View source for Nampa, Idaho

{{Use American English|date=June 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2017}}
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name            = Nampa
|settlement_type          = [[List of municipalities in Idaho|City]]
|nickname                 = The Heart of the Treasure Valley
|motto                    = What a Place to Live
|image_skyline            = Nampa Department Store (Nampa, Idaho).jpg
|imagesize                = 275px
|image_caption            = The former Nampa Department Store in Downtown Nampa
|image_map                = Canyon County Idaho Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Nampa Highlighted 1656260.svg
|mapsize                  = 250px
|map_caption              = Location of Nampa in Canyon County, Idaho
<!-- Location -->
|subdivision_type         = Country
|subdivision_name         = United States
|subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1        = [[Idaho]]
|subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Idaho|County]]
|subdivision_name2        = [[Canyon County, Idaho|Canyon]]
<!-- Government -->
|government_footnotes     = 
|government_type          = 
|leader_title             = Mayor
|leader_name              = 
|established_title        = Founded
|established_date         = September 8, 1886
|established_title1       = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
|established_date1        = April 17, 1891
<!-- Area -->
|unit_pref                = Imperial
|area_footnotes           = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_16.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=July 24, 2022}}</ref>
|area_total_km2           = 90.06
|area_land_km2            = 86.72
|area_water_km2           = 0.39
|area_total_sq_mi         = 34.77
|area_land_sq_mi          = 33.48
|area_water_sq_mi         = 0.15
<!-- Population ----->
|population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_footnotes     = <ref name="2020 Census (City)"/>
|population_total         = 100200
|pop_est_as_of            = 2022
|population_est           = 110951
|pop_est_footnotes        = <ref name="USCensusEst2022"/>
|population_density_km2   = 1155.5
|population_density_sq_mi = 2992.7
|population_rank          = US: [[List of United States cities by population|279th]]<br>ID: [[List of cities in Idaho|3rd]]
|population_urban         = 177561 (US: [[List of United States urban areas|203rd]])
|population_metro         = 811336 (US: [[Metropolitan statistical area|75th]])
|population_blank1_title  = [[Combined Statistical Area|Combined]]
|population_blank1        = 899574 (US: [[Combined statistical area|67th]])
<!-- General information ---->
|timezone                 = [[Mountain Time Zone|Mountain (MST)]]
|utc_offset               = –7
|timezone_DST             = MDT
|utc_offset_DST           = –6
|population_demonym       = Nampon
|elevation_footnotes      = <ref name=gnis/>
|elevation_ft             = 2474
|coordinates              = {{coord|43|36|05|N|116|31|40|W|region:US-ID_type:city|display=inline,title}}
<!-- Area/postal codes and others ---->
|postal_code_type         = [[ZIP Code]]s
|postal_code              = 83651, 83653, 83686, 83687
|area_codes                = [[Area codes 208 and 986|208 and 986]]
|blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info               = 16-56260
|blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info              = 2411208<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2411208}}</ref>
|website                  = {{URL|https://www.cityofnampa.us}}
|footnotes                = 
}}
'''Nampa''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=EN-US-Nampa.ogg|ˈ|n|æ|m|p|ə}}) is the most populous city in [[Canyon County, Idaho]], United States. The population was 100,200 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]].<ref name="2020 Census (City)">{{cite web|title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/profile/Nampa_city,_Idaho?g=160XX00US1656260 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=January 16, 2024}}</ref> It is Idaho's [[List of cities in Idaho|third-most populous city]]. Nampa is about {{convert|20|mi|km}} west of [[Boise, Idaho|Boise]] along [[Interstate 84 in Idaho|Interstate 84]], and {{convert|6|mi}} west of [[Meridian, Idaho|Meridian]]. It is the second principal city of the [[Boise metropolitan area]]. The name "Nampa" may have come from a [[Shoshoni language|Shoshoni]] word meaning {{gloss|moccasin}} or {{gloss|footprint}}.<ref name="origin">[https://history.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/0039.pdf The Origin of the Name Nampa], [[Idaho State Historical Society]], May 1965</ref> According to toponymist [[William O. Bright]], the name comes from the Shoshoni word /nampai/, meaning "foot".<ref>{{cite book|last=Bright |first=William |title=Native American Placenames of the United States |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5XfxzCm1qa4C&pg=PA311 |accessdate=February 22, 2023 |year=2004 |publisher=University of Oklahoma Press |page=311 |isbn=9780806135984}}</ref> The city has a prominent student population, home to the [[College of Western Idaho]] and [[Northwest Nazarene University]].

