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Is Caldwell a Good Place to Live? Caldwell, Idaho: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Caldwell ranks #551 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #246 of 524 smaller cities and #12 of 20 in Idaho. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+4.7%, #11 of 468), and trails on low graduation rates (78.8%, #376 of 437) and high violent crime (482 per 100,000, #363 of 444).
Caldwell by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Caldwell'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 Caldwell?
Caldwell'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 $1,264/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $399,412, 17% below the typical Idaho home ($478,744).
| Measure | Caldwell | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 98.4#606 of 1,308 | 95.5 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $399,412#625 of 1,187 | $478,744 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,695/mo#499 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $367,300#706 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,264/mo#499 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5x#842 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 20.8%#547 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Caldwell housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Caldwell is in the Boise City, ID metro.
Idaho housing market →Is Caldwell safe?
Caldwell recorded 482 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 47% above the US rate of 328 and 2.2 times Idaho's 217. That ranks #816 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #363 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Caldwell Police Department. Property crime runs 683 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Caldwell | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 482#816 of 1,085 | 217 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 683#83 of 1,085 | 605 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Caldwell?
The median household in Caldwell earns $73,058, 12% below the US figure of $83,163 and 10% below Idaho ($81,166). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 11.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 4.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Caldwell | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $73,058#753 of 1,312 | $81,166 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 3.7% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 11.9%#645 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +4.7%#22 of 1,132 | +1.4% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Idaho is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Caldwell?
The median resident of Caldwell is 31.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 19.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1181 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 73% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Caldwell | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 31.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 19.5%#1181 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 73% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Caldwell's schools and health?
Caldwell's 19 public schools graduate 78.8% of students in four years (Idaho 79.9%), with 18.4 students per teacher and $9,917 spent per pupil. 36.9% of adults are obese and 11.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Caldwell | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 78.8%#912 of 1,063 | 79.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 18.4#865 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $9,917#1147 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 36.9%#939 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 11.6%#715 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.8%#817 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 17.5%#1163 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Idaho is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 12,279 students are enrolled in Caldwell's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Caldwell?
The average commute in Caldwell is 24.6 minutes (Idaho 22.2); 0% of workers take transit and 12.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Caldwell scores 11.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #521 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.9°F and winters 33.1°F, with 11 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Caldwell | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 24.6 min#743 of 1,312 | 22.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.8%#342 of 1,312 | 5.6% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 73.7% | 72.9% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0% | 0.5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.7% | 2.6% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.6% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 12.1% | 12.7% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 11.6#521 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 39.5 | 23 | 1.4 |
| Feb | 47.2 | 26 | 1 |
| Mar | 57.4 | 31.6 | 1.3 |
| Apr | 64.5 | 36.1 | 1.1 |
| May | 73.9 | 44 | 1.4 |
| Jun | 82.8 | 51 | 0.7 |
| Jul | 93.3 | 57.3 | 0.3 |
| Aug | 91.6 | 55.5 | 0.2 |
| Sep | 81 | 46.5 | 0.4 |
| Oct | 66.6 | 36.5 | 0.8 |
| Nov | 50.7 | 28.4 | 1.2 |
| Dec | 40 | 22.8 | 1.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Nampa Sugar Factory.
| Measure | Caldwell | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 52°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 71.9°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 33.1°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 11 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Nampa Sugar Factory.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Caldwell?
Canyon County's air had a median air quality index of 36, and 77% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Canyon County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 96% of US counties.
| Measure | Caldwell | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 36#161 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.08%#60 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Canyon County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Canyon County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.0056% | 79% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0036% | 57% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.061% | 23% 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 Caldwell compare with similar-size cities?
