Best Cities for Outdoor Enthusiasts in Idaho
Why Idaho Works for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Idaho ranks #5 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: affordable living (index: 91) means more budget for gear, trips, and experiences. Safety (78/100) is strong — important for solo hikers and those exploring remote areas, and the overall health infrastructure (55/100) 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 | Outdoor Access | Environment | Safety | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Meridian | A+ | 65.1 | 65.4 | 50 | 70 | 92 | 134,794 |
| 2 | Moscow | A | 64.7 | 60.4 | 50 | 70 | 93 | 25,868 |
| 3 | Rexburg | B | 62.8 | 53.9 | 50 | 70 | 96 | 39,589 |
| 4 | Star | A | 62.2 | 61.0 | 50 | 70 | 78 | 13,231 |
| 5 | Boise City | B+ | 62.0 | 59.0 | 50 | 70 | 80 | 235,416 |
| 6 | Eagle | A | 61.9 | 62.4 | 50 | 70 | 78 | 31,490 |
| 7 | Kuna | A | 61.9 | 62.1 | 50 | 70 | 78 | 25,960 |
| 8 | Ammon | B+ | 61.9 | 58.9 | 50 | 70 | 78 | 18,496 |
| 9 | Lewiston | B+ | 61.3 | 58.1 | 50 | 70 | 90 | 34,471 |
| 10 | Post Falls | B+ | 61.3 | 57.0 | 50 | 70 | 91 | 41,716 |
| 11 | Idaho Falls | B+ | 61.0 | 57.0 | 50 | 70 | 76 | 67,996 |
| 12 | Hayden | B+ | 60.9 | 57.7 | 50 | 70 | 78 | 16,021 |
| 13 | Coeur d'Alene | B+ | 60.6 | 57.7 | 50 | 70 | 80 | 55,558 |
| 14 | Caldwell | B+ | 60.3 | 57.4 | 50 | 70 | 74 | 68,339 |
| 15 | Nampa | B+ | 59.9 | 56.8 | 50 | 70 | 76 | 114,261 |
| 16 | Jerome | C+ | 59.6 | 51.7 | 50 | 70 | 87 | 12,689 |
| 17 | Pocatello | B | 59.5 | 54.0 | 50 | 70 | 73 | 57,152 |
| 18 | Twin Falls | B | 59.0 | 54.1 | 50 | 70 | 69 | 53,219 |
| 19 | Mountain Home | C+ | 59.0 | 51.9 | 50 | 70 | 86 | 16,265 |
| 20 | Chubbuck | B | 57.8 | 54.1 | 50 | 70 | 64 | 15,900 |