==History==
Nampa had its beginnings in the early 1880s when the [[Oregon Short Line Railroad]] built a line from [[Granger, Wyoming]], to [[Huntington, Oregon]], that passed through Nampa. In Nampa there is a history museum that marks the railroad's significance.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ci.nampa.id.us/pages/history.php |title=City of Nampa |access-date=May 16, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525182026/http://www.ci.nampa.id.us/pages/history.php |archive-date=May 25, 2009 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> More railroad lines sprang up through Nampa, making it an important [[railway town|railroad town]]. Alexander and Hannah Duffes established one of the town's first homesteads, eventually forming the Nampa Land and Improvement Company with the help of their friend and co-founder, James McGee. Despite the name, many early settlers called the town "New Jerusalem" because of its citizens' strong religious focus. After only a year the town grew from 15 homes to 50. As amenities were added, Nampa continued to grow, and it was incorporated in 1891.

Downtown Nampa's street grid is oriented with the railroad tracks, which run northwest–southeast; {{citation needed span|date=February 2025|text=this was done intentionally by Alexander Duffes to prevent accidents like one that occurred earlier in a town he had [[plat]]ted near [[Toronto]], where a woman and her two children were killed by a train when their buggy wheel got stuck as they crossed the tracks.}} As the Oregon Short Line railroad originally bypassed [[Boise, Idaho|Boise]], Nampa has the fanciest of many [[railroad]] [[train station|depots]] built in the area.

Nampa gained attention in 1889 due to a purported archaeological discovery known as the [[Nampa figurine]]. [[George Frederick Wright]] wrote up details that year for the [[Boston Society of Natural History]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Wright |first=George Frederick |url=https://archive.org/details/nampimagecorresp00wrigrich/ |title=The Nampa image: correspondence relating to its discovery, with explanatory comments, etc. |date=1890 |publisher=Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural History |others= |volume=XXIV |location=Boston |publication-date=1889}}</ref>

The first [[primary education|elementary school]] was built in the 1890s. Lakeview School was on a hill on 6th Street and 12th Avenue North, with a view of Lake Ethel. Just after the school's centennial celebration, it was condemned as a school and sold to the [[Mennonite|First Mennonite Church]]. In 2008 the building was refurbished, and it is now used by the Idaho Arts Charter School.

Lake Ethel, an irrigation reservoir, had long been the site of community picnics, and many citizens fished, swam, boated, and even hunted on it and its surrounding property. But the hunting didn't last long, as O. F. Persons, owner of the adjoining homestead, took offense when local hunters started shooting his pet ducks.<ref>Muhr, Eric. "Lakeview Park replaces Lake Ethel." ''The Idaho Press-Tribune''. ''Cavalcade'' February 2005.</ref>

The city later auctioned off the lake. E. H. Dewey (a former Nampa mayor) was the only bidder. But occasional flooding led to a series of lawsuits from neighbors. Dewey eventually drained Lake Ethel. Not long after, the city council became interested in buying back the Fritz Miller property as well as the Dewey home. Pressure had been building for more than four years. Nampa citizens wanted another park. On August 7, 1924, the city council passed an ordinance to purchase the Miller property and name it Lakeview Park. A bandstand was completed in 1928, and the municipal swimming pool opened on August 13, 1934. It is Nampa's largest park and many community celebrations are held there.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nampaparksandrecreation.org/parksdepartment/park.aspx?parkId=3|title=Lakeview Park|website=Nampaparksandrecreation.org|access-date=August 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100519183050/http://www.nampaparksandrecreation.org/parksdepartment/park.aspx?parkId=3|archive-date=May 19, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Colonel William H. Dewey, a man who made a fortune mining in [[Silver City, Idaho|Silver City]], built the Dewey Palace Hotel in 1902 for $250,000. He died in his hotel in 1903, leaving his son $1 million.{{citation needed|date=December 2024}} The hotel survived the great fire of 1909, which burned several blocks of downtown Nampa, but was razed in 1963 after redevelopment plans failed. Relics from the hotel such as the chandelier and the hotel safe can be found at the Canyon County Historical Museum, which is in the old train depot on Front Street and Nampa City Hall.{{citation needed|date=December 2024}} After demolition the location on First Street between 11th and 12th Ave. South was sold to private enterprise, including a bank and tire store, replacing this building with modern structures. A public-use postage stamp sized park was later placed across the street from the old palace property as a collaboration between the Downtown Alliance of Nampa (the local business council) and an Eagle Scout Project for the Boy Scouts of America. The park includes a large mural/wall sculpture of running horses commissioned for the project.