Caldwell is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #246 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 66,516.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caldwell, IDPop. 66,516 | #551 | 57.3 | $73,058 | $1,264/mo | 482 | 24.6 min |
| Alpharetta, GAPop. 66,855 | #54 | 70.6 | $147,612 | $1,948/mo | 220 | 26.3 min |
| Oshkosh, WIPop. 66,729 | #377 | 60.4 | $62,188 | $935/mo | 257 | 18.1 min |
| Novi, MIPop. 66,717 | #96 | 68.5 | $110,723 | $1,747/mo | 97 | 26.2 min |
| Ocala, FLPop. 66,584 | #962 | 50.7 | $56,376 | $1,359/mo | 393 | 19.2 min |
| Sammamish, WAPop. 66,463 | #210 | 64.2 | $239,690 | $2,857/mo | part year | 29.3 min |
| Union City, NJPop. 66,463 | #645 | 55.9 | $64,310 | $1,537/mo | 248 | 33.1 min |
| Commerce City, COPop. 66,445 | #707 | 54.8 | $111,972 | $1,880/mo | 742 | 29.7 min |
| Palatine, ILPop. 66,293 | #145 | 66.5 | $97,819 | $1,549/mo | 86 | 27.7 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 Caldwell compare with the rest of Idaho?
Caldwell ranks #12 of the 20 Idaho cities we track, with a score of 57.3 against Idaho's statewide 78.4. Its households earn 10% below the Idaho median. Violent crime is 2.2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 17% below the typical Idaho home.
| 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 Caldwell's score calculated?
Caldwell scores 57.3 out of 100, #551 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is 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 · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Caldwell. Similar-size median 55.5.
51.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Caldwell's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
71.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Caldwell. Similar-size median 58.9.
48.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Caldwell's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
35.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Caldwell's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
67.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Caldwell. Similar-size median 56.1.
50.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Caldwell. Similar-size median 42.4.
87.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Caldwell. Similar-size median 50.0.
47.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Caldwell's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
55.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
82.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Caldwell's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Caldwell 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 Caldwell
Is Caldwell, ID a good place to live?
Caldwell ranks #551 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #246 of 524 smaller cities and #12 of 20 in Idaho. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+4.7%, #11 of 468), and trails on low graduation rates (78.8%, #376 of 437) and high violent crime (482 per 100,000, #363 of 444).
What is the cost of living in Caldwell?
Caldwell'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 $1,264/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $399,412, 17% below the typical Idaho home ($478,744).
What is the crime rate in Caldwell?
Caldwell recorded 482 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 47% above the US rate of 328 and 2.2 times Idaho's 217. That ranks #816 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #363 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Caldwell Police Department. Property crime runs 683 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Caldwell?
The median household in Caldwell earns $73,058, 12% below the US figure of $83,163 and 10% below Idaho ($81,166). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 11.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 4.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Caldwell?
Median rent in Caldwell is $1,264/mo (Census), #499 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,695/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Caldwell?
The typical home value in Caldwell is $399,412, up 1.2% in a year, against $478,744 for Idaho and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $367,300.
How are the public schools in Caldwell?
Caldwell's 19 public schools graduate 78.8% of students in four years (Idaho 79.9%), with 18.4 students per teacher and $9,917 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Caldwell?
The average commute is 24.6 minutes, #743 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.2 minutes across Idaho. 3.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Caldwell?
Caldwell averages 52°F over the year, 71.9°F in summer and 33.1°F in winter, with 11 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Caldwell walkable?
Caldwell scores 11.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #521 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 Caldwell at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Canyon County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 96% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Caldwell?
Canyon County's air had a median air quality index of 36, and 77% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Caldwell?
Caldwell has 66,516 residents. The median resident of Caldwell is 31.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 19.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1181 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 73% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Caldwell compare with the rest of Idaho?
Caldwell ranks #12 of the 20 Idaho cities we track, with a score of 57.3 against Idaho's statewide 78.4. Its households earn 10% below the Idaho median. Violent crime is 2.2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 17% below the typical Idaho home.
What cities are similar in size to Caldwell?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Caldwell's population of 66,516 are Alpharetta, GA (#54 overall), Oshkosh, WI (#377 overall), Novi, MI (#96 overall), Ocala, FL (#962 overall), and Sammamish, WA (#210 overall). Caldwell is #551.