The housing market in Ada County, Idaho, continues to surge, showcasing the area’s ongoing appeal and robust growth. As a vibrant metropolitan hub in the Mountain West, Boise and its surrounding areas have seen significant increases in both home sales and prices.
March Sees a Rise in Home Sales and Prices
According to the Boise Regional Realtors, March brought an impressive uptick in home sales across Ada County. Sales of new and existing single-family homes reached 675, marking an 11.8% increase from February and a 4.2% rise compared to March 2024. The median sale price also saw growth, hitting $565,000, which represents a 6.6% increase from February and a slight 0.9% increase from the same time last year.
One factor contributing to the market’s dynamism is the fast pace at which homes are selling. Despite an increase in listings, the average days on the market dropped to 46, down 11.5% from February and 4.2% from a year ago. Ada County posted 1,547 listings in March — an increase of 8.9% from the previous month and 22.4% from the same period last year.
New Construction Fuels Growth
New construction continues to be a driving force in Ada County’s real estate market. Elizabeth Hume, president of the Boise Realtor board, noted that the rapid transformation of land into new subdivisions is a frequent sight throughout the area. More than half of the current listings are new homes, reflecting the area’s rapid development.
Post-Pandemic Housing Trends
Home prices in Ada County surged during the pandemic as new residents flocked to the area in search of space and affordability. Back in March 2019, the median home price was $355,000. Prices soared through the pandemic, with the median price jumping by 29.9% from fall 2021 to fall 2022, making Boise one of the most overvalued housing markets at the time.
Although the rate of newcomers may have slowed, people are still moving to the Boise area. Ada County’s population hit nearly 536,000 in 2024, reflecting an 8% increase from 2020 — well above the national growth rate of 2.6% during the same period.
Employment Growth and Economic Impact
Economic factors also play a key role in the housing market’s vibrancy. Employment in the construction sector is on the rise, driven in part by major projects like Micron’s fabrication plant expansion. Payroll growth in the mining, logging, and construction sector has surged by 11.5% over the past year, with over 38,000 workers employed in these fields.
Retail growth, particularly in the western suburbs, is also contributing to Ada County’s appeal. As the area continues to grow, sectors like education and health services are expected to see continued expansion.
Looking Ahead
Ada County’s housing market remains strong, fueled by continued population growth, new construction projects, and economic opportunities. As Boise’s metropolitan area continues to evolve, it remains a vibrant and attractive place to call home.
