Population trends, relative healthy soils, and a strong history of refugee resettlement make Idaho's Treasure Valley a potential destination for refugees fleeing soil degradation
Population Trends
According to Forbes Magazine, Boise was the nation's fastest growing city in 2017. This graph shows the population growth rate of the Boise Metropolitan Area since 1969 compared to the rates of the state of Idaho and the United States. Experts attribute the area's growth to availability of jobs and low costs of living.
Healthy Soils
The Treasure Valley has relatively healthy soils compared to the rest of the United States and the rest of the world. This map shows soil erosion across the United States. The Treasure Valley has only endured minimal soil erosion thus far in comparison to other agricultural areas in the country.
Refugee Resettlement
Idaho has one of the most successful refugee resettlement programs in the nation. In 2016, the city of Boise accepted more Syrian refugees than both New York City and Los Angeles combined.