A [[Carnegie library]] was built downtown in 1908; it burned down after the library moved in 1966. [[Nampa Public Library]] was then on the corner of 1st Street and 11th Avenue South in the old bank building. A new library, on 12th Avenue South, opened in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Library History |url=https://nampalibrary.org/library-history/ |access-date=2025-03-25 |website=nampalibrary.org}}</ref>

Deer Flat Reservoir, an offstream irrigation storage reservoir, was constructed by the [[United States Bureau of Reclamation]] between 1906 and 1911. Known locally as [[Lake Lowell]], it is surrounded by the [[Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge]], established in 1909 by President [[Theodore Roosevelt]]. The refuge is administered by the [[U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service]]. Lake Lowell is filled by the concrete New York Canal; the water is diverted from the [[Boise River]] a few miles below [[Lucky Peak Dam]].{{citation needed|date=December 2024}}

In 1910, the Idaho State School and Hospital was built northwest of Nampa for the state's [[Developmental disability|developmentally challenged]] population. It opened in 1918. The institution was largely self-sufficient, with a large farm staffed by the residents. The higher-functioning residents also cared for residents who could not care for themselves. The land for the farm was sold and is now golf courses (Centennial and Ridgecrest), and the residents no longer give primary care to other residents. The institution is modernized and remains in operation, though a few of the oldest buildings now house juvenile offenders.{{citation needed|date=December 2024}}

Nampa held an annual [[harvest festival]] and [[farmers' market]] from about 1908, a time of celebration and community fun. From this festival emerged the [[Snake River Stampede Rodeo]] in 1937, which continues to this day. It is one of the top 12 [[rodeo]]s in the pro rodeo circuits.

In 1913, a local congregation of the [[Church of the Nazarene]] built a small elementary school, which became to Northwest Nazarene College in 1915 and finally [[Northwest Nazarene University]]. As of 2025, the university has approximately 1,800 undergraduate and graduate students.<ref>{{Cite web |title=At a Glance |url=https://nnu.edu/about/at-a-glance/ |access-date=2025-03-25 |website=Northwest Nazarene University |language=en-US}}</ref>

[[Karcher Mall]] opened in 1965, the first enclosed shopping mall in the [[Treasure Valley]]. It was "the place to gather" for several decades until the [[Boise towne square|Boise Towne Square]] mall was built in Boise in 1988, drawing business away. Karcher Mall was renamed District 208 in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-02 |title=Karcher Mall changes: More than 250 apartments, new retail and storage coming to Nampa |url=https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/growing-idaho/karcher-mall-changes-more-than-250-apartments-new-retail-and-storage-coming-to-nampa-district-208-idaho/277-2b51b74e-86b4-473b-b484-f9a8574230d1 |access-date=2025-03-25 |website=ktvb.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

[[The Idaho Press-Tribune]] is the local newspaper for the [[Canyon County]] area. Since early 2009, the facility has been the contract printer for [[The Idaho Statesman]], whose antiquated press equipment was retired and not replaced.

{{Panorama|image=File:Nampa,_Idaho_panorama_1907_pan6a03730u.jpg|width= 1000|height= 150|caption={{center|Nampa in 1907}}}}

==Geography==

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has an area of {{convert|31.34|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which, {{convert|31.19|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|0.15|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=December 18, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112090031/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt|archive-date=January 12, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

{{Weather box
|location = Nampa, Idaho
|single line = Y
|Jan record high F =  60
|Feb record high F =  70
|Mar record high F =  81
|Apr record high F =  93
|May record high F = 100
|Jun record high F = 103
|Jul record high F = 109
|Aug record high F = 107
|Sep record high F = 101
|Oct record high F =  94
|Nov record high F =  74
|Dec record high F =  65
|year record high F =109
|Jan high F = 37
|Feb high F = 45
|Mar high F = 55
|Apr high F = 64
|May high F = 73
|Jun high F = 82
|Jul high F = 91
|Aug high F = 89
|Sep high F = 79
|Oct high F = 66
|Nov high F = 49
|Dec high F = 39
|year high F =
|Jan low F = 21
|Feb low F = 26
|Mar low F = 31
|Apr low F = 36
|May low F = 44
|Jun low F = 51
|Jul low F = 56
|Aug low F = 54
|Sep low F = 45
|Oct low F = 36
|Nov low F = 28
|Dec low F = 21
|year low F =
|Jan record low F = −20
|Feb record low F = −21
|Mar record low F =  13
|Apr record low F =  20
|May record low F =  26
|Jun record low F =  33
|Jul record low F =  38
|Aug record low F =  36
|Sep record low F =  28
|Oct record low F =  15
|Nov record low F =  −3
|Dec record low F = −26
|year record low F= −26
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation inch = 1.37
|Feb precipitation inch = 1.14
|Mar precipitation inch = 1.35
|Apr precipitation inch = 1.12
|May precipitation inch = 1.22
|Jun precipitation inch = 0.63
|Jul precipitation inch = 0.32
|Aug precipitation inch = 0.24
|Sep precipitation inch = 0.58
|Oct precipitation inch = 0.72
|Nov precipitation inch = 1.28
|Dec precipitation inch = 1.40
|year precipitation inch = 11.37
|source 1 = <ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USID0178 |title=Average Weather for Nampa, ID - Temperature and Precipitation |publisher=Weather.com |access-date=May 13, 2010}}</ref>
|date=August 2010
}}

