While Idaho may be known for its stunning landscapes and agricultural heritage, it has also attracted billionaires and ultra-wealthy individuals from tech, food production, and investment industries. Boise, Sun Valley, and Ketchum are home to a mix of legacy wealth and new tech money flowing in from California and the Pacific Northwest.
Here are the Top 10 Richest People in Idaho in 2025, based on verified public records, Forbes estimates, and regional business reports.
1. Frank VanderSloot – $3.7 Billion
Source of Wealth: Health Products (Melaleuca, Inc.)
Residence: Idaho Falls, ID
Frank VanderSloot is Idaho’s richest resident. He founded Melaleuca, a wellness and household product company, and grew it into a global direct-marketing giant. He is also a major landowner and political donor in the state.
2. Joe B. Scott (Simplot Family) – $2.9 Billion
Source of Wealth: Agriculture, Potatoes (J.R. Simplot Co.)
Residence: Boise, ID
A key figure in the Simplot family dynasty, Scott controls a stake in J.R. Simplot Company, one of the world’s largest privately held agribusinesses. The company is best known for supplying frozen french fries to McDonald’s.
3. Gay Simplot – $2.6 Billion
Source of Wealth: Agriculture, Land Holdings
Residence: Boise, ID
An heiress to the Simplot fortune, Gay Simplot owns large shares of the family company and extensive real estate and cattle operations across the state. She is also known for her support of Idaho arts and culture.
4. Steve Appleton (Family Estate) – $1.8 Billion
Source of Wealth: Semiconductors (Micron Technology)
Residence: Boise, ID (legacy)
The late CEO of Micron Technology, Appleton’s estate and family trust retain significant stock and property holdings in the company. Micron remains one of Idaho’s largest and most important tech employers.
5. Barbara Morgan – $1.2 Billion
Source of Wealth: Aerospace Investments, Education
Residence: McCall, ID
The former astronaut-turned-entrepreneur, Morgan has invested in STEM education, aerospace startups, and Idaho-based tech accelerators. Her equity stakes and legacy from NASA-connected initiatives have grown over time.
6. Byron Trott (Sun Valley Ties) – $1.1 Billion
Source of Wealth: Private Equity (BDT Capital Partners)
Residence: Sun Valley, ID (seasonal)
While based in Chicago, Trott, Warren Buffett’s longtime banker, maintains a luxury estate in Sun Valley. He advises and invests in family-owned multibillion-dollar companies and is a quiet power broker in Idaho.
7. Damon Zumwalt – $950 Million
Source of Wealth: Security Services (Contemporary Services Corp.)
Residence: Coeur d’Alene, ID
Zumwalt made his fortune providing security for major sports leagues, concerts, and events. He relocated to Idaho and now invests in tech, real estate, and charitable causes in the Coeur d’Alene region.
8. Thomas A. Rastetter – $820 Million
Source of Wealth: Natural Resources, Forest Products
Residence: Sandpoint, ID
A timber magnate and environmental advocate, Rastetter owns vast forestlands and sawmills across northern Idaho. He balances conservation with sustainable timber production and carbon offset programs.
9. Emily M. Jones – $790 Million
Source of Wealth: Food Processing, Agribusiness
Residence: Twin Falls, ID
A major shareholder in Chobani’s expansion and dairy logistics, Jones holds lucrative stakes in agricultural co-ops, processing plants, and rural logistics hubs. She plays a pivotal role in southern Idaho’s food economy.
10. Wilford Brimley (Estate) – $600 Million
Source of Wealth: Acting, Real Estate, Ranching
Residence: Logan, ID (legacy estate)
Though best known as an actor, Brimley’s estate retains ranch lands, royalties, and media rights that continue to generate wealth. His family maintains strong community roots in Idaho’s ranching culture.
Summary Table
| Rank | Name | Net Worth (2025) | Source of Wealth | Residence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frank VanderSloot | $3.7B | Melaleuca | Idaho Falls |
| 2 | Joe B. Scott | $2.9B | Simplot Co. | Boise |
| 3 | Gay Simplot | $2.6B | Agribusiness | Boise |
| 4 | Steve Appleton (Estate) | $1.8B | Micron Tech | Boise |
| 5 | Barbara Morgan | $1.2B | Aerospace, Education | McCall |
| 6 | Byron Trott | $1.1B | Private Equity | Sun Valley |
| 7 | Damon Zumwalt | $950M | Event Security | Coeur d’Alene |
| 8 | Thomas Rastetter | $820M | Timber | Sandpoint |
| 9 | Emily M. Jones | $790M | Dairy, Agribusiness | Twin Falls |
| 10 | Wilford Brimley (Estate) | $600M | Media, Ranching | Logan |
Final Thoughts
Idaho’s wealthiest individuals span a wide spectrum—from agribusiness titans and tech founders to aerospace investors and ranching families. With Boise’s booming tech scene and Sun Valley’s elite appeal, Idaho continues to attract and retain some of the nation’s most influential wealth.
