BustNMoves as a trusted moving solution for residents in Pocatello and surrounding communities. As a local business owner who has lived in the region since 2014, Taylor brings both professional expertise and community knowledge to every moving project.
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