Best Cities for Outdoor Enthusiasts in Idaho
Idaho ranks #4 of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts, with a outdoor enthusiasts score of 78.6. Moscow is its best city for outdoor enthusiasts at 73.3.
- Idaho, all states
- #4 of 50
- Population
- 26,286
Why Idaho Works for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Idaho ranks #4 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts — a premier destination for those who build their lives around access to nature. The outdoor access score of 50/100 reflects decent but not outstanding access to parks, trails, and recreation. With 62.5% of the state as public land, there's no shortage of space to explore.
Environmental quality matters when you spend significant time outdoors. Idaho's environment score of 70/100 reflects clean air (AQI: 34) and strong environmental conditions. Natural disaster risk is low, meaning fewer disruptions to outdoor plans.
The practical side: average living costs (index: 95.5) keep outdoor lifestyles manageable. Safety (87/100) is strong — important for solo hikers and those exploring remote areas, and the overall health infrastructure (62/100) supports an active lifestyle with good access to sports medicine and emergency care.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Outdoor Enthusiasts
| # City | Grade | Outdoor Enthusiasts score | Overall | Environment | Safety | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Moscow | B+ | 73.3 | 60.3 | 80 | 96 | 26,286 |
| 2Meridian | A | 69.4 | 64.7 | 67 | 95 | 130,138 |
| 3Twin Falls | B | 69.2 | 56.3 | 93 | 77 | 54,164 |
| 4Coeur d'Alene | B+ | 69.0 | 59.9 | 83 | 87 | 56,447 |
| 5Post Falls | B | 68.0 | 58.0 | 83 | 91 | 43,391 |
| 6Boise City | A | 67.9 | 64.4 | 67 | 82 | 237,242 |
| 7Nampa | B | 67.9 | 58.6 | 82 | 82 | 110,319 |
| 8Rexburg | C+ | 67.8 | 54.9 | 59 | 100 | 40,543 |
| 9Jerome | C | 67.0 | 50.4 | 95 | 81 | 12,930 |
| 10Idaho Falls | B+ | 66.7 | 59.0 | 73 | 81 | 67,725 |
| 11Caldwell | B | 65.7 | 57.3 | 82 | 71 | 66,516 |
| 12Lewiston | B | 64.2 | 58.3 | 65 | 86 | 34,651 |
| 13Eagle | B+ | 63.2 | 62.6 | 67 | — | 32,855 |
| 14Pocatello | C+ | 63.2 | 55.1 | 64 | 76 | 57,635 |
| 15Chubbuck | B | 63.0 | 56.3 | 64 | 77 | 16,126 |
| 16Hayden | B | 63.0 | 55.9 | 83 | — | 16,338 |
| 17Kuna | B+ | 61.5 | 59.9 | 67 | — | 27,158 |
| 18Ammon | C | 60.7 | 52.2 | 73 | — | 19,064 |
| 19Star | B+ | 59.6 | 60.5 | 67 | — | 14,745 |
| 20Mountain Home | D | 49.8 | 48.0 | 9 | 91 | 16,493 |
City outdoor enthusiasts scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out.
Compare: States with Similar Outdoor Enthusiasts Rankings
Also See: Idaho for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Idaho a good state for outdoor enthusiasts?
Idaho ranks #4 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts with a persona-weighted score of 78.6/100. Its strongest relevant category is Safety (87/100) and its weakest is Livability (40/100).
What is the best city for outdoor enthusiasts in Idaho?
Moscow ranks #1 in Idaho for outdoor enthusiasts with a score of 73.3/100, followed by Meridian and Twin Falls.
What factors are most important for outdoor enthusiasts in Idaho?
Rankings weighted toward outdoor access (parks, public land, recreation), environmental quality, safety, health infrastructure, and affordable housing — for those who prioritize access to nature and an active lifestyle.