Human activity in Idaho dates back 14,500 years. The 1959 excavation of the Wilson Butte Cave near Twin Falls produced artifacts including arrowheads that are considered among the oldest artifacts ever discovered in the continent. Early native peoples to inhabit the area were the Couer d’Alene, the Nez Perce, the Shoshone and the Bannock. One of the last areas of the lower 48 to be explored by people of European descent, Idaho was first traversed by Lewis and Clark in 1805. The area was built up by fur trading. Missionary work also brought about migration as many found the idea of working with Native Americans of the area appealing. Part of the Oregon Country, an area occupied by French Canadians and the British, Idaho did not fall under the full jurisdiction of the U.S. until1846. Idaho was granted statehood in 1890.
Today, Idaho is one of the least densely populated states in the country. The state has a population of nearly 1.6 million, and a veteran population of just over 138,000. A large mountainous state, the area, contained by Idaho is larger than New England. Nicknamed the Gem State because of the abundance of gemstones found in it, Idaho provides open space for people seeking a more remote lifestyle. Despite the fact that it is landlocked, it does have ample rivers that allow it to be an inland seaport. The gross state product for 2012 was $59 billion, and the per capita income is $36,472. The economy is largely rooted in food processing, lumber, wood products, machinery, chemical products, and paper products. The largest sector in the state is Science and technology which accounts for over 25 percent of the states revenue and 70 percent of the states exports.
The largest city and capital of the state is Boise. The state has 18 ski resorts and a number of parks. The City of Rocks National Reserve is a popular destination for hikers and rock climbers. The Trail of the Coeur D’Alenes is a favorite of bike enthusiasts; the trail is a 72 mile bike trail spanning the panhandle of Idaho.
When a veteran purchases a home using a VA loan in Idaho, a termite inspection is not required. The median home cost in Idaho is $173,900. The property tax exemption is available to veterans who suffered a service-related injury that has left them with a disability rating of 10 percent. The exact exemption amount is variable and is determined by net income.
Military Bases in Idaho:
Idaho is home to Mountain Home Air Force Base. Mountain Home AFB is located in Elmore County ID. The general objective of Mountain Home AFB is to support air combat power operations. Mountain Home houses over 3200 personnel and their families.
Idaho Military Short Sale Assistance:
If you require short sale assistance in the state of Idaho, complete the form below or call 888-573-4496. Short sale assistance can be tremendously advantageous since there is zero costs to the homeowner, and a VA-backed home loan can be used in the future purchase of a home. Additionally, if a veteran or service member requires short sale assistance, there is no impact to security clearance, and if the homeowner is current on the loan, there is minimal impact to their credit score.
Idaho VA Home Loan Limits

Idaho VA loans
NOTE: The following is for information purposes only. To find out the exact dollar amount you qualify for, call the Idaho VA Home Loan Centers Applications Support Desk at 888-573-4496 or fill out the VA Home Loan Application located here.
The loan limits below are the maximum 2017, $0 down VA loan amount set for each county. Although there is no maximum loan amount, the maximum no money down VA home loan limits are stated as follows.
- Adams County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Bannock County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Bear Lake County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Benewah County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Bingham County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Blaine County VA Home Loan Limit $625,500
- Boise County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Bonner County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Bonneville County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Boundary County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Butte County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Camas County VA Home Loan Limit $625,500
- Canyon County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Caribou County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Cassia County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Clark County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Clearwater County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Custer County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Elmore County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Franklin County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Fremont County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Gem County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Gooding County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Idaho County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Jefferson County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Jerome County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Kootenai County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Latah County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Lemhi County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Lewis County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Lincoln County VA Home Loan Limit $625,500
- Madison County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Minidoka County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Nez Perce County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Oneida County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Owyhee County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Payette County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Power County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Shoshone County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Teton County VA Home Loan Limit $679,650
- Twin Falls County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Valley County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
- Washington County VA Home Loan Limit $453,100
Maximum Idaho VA Loan Appraisal Fees:
- Single Family Residence: $600
- Condominium: $650
- Residential Duplex: $700
- Residential Triplex: $750
- Residential Fourplex: $800
- Manufactured Home: $650
- Repair Inspection $150
- Appraiser Timelines: 7 Days