Kuna named a national ‘boomtown’ as growth reshapes the city

Kuna, Idaho, was recently named a “boomtown” by GOBankingRates. Recognized for its small-town charm, reasonably priced housing and close-knit community, Kuna is a one-of-a-kind city that has seen more than tripled growth in the last two decades.

Defined as a community experiencing rapid growth due to a sudden increase in prosperity with thriving industries and a broadening economy, a boomtown attracts new individuals and families of all kinds. Kuna was named No. 11 on a list of 49 cities across the country seeing this type of growth.

Michelle Covert, economic development administrator for the City of Kuna, said that an average of 1,000 new residents move to Kuna each year, with growth rates hovering around 5% annually.

“This growth is not accidental,” she said. “Kuna offers something that is increasingly becoming rare in the Treasure Valley: Available land, attainable housing and a business-friendly environment, all within proximity to bigger city amenities. Families and employers alike recognize Kuna as a place where growth is still possible — and where planning is proactive rather than reactive.”

Businesses are taking note of Kuna’s thriving economic landscape, too. In 2023, 111 new business licenses were issued, in 2024, 130 were issued, and in 2025, 313 were issued.

Construction and development industries are thriving due to residential, commercial and infrastructure expansion, and retail and service industries continue to grow alongside as the population increases. Health care and social services are also being added to support the expanding community, and manufacturing and large-scale infrastructure investment will bring long-term value to the area.

“Even as we grow, Kuna remains a place where neighbors know one another and local events continue to bring people together,” Covert said.

While growth has been notable and Kuna is certainly experiencing a moment, growth can bring challenges that city officials are working to mitigate. Covert said that traffic, demand for housing and infrastructure capacity are ongoing conversations for leaders, but they are optimistic about the overall opportunities that are coming to the area and how that translates into a stronger Gem State.

“What excites me most about Kuna’s future is that we are still fairly early in our growth story,” she explained. “New businesses add vibrancy, improved services benefit everyone, and a broader tax base allows us to invest back into the community. Kuna’s story is not about growth for growth’s sake. It’s about building a city where people want to stay, invest and raise families for generations. That’s why Kuna is a boomtown — and why its best days are still ahead.”