• What is the largest city in Idaho?
    • The biggest city in all of Idaho is Boise, which is also the state capital.
  • Where is Boise located?
    • Boise is located in Ada County on the Boise River, in the southwestern part of the state.
  • How large is Boise?
    • Boise covers an area of 82.80 square miles.
  • What is the population of Boise?
    • The city of Boise, Idaho has a population of over 220,000 people.
  • What is the Boise-Nampa metropolitan area?
    • The Boise-Nampa metropolitan area includes hundreds of thousands of additional residents and is the cultural and commercial center of the Gem State.

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1. Boise History and Elevation

Boise History and Elevation

© Christopher Boswell/stock.adobe.com

  • What is the origin of Boise’s name?
    • There are various stories regarding the origin of Boise’s name, most of them linked to the French word for 'wood', which is 'bois'.
  • What is the most popular story about Boise’s name?
    • The most popular story tells of an exploration party traveling through dry, arid terrain before arriving at the Boise River Valley. Overwhelmed by the sight of all the trees, a French-speaking member of the group triumphantly cried out “Les bois!”, leading to the name Boise.
  • When was Boise founded?
    • The city of Boise was founded in 1863 and incorporated a year later in 1864.
  • How did Boise grow over the years?
    • The city of Boise, Idaho expanded throughout the 20th century, attracting new businesses and residents.
  • What attractions were developed in Boise over time?
    • Over the years, Boise saw the construction of museums, galleries, hotels, theaters, and even a zoo, adding to the city’s attractions and appeal.
  • What major university is located in Boise?
    • Boise State University was built just south of Downtown Boise and is one of the top educational institutions in Idaho.

2. Elevation of Boise, Idaho

Elevation of Boise, Idaho

© Reagan/stock.adobe.com

  • What does a city’s elevation mean?
    • Elevation refers to how high a city is above mean sea level.
  • What is the elevation of Boise, Idaho?
    • The city of Boise, Idaho has an elevation of 2,730 feet (830 m), which is relatively high for an American city.
  • How does Boise’s elevation compare to other major U.S. cities?
    • Many major cities in the U.S. are in coastal areas and have low elevations. For example:
      • New York City: 33 feet (10 m)
      • Los Angeles: 285 feet (87 m)
      • Chicago: 594 feet (181 m)
      This means that most Americans live at relatively low elevations, while Boise residents are much higher above sea level than the average.
  • How does Idaho rank in mean elevation?
    • Idaho is one of the highest states in the U.S. in terms of mean elevation, ranking behind only Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, and Nevada.
  • What is the mean elevation of Idaho?
    • The state of Idaho has a mean elevation of 5,000 feet (1,520 m), which is significantly higher than Boise’s elevation of 2,730 feet (830 m).
  • What is the highest point in Idaho?
    • The highest point in Idaho is Borah Peak, a mountain in the Lost River Range, with an elevation of 12,668 feet (3,861 m).
  • What is the lowest point in Idaho?
    • The lowest point in the state is the confluence of the Clearwater River and Snake River, with an elevation of 713 feet (217 m).
  • What is the highest city in Idaho?
    • The highest city in Idaho is Island Park, located in Fremont County, with an elevation of 6,290 feet (1,917 m).
  • How does Boise’s elevation compare to other major Idaho cities?
    • Boise is not the highest or lowest major city in Idaho. Other cities include:
      • Twin Falls: 3,743 feet (1,141 m)
      • Coeur d'Alene: 2,188 feet (667 m)

3. Boise Climate, Elevation and More

Boise Climate, Elevation and More

© knowlesgallery/stock.adobe.com

  • What type of climate does Boise have?
    • The city of Idaho, Boise has a semi-arid continental climate, meaning it experiences four distinct seasons but receives lower-than-average rainfall due to its desert location.
  • What are Boise’s summers like?
    • Boise has very hot and dry summers, with temperatures often reaching close to 100°F (38°C).
  • How cold does Boise get in the winter?
    • Winters in Boise are quite cold, with average temperatures of around 301°F (-1°C) in December.
  • Why does Boise have low rainfall?
    • Due to its desert location, Boise experiences rare rainfall, and temperatures tend to drop swiftly after sunset, making nights much cooler than the daytime.
  • What role does Boise State University play in the city?
    • Boise State University is a major part of the city, with its student population helping to support bars, clubs, and restaurants.
  • What cultural attractions are in Boise?
    • Boise is a cultural hub with many live music shows, festivals, theater performances, and stage productions.
  • What museums and convention centers are in Boise?
    • Boise is home to various museums and galleries. The Boise Centre on the Grove is one of Idaho’s largest convention centers, hosting many events throughout the year.
  • What recreational activities are available in Boise?
    • Outdoor activities in and around Boise include hiking, cycling, camping, and kayaking.

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