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1890= 347
|1900= 799
|1910= 4205
|1920= 7621
|1930= 8206
|1940= 12149
|1950= 16185
|1960= 18013
|1970= 20768
|1980= 25112
|1990= 28365
|2000= 51867
|2010= 81557
|2020= 100200
|estyear=2023
|estimate=114268
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2022">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html |date=January 16, 2024|title=City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2022|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=January 16, 2024}}</ref>
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|author=United States Census Bureau|author-link=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=June 4, 2015}}</ref><br>2020 Census<ref name="2020 Census (City)"/>
}}

[[File:Race and ethnicity 2020 Nampa, ID.png|thumb|Map of racial distribution in Nampa, 2020 U.S. census. Each dot is one person: {{legend inline|outline=white|white|text=⬤|textcolor=rgb(115, 178, 255)|White}} {{legend inline|outline=white|white|text=⬤|textcolor=rgb(159, 212, 0)|Black}} {{legend inline|outline=white|white|text=⬤|textcolor=rgb(255, 0, 0)|Asian}} {{legend inline|outline=white|white|text=⬤|textcolor=rgb(255, 170, 0)|Hispanic}} {{legend inline|outline=white|white|text=⬤|textcolor=rgb(140, 81, 181)|Multiracial}} {{legend inline|outline=white|white|text=⬤|textcolor=rgb(153, 102, 51)|Native American/Other}}]]

===2020 census===
As of the [[2020 United States census|census of 2020]],<ref name="QF">{{cite web|title=QuickFacts: Nampa city, Idaho |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/nampacityidaho |website=United States Census Bureau |publisher=United States Census Bureau |date=July 6, 2021 |access-date=June 9, 2022}}</ref><ref name="2020 Census (City)"/> there were 100,200 people. The [[population density]] was 2,992.7 inhabitants per square mile. The [[Race and ethnicity in the United States census|racial makeup]] of the city was 81.2% White, 0.6% Black or African American alone, 1.0% American Indian or Alaskan Native alone, 0.9% Asian alone, 0.4% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone, 5.6% two or more races, 24.8% Hispanic or Latino. 69.6% of people identified as White alone, not Hispanic or Latino. The median age was 33 years old.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Demographics {{!}} Nampa, ID - Official Website |url=https://www.cityofnampa.us/840/Demographics |access-date=June 29, 2022 |website=www.cityofnampa.us}}</ref> 6.6% of residents were under 5 years of age, 25.8% were under 18 years, 14.6% were over 65 years, and 49.8% were female.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+'''Nampa, Idaho – Racial and ethnic composition'''<br><small>{{nobold|''Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.''}}</small>
!Race / Ethnicity <small>(''NH = Non-Hispanic'')</small>
!Pop 2000<ref name=2000CensusP004>{{Cite web|title=P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Nampa city, Idaho|url=https://data.census.gov/table?g=160XX00US1656260&tid=DECENNIALSF12000.P004|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=}}</ref>
!Pop 2010<ref name=2010CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Nampa city, Idaho|url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US1656260&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=}}</ref>
!{{partial|Pop 2020}}<ref name=2020CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Nampa city, Idaho |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US1656260&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=}}</ref>
!% 2000
!% 2010
!{{partial|% 2020}}
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino whites|White]] alone (NH)
|40,555
|59,291
|style='background: #ffffe6; |67,229
|78.19%
|72.70%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |67.09%
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans|Black or African American]] alone (NH)
|173
|500
|style='background: #ffffe6; |810
|0.33%
|0.61%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.81%
|-
|[[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]] alone (NH)
|365
|552
|style='background: #ffffe6; |506
|0.70%
|0.68%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.50%
|-
|[[Asian Americans|Asian]] alone (NH)
|455
|671
|style='background: #ffffe6; |1,031
|0.88%
|0.82%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |1.03%
|-
|[[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]] alone (NH)
|89
|270
|style='background: #ffffe6; |426
|0.17%
|0.33%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.43%
|-
|[[Race and ethnicity in the United States census|Other race]] alone (NH)
|62
|114
|style='background: #ffffe6; |475
|0.12%
|0.14%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.47%
|-
|[[Multiracial Americans|Mixed race or Multiracial]] (NH)
|886
|1,506
|style='background: #ffffe6; |4,394
|1.71%
|1.85%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |4.39%
|-
|[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] (any race)
|9,282
|18,653
|style='background: #ffffe6; |25,329
|17.90%
|22.87%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |25.28%
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''51,867'''
|'''81,557'''
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''100,200'''
|'''100.00%'''
|'''100.00%'''
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''100.00%'''
|}

====Households====
There were 34,164 [[household]]s, with 2.78 persons per households in the city. The owner-occupies housing rate was 66.3% and the median value of an owner-occupied unit was $191,800. 78.4% lived in the same household as of a year ago. In 17.6% of households, language other than English was spoken at home.

