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Justin Murillo | Amherst Madison

The Boise River near Star with farmland and new homes, foothills in the distance at golden hour

Treasure Valley city guide

Living in Star, Idaho

A small town west of Eagle, with a lot of the valley's new construction and the Boise River just south of downtown.

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The short version

Star is a city of about 20,900 people west of Eagle along State Highway 44, almost all of it in Ada County. It has grown more than 80 percent since 2020. The median sale price was about $596,000 over the three months through August 2026. It's a good fit if you want a newer home in a small town and don't mind the drive to Boise.

At a glance

Population (2025)
about 20,900
Median sale price (Jun to Aug 2026)
about $596,000
County
Ada County, with a small part in Canyon County
Drive to downtown Boise
about 30 minutes
Schools
West Ada School District, or Middleton in parts of Canyon County

Where is Star, Idaho?

Star sits about 10 minutes west of Eagle on State Highway 44, which runs through downtown Star. The Boise River runs just south of downtown. Downtown Boise is about 30 minutes away by car. You can see where it sits on our neighborhood map of the valley.

How much do homes cost in Star?

The median sale price in Star was about $596,000 over the three months through August 2026, according to Redfin. Over the same period the Eagle median was about $941,000 and the Meridian median was about $567,000. Price per square foot was about the same in Star and Meridian, around $273, so in Star you're generally paying for more square footage. Most homes for sale are in newer subdivisions. Text me your budget and I'll show you what it buys here.

How fast is Star growing?

Star grew from about 11,300 people in 2020 to about 20,900 in 2025, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. That's growth of more than 80 percent in five years. Expect construction in newer neighborhoods and on the roads. The Idaho Transportation Department is turning State Highway 16 into a freeway between I-84 and Highway 44, with a new interchange in Star expected to finish in 2027.

What's it like to live in Star?

Star has a small downtown, new neighborhoods on every side, and the Boise River close by. The town got its name from a star that settlers cut out and nailed to the schoolhouse door, which became a landmark for travelers. Star re-incorporated as a city in 1997. A few local favorites:

  • Star Riverwalk Park: 4.76 acres with a walking path along the Boise River and spots to reach the bank for fishing
  • The Star Riverhouse, a city-owned venue on the Boise River used for city events, classes, and private rentals
  • The Hometown Celebration on the Fourth of July, with a fun run, a parade down Highway 44 into downtown, and fireworks
  • Waggin' Tails Dog Park and the Tom Erlebach Skatepark, both run by the city

What are schools like in Star?

The part of Star in Ada County is in the West Ada School District. Most of the small part in Canyon County is in the Middleton School District. Check the district and assigned schools for a specific home before you make an offer. I'll help you look them up.

What should you check before buying in Star?

  • Commute: drive your route to work at the time you'd commute before you commit, and plan for Highway 16 and Highway 44 construction through 2027.
  • County and school district: confirm whether the home is in Ada or Canyon County and which school district it's in.
  • HOA rules and fees: common in newer subdivisions, and they vary.
  • Irrigation: many lots use irrigation water for the yard. Ask about the irrigation district and its fees.
  • New construction: read our builder tips on the Meridian page before your first model-home visit, bring your own agent, and get an independent inspection.

Who is Star best for?

Good fit if you: want a newer home for much less than Eagle, want a small-town feel, or like being close to the Boise River.

Maybe not if you: commute to downtown Boise every day, or want to walk to lots of restaurants and shops. Look at Northwest Boise or Meridian instead.

Star, Idaho: the short version

  • Star is a city of about 20,900 people west of Eagle along State Highway 44, almost all of it in Ada County.
  • It grew more than 80 percent from 2020 to 2025, and most homes for sale are in newer subdivisions.
  • The median sale price was about $596,000 over the three months through August 2026, well below Eagle and a little above Meridian.
  • Downtown Boise is about 30 minutes away. Plan for Highway 16 and Highway 44 construction through 2027.
  • Most of Star is in the West Ada School District, and most of the small Canyon County part is in Middleton.

Star, Idaho: common questions

How much does a home cost in Star, Idaho?

The median sale price was about $596,000 over the three months through August 2026, according to Redfin, well below Eagle and a little above Meridian.

How far is Star from Boise?

About 30 minutes to downtown Boise by car, depending on traffic.

How many people live in Star, Idaho?

About 20,900 as of 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, up from about 11,300 in 2020.

What school district is Star in?

Most of Star is in the West Ada School District. Most of the small part in Canyon County is in the Middleton School District. Check the district for any specific address.

Is Star in Ada County or Canyon County?

Almost all of Star is in Ada County. A small part on the west side is in Canyon County.

Sources

Justin Murillo, REALTOR with Amherst Madison

Written by Justin Murillo, REALTOR® with Amherst Madison

Last updated: September 2026

Looking at Star?

Text me your budget and where you'll be commuting. I'll send you what's for sale in Star and the nearby areas worth comparing.

Justin Murillo, REALTOR® · Amherst Madison · (805) 720-9197

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