Everything About Nampa, Idaho

History

The area that is now Nampa began as a small agricultural community named Durham in the 1880s. The name was changed to Nampa in 1890, likely chosen because it was easier to pronounce than Durham. Nampa experienced significant growth in the early 20th century as the Oregon Short Line Railroad established operations there, making it an important railroad junction.

Irrigation arrived in Nampa not long after, allowing for increased agricultural production in the surrounding area which helped to grow the local economy. Nampa was officially incorporated as a city in 1908 and continued to develop as a regional commercial and processing hub for the agricultural sector.

The city’s population boomed following World War II as the U.S. government built and activated Gowen Field Air National Guard Base on the city’s eastern border. This brought numerous employment opportunities and Nampa evolved into a bedroom community for Boise over the ensuing decades. Today, Nampa has over 100,000 residents and remains one of the largest cities in Idaho.

It retains a vibrant downtown area and a diverse economy of manufacturing, technology, healthcare and retail businesses while also serving as the gateway to the Sunnyslope Wine Region that has emerged in western Canyon County.

Geography

Nampa is located along the western border of Canyon County in southwestern Idaho, approximately 20 miles west of Boise. The city has a total land area of nearly 30 square miles. Nampa’s geographic coordinates are 43°34′12′′N 116°34′8′′W.

Nampa lies in the Treasure Valley region of Idaho, so named for the rich agricultural land surrounding the Boise River which flows west to east through the area. The Boise River flows along the southern border of Nampa while Indian Creek runs through the northern part of the city. Other major waterways near Nampa include the Snake River, located 15 miles to the west, and Lake Lowell situated 10 miles to the southwest.

The topography around Nampa is characterized by expansive plains that were formed by ancient Lake Idaho during the Pleistocene epoch. As such, the elevation across most of the Nampa area ranges from 2,200 to 2,600 feet above sea level. Low hills rise in areas north of the city.

Nampa has a semi-arid climate, featuring short, cool winters and hot, dry summers. The area receives little precipitation, averaging 11 inches of rainfall and 19 inches of snowfall annually. Temperatures span 90 degrees Fahrenheit in summer to the low 20s F in winter.

Geology

Nampa is located along the western border of Canyon County in southwestern Idaho, approximately 20 miles west of Boise. The city has a total land area of nearly 30 square miles. Nampa’s geographic coordinates are 43°34′12′′N 116°34′8′′W.

Nampa lies in the Treasure Valley region of Idaho, so named for the rich agricultural land surrounding the Boise River which flows west to east through the area. The Boise River flows along the southern border of Nampa while Indian Creek runs through the northern part of the city. Other major waterways near Nampa include the Snake River, located 15 miles to the west, and Lake Lowell situated 10 miles to the southwest.

The topography around Nampa is characterized by expansive plains that were formed by ancient Lake Idaho during the Pleistocene epoch. As such, the elevation across most of the Nampa area ranges from 2,200 to 2,600 feet above sea level. Low hills rise in areas north of the city.

Nampa has a semi-arid climate, featuring short, cool winters and hot, dry summers. The area receives little precipitation, averaging 11 inches of rainfall and 19 inches of snowfall annually. Temperatures span 90 degrees Fahrenheit in summer to the low 20s F in winter.

Neighborhoods

Some of the major neighborhoods and residential areas in Nampa include:

• Downtown – This historic central district along 12th Avenue contains Nampa’s original business and commercial center, with a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, arts and entertainment. Many community events take place downtown throughout the year.
• Central – Located southwest of downtown, this area has a range of residential options from older properties to new subdivisions. It is close to both downtown amenities and interstate access.
• North Nampa – This large residential area north of I-84 and west of Nampa Caldwell Blvd contains predominantly middle-class neighborhoods. Some of the key subdivisions include Stoddard Place, White Dog Ridge and Deer Flat.
• South Nampa – Sprawling south of the railroad tracks and freeway, South Nampa offers affordable housing and mobile home communities in a suburban setting. Franklin Village is a major hub.
• Midway – Centered around Midway Road west of downtown, Midway houses middle to upper-middle income families in secluded subdivisions like Autumn Creek and Maple Grove.
• Sunnybrook – An upscale planned community on Nampa’s east side, Sunnybrook features custom estates and golf course access set against the backdrop of the mountains.
• Amity – Once its own rural town, Amity was annexed by Nampa in the 1970s. It retains a small-town feel and has its own elementary school.

Climate

Nampa experiences a semi-arid climate, classified as BSk on the Köppen climate classification system. The area receives little annual precipitation and temperatures can vary widely between winter and summer.

Winters are generally cool and moist, with daytime highs in the mid-30s to low 40s Fahrenheit in December and January. Overnight lows during winter frequently drop into the 20s and sometimes teens. Snowfall averages 19 inches but totals vary widely from year to year. The coldest temperatures typically occur in December and January.

