Lava Hot Springs city, Idaho Demographics & Population 2026

Population Overview

Lava Hot Springs city is a small community located in Idaho. The total population is 251. It ranks as the 187th most populous out of 234 cities and towns in Idaho.

Age Demographics

The median age in Lava Hot Springs city is 51.5 years. This is 39% higher than the state median of 37.1 years. Only 11.2% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 11.9% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Lava Hot Springs city is $36,364. This is 51% lower than the state median of $74,636. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 54% lower. The poverty rate stands at 9.4%. This is 12% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.6%. The unemployment rate is 10.8%. This is 194% higher than the state rate of 3.7%. The median home value is $241,100. Housing costs are 36% lower than the state median of $376,000. The home-value-to-income ratio of 6.6x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 58.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 19% lower than the state average of 72.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

Lava Hot Springs city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 100.0% of all residents.

Education

22.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 29% lower than the state rate of 31.2%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 95.8%.

Data Sources & Methodology

All demographic data for Lava Hot Springs city, Idaho is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Idaho state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 234 Census-designated places in Idaho. For official data, visit data.census.gov.