Where is idaho on the map

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Idaho is located in the northwestern United States, bordered by six states and one Canadian province. It became the 43rd state on July 3, 1890, and covers approximately 83,569 square miles, making it the 14th largest state by area.

Key Facts

Idaho became the 43rd state on July 3, 1890
Idaho covers approximately 83,569 square miles (216,443 km²)
Idaho's population was about 1.9 million as of 2023
Idaho's highest point is Borah Peak at 12,662 feet (3,859 m)
Idaho's capital and largest city is Boise, with a metro population of over 750,000

Overview

Idaho is a state in the northwestern region of the United States, known for its diverse geography that includes mountains, forests, rivers, and agricultural plains. It was originally inhabited by Native American tribes including the Nez Perce, Shoshone, and Bannock peoples before European exploration began in the early 19th century. The Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through northern Idaho in 1805-1806, opening the region to further exploration and settlement.

Idaho's modern identity developed through mining booms, agricultural expansion, and natural resource development. The state's name is believed to have been coined by mining lobbyist George M. Willing, who claimed it meant "gem of the mountains" in a Native American language, though this etymology has been disputed by historians. Idaho's economy has evolved from its early mining roots to become a diverse mix of agriculture, technology, manufacturing, and tourism.

How It Works

Understanding Idaho's location involves examining its geographical coordinates, political boundaries, and regional context within the United States.

Geographical Coordinates: Idaho spans from approximately 42°N to 49°N latitude and 111°W to 117°W longitude. The state's center point is located near Custer County at 44°21'N 114°37'W. This positioning places Idaho in the Mountain Time Zone, except for the northern panhandle which observes Pacific Time.
Political Boundaries: Idaho shares borders with six U.S. states: Montana to the northeast, Wyoming to the east, Nevada and Utah to the south, Oregon to the west, and Washington to the northwest. Additionally, it shares a 45-mile (72 km) international border with the Canadian province of British Columbia to the north. The state is divided into 44 counties and contains 200 incorporated municipalities.
Regional Context: Idaho is part of the Pacific Northwest region and is often included in discussions of the Intermountain West. The state is divided into several distinct regions: the heavily forested northern panhandle, the mountainous central region containing the Sawtooth and Salmon River Mountains, the Snake River Plain that runs across southern Idaho, and the southeastern region that includes parts of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Transportation Access: Major interstate highways include I-84 running east-west across southern Idaho and I-15 running north-south in the eastern portion of the state. The state contains 16 public airports, with Boise Airport being the largest, serving over 4 million passengers annually. Amtrak's Empire Builder train service stops in Sandpoint and other northern communities.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Idaho	Neighboring Montana
Total Area	83,569 sq mi (216,443 km²)	147,040 sq mi (380,800 km²)
Population Density	22.6 people/sq mi (8.7/km²)	7.4 people/sq mi (2.9/km²)
Highest Point	Borah Peak: 12,662 ft (3,859 m)	Granite Peak: 12,807 ft (3,904 m)
Statehood Date	July 3, 1890 (43rd state)	November 8, 1889 (41st state)
Major River System	Snake River (1,078 miles in ID)	Missouri River (headwaters)

Why It Matters

Agricultural Significance: Idaho produces approximately one-third of all potatoes grown in the United States, with the state's potato industry generating over $1 billion annually. The state also leads the nation in production of trout, barley for malt, and several other agricultural commodities, contributing significantly to national food security.
Natural Resource Management: Idaho contains approximately 38 million acres of forest land, representing about 40% of the state's total area. These forests support timber industries, provide critical wildlife habitat, and offer recreational opportunities that attract millions of visitors each year, contributing to a tourism industry worth over $3 billion annually.
Water Resource Importance: The Snake River Aquifer, one of the largest groundwater systems in the United States, underlies approximately 10,000 square miles of southern Idaho. This aquifer provides irrigation for over 3 million acres of farmland and drinking water for numerous communities, making water management a critical issue for the state's future.

Looking forward, Idaho faces both challenges and opportunities related to its geographical position. The state's population has grown by approximately 15% since 2010, creating pressure on infrastructure and natural resources while also bringing economic diversification. Climate change impacts, particularly on water resources and wildfire frequency, will require adaptive management strategies. Idaho's location at the intersection of several ecological regions and its role as a transportation corridor between the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West ensure its continued importance in regional and national contexts. The state's ability to balance growth with environmental stewardship will determine its trajectory in the coming decades.