Canyon County, Idaho
Geography
Canyon County is located in the southwestern part of the state of Idaho. The county is part of the Boise Metropolitan Area, which is the most populous metropolitan area in Idaho. It is bordered by Ada County to the east, Owyhee County to the south, Payette County to the north, and the state of Oregon to the west. The county's terrain is largely made up of flat plains with some rolling hills, and it is intersected by several rivers, including the Snake River and the Boise River.
History
Canyon County was established in 1891, and it was named for the canyon of the Boise River near Caldwell. The area was originally inhabited by the Shoshone and Bannock tribes before European settlers arrived in the 19th century. The county played a significant role in the development of the state's agricultural industry, with many farms and ranches established in the region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Demographics
As of the 2010 United States Census, the population of Canyon County was 188,923. The county has seen significant growth in recent years, with the population increasing by over 20% between 2000 and 2010. The county is ethnically diverse, with a large Hispanic population. The largest cities in the county are Nampa and Caldwell, which are the second and third largest cities in Idaho, respectively.
Economy
Canyon County's economy is diverse, with major sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The county is one of the top agricultural producers in the state, with crops including onions, hops, and wine grapes. The county is also home to several large manufacturing companies, as well as the West Valley Medical Center and the College of Idaho.
Education
Canyon County is served by several school districts, including the Nampa School District, the Caldwell School District, and the Vallivue School District. The county is also home to the College of Idaho, a private liberal arts college located in Caldwell.
Government
Canyon County is governed by a three-member Board of County Commissioners, who are elected to four-year terms. The county is part of Idaho's 1st congressional district, and it is represented in the Idaho Legislature by six state senators and twelve state representatives.