Kuna originated as a railroad stop with coach transport to Boise. It is popularly believed, as cited by the Kuna Chamber of Commerce, that the translation of the name "Kuna" means "the end of the trail", but Charles S. Walgamott cites the origin of the name as a Shoshone Indian word meaning "green leaf, good to smoke." The Western Heritage Historic Byway, designated as a national as well as a state scenic byway, travels around a number of historic sites in the area. One May 9th 2020, the city's local meat processing plant run by CS Beef Packers reported that 23 workers had been infected with COVID-19 since March 11th of that year during the 2019-20 coronavirus pandemic. Two other food processing facilities located in the same vicinity run by two different companies have also reported cases.
Geography
Kuna's business center is approximately southwest of downtown Boise, the state capital. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of, of which is land and is water. South of Kuna is the Kuna Caves a lava tube. A small seasonal creek, Indian Creek, runs through the city. It is now used as an irrigation canal, filled by the New York Canal from the Boise River Diversion Dam. One of the few small floatable waterways in the region, Indian Creek is a favorite swimming spot for local residents.
Demographics
As of 2000 the median income for a household in the city was $62,852. Males had a median income of $32,236 versus $22,473 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,891. About 10.1% of families and 14.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.3% of those under age 18 and 33.0% of those age 65 or over.
As of the census of 2010, there were 15,210 people, 4,782 households, and 3,838 families residing in the city. The population density was. There were 5,108 housing units at an average density of. The racial makeup of the city was 91.2% White, 0.6% African American, 0.8% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 3.6% from other races, and 2.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 8.6% of the population. There were 4,782 households of which 56.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.3% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 19.7% were non-families. 14.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 3.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.18 and the average family size was 3.53. The median age in the city was 28.1 years. 37.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 35.1% were from 25 to 44; 15.3% were from 45 to 64; and 4.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.9% male and 50.1% female.
Arts and culture
During the first weekend in August, there is an annual celebration called Kuna Days. Regular festivities include vendors in the park, live music at the bandshell, a free kids carnival, a rubber duck race in Indian Creek, a BBQ fundraiser at the fire station, a parade, a street dance, and a fireworks show. The Snake RiverBirds of Prey Festival is held every year in mid-May. Taking advantage of the nearby Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, which holds North America's densest population of nesting raptors, it offers lectures and tours about raptors, as well as about local history.
Parks and recreation
In the city center is ColonelBernard Fisher Veteran's Memorial Park, named after one of the city's most notable residents.
