Kuna, Idaho Emerges as State's Newest Boomtown

Rapid population and income growth transform once-rural city near Boise

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

According to a recent analysis by GoBankingRates, the city of Kuna, Idaho has become the state's newest boomtown, experiencing a staggering 56.8% population increase and 74% jump in per capita income between 2015 and 2023. Kuna's proximity to Boise, new business growth, and major tech projects like data centers have fueled the rapid transformation, though the city's small-town spirit remains.

Why it matters

Kuna's explosive growth highlights the broader economic and demographic shifts taking place across Idaho, as the state continues to attract new residents and businesses. While the growth has brought higher incomes, it also raises questions about affordable housing, infrastructure, and preserving local community character in fast-changing cities like Kuna.

The details

Kuna, a once-rural city near Boise, has seen a surge in population, new businesses, and high-tech development in recent years. According to the GoBankingRates analysis, Kuna's population grew by 56.8% between 2015 and 2023, while per capita income jumped 74% to $33,924. New business licenses in the city increased from 111 in 2023 to 313 in 2025, driven in part by major tech projects like a Meta data center and the Gemstone Technology Park. Kuna's proximity to Boise and relatively lower housing costs have also attracted new residents, though the city has worked to maintain its small-town character.

  • Kuna's population grew by 56.8% between 2015 and 2023.
  • Kuna's per capita income rose 74% from 2015 to 2023, reaching $33,924.
  • New business licenses in Kuna increased from 111 in 2023 to 313 in 2025.

The players

Kuna

A city in Idaho that has experienced rapid population and economic growth in recent years, transforming from a rural area to a booming community near Boise.

Boise

The largest city in Idaho, located near Kuna, which has also seen significant growth and development in recent decades.

Meta

The technology company that is building a major data center project in Kuna, contributing to the city's economic transformation.

Gemstone Technology Park

A large-scale technology and business development project underway in Kuna, attracting new companies and jobs to the area.

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What’s next

As Kuna continues to grow, city leaders will need to carefully manage the pace of development to ensure the community maintains its small-town character and affordable housing options for long-time residents.

The takeaway

Kuna's rapid transformation from a rural area to a booming boomtown highlights the broader economic and demographic shifts taking place across Idaho, as the state attracts new residents and businesses. While the growth has brought higher incomes, it also raises questions about affordable housing, infrastructure, and preserving local community character in fast-changing cities like Kuna.