As the chaos in states like California and Oregon surged, residents sought a safer, quieter life. Among them, Nick Kostenborder and his wife, who moved to Idaho with their baby amid 2020’s turmoil.
“You’re worried about someone else besides yourself. So you start to notice threats more,” Kostenborder observed, referencing the increased homelessness which once seemed harmless but had become a threat.
Idaho’s Growing Population
Idaho has witnessed a significant population increase, growing by more than 12% from 2018 to 2023.
This growth is largely due to an influx of residents from West Coast states like California, Oregon, and Washington, who are fleeing political unrest, homelessness, and increasing crime rates in their home states.
The Idaho Community Grows
In Sandpoint, Idaho, the Kostenborders found themselves among a quirky group of West Coast exiles. “It’s this kind of weird little expat group that we all found ourselves here,” Kostenborder said.
This mini-community includes families from Seattle to San Diego, all seeking a slice of Idaho’s peaceful pie.
From Chaos to Cul-de-Sacs
Ashley Manning, now a mother in a safe Idaho cul-de-sac, contrasted her new home with her old neighborhood in Portland.
“He just can take off on his bike and it’s so safe,” she said about her son. A stark difference from the dangers they left behind, proving the move was worth it.
The Surge in Growth
Idaho isn’t just growing; it’s booming. Sandpoint alone grew 13% from 2020 to 2022.
This influx of newcomers from busier, more liberal states is transforming the once quiet small towns of Idaho into bustling communities.
The Price of Popularity
With growth comes change, and not all are welcoming it.
Idaho natives like Bonner County Commissioner Luke Omodt express concerns: “Growing up in a wide-open space like this, people get used to having elbow room.” Now, the influx of new residents is slowly reshaping the landscape.
The Draw of Idaho’s Policies
For newcomers like Bryan Zielinski, Idaho’s conservative policies were a significant draw.
Fleeing strict gun laws and COVID-19 mandates in Seattle, Zielinski found Idaho’s more relaxed atmosphere a perfect fit to open his own gun shop. “Everything is political,” he lamented about his former home.
Political Reasons
The political climate and lifestyle changes have driven many like the Zielinskis to seek refuge in states aligning more closely with their values.
This migration trend is reshaping Idaho’s demographic and political landscape, making it a red state haven.
The Safety of Idaho’s Streets
The Daily Mail reports that in Idaho, the streets are safe enough for children to play outside, a stark contrast to the urban environments many families fled.
This sense of community safety is one of the major factors driving the migration from the West Coast.
West Coast Homeless Crisis
Portland’s struggle with homelessness has reached new heights, with “hundreds of unsanctioned camps spread out across virtually every neighborhood,” according to the city government.
California is also experiencing a homeless crisis, with the highest rate in the U.S.
The Cultural Shift in Idaho
As more people from diverse backgrounds move to Idaho, they bring a piece of their culture with them, creating a unique blend.
This melting pot of ideologies and lifestyles is turning Idaho into a cultural frontier.
The Future of Idaho’s Growth
As Idaho continues to grow, the challenges of development and integration of new residents with the old guard will dictate the state’s future.
Will the appeal of open spaces and conservative policies continue to attract droves, or will the growing pains prove too much? Only time will tell.
