Emmett & Gem County

A rural satellite region 30 miles north of Boise in the Payette River valley, anchored by Emmett — Gem County's only city (pop. ~7,600). Known as the 'Cherry Capital of Idaho,' Emmett retains a small-town agricultural identity while attracting commuters who value acreage and lower land costs. Gem County is part of the Boise MSA but sits outside the COMPASS metropolitan planning area, giving it a distinctly more rural character than Ada or Canyon counties.