Middleton is a city in Canyon County, Idaho, United States. The population amounted to 9,091 at the 2021 census estimate, up from 5,524 at the 2010 census and 2,978 in 2000. It is part of the Boise City–Nampa, Idaho Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Middleton was named for its location midway between Old Fort Boise and KeeneyâÂÂs Ferry, serving as a resting point for travelers en route to the ferry. In its early years along the Oregon Trail, it had a stage station, a post office established in 1866, and a water-powered grist mill built in 1871. The Ward Massacre occurred near the area in 1854.
Middleton is the oldest settlement in Canyon County, with its land first parceled out in 1863 by William N. Montgomery. In 1872, flooding of the Boise River created a new channel that left the town isolated on an island. As a result, the settlement was relocated to a new site after 1880. Middleton was incorporated as a city in 1910, although its certificate of incorporation was not issued until 1971.
The current mayor is Jackie Hutchison.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , of which, is land and is water.
At the 2010 census there were 5,524 people in 1,843 households, including 1,392 families, in the city. The population density was . There were 2,037 housing units at an average density of . The racial makup of the city was 92.5% White, 0.3% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 3.3% from other races, and 2.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.0%.
Of the 1,843 households 49.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.7% were married couples living together, 13.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 24.5% were non-families. 19.9% of households were one person and 7.1% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 3.00 and the average family size was 3.45.
The median age was 30.5 years. 35.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 29.9% were from 25 to 44; 19.1% were from 45 to 64; and 8.2% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.9% male and 50.1% female.
At the 2000 census there were 2,978 people in 1,017 households, including 755 families, in the city. The population density was . There were 1,066 housing units at an average density of . The racial makup of the city was 91.67% White, 0.30% African American, 1.07% Native American, 0.24% Asian, 0.24% Pacific Islander, 3.53% from other races, and 2.96% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.21%.
Of the 1,017 households 43.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.6% were married couples living together, 11.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.7% were non-families. 18.5% of households were one person and 6.9% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.93 and the average family size was 3.35.
The age distribution was 34.2% under the age of 18, 10.4% from 18 to 24, 31.9% from 25 to 44, 15.8% from 45 to 64, and 7.7% 65 or older. The median age was 28 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.9 males.
The median household income was $32,665 and the median family income was $34,734. Males had a median income of $27,298 versus $20,792 for females. The per capita income for the city was $12,447. About 7.5% of families and 10.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.8% of those under age 18 and 16.5% of those age 65 or over.
The city is served by State Highway 44. It connects to Interstate 84 at exit 25, three miles (5 km) to the west; the city of Star is six miles (10 km) to the east on SH-44.
The majority of Middleton is in the Middleton School District 134. A small portion to the south is in the Vallivue School District 139.
Residents of Canyon County are in the area (and the taxation zone) for College of Western Idaho.