Best Cities for Retirees in Idaho
Why Idaho Works for Retirees
Idaho ranks #10 nationally for retirees, making it a top-ten destination for those entering their next chapter. The state's strong fiscal health (71/100) and light overall tax burden of 7.54% help retirement savings go further.
For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. Idaho's health score of 55/100 is middling β life expectancy of 78.5 years is roughly in line with national norms, but healthcare quality varies by region. On the tax front, the overall burden stands at 7.54% of income. The 5.7% income tax rate is worth factoring into retirement income projections. Property taxes run 0.56% (effective rate), which is among the lowest in the nation.
At $485,000, median home prices are above the national average β retirees relocating from lower-cost areas may face sticker shock. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 78/100. Livability amenities are more limited compared to top-ranked states, so retirees who value a vibrant social scene should focus their search on the state's larger metro areas.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # | City | Grade | Retirees Score | Overall | Health | Fiscal Health | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Meridian | A+ | 68.7 | 65.4 | 71 | 73 | 59 | 134,794 |
| 2 | Eagle | A | 67.0 | 62.4 | 73 | 81 | 52 | 31,490 |
| 3 | Ammon | B+ | 66.2 | 58.9 | 66 | 67 | 74 | 18,496 |
| 4 | Kuna | A | 64.9 | 62.1 | 67 | 67 | 62 | 25,960 |
| 5 | Star | A | 64.5 | 61.0 | 64 | 64 | 59 | 13,231 |
| 6 | Boise City | B+ | 63.2 | 59.0 | 68 | 56 | 70 | 235,416 |
| 7 | Hayden | B+ | 62.6 | 57.7 | 65 | 60 | 60 | 16,021 |
| 8 | Coeur d'Alene | B+ | 61.7 | 57.7 | 64 | 56 | 70 | 55,558 |
| 9 | Chubbuck | B | 60.3 | 54.1 | 62 | 59 | 70 | 15,900 |
| 10 | Idaho Falls | B+ | 60.2 | 57.0 | 56 | 46 | 78 | 67,996 |
| 11 | Lewiston | B+ | 60.0 | 58.1 | 53 | 47 | 80 | 34,471 |
| 12 | Moscow | A | 59.6 | 60.4 | 68 | 26 | 69 | 25,868 |
| 13 | Post Falls | B+ | 59.5 | 57.0 | 55 | 48 | 64 | 41,716 |
| 14 | Nampa | B+ | 59.4 | 56.8 | 56 | 52 | 66 | 114,261 |
| 15 | Twin Falls | B | 58.7 | 54.1 | 56 | 47 | 79 | 53,219 |
| 16 | Caldwell | B+ | 58.4 | 57.4 | 49 | 45 | 68 | 68,339 |
| 17 | Pocatello | B | 58.1 | 54.0 | 58 | 40 | 82 | 57,152 |
| 18 | Mountain Home | C+ | 56.9 | 51.9 | 54 | 43 | 71 | 16,265 |
| 19 | Jerome | C+ | 56.7 | 51.7 | 46 | 41 | 74 | 12,689 |
| 20 | Rexburg | B | 52.9 | 53.9 | 59 | 7 | 68 | 39,589 |