====Educational attainment====
87.2% of people were high school graduates (diploma or equivalent), 4.9% of people had less than a 9th grade education and 7.9% had a 9th-12th grade education with no diploma. 19.9% had a bachelor's degree, and 5.9% had a graduate or professional degree.

The percentage of people who graduated high school (diploma or equivalent) by racial makeup: 91% White, 94.9% Black, 75.2% American Indian or Alaska Native, 75.6% Asian, 88.1% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 91.3% Two or more races, and 66.7% Hispanic or Latino Origin.

21.2% of people with less than a high school diploma (or equivalent) lived in poverty. 12.6% of high school graduates lived in poverty, and 4.0% of bachelor's degree holders lived in poverty.

====Income, employment, business, and health====
Household 12-month income was $53,205 and per capita income was $22,422. 63.5% of residents were in the workforce (age 16 and above). 57.0% of the female population were in the civilian workforce (age 16 and above). 13.9% of residents lived in poverty. The mean travel time to work (commute) was 23.4 minutes. As of 2017, there were 1,833 businesses with 939 being owned by men and 212 owned by women.

11.4% of people had a disability and 13.8% of people under the age of 65 did not have health insurance.

===2010 census===
As of the [[2010 United States census|census of 2010]], there were 81,557 people, 27,729 households, and 20,016 families living in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|2614.8|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 30,507 housing units at an average density of {{convert|978.1|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 82.9% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.7% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 1.2% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.9% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.4% [[Race (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 10.7% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 3.2% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 22.9% of the population.

There were 27,729 households, of which 44.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.7% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 13.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 27.8% were non-families. 22.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.88 and the average family size was 3.36.

The median age in the city was 30.1 years. 32.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 28.6% were from 25 to 44; 18.8% were from 45 to 64; and 10.3% were 65 years of age or older. The city's gender makeup was 49.0% male and 51.0% female.

===2000 census===
As of the [[2000 United States census|census of 2000]], there were 51,867 people, 18,090 households, and 13,024 families living in the city. The population density was {{convert|2,612.3|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 19,379 housing units at an average density of {{convert|976.0|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The city's racial makeup was 83.45% White, 0.40% African American, 0.94% Native American, 0.93% Asian, 0.18% Pacific Islander, 11.25% from other races, and 2.86% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 17.90% of the population.

There were 18,090 households, of which 40.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.6% were married couples living together, 11.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.0% were non-families. 22.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.77 and the average family size was 3.25.

The city's population was spread out, with 31.0% under the age of 18, 12.5% from 18 to 24, 30.3% from 25 to 44, 15.0% from 45 to 64, and 11.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 28 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.0 males.

The city's median household income was $34,758, and the median family income was $39,434. Males had a median income of $28,580 versus $22,022 for females. The city's [[per capita income]] was $14,491. About 8.7% of families and 12.4% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 13.7% of those under age 18 and 9.9% of those age 65 or over.

==Arts and culture==

===Ford Idaho Center===
The [[Ford Idaho Center]] is a city-owned complex of entertainment venues managed by Spectra Venue Management. Venues include a 10,500-capacity amphitheater built in 1998 that features a 60-by-40-foot stage; a 12,279-seat arena featuring {{convert|31200|sqft|m2}} of arena floor space; the Idaho Horse Park, used for horse shows; and the Sports Center, used for indoor horse shows in the summer, and track and field events, including the home meets of the [[Boise State University]] Broncos track teams, in the winter. The Idaho Center hosts the [[Snake River Stampede Rodeo]], Monster Jam, music concerts, trade shows, sporting events, and other events.

===Brandt Center===
Northwest Nazarene University's Brandt Center has a 1,500-seat auditorium, two art galleries, multiple meeting spaces, and a 9,000 square-foot lobby.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brandt Center - Northwest Nazarene University |url=https://www.nnu.edu/office/brandt-center |access-date=June 22, 2022 |website=www.nnu.edu}}</ref> Art, music, dance, theater, speakers, and other events are hosted here.

