Caldwell
cityCaldwell, Idaho, is located in Canyon County and serves as its county seat. Part of the Boise metropolitan area, Caldwell offers a blend of small-town charm and urban amenities. The city is experiencing rapid growth and is currently the 5th most populous city in Idaho. As of 2024, the estimated population is around 66,516. Caldwell's economy is diverse, with strong roots in agriculture and expanding sectors in manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. The city is home to the College of Idaho, a well-known liberal arts college, which contributes to the local economy and provides cultural and intellectual resources. Caldwell Economic Development supports business growth and job creation in the community. Founded in 1883 as a railroad town, Caldwell retains its historical charm while embracing modern development. The Indian Creek Plaza in downtown Caldwell hosts year-round events and activities, contributing to the city's vibrant community life. The city's location in the Treasure Valley provides access to outdoor recreation, including Lake Lowell and the Snake River Valley's wineries.
Caldwell, Idaho
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 16-12250
- Country
- United States
- County
- Canyon County
- Region
- Treasure Valley
- Elevation
- 2,375 ft
- Total Area
- 22.67 sq mi
- Land Area
- 22.61 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.054 sq mi
- Latitude
- 43.64444
- Longitude
- -116.64694
- Climate
- Caldwell enjoys four distinct seasons with mild winters and low humidity. The average daily temperature in winter is 47°F, and in summer and fall, the temperature increases to an average of 81°F.
- Notable Features
- Boise River · Lake Lowell · Owyhee Mountains · Boise Mountains
- Neighboring Areas
- Middleton · Nampa · Star · Wilder · Homedale · Emmett · Meridian · Parma
- Population (2020)
- 59,996
- Est. Population (2024)
- 66,516
- Median Age
- 31.5
- Median Income
- $73,058
- Poverty Rate
- 11.94%
- Owner-Occupied
- 73%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of Caldwell is 56% White, 36.8% Hispanic, 4.1% Two or More Races, 1.9% Native American/Other, 0.9% Asian, and 0.3% Black.
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 6 members
- School District
- Caldwell School District and Vallivue School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Water/Sewer · Wastewater Treatment
- Unemployment Rate
- 3.7%
- Economic Profile
- Agriculture · Manufacturing · Retail · Commercial
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Construction · Retail Trade
- Major Employers
- West Valley Medical Center · Crookham Seed Company · Southwark Metal Manufacturing · Best Bath Systems · Fresca · Capitol Distributing
- Students
- 5,394
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17:1
- School Districts
- Caldwell School District · Vallivue School District
- Colleges & Universities
- College of Idaho
- Transportation
- Interstate 84 · State highways · Caldwell Industrial Airport · Union Pacific Railroad
- Utilities
- Idaho Power (electricity) · Intermountain Gas (natural gas) · Municipal Water · Municipal Sewer · CenturyLink, Syringa Network and Cable One (Phone/Communication)
- Major Facilities
- West Valley Medical Center · Caldwell Industrial Airport
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge · Lake Lowell · Indian Creek Plaza · Purple Sage Golf Course · Fairview Golf Course
- Parks & Trails
- Curtis Park · Luby Park · Mallard Park · Memorial Park · Pipe Dream Park
- Founded
- 1883
- Incorporated
- 1890
- Named After
- Alexander Caldwell, a former senator from Kansas and business partner of Robert E. Strahorn
- Historical Significance
- Caldwell played a significant role in the development of southwestern Idaho as a center for agriculture, transportation, and education.
- Key Events
- Established as a railroad stop on the Oregon Short Line Railroad · Named county seat of Canyon County in 1892 · Founded the College of Idaho in 1891 · Construction of irrigation canals led to an agricultural economy