What to know before you move: cost, market timing, who it fits.
If you're considering a move to Star, ID, the most important variables are the local housing market, the cost structure (taxes, insurance, utilities), and how well the city fits your day-to-day life. This page summarizes the housing market read; pair it with the cost of living page for the full picture.
Star is a city in Ada County, Idaho, with an estimated population of 18,208. It anchors the Boise City metro area. The population has grown 13.1% per year on average between 2020 and 2024 — among the faster-growing communities in the state. The median home value in Star is $582,778 as of 2026-04, up 0.1% over the last 12 months. Over the last five years, home values have averaged +2.0% annual growth, and the market currently sits about 12% below its 5-year peak. Rents in Star average $2,335 per month, up 8.5% year-over-year. The composite momentum score is 61 of 100 (Stable). Conditions are neither hot nor cold, so the local fit matters more than market timing.
Sideways market (+0.1% YoY). No urgency to time the macro trend — focus on the home and neighborhood.
Reasons people move here
- People are voting with their feet: population growing 13.1% per year since 2020 — that's faster than ~80% of US cities.
- Hot rental market: rents up 8.5% YoY — landlords have pricing power, supports new investment math.
Things to know first
- 12% off recent peak — buyers are getting through-the-cycle pricing, not the peak.
- Rental squeeze: rents up 8.5% YoY — tenants face tough renewals. Affordability deteriorating fast.
More about Star
Sources: Zillow ZHVI (home values), Zillow ZORI (rents), US Census ACS + place population. Updated when source agencies publish revisions.