===Civic Center===
The Nampa Civic Center hosts theater, music, films, and other events. It includes the 640-seat John Brandt Performing Arts Theater.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nampa Civic Center – Arts Culture Community {{!}} Conferences, Weddings, Banquets, Events |url=https://nampaciviccenter.com/ |access-date=June 22, 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Hispanic Cultural Center of Idaho===
The Hispanic Cultural Center of Idaho (HCCI) opened in 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |title=THE CENTER |url=https://www.hispanicculturalcenter.org/the-center |access-date=June 22, 2022 |website=HCCI |language=en}}</ref> It hosts events, classes, and festivals, including [[Day of the Dead|Día de los Muertos]], Hispanic Heritage Month, and Día Internacional de la Mujer. It serves as a meeting place for associations and groups. Displays of cultural history are available to the public.

===Nampa Train Depot Museum===
The Nampa Train Depot Museum is a historical depot with displays and archives of the area's railroad and cultural history. The Canyon County Historical Society saved the depot from demolition in 1972.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Museum |url=https://canyoncountyhistory.com/ |access-date=June 22, 2022 |website=Canyon County Historical Society |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Annual Festival of the Arts===
This festival is held in Lakeview Park every year and includes art, music, dance, and food. It celebrated its 34th event in 2021.

===Warhawk Air Museum===
The Warhawk Air Museum was established in 1986 and relocated to Nampa in 2001.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Inc |first=DesignWorks Creative |title=About the Museum {{!}} Warhawk Air Museum {{!}} Nampa, ID |url=https://warhawkairmuseum.org/about-the-warhawk-air-museum/ |access-date=June 22, 2022 |website=Warhawk Air Museum |language=en-US}}</ref> The museum displays aircraft and veterans' history. The collection includes a P-51C Mustang, P-40N Warhawk, F-86F Sabre Jet, N3N, Fokker DR-1, UH-1C Huey, L-19 Bird Dog, MiG-17, MiG-21, F-104 Starfighter, and a F9F Panther Jet.

==Parks and recreation==
Nampa has 27 parks and 14 miles of pedestrian pathways.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Parks & Facilities {{!}} Nampa Parks and Rec, ID |url=https://www.nampaparksandrecreation.org/101/Parks-Facilities |access-date=June 23, 2022 |website=www.nampaparksandrecreation.org}}</ref>

Lakeview Park is the largest (44 acres) and includes a public swimming pool, 1,000-seat amphitheater, baseball/softball fields, BMX track, rose garden, basketball courts, playground, duck pond, sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and water wise garden. Historic displays at the park include a Northrop F-89B Scorpion fighter jet, M-60 Tank, and a Union Pacific Engine No. 616, a [[2-8-0|class 2-8-0 locomotive]].

The Nampa Recreation Center, a {{convert|140000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} facility with a six-pool aquatic center, three gymnasiums, racquetball courts, indoor walking/running track, a weight room and exercise equipment, a climbing wall, and other activity areas, opened in 1994. The Nampa Recreation Center was later renamed the Harward Recreation Center.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nampaparksandrecreation.org/RecCenter/history.aspx|title=History|website=Nampaparksandrecreation.org|access-date=August 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100425031844/http://www.nampaparksandrecreation.org/RecCenter/history.aspx|archive-date=April 25, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The City of Nampa owns and operates the Centennial Golf Course<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nampaparksandrecreation.org/RecDepartment/golfcentennial.aspx|title=Centennial Golf Course|website=Nampaparksandrecreation.org|access-date=August 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100201003226/http://www.nampaparksandrecreation.org/RecDepartment/golfcentennial.aspx|archive-date=February 1, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> (18 holes) and Ridgecrest Golf Club<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nampaparksandrecreation.org/RecDepartment/golfridgecrest.aspx|title=Ridgecrest Golf Club|website=Nampaparksandrecreation.org|access-date=August 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100201003144/http://www.nampaparksandrecreation.org/RecDepartment/golfridgecrest.aspx|archive-date=February 1, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> (27 holes). The city also owns and operates the Kohlerlawn-Cemetery.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kohlerlawn Cemetery {{!}} Nampa Parks and Rec, ID |url=https://www.nampaparksandrecreation.org/156/Kohlerlawn-Cemetery |access-date=June 23, 2022 |website=www.nampaparksandrecreation.org}}</ref>

Wilson Springs is a 55-acre nature area that includes trails and fishing ponds serviced by Idaho Fish and Game and Canyon County Parks.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Wilson Springs |url=https://www.canyonco.org/project/wilson-springs/ |access-date=June 22, 2022 |website=Canyon County}}</ref>

==Government==
{{see also|List of mayors of Nampa, Idaho}}
On January 2, 2018, and again on January 3, 2022, Debbie Kling<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cityofnampa.us/mayor|title=Office of the Mayor {{!}} Nampa, ID - Official Website|website=www.cityofnampa.us|language=en|access-date=October 2, 2018}}</ref> was sworn in as Nampa's second female mayor. Nampa City Council members are Victor Rodriguez (District 1, elected 2017 and reelected 2021), Natalie Jangula (District 2, elected 2023), David Bills (District 3, appointed to fill vacancy 2024), Darl Reynolds (District 4, elected 2023 and appointed 2022), Randy Haverfield (District 5, reelected 2017 and 2021) and Sebastian Griffin (District 6, elected 2023).

