Idaho: elevation, cities and highest point
Idaho has 2,029,733 people (2025) and 44 counties. Its highest point is Borah Peak, at 12,662 ft, and its lowest, the Snake River, at 710 ft. Here you’ll find the elevation of its capital, its cities over 100,000 people and its summit, with a map of its counties.
By the Mapsfera Team
- Population (2025)
- 2,029,733
- The 37th most populous of the 50 states
- Land area
- 82,645 sq mi
- The 11th largest state
- Counties
- 44
- According to the Census (2025)
- Lowest point
- 710 ft
- Snake River
Map of Idaho’s counties
- Capital’s county
- County with a city page
- City, by elevation
- Highest point
Elevation
The capital, Boise, sits at 2,700 ft (823 m): the 7th highest of the 50 state capitals. Idaho’s highest point, Borah Peak, is 126 mi away in a straight line and 9,962 ft higher.
Between its highest point (12,662 ft) and its lowest (710 ft) there’s 11,952 ft of relief, according to the USGS table. Of the 50 state high points, Idaho’s is the 11th highest.
Idaho has 3 cities with a page. The highest is Boise, at 2,700 ft, and the lowest is Nampa, at 2,522 ft: 178 ft apart.
Idaho borders 6 states. Their highest points are Kings Peak, in Utah (13,528 ft), Mount Hood, in Oregon (11,239 ft), Granite Peak, in Montana (12,799 ft), Gannett Peak, in Wyoming (13,804 ft), Boundary Peak, in Nevada (13,140 ft), and Mount Rainier, in Washington (14,411 ft): Idaho’s is the 6th highest of the 7. Their capitals: Salt Lake City (4,264 ft), Salem (157 ft), Helena (4,048 ft), Cheyenne (6,091 ft), Carson City (4,680 ft), and Olympia (96 ft).
- Borah Peak 12,662 ft
- Boise 2,700 ft
Cities of 100,000 to 250,000 people (2)
Population
Idaho had 2,029,733 residents on July 1, 2025, according to Census Bureau estimates, 10% more than in April 2020 (1,839,123). Across 82,645 sq mi of land, that’s 25 people/sq mi.
Its most populous place is Boise, with 238,429 people, which is also the capital. The Census counts 236 cities, towns and census-designated places (CDPs) in Idaho.
| Place | Population | Land area | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise | 238,429 | 86.1 sq mi | 2,700 ft |
| Meridian | 142,988 | 37.6 sq mi | 2,607 ft |
| Nampa | 120,384 | 36.1 sq mi | 2,522 ft |
| Caldwell | 76,629 | 25.4 sq mi | — |
| Idaho Falls | 71,785 | 27.2 sq mi | — |
| Pocatello | 58,771 | 34.8 sq mi | — |
| Coeur d'Alene | 58,179 | 16.9 sq mi | — |
| Twin Falls | 56,216 | 19.9 sq mi | — |
| Post Falls | 46,715 | 19.2 sq mi | — |
| Rexburg | 40,334 | 10.4 sq mi | — |
Neighboring states
Tools
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest point in Idaho?
Borah Peak, at 12,662 ft, according to the USGS table. It’s the 11th highest of the 50 state high points.
What is the lowest point in Idaho?
The Snake River, at 710 ft, according to the same USGS table.
What is the elevation of Boise, the capital?
2,700 ft above sea level, at its reference point in the USGS gazetteer. It’s the 7th highest state capital.
What is the highest city in Idaho?
Of the cities with a page (the capital and those over 100,000 people), Boise, at 2,700 ft. Some smaller towns are higher: look them up with the point elevation tool.
How many counties does Idaho have?
44, according to the Census Bureau in 2025.
Sources
- Population, land area and counties: U.S. Census Bureau (Vintage 2025 estimates and 2025 Gazetteer), public domain.
- Highest and lowest points: USGS, “Elevations and Distances in the United States” (and, for Denali, the 2015 survey), public domain.
- City elevations: USGS 3DEP at each city’s GNIS point, public domain.
- County map: U.S. Census Bureau, 2025 Cartographic Boundary Files (1:500,000).
Methodology and sources · Spotted a mistake? Let us know