Spring and fall are mild transition seasons with temperatures climbing to near 70 F during the day. Spring is the wettest part of the year, while precipitation sharply decreases heading into the hot, dry summers.

Summers are very warm to sweltering, with afternoon temperatures commonly above 90 F in June, July and August. The mercury periodically tops 100 F during mid-summer heat waves. However, the low humidity helps mitigate the heat. Summer nights are normally comfortable, with lows in the 50s and 60s.

Across all seasons, sunshine is abundant in Nampa, averaging 280 days of sun per year. Precipitation averages just 11 inches annually, concentrated heavily in the winter and early spring months.

Demographics

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Nampa has an estimated population of 106,780 residents, making it the third largest city in Idaho behind Boise and Meridian.

Nampa has seen robust population growth in recent decades, more than doubling in size since 1990 when the population was just 34,000. Population density is approximately 3,500 people per square mile within the city limits.

The racial makeup of Nampa is approximately:

• 64% White
• 30% Hispanic/Latino
• 5% Some other race
• 3% Two or more races
• 2% Asian
• 1% American Indian
• 1% Black/African American
• 1% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

In terms of age demographics, Nampa exhibits a relatively young population compared to national averages. Around 34% of residents are under age 18, while just 11% are over 65. The median age is 32.

Over 60% of households in Nampa are considered family households. The average household size is 3.1 persons.

Nampa has a significant Hispanic/Latino community, comprising about 30% of the total population. The city also has a fast-growing number of residents of Asian descent.

Economy

Nampa has developed a diverse economy with strengths in manufacturing, technology, healthcare, retail and agriculture. Many Nampa residents also commute to neighboring Boise for work.

Major private sector employers headquartered in Nampa include truck trailer manufacturer Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company, precision technology firm Micron Technologies, and Saint Alphonsus Medical Center – Nampa.

Other large employers include Walmart, Costco, WinCo Foods, Best Buy, Karcher Estates and Robinson Construction. The Nampa School District, City of Nampa government, and Northwest Nazarene University also provide major education, health care, and public sector employment.

Manufacturing represents one of Nampa’s most significant industries. The city has long served as a food processing hub, led by companies like Amalgamated Sugar, Sorrento Lactalis and Galaxy Dairy. High-tech manufacturing, plastics, and production of automotive products, RVs and agricultural machinery also contribute majorly to Nampa’s manufacturing sector.

As the county seat and largest city in Canyon County, Nampa is the main center for retail and services in the region. The city has numerous retail centers, car dealerships, hotel chains and restaurants that provide jobs and generate tax revenue.

Agriculture employs thousands in the greater Nampa area and represents an over $600 million dollar industry in Canyon County. Major crops include sugarbeets, onions, corn, potatoes, alfalfa hay, wheat and hops. Wineries have sprung up west of Nampa amidst the growing Idaho wine industry.

Nampa’s strategic location at the junction of Interstate 84 and Highway 55 makes it attractive for transportation and distribution companies. Air freight moves through nearby Boise Airport.

Culture

Nampa offers a diverse array of cultural institutions and activities for residents and visitors to enjoy:

• Northwest Nazarene University – This Christian liberal arts university has an enrollment of over 2,000 students. The school has strong music, nursing, education and theology programs. Cultural offerings include theatre productions, choir performances, guest lectures, and art exhibits.
• Nampa Civic Center – This large event complex in downtown Nampa hosts concerts, conferences, trade shows, and community events year-round. The adjacent Nampa Public Library holds regular programming.
• Nampa Farmers Market – Running from May through October, the farmers market features over 150 vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, arts & crafts and more. Live music and family activities add to the festive atmosphere.
• Idlewild Pool – Operating since 1947, this historic public pool provides summertime recreation with lap swim, diving, water slides and concessions. Friday night movies play on a large outdoor screen.
• Nampa Train Depot – Constructed in 1918, the restored train depot now houses a railroad museum displaying vintage locomotives and rail cars. Special events include Polar Express train rides at Christmas.
• Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge – Encompassing 10,000 acres, this refuge near Nampa provides excellent birdwatching and hiking trails amidst wetlands, lakes and wildlife habitats.
• Warhawk Air Museum – Located at Nampa’s airport, this aviation museum has an impressive collection of vintage WWII aircraft and artifacts along with exhibits recounting the history of Gowen Field.
• Treasure Valley Speedway – Auto racing fans enjoy fast-paced stock car competitions and demolition derbies during summer weekends at the local speedway.
• Canyon County Fair – Held each August, the fair includes carnival rides, rodeo events, 4-H exhibits, live music and traditional fair fare.