The Nampa City Council increased from four to six members after voters approved the increase in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idahopress.com/members/four-new-nampa-city-council-members-will-join-white-kren/article_61425ea8-46c0-11e3-b27c-0019bb2963f4.html|title=Four new Nampa City Council members will join White, Kren|website=Idahopress.com|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref> Following a legislative change in 2020, any city with a population of 100,000 or more must elect council members by district. Citizens can search for their district and learn more about this process at https://www.cityofnampa.us/1449/Districting-Committee.

==Education==

===K-12===
The [[Nampa School District]], which covers the majority of the city,<ref name=CanyonCoSDMap2020>{{cite map|author=Geography Division|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st16_id/schooldistrict_maps/c16027_canyon/DC20SD_C16027.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722032317/https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st16_id/schooldistrict_maps/c16027_canyon/DC20SD_C16027.pdf|date=December 23, 2020|archive-date=July 22, 2022 |url-status=live|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Canyon County, ID|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=March 13, 2023}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st16_id/schooldistrict_maps/c16027_canyon/DC20SD_C16027_SD2MS.txt Text list]</ref> includes 18 elementary schools, five middle schools, and four high schools, and one alternative high school that serves students who struggle in traditional high schools.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Primary & Secondary Schools {{!}} Nampa, ID - Official Website |url=https://id-nampa2.civicplus.com/873/Primary-Secondary-Schools |access-date=June 23, 2022 |website=id-nampa2.civicplus.com}}</ref> The high schools include [[Nampa High School]] (the original and oldest), [[Skyview High School (Idaho)|Skyview High School]], [[Columbia High School (Idaho)|Columbia High School]], and Union High School.

[[Vallivue School District]] is partly in Nampa and partly in [[Caldwell, Idaho|Caldwell]].<ref name=CanyonCoSDMap2020/> It has seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools (one in Nampa).

A few blocks of Nampa are in [[West Ada School District]] (Meridian Joint School District 2).<ref name=CanyonCoSDMap2020/>

===Post-secondary===
[[College of Western Idaho]] (CWI) is a public, 2-year [[community college]] offering associate degrees and Technical Certificates. It was established in 2007. The college is accredited by the [[Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities]] (NWCCU) and serves approximately 10,000 students.

[[Northwest Nazarene University]] (NNU) is a [[Private university|private]] [[Christianity|Christian]] university located in Nampa. It was originally established in 1913 as a grade school and Bible school and became a four-year degree institution in 1937. It is accredited by the [[Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities]] and serves about 2,000 students.

==Infrastructure==
===Transportation===
Major thoroughfares include [[Interstate 84 in Idaho|Interstate 84]], which has four exits into Nampa, [[Idaho State Highway 55|State Highway 55]], and [[Idaho State Highway 45|State Highway 45]]. Principal roads include the Nampa-Caldwell Boulevard (which connects Nampa with Caldwell), 12th Avenue Road, 16th Avenue, and Garrity Boulevard. The [[Union Pacific]] Northwest Corridor railroad line, connecting Salt Lake City and points east with the Pacific Northwest, runs through Nampa. [[Public transport|Public bus transport]]ation includes several bus lines operated by [[Valley Regional Transit|ValleyRide]]. Private bus transportation includes a single Greyhound bus stop. The [[Nampa Municipal Airport]] is used for general aviation.

