Nampa is a city located in Canyon County in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Idaho. As of the 2020 census, Nampa had a population of 106,686, making it the third largest city in Idaho behind Boise and Meridian.
Population and Growth
The population of Nampa has grown rapidly in recent decades. In 1980, the population was just 18,883. By 1990 it had nearly doubled to 36,916. In 2000 the population was 51,867 and by 2010 it had grown to 81,557 residents. This represents a massive 332% increase from 1980 to 2010.
Much of the growth came from people migrating from other states, particularly California, Oregon and Washington. Nampa’s proximity to Boise and relatively affordable housing made it an attractive option for new residents. The city also benefited from its location along the major transportation corridor of Interstate 84.
As of the 2020 census, the population of Nampa was 106,686. While the growth rate has slowed compared to previous decades, Nampa is still among the fastest growing cities in Idaho, outpacing the statewide population growth rate.
Economy and Major Employers
The major industries that drive Nampa’s economy include manufacturing, food processing, health care, retail trade and agriculture. Some of the largest private employers in Nampa include:
- St. Luke’s Health System (~4,000 employees)
- Walmart (~1,400 employees)
- Amalgamated Sugar Company (~1,100 employees)
- Northwest Nazarene University (~700 employees)
- Caldwell School District (~500 employees)
Other major contributors to the local economy include agriculture, dairy production and food processing. The region around Nampa produces many agricultural crops including potatoes, sugar beets, onions, beans and alfalfa hay. Food processing companies like Amalgamated Sugar and Sorrento Lactalis (formerly Sorrento Cheese) employ hundreds of local residents.
In recent years, Nampa has also developed into a hub for manufacturing. Manufacturing accounts for about 7,000 jobs in the city across over 300 companies. These include machinery, plastics, metals, electronics, chemicals and wood products manufacturing.
For more details on Nampa’s economy and employment, visit the city’s website.
Landmarks
Some of the most notable landmarks and points of interest in Nampa include:
- Nampa Civic Center – This large event complex can host concerts, conferences, sporting events and more. It is home to the Idaho Center Arena which seats up to 12,000 people.
- Northwest Nazarene University – A Christian liberal arts college with over 2,000 students.
- Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge – A large wetland refuge along Lake Lowell that provides habitat for migratory birds and wildlife.
- Nampa Train Depot – A historic train station built in 1918.
- Lakeview Park – A large community park with a beach, walking paths, play structures and more.
- Ridgevue High School – One of Nampa’s main public high schools and home to the Warhawks football team.
Nampa also has a historic downtown district with restaurants, shops and cultural attractions like the Nampa Train Depot Museum. The Nampa Historic Society works to preserve historic buildings and educate people about the city’s history.
Sports Teams
As one of the larger cities in Idaho, Nampa is home to some competitive sports teams including:
- Idaho Stampede – A professional basketball team in the NBA G League that plays at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa.
- Idaho Horsemen – A professional indoor football team that plays at the Ford Idaho Center.
- Treasure Valley Spartans – An amateur soccer club with youth and adult teams based in Nampa.
At the high school level, Nampa’s main sports teams compete in the Southern Idaho Conference. These include the Columbia High School Wildcats, Nampa High School Bulldogs, Skyview High School Hawks and Ridgevue High School Warhawks among others.
College athletic teams from Northwest Nazarene University called the NNU Crusaders also represent Nampa on a national level in NCAA Division II sports.
Sports are a source of community pride and engagement for many residents. The city maintains numerous public parks and sports facilities to support youth and adult recreational sports leagues and tournaments.
Tourism
As an affordable small city with a friendly community, Nampa has appeal for visitors seeking a more laid-back Idaho experience. Some of the attractions bringing tourists to Nampa include:
- Idaho Center events – Concerts, conventions, trade shows, and sporting events regularly bring big crowds to this 12,000-seat arena and event complex.
- Nampa Farmers Market – A huge farmers market open 3 days a week during summer with fresh produce, vendors and entertainment.
- Restaurants – Nampa has a vibrant dining scene with options from food trucks to fine dining.
- Wine Tasting – Over a dozen wineries in the greater Nampa area offer tastings and tours.
- Hot Air Balloon Festival – An annual 4-day hot air balloon event happening each September.
- Warhawk Air Museum – Aviation museum with a large collection of vintage aircraft and memorabilia.
Nampa also benefits from tourism traffic passing through on Interstate 84 between Boise and Oregon. The city has numerous hotels, restaurants and gas stations catering to road trippers.
For more on things to do, places to stay and upcoming events, see the Visit Nampa tourism website.
Growth Outlook
Nampa is projected to continue growing at a pace faster than the statewide average. With its relative affordability and lower cost of living compared to Boise, Nampa is likely to remain a popular destination for new residents seeking homes and jobs.
Much of the available land around Nampa has now been developed, so future growth will increasingly focus on higher density housing and developments within existing neighborhoods and commercial areas. Providing adequate infrastructure and transportation for a still-expanding population will be an ongoing challenge.
If current trends continue, Nampa seems likely to reach 120,000 residents or more by 2030. Ongoing growth will make diversifying the local economy and adding higher skilled jobs a priority. Overall, Nampa seems poised for continued population gains and economic expansion.
To stay updated on the latest population estimates and projections, visit the Nampa city website or the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS).