IdahoPop. 237,242Mid-size cities
Is Boise a Good Place to Live? Boise, Idaho: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Boise ranks #200 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #26 of 256 mid-size cities and #2 of 20 in Idaho. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.2%, #18 of 241) and short commutes (18.9 min, #30 of 256), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Boise by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Boise's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Boise?
Boise's cost of living index is 98.4, 2% below the US level of 100 and #606 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,446/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $484,800.
| Measure | Boise | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 98.4#606 of 1,308 | 95.5 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $484,800#957 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,446/mo#683 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.8x#1003 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 20.7%#534 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Idaho is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Is Boise safe?
Boise recorded 289 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 12% below the US rate of 328 and 33% above Idaho's 217. That ranks #544 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #97 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Boise Police Department. Property crime runs 851 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Boise | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 289#544 of 1,085 | 217 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 851#155 of 1,085 | 605 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Idaho is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Boise?
The median household in Boise earns $83,904, 1% above the US figure of $83,163 and 3% above Idaho ($81,166). Unemployment is 3.2% (US 4.3%). 10.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Boise | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $83,904#550 of 1,312 | $81,166 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.2%#155 of 1,058 | 3.7% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 10.6%#545 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.3%#489 of 1,132 | +1.4% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Idaho is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Boise?
The median resident of Boise is 38.6 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 47.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #311 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Boise | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 38.6 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 47.5%#311 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 63.2% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Boise's schools and health?
We have too few school records for Boise to describe its public schools. 29% of adults are obese and 8.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Boise | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 29%#331 of 1,311 | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 8.7%#175 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 16.1%#434 of 1,311 | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 8.9%#500 of 1,311 | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
What are the commute and weather like in Boise?
The average commute in Boise is 18.9 minutes (Idaho 22.2); 0.5% of workers take transit and 17.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Boise scores 13.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #225 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.6°F and winters 33.9°F, with 11.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Boise | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 18.9 min#251 of 1,312 | 22.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 2.8%#149 of 1,312 | 5.6% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 67.6% | 72.9% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.5% | 0.5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.9% | 2.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 2.2% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 17.6% | 12.7% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 13.6#225 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Idaho is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 38.8 | 25.5 | 1.4 |
| Feb | 46 | 29 | 1 |
| Mar | 55.5 | 34.9 | 1.3 |
| Apr | 62.3 | 39.6 | 1.2 |
| May | 72.3 | 47.5 | 1.5 |
| Jun | 81.4 | 54.1 | 0.8 |
| Jul | 92.7 | 61.9 | 0.2 |
| Aug | 90.7 | 60.8 | 0.2 |
| Sep | 80 | 52.6 | 0.4 |
| Oct | 64.8 | 41.5 | 0.8 |
| Nov | 48.8 | 31.7 | 1.2 |
| Dec | 38.8 | 25.4 | 1.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Boise Air Terminal.
| Measure | Boise | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 53.2°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 73.6°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 33.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 11.5 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Boise Air Terminal.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Boise?
Ada County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Ada County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
| Measure | Boise | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 42#457 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.11%#329 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Ada County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Ada County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.027% | 92% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0055% | 68% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.068% | 32% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Boise compare with similar-size cities?
Boise is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #26 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 237,242.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boise, IDPop. 237,242 | #200 | 64.4 | $83,904 | $1,446/mo | 289 | 18.9 min |
| Winston-Salem, NCPop. 252,037 | #1103 | 47.8 | $59,268 | $1,087/mo | 744 | 21.5 min |
| Garland, TXPop. 246,844 | #727 | 54.5 | $76,320 | $1,641/mo | 191 | 29.7 min |
| Scottsdale, AZPop. 243,821 | #345 | 61.0 | $110,886 | $2,013/mo | 175 | 21.6 min |
| Enterprise, NVPop. 240,464 | #616 | 56.4 | $98,462 | $1,934/mo | no data | 23.8 min |
| Arlington, VAPop. 236,254 | #11 | 75.0 | $142,114 | $2,322/mo | no data | 26.2 min |
| Port St. Lucie, FLPop. 232,491 | #488 | 58.2 | $80,648 | $1,937/mo | 128 | 30.5 min |
| Spokane, WAPop. 230,293 | #767 | 53.8 | $70,064 | $1,215/mo | 613 | 20.6 min |
| Santa Clarita, CAPop. 230,221 | #651 | 55.8 | $123,062 | $2,544/mo | 173 | 34.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Boise compare with the rest of Idaho?
