Middleton gets its name for being the midpoint between Fort Boise and Keeney’s Ferry. Years ago, it was also a stage station—a place where stagecoaches could switch out fatigued horses—on the Oregon Trail.
In Canyon County, along the Boise River
Approximately 15,000 people live in the city
Tranquil, rural, quaint
Middleton is surrounded by picturesque farms and majestic mountains, giving it a distinctly rural feel. This idyllic setting makes the town a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. While Middleton lacks the urban amenities and vibrant nightlife of bigger cities, many locals like it that way. For them, the slower pace and laid-back vibe are part of what makes the community so unique.
Middleton is also home to Idaho’s biggest lavender grower. So if you notice a delightful fragrance when visiting the city, you’ll know why!Â
There are ample outdoor spaces for pets, though veterinary services are limited.
Middleton’s housing market has grown significantly in the last five years. Single-family homes dominate the market, comprising 84.6%, and most residents own their homes. Middleton North, Middleton West, and City Center are the most popular neighborhoods.
Middleton apartment rentals cost an average of $1,487 per month.
Middleton housing trends reflect the area’s growing size and popularity, which are driven by its affordability and rural charm.
New home construction accounts for 60.3% of the Middleton housing stock. Most of these homes were built in or after 2000.
The Middleton School District serves the educational needs of 4,318 students attending six schools. The district has a graduation rate of 92%, placing it in the top 1% in the state. With a math proficiency of 46% and a reading proficiency of 59%, it’s in the top 30% for educational outcomes.Â
Despite its small size and rural feel, Middleton has several attractions and restaurants that are worth a visit.Â
Nestled along the Boise River and true to its agricultural roots, Middleton offers much relaxing outdoor recreation. Its active farmers market draws folks from around the area. You’ll also find an alpaca farm and a zoo as well as many places to hike, bike, and fish.
Because Middleton has few shops, residents typically go to Nampa or Caldwell to buy beyond the basics. However, the city does have a quaint downtown district with some small-town coffee spots, micro breweries, and locally owned shops.
Despite its small size, Middleton boasts several popular dining spots that serve a variety of foods, including Mexican, pizza, vegetarian, and pub fare. There are also several bakeries, coffee shops, and cafes. And its farmers market offers some of the freshest foods around.
Middleton is not highly walkable and lacks a comprehensive public transport system, making cars necessary for travel to and around the city. However, cabs and ride-sharing are available for travel to nearby stations, where Valley Regional Transit runs buses to neighboring cities.
If you’re looking for natural beauty or adventure, Middleton is a great choice! Head over to Middleton Place Park on the east side of town, where you’ll find a baseball field, skate park, and basketball and tennis courts. There’s also a .66-mile nature path that borders the park. In winter, you can tube or sled down the only hill in the otherwise flat park terrain.
Middleton is a small community where residents savor life’s simple pleasures, like chatting with neighbors they bump into around town. It’s the kind of place where on crisp fall nights, you’ll find most of the community gathered at the high school football field, cheering on the hometown team.
In 2022, the Middleton job market saw a significant boost, with the number of employed residents increasing by 10% to 4,450. Accordingly, the median household income in the city rose to $68,947—a 16.4% increase over the previous year.Â
The commute to Boise from Middleton is about 29 miles and takes 35–40 minutes.
CrimeGrade.org gives Middleton an impressive A+ overall grade. Crime in the city is significantly lower than the national average.
Far below average
The Middleton Police Department focuses on educating and involving citizens in policing the community. Initiatives include training individuals as crime prevention officers, providing commercial and home security checks, and encouraging neighborhood watch programs.
