It’s official: Meridian is Idaho’s 2nd-largest city, Nampa now 3rd

After several years of nipping at its heels, Meridian has finally surpassed Nampa to become Idaho’s second-largest city.

U.S. Census Bureau population estimates released today for Idaho’s 200 cities pegs Meridian’s population at 90,739 and Nampa’s at 89,839.

Last year, Meridian’s population was 87,712 and Nampa’s was 88,156.

Boise’s is still way ahead of the pack, holding its title as Idaho’s largest city with a head count of 218,281.

According to the Census Bureau between July 1, 2014, and July 1, 2015, Meridian’s population rose by 3,027, a 3.45 percent increase. Nampa’s population increased by 1,683, a 1.91 percent increase. Caldwell added 1,510 people, increasing its population 3 percent to 51,686. Boise’s population increased by 1,290, a .59 percent increase.

This story was originally published May 19, 2016 at 11:57 AM with the headline "It’s official: Meridian is Idaho’s 2nd-largest city, Nampa now 3rd."