Introduction: Idaho Download PDF
Throughout its history Idaho has undergone a number of economic transitions. The area was originally used for fur trading, but by the mid 19th century the animals had been depleted. The discovery of gold in 1860 shifted the economy towards mining. Later the lumber industry took over dominance of the state economy, with the rise of agriculture following shortly thereafter. Today’s economy is driven by manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and services.
Idaho also contains a vast amount of farmland, where its main crop is the world famous Idaho potato. Idaho is by far the United States’ leading producer of potatoes. Cattle and dairy goods are other leading agricultural contributors to the state’s economy. Manufactured goods also make up a large portion of Idaho’s income, with the production of computer components, processed foods, and timber leading the way.
Government
Symbols
State Seal: |
State Quarter: |
Time Zones:
| Standard Time | GMT-8 | |
| Daylight-Saving Time | GMT-7 | |
Statistics
- Per Capita Real GDP :
- $29,843
- Population:
- 1,523,820
- Percent of People Under Poverty Level:
- 13.9%
- Per Capita Personal Income:
- $29,952
- Percent of Population with a Bachelor's Degree:
- 16.3%
- Total Exports:
- $4,703,850,000
Top 5 Export Partner Countries
China
Canada
Singapore
Japan
Korea, South
Top 5 Export Merchandise
Machinery Manufacturing Sales
Food Sales
Fabricated Metal Products Manufacturing
Primary Metals Manufacturing
Machinery Manufacturing
Major Cities
Boise, Nampa, Pocatello
Major Airports
| Airport Name | City | |
| BOI | Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field | Boise |
Main Ports:
None
Corporations
| Company | Fortune 1000 Rank: | Revenues ($millions) | Headquarter City |
| Boise Cascade Holdings | 399 | 5,780 | Boise |
| Micron Technology | 429 | 5,272 | Boise |
| Washington Group Intl. | 590 | 3,398 | Boise |