IdahoPop. 26,286Small cities
Is Moscow a Good Place to Live? Moscow, Idaho: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Moscow ranks #388 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #74 of 208 small cities and #5 of 20 in Idaho. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (37 per 100,000, #4 of 174) and short commutes (14.3 min, #11 of 208), and trails on high poverty (25.1%, #189 of 208).
Moscow by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Moscow'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 Moscow?
Moscow's cost of living index is 91.9, 8% below the US level of 100 and #310 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $927/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $480,589, in line with the typical Idaho home ($478,744).
| Measure | Moscow | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 91.9#310 of 1,308 | 95.5 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $480,589#780 of 1,187 | $478,744 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,402/mo#255 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $376,400#729 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $927/mo#128 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 6.6x#1120 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 19.5%#391 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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.
Moscow 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. Moscow is in the Moscow, ID metro.
Idaho housing market →Is Moscow safe?
Moscow recorded 37 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 89% below the US rate of 328 and 83% below Idaho's 217. That ranks #12 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #4 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Moscow Police Department. Property crime runs 1,123 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Moscow | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 37#12 of 1,085 | 217 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,123#275 of 1,085 | 605 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 Moscow?
The median household in Moscow earns $57,022, 31% below the US figure of $83,163 and 30% below Idaho ($81,166). Unemployment is 3% (US 4.3%). 25.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Moscow | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $57,022#1105 of 1,312 | $81,166 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3%#98 of 1,058 | 3.7% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 25.1%#1239 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.3%#489 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 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Idaho is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Moscow?
The median resident of Moscow is 25.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 50% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #270 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 40% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Moscow | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 25.7 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 50%#270 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 40% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Moscow's schools and health?
Moscow's 8 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Idaho 79.9%), with 15.6 students per teacher and $12,120 spent per pupil. 28.5% of adults are obese and 6.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Moscow | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 87%#576 of 1,063 | 79.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 15.6#561 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $12,120#944 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 28.5%#293 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 6.3%#27 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 18.9%#1033 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 9%#519 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Idaho is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 2,505 students are enrolled in Moscow's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Moscow?
The average commute in Moscow is 14.3 minutes (Idaho 22.2); 0.1% of workers take transit and 10.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Moscow scores 8.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #982 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 64.6°F and winters 33.3°F, with 17.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Moscow | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 14.3 min#46 of 1,312 | 22.2 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 1.8%#34 of 1,312 | 5.6% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 62.7% | 72.9% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.1% | 0.5% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 14.4% | 2.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.7% | 0.6% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 10.2% | 12.7% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.3#982 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 | 37.6 | 27.8 | 2.2 |
| Feb | 41.6 | 29.2 | 1.6 |
| Mar | 49.3 | 32.9 | 2 |
| Apr | 56.4 | 37.2 | 1.8 |
| May | 65.4 | 43.7 | 1.4 |
| Jun | 71.9 | 47.7 | 1.2 |
| Jul | 83.1 | 50.9 | 0.4 |
| Aug | 83.4 | 50.4 | 0.5 |
| Sep | 74.2 | 45.4 | 0.7 |
| Oct | 59.2 | 37.6 | 1.6 |
| Nov | 44.7 | 32.5 | 2.1 |
| Dec | 36.6 | 26.9 | 2.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Pullman Moscow Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Moscow | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 48.6°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 64.6°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 33.3°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 17.5 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Pullman Moscow Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Moscow?
Latah County's air had a median air quality index of 31, and 83% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Latah County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 82% of US counties.
| Measure | Moscow | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 31#77 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.11%#282 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Latah County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Latah County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.02% | 90% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.073% | 40% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0017% | 38% 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 Moscow compare with similar-size cities?
Moscow is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #74 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 26,286.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moscow, IDPop. 26,286 | #388 | 60.3 | $57,022 | $927/mo | 37 | 14.3 min |
| South Portland, MEPop. 26,930 | #80 | 69.1 | $86,838 | $1,812/mo | 55 | 17.1 min |
| Paducah, KYPop. 26,845 | #1018 | 49.8 | $49,915 | $834/mo | 274 | 15.7 min |
| Ewa Gentry, HIPop. 26,563 | #205 | 64.4 | $135,684 | $2,580/mo | no data | 35.5 min |
| Oxford, MSPop. 26,411 | #554 | 57.3 | $64,451 | $1,071/mo | 140 | 23.5 min |
| Wheeling, WVPop. 26,350 | #1139 | 47.0 | $48,590 | $794/mo | 816 | 19.8 min |
| Carolina Forest, SCPop. 26,263 | #1149 | 46.7 | $74,436 | $1,668/mo | no data | 22 min |
| Derby, KSPop. 26,062 | #655 | 55.8 | $84,112 | $1,136/mo | part year | 23 min |
| Norfolk, NEPop. 26,054 | #479 | 58.4 | $58,884 | $875/mo | 221 | 13 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 Moscow compare with the rest of Idaho?
Moscow ranks #5 of the 20 Idaho cities we track, with a score of 60.3 against Idaho's statewide 78.4. Its households earn 30% below the Idaho median. Violent crime is 83% below the statewide rate. Homes are in line with 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 Moscow's score calculated?
Moscow scores 60.3 out of 100, #388 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 Moscow. Similar-size median 52.9.
50.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Moscow's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
95.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Moscow. Similar-size median 52.2.
68.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Moscow's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
53.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Moscow's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
75.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Moscow. Similar-size median 46.7.
18.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Moscow. Similar-size median 44.2.
47.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Moscow. Similar-size median 47.3.
67.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Moscow's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
38.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
80.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Moscow's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Moscow 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 Moscow
Is Moscow, ID a good place to live?
Moscow ranks #388 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #74 of 208 small cities and #5 of 20 in Idaho. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (37 per 100,000, #4 of 174) and short commutes (14.3 min, #11 of 208), and trails on high poverty (25.1%, #189 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Moscow?
Moscow's cost of living index is 91.9, 8% below the US level of 100 and #310 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $927/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $480,589, in line with the typical Idaho home ($478,744).
What is the crime rate in Moscow?
Moscow recorded 37 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 89% below the US rate of 328 and 83% below Idaho's 217. That ranks #12 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #4 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Moscow Police Department. Property crime runs 1,123 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Moscow?
The median household in Moscow earns $57,022, 31% below the US figure of $83,163 and 30% below Idaho ($81,166). Unemployment is 3% (US 4.3%). 25.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Moscow?
Median rent in Moscow is $927/mo (Census), #128 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,402/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Moscow?
The typical home value in Moscow is $480,589, down 0.1% in a year, against $478,744 for Idaho and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $376,400.
How are the public schools in Moscow?
Moscow's 8 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Idaho 79.9%), with 15.6 students per teacher and $12,120 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Moscow?
The average commute is 14.3 minutes, #46 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.2 minutes across Idaho. 1.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Moscow?
Moscow averages 48.6°F over the year, 64.6°F in summer and 33.3°F in winter, with 17.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Moscow walkable?
Moscow scores 8.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #982 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 Moscow at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Latah County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 82% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Moscow?
Latah County's air had a median air quality index of 31, and 83% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Moscow?
Moscow has 26,286 residents. The median resident of Moscow is 25.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 50% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #270 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 40% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Moscow compare with the rest of Idaho?
Moscow ranks #5 of the 20 Idaho cities we track, with a score of 60.3 against Idaho's statewide 78.4. Its households earn 30% below the Idaho median. Violent crime is 83% below the statewide rate. Homes are in line with the typical Idaho home.
What cities are similar in size to Moscow?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Moscow's population of 26,286 are South Portland, ME (#80 overall), Paducah, KY (#1018 overall), Ewa Gentry, HI (#205 overall), Oxford, MS (#554 overall), and Wheeling, WV (#1139 overall). Moscow is #388.