Idaho's largest cities are growing at about three times the pace of its smaller communities, according to new population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. As of July 1, 2011, Idaho's estimated population was 1,584,985, up 13,883 or 0.9 percent from the year before. The state's 10 largest cities accounted for 9,541 of that increase, according to the agency. They grew at the rate of 1.4 percent, compared to a 0.48 percent growth rate for the 190 smaller communities it tracks. The bureau released its 2011 city and town population estimates for all states Thursday. Idaho doesn't try to provide more up-to-date estimates. Washington, which tracks population data independently, released it 2012 population estimates last week. Huetter, a tiny community on the outskirts of Coeur d'Alene, had the highest population growth in the state last year, according to the census estimates. It grew by 2 percent, or two people/William Spence, Lewiston Tribune. More here.

Question: How would you rate the size of your North Idaho community: too big? too small? just right?