==Notable people==
<!-- Please keep the list alphabetized, and please only list NOTABLE people -->
* [[George L. Bartlett]], U.S. Marine Corps Brigadier general and veteran of three wars
* [[Ronee Blakley]], actress, singer-songwriter, known for her role in ''[[Nashville (film)|Nashville]]''<ref>{{Cite news |last=Klemesrud |first=Judy |date=1975-06-22 |title=Who Is Ronee Blakley and How Did She Get to 'Nashville'? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/06/22/archives/who-is-ronee-blakley-and-how-did-she-get-to-nashville.html |access-date=2025-06-27 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
* [[Bud Clark]], mayor of [[Portland, Oregon]]<ref>{{cite news|last=Lane|first=Dee|url=https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2022/02/portlands-former-citizen-mayor-bud-clark-dead-at-90.html|title=Bud Clark, Portland's former 'citizen mayor', dies at 90|work=[[The Oregonian]]|date=February 1, 2022|accessdate=June 27, 2025|archive-date=January 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102180521/https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2022/02/portlands-former-citizen-mayor-bud-clark-dead-at-90.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Dolores Crow]] (1931–2018), politician and legislator lived in Nampa and represented its district<ref>{{Cite news |title=Former longtime Rep. Dolores Crow dies at 86 |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2018/feb/14/former-longtime-rep-dolores-crow-dies-86/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250627233306/https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2018/feb/14/former-longtime-rep-dolores-crow-dies-86/ |archive-date=2025-06-27 |access-date=2025-06-28 |work=Spokesman.com |language=en}}</ref>
* Adam Drucker (born 1977), rapper better known by his stage name [[Doseone]], born in Nampa<ref>{{Cite news |title=Dose One {{!}} Discover music on NTS |url=https://www.nts.live/artists/147876-dose-one |access-date=January 10, 2025}}</ref>
* [[Henry Hajimu Fujii]], farmer, [[Japanese-American]] spokesman, [[lapidary]]
* [[Davey Hamilton]], race car driver, competed in [[Indianapolis 500]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-06-07 |title=After near career ending crash Hamilton ready for return to Texas |url=https://www.ktvb.com/article/sports/after-near-career-ending-crash-hamilton-ready-for-return-to-texas/277-364170122 |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=ktvb.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[Larry Jackson (baseball)|Larry Jackson]], Major League Baseball pitcher (1955–68)
* [[Mark Lindsay]], lead vocalist of rock band [[Paul Revere and the Raiders]]
* [[Zack Lively]], actor
* [[Sean McMeekin]], historian
* [[Rob Morris (American football)|Rob Morris]], former NFL linebacker for [[Indianapolis Colts]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=1999-04-01 |title=Y. fans can toot their horns for Morris All aboard! 'Freight Train' has a bandwagon |url=https://www.deseret.com/1999/4/1/19437571/y-fans-can-toot-their-horns-for-morris-br-all-aboard-freight-train-has-a-bandwagon/ |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=Deseret News |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Don Mossi]], Major League Baseball pitcher for several teams<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ford |first=Ryan |date=July 25, 2019 |title=Ex-Detroit Tigers pitcher Don Mossi dies at 90 |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2019/07/24/ex-detroit-tiger-don-mossi-ugliest-player-dead-90/1822996001/ |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=Detroit Free Press}}</ref>
* [[Gracie Pfost]], former U.S. representative; first woman to represent Idaho in Congress<ref>{{Cite web |last=staff |first=By IDAHO PRESS STAFF |date=2018-08-07 |title=Book excerpt part II: 'Hells Heroes — Game changers' |url=https://www.idahopress.com/outdoors/book-excerpt-part-ii-hells-heroes-game-changers/article_e66361ab-9ecf-5aac-a3de-49b6c008d179.html |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=Idaho Press |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Jake Pitts]], musician. guitar player, [[Black Veil Brides]]
* [[Steve Symms]], former U.S. senator<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stevenson |first=Ian Max |date=August 13, 2024 |title=First a fruit farmer, then Congress. Former Idaho Republican senator dies at 86 |url=https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article290929109.html}}</ref>
* [[Ted Trueblood]], outdoor writer, Idaho conservation leader, editor of ''Field & Stream'' magazine<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tribune |first=Eric Barker Lewiston |date=2019-11-21 |title=An Idaho-style Ted talk John Trueblood remembers hunting and fishing with his famous grandpa |url=https://cdapress.com/news/2019/nov/21/an-idaho-style-ted-talk-john-trueblood-5/ |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=Coeur d'Alene Press |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Edwin P. Wilson]] (1928–2012), CIA agent convicted of arms trading<ref>{{Cite news |last=Langer |first=Emily |last2=Weil |first2=Martin |date=2012-09-24 |title=Edwin P. Wilson dies; former CIA operative and arms dealer was 84 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/edwin-p-wilson-dies-former-cia-operative-and-arms-dealer-was-84/2012/09/23/4c26e8fc-0519-11e2-8102-ebee9c66e190_story.html |access-date=2025-06-29 |work=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref>
* [[Julie Yamamoto]], educator and member of the [[Idaho House of Representatives]]

==See also==
* [[Amalgamated Sugar Company]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{wikivoyage|Nampa}}

* [https://www.cityofnampa.us/ City of Nampa – Official Website]
* [http://www.nampa.com/ Nampa Chamber of Commerce]
{{Nampa, Idaho}}
{{Canyon County, Idaho}}
{{Idaho}}
{{authority control}}

[[Category:Nampa, Idaho| ]]
[[Category:Cities in Idaho]]
[[Category:Cities in Canyon County, Idaho]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1886]]
[[Category:Boise metropolitan area]]
[[Category:Idaho placenames of Native American origin]]