Best Cities for Retirees in Idaho
Idaho ranks #2 of 50 for retirees, with a retirees score of 84.8. Eagle is its best city for retirees at 67.6.
- Idaho, all states
- #2 of 50
- Population
- 32,855
Why Idaho Works for Retirees
Idaho ranks #2 nationally for retirees, making it one of the very best 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 62/100 is middling — life expectancy of 78.4 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 $478,744, the typical home is worth more than the 50-state average — retirees relocating from lower-cost areas may face sticker shock. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 87/100. 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 | Household finances | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Eagle | B+ | 67.6 | 62.6 | 73 | 83 | 45 | 32,855 |
| 2Meridian | A | 66.4 | 64.7 | 71 | 73 | 54 | 130,138 |
| 3Boise City | A | 65.1 | 64.4 | 68 | 57 | 61 | 237,242 |
| 4Coeur d'Alene | B+ | 63.9 | 59.9 | 64 | 55 | 61 | 56,447 |
| 5Hayden | B | 61.8 | 55.9 | 65 | 62 | 57 | 16,338 |
| 6Chubbuck | B | 61.6 | 56.3 | 62 | 65 | 77 | 16,126 |
| 7Twin Falls | B | 61.0 | 56.3 | 56 | 46 | 76 | 54,164 |
| 8Post Falls | B | 60.9 | 58.0 | 55 | 56 | 61 | 43,391 |
| 9Nampa | B | 60.5 | 58.6 | 56 | 51 | 66 | 110,319 |
| 10Star | B+ | 60.0 | 60.5 | 64 | 72 | 52 | 14,745 |
| 11Ammon | C | 59.6 | 52.2 | 66 | 68 | 68 | 19,064 |
| 12Lewiston | B | 59.4 | 58.3 | 53 | 49 | 76 | 34,651 |
| 13Kuna | B+ | 58.9 | 59.9 | 67 | 70 | 59 | 27,158 |
| 14Moscow | B+ | 58.3 | 60.3 | 68 | 19 | 75 | 26,286 |
| 15Idaho Falls | B+ | 57.8 | 59.0 | 56 | 51 | 74 | 67,725 |
| 16Caldwell | B | 57.2 | 57.3 | 49 | 50 | 68 | 66,516 |
| 17Jerome | C | 57.2 | 50.4 | 46 | 49 | 81 | 12,930 |
| 18Pocatello | C+ | 56.5 | 55.1 | 58 | 39 | 81 | 57,635 |
| 19Rexburg | C+ | 51.4 | 54.9 | 59 | 7 | 74 | 40,543 |
| 20Mountain Home | D | 49.0 | 48.0 | 54 | 47 | 75 | 16,493 |
City retirees 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. City scores for retirees also weigh the county's expected yearly building losses from natural hazards (FEMA), lower is better; the share of adults without health insurance (CDC PLACES), a sign of local healthcare access, lower is better; the median age of residents (Census ACS), older is better: more peers and retiree services.
Compare: States with Similar Retirees Rankings
Also See: Idaho for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Idaho a good state for retirees?
Idaho ranks #2 out of 50 for retirees with a persona-weighted score of 84.8/100. Its strongest relevant category is Safety (87/100) and its weakest is Livability (40/100).
What is the best city for retirees in Idaho?
Eagle ranks #1 in Idaho for retirees with a score of 67.6/100, followed by Meridian and Boise City.
What factors are most important for retirees in Idaho?
Rankings weighted toward low taxes, quality healthcare, affordable living, safety, community livability, and pleasant environment — the priorities for retirement years.