BOISE - More people are moving to Idaho's most populous counties, according to a report Thursday from the U.S. Census Bureau.
According to the report, six urban counties - Ada, Canyon, Kootenai, Bonneville, Bannock and Twin Falls – had a combined population of 1,116,173, accounting for 75 percent of the growth in the state's population and 65 percent of overall population.
The Idaho Department of Labor noted the continued "steady shift of Idaho's population from rural to urban counties" between July 1, 2016 and July 1, 2017.
The state's total population was estimated at 1,716,943.
Adams had the highest percentage gain at five percent, the estimate showed, but less than 200 new people.
Forty-two counties showed population increases, ranging from 12,580 people in Ada County to 18 additional people for Camas County. Six counties reported growth in excess of 1,000 – Ada (12,580), Canyon (5,588), Kootenai (4,493), Bonneville (2,570), Twin Falls (1,588), and Bonner (1,217).
Population estimates show the net migration in Idaho was 26,525, or 1.5 percent of total population. Nearly 93 percent of the state's population growth was due to people moving into the state.