Colleges and universities

• Northwest Nazarene University is the main center of higher education located in Nampa, offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of disciplines.
• College of Western Idaho has a satellite campus in Nampa providing academic and technical coursework, workforce training programs and adult education classes.
• Boise State University, Idaho’s largest public university, operates an education center in Nampa for its nursing program and other instruction.
• Carrington College provides practical training programs in healthcare, trades and criminal justice at its Nampa campus.
• Milan Institute and Aveda Institute are beauty and cosmetology schools with Nampa locations training future professionals for those industries.
• Concordia Law School recently opened a branch of its law school at Northwest Nazarene University, offering Juris Doctor and Masters of Legal Studies degrees.
• The Idaho Technology Institute provides technical training focused on welding, machining, drafting and electronics.
• Treasure Valley Community College is a community college based in Ontario, Oregon with a workforce development and adult education center in Nampa.

These schools enrich the community by providing higher education access, expanding the local economy, and supplying trained workers to Nampa businesses.

Media

As the second largest city in the Treasure Valley metropolitan region, Nampa is served by the following news and media outlets:

Newspapers

• The Idaho Press publishes a daily newspaper covering Nampa, Caldwell and the surrounding area. The Press is part of Adams Publishing Group.
• The regional Idaho Statesman newspaper, published in Boise, also covers major news stories in Nampa.

Television

• KTVB Channel 7 (NBC affiliate) and KIVI Channel 6 (ABC) are Boise stations that operate news bureaus in Nampa and report on local happenings.
• KNIN Channel 9 is the market’s FOX affiliate and produces some Nampa-focused news content.

Radio

Popular radio stations broadcasting from Nampa include:

• KFXD AM 630 – News/Talk
• KQBL FM 101.9 – Hip Hop/R&B
• KKOO FM 95.9 – Classic Rock
• KCIX FM 105.9 – Hot Adult Contemporary
• KXLT FM 107.9 – Country

Online/Social Media

• The Idaho Press website and app provides continually updated articles, photo galleries and videos about Nampa.
• The city government’s Nampa Facebook page shares news releases, event info and announcements relevant to residents.
• Nampa Now is a hyperlocal news site offering Nampa-focused stories and interviews absent from bigger outlets.

Roadways

Nampa’s location at the intersection of two major highways has heavily impacted the city’s transportation network and development patterns.

Interstate 84 runs along the northern edge of Nampa, heading west to Portland and east to Boise. Exits 36 through 44 provide access from I-84 into Nampa and its surrounding environs.

Highway 55 leads southwest from Nampa toward Marsing and continues north to connect with I-84 west of the city.

Interstate 184 connects I-84 in east Nampa with downtown and continues west, transitioning into State Highway 44 at Northside Blvd.

Garrity Blvd, 12th Ave Rd, Caldwell Blvd and Nampa Blvd function as primary east-west arterials across the city. Major north-south routes include Midland Blvd, Middleton Rd, Roosevelt Ave, Kings Rd and Ten Lane Rd.

The Union Pacific Railroad main line delineates downtown Nampa from the southern part of the city.

Nampa has grown primarily in an outward fashion from the historic downtown core. As commuting patterns have increased, roads connecting Nampa with neighboring Boise and Meridian have become congested during peak hours.

Major Landmarks

Some of the major landmarks defining Nampa include:

• Nampa City Hall – This prominent brick civic building anchors the downtown district on 12th Avenue. Built in 1966, City Hall houses the mayor’s office, city council chambers and various municipal departments.
• Nampa Police Department – Adjacent to City Hall and also facing 12th Ave, the 1970s police headquarters building is topped with communications towers.
• Nampa Train Depot – Constructed in 1918, the restored Mission Revival-style train depot serves as an iconic reminder of Nampa’s railroad heritage.
• Nampa Civic Center – Opened in 1997, this large performing arts and conference venue hosts concerts, plays, sporting events and more. A 10-story tower atop the building is lit at night with colorful lights.
• Saint Alphonsus Medical Center – This major regional hospital founded in 1912 includes the 196-foot tall Doctor’s Park Medical Plaza, Nampa’s tallest building.
• Northwest Nazarene University – The clock tower and Old Administration building are centerpieces of the university’s campus in northeast Nampa.
• Lakeview Park – Located downtown adjacent to Lake Ethel, this 25-acre community park has Civic Center views and hosts summer concerts.
• Nampa Gateway Center – Positioned south of I-84, this large outdoor shopping plaza greets visitors entering Nampa with major chain stores and restaurants.
• Idaho Center – Encompassing a convention center, arena/amphitheater and horse racing track, this event complex attracts big crowds from across the Treasure Valley.
• Warhawk Air Museum – Vintage World War II aircraft are displayed on the grounds of Gowen Field, which has served as an Air Force base since the 1940s.