Boise ranks #2 of the 20 Idaho cities we track, with a score of 64.4 against Idaho's statewide 78.4. Its households earn 3% above the Idaho median. Violent crime is 33% above the statewide rate.
| City | Rank in ID | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meridian, IDPop. 130,138 | #1 | 64.7 | $100,795 | $1,805/mo | 137 |
| Boise, IDPop. 237,242 | #2 | 64.4 | $83,904 | $1,446/mo | 289 |
| Eagle, IDPop. 32,855 | #3 | 62.6 | $122,894 | $1,765/mo | no data |
| Star, IDPop. 14,745 | #4 | 60.5 | $97,936 | $1,924/mo | no data |
| Moscow, IDPop. 26,286 | #5 | 60.3 | $57,022 | $927/mo | 37 |
| Coeur d'Alene, IDPop. 56,447 | #6 | 59.9 | $72,338 | $1,468/mo | 235 |
| Kuna, IDPop. 27,158 | #7 | 59.9 | $96,219 | $1,774/mo | no data |
| Idaho Falls, IDPop. 67,725 | #8 | 59.0 | $73,110 | $1,075/mo | 301 |
| Nampa, IDPop. 110,319 | #9 | 58.6 | $74,279 | $1,420/mo | 310 |
| Lewiston, IDPop. 34,651 | #10 | 58.3 | $72,197 | $1,027/mo | 175 |
| Post Falls, IDPop. 43,391 | #11 | 58.0 | $82,183 | $1,469/mo | 168 |
| Caldwell, IDPop. 66,516 | #12 | 57.3 | $73,058 | $1,264/mo | 482 |
| Twin Falls, IDPop. 54,164 | #13 | 56.3 | $61,205 | $1,082/mo | 359 |
| Chubbuck, IDPop. 16,126 | #14 | 56.3 | $82,977 | $1,048/mo | 280 |
| Hayden, IDPop. 16,338 | #15 | 55.9 | $82,958 | $1,733/mo | no data |
| Pocatello, IDPop. 57,635 | #16 | 55.1 | $60,418 | $948/mo | 331 |
| Rexburg, IDPop. 40,543 | #17 | 54.9 | $50,617 | $1,004/mo | 49 |
| Ammon, IDPop. 19,064 | #18 | 52.2 | $86,121 | $1,372/mo | no data |
| Jerome, IDPop. 12,930 | #19 | 50.4 | $66,894 | $947/mo | 356 |
| Mountain Home, IDPop. 16,493 | #20 | 48.0 | $63,125 | $1,155/mo | 193 |
All 20 Idaho cities we track, by overall score. Idaho statewide: median income $81,166, violent crime 217.3 per 100,000.
How is Boise's score calculated?
Boise scores 64.4 out of 100, #200 of 1,312 (grade A, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; education and outdoor access are left out rather than filled with Idaho's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Boise. Similar-size median 52.9.
61.3 - SafetyCity data · 15% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Boise's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
82.4 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Boise. Similar-size median 53.8.
68.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Boise's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
60.6 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Boise. Similar-size median 51.2.
57.2 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Boise. Similar-size median 42.1.
47.0 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Boise. Similar-size median 50.1.
61.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Boise's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
66.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
67.1 - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for Boise.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Boise's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Boise has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Boise
Is Boise, ID a good place to live?
Boise ranks #200 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #26 of 256 mid-size cities and #2 of 20 in Idaho. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.2%, #18 of 241) and short commutes (18.9 min, #30 of 256), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Boise?
Boise's cost of living index is 98.4, 2% below the US level of 100 and #606 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,446/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $484,800.
What is the crime rate in Boise?
Boise recorded 289 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 12% below the US rate of 328 and 33% above Idaho's 217. That ranks #544 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #97 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Boise Police Department. Property crime runs 851 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Boise?
The median household in Boise earns $83,904, 1% above the US figure of $83,163 and 3% above Idaho ($81,166). Unemployment is 3.2% (US 4.3%). 10.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Boise?
Median rent in Boise is $1,446/mo (Census), #683 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 20.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Boise?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in Boise is $484,800, #957 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in Boise?
We have too few school records for Boise to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in Boise?
The average commute is 18.9 minutes, #251 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.2 minutes across Idaho. 2.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Boise?
Boise averages 53.2°F over the year, 73.6°F in summer and 33.9°F in winter, with 11.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Boise walkable?
Boise scores 13.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #225 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Boise at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Ada County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Boise?
Ada County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Boise?
Boise has 237,242 residents. The median resident of Boise is 38.6 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 47.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #311 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Boise compare with the rest of Idaho?
Boise ranks #2 of the 20 Idaho cities we track, with a score of 64.4 against Idaho's statewide 78.4. Its households earn 3% above the Idaho median. Violent crime is 33% above the statewide rate.
What cities are similar in size to Boise?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Boise's population of 237,242 are Winston-Salem, NC (#1103 overall), Garland, TX (#727 overall), Scottsdale, AZ (#345 overall), Enterprise, NV (#616 overall), and Arlington, VA (#11 overall). Boise is #200.