Idaho
Idaho ranks #13 of 50 US states in 2026 with a composite score of 70.3/100 and a B+ grade. Its strongest category is Safety (78/100) and its weakest is Education (41/100).
How Does Idaho Rank For...
Weights vary by lifestyle. Families prioritize education & safety; retirees prioritize fiscal health & healthcare. See methodology →
Top Strengths
Areas to Watch
Category Breakdown
12-Month Composite Trend
IllustrativeCities in Idaho
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Income | Crime | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 63 | Meridian | A+ | 65.4 | 134,794 | $100,307 | 169.3 | — |
| 128 | Eagle | A | 62.4 | 31,490 | $118,037 | — | — |
| 140 | Kuna | A | 62.1 | 25,960 | $93,545 | — | — |
| 173 | Star | A | 61.0 | 13,231 | $91,318 | — | — |
| 193 | Moscow | A | 60.4 | 25,868 | $56,497 | 15 | — |
| 243 | Boise City | B+ | 59.0 | 235,416 | $79,977 | 280.2 | 93.4 |
| 249 | Ammon | B+ | 58.9 | 18,496 | $84,154 | — | 97.2 |
| 276 | Lewiston | B+ | 58.1 | 34,471 | $71,047 | 124.9 | 87.2 |
| 295 | Coeur d'Alene | B+ | 57.7 | 55,558 | $70,845 | 300.1 | 96.9 |
| 296 | Hayden | B+ | 57.7 | 16,021 | $77,534 | — | — |
| 312 | Caldwell | B+ | 57.4 | 68,339 | $67,117 | 427.7 | — |
| 330 | Idaho Falls | B+ | 57.0 | 67,996 | $63,049 | 323.3 | 89.9 |
| 331 | Post Falls | B+ | 57.0 | 41,716 | $73,313 | 149.2 | — |
| 339 | Nampa | B+ | 56.8 | 114,261 | $71,752 | 383.2 | — |
| 449 | Twin Falls | B | 54.1 | 53,219 | $60,760 | 418.4 | 88.6 |
| 450 | Chubbuck | B | 54.1 | 15,900 | $78,646 | 322.8 | — |
| 455 | Pocatello | B | 54.0 | 57,152 | $57,931 | 371.6 | 87.8 |
| 461 | Rexburg | B | 53.9 | 39,589 | $50,359 | 75.6 | — |
| 559 | Mountain Home | C+ | 51.9 | 16,265 | $58,486 | 269.6 | — |
| 570 | Jerome | C+ | 51.7 | 12,689 | $65,343 | 239.1 | — |
Best Cities in Idaho for...
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Idaho Rankings Overview
Idaho earns an overall grade of B+ with a composite score of 70.3 out of 100, ranking #13 among all 50 US states. The state's strongest category is Safety (78/100) while its biggest challenge is Education (41/100).
Economy & Employment in Idaho
With an unemployment rate of 3.2% (compared to the national average of 3.8%), Idaho performs above average on economic indicators. The median household income is $68,930, which ranks below the national median of $74,753.
Safety & Crime in Idaho
Idaho's violent crime rate of 214 per 100,000 residents places it in the top half of states for public safety.
Health & Education in Idaho
Idaho ranks #23 for health outcomes according to the 2025 America's Health Rankings report, and #30 for K-12 education quality based on NAEP scores and graduation rates. Life expectancy in Idaho is 78.5 years, and the high school graduation rate is 82%.
Taxes & Fiscal Health in Idaho
Idaho's total tax burden is 7.54% of personal income, which is below the national average of 8.74%. The top marginal income tax rate is 5.7%. The effective property tax rate is 0.56% and the combined state and local sales tax rate is 6.03%.
Housing & Affordability in Idaho
The median home price in Idaho is $485,000, compared to the national average of $394,620. The cost of living index is 91 (where 100 equals the national average), making it a more affordable state. The price-to-income ratio is 7.0x.
Environment in Idaho
Idaho has a median air quality index of 34 (EPA AirData), better than the national average. 70% of the state's electricity comes from renewable sources, one of the highest rates in the country. The FEMA natural disaster risk score is 21.7 (below average risk).
Growth & Migration in Idaho
Idaho's population growth rate is +1.6% year over year. The net domestic migration rate is +8.3 per 1,000 residents, indicating more people are moving in than out. 87.5% of households have broadband internet access.
Best Cities in Idaho
The top-ranked cities in Idaho based on our composite scoring are Meridian, Eagle, and Kuna. These cities score highest across economy, safety, health, and affordability metrics among the cities we track in Idaho.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Idaho's overall ranking?
Idaho ranks #13 out of 50 states with a composite score of 70.3/100 and a grade of B+.
Is Idaho a good place to live?
Idaho ranks among the top-performing states in America with a composite score of 70.3/100. Its strengths in areas like economic opportunity and public safety make it an attractive place to live for many residents.
What is the crime rate in Idaho?
The violent crime rate in Idaho is 214 per 100,000 residents (2024 FBI data), compared to the national average of 350 per 100,000.
How does Idaho's economy compare?
Idaho's median household income is $68,930 with an unemployment rate of 3.2%. The unemployment rate is below the national average of 3.8%, and the median income is below the national median of $74,753.
What are the best cities in Idaho?
Based on our composite scoring, the top-ranked cities in Idaho are Meridian, Eagle, and Kuna.
How does Idaho rank for families?
Idaho ranks #19 of 50 states for families with a score of 69.4/100. This is a mid-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing education, safety, housing.
How does Idaho rank for retirees?
Idaho ranks #10 of 50 states for retirees with a score of 76.9/100. This is a top-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing health, fiscal, housing.
How does Idaho rank for remote workers?
Idaho ranks #3 of 50 states for remote workers with a score of 76.2/100. This is a top-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing housing, economy, outdoor.