IdahoPop. 14,745Towns
Is Star a Good Place to Live? Star, Idaho: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Star ranks #375 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #60 of 234 towns and #4 of 20 in Idaho. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+14.8%, #1 of 151) and low poverty (5.8%, #43 of 234), and trails on high rents ($1,924/mo, #215 of 231) and expensive homes ($564,300, #211 of 231).
Star by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Star's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Star: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Star safe?
What is the cost of living in Star?
Star'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 $1,924/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $579,749, 21% above the typical Idaho home ($478,744).
| Measure | Star | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 98.4#606 of 1,308 | 95.5 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $579,749#919 of 1,187 | $478,744 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,419/mo#885 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $564,300#1039 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,924/mo#1054 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 5.8x#1003 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 23.6%#845 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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.
Star 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. Star is in the Boise City, ID metro.
Idaho housing market →Is Star safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Star alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Star crime rate or rank it on safety. Idaho as a whole records 217 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Star?
The median household in Star earns $97,936, 18% above the US figure of $83,163 and 21% above Idaho ($81,166). 5.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 14.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Star | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $97,936#366 of 1,312 | $81,166 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 5.8%#160 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +14.8%#1 of 1,132 | +1.4% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Idaho is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Star?
The median resident of Star is 40.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 34.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #615 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 80.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Star | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 40.3 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 34.9%#615 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 80.7% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Star's schools and health?
We have too few school records for Star to describe its public schools. 30.9% of adults are obese and 10.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Star | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 30.9%#449 of 1,311 | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 10.5%#500 of 1,311 | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 15.5%#329 of 1,311 | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 7.8%#349 of 1,311 | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
What are the commute and weather like in Star?
The average commute in Star is 27.5 minutes (Idaho 22.2); 0% of workers take transit and 21.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Star scores 6.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #1265 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 | Star | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 27.5 min#966 of 1,312 | 22.2 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 5.9%#697 of 1,312 | 5.6% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 65.9% | 72.9% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 0.9% | 2.6% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.6% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 21.2% | 12.7% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 6.7#1265 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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 | Star | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 52°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 71.9°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 33.1°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 11 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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 Star?
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 | Star | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 42#457 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.11%#329 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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 Star compare with similar-size cities?
Star is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #60 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 14,745.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star, IDPop. 14,745 | #375 | 60.5 | $97,936 | $1,924/mo | no data | 27.5 min |
| Rutland, VTPop. 15,712 | #514 | 57.9 | $57,675 | $995/mo | 464 | 16 min |
| Deming, NMPop. 15,221 | #1299 | 36.7 | $34,165 | $586/mo | part year | 17.4 min |
| Brookside, DEPop. 15,115 | #1009 | 49.9 | $78,328 | $1,444/mo | no data | 25.3 min |
| Lebanon, NHPop. 14,999 | #27 | 72.2 | $98,147 | $1,744/mo | 134 | 14 min |
| Huron, SDPop. 14,385 | #1035 | 49.4 | $61,452 | $888/mo | 281 | 11.9 min |
| Ewa Beach, HIPop. 14,376 | #308 | 62.0 | $124,323 | $2,522/mo | no data | 38 min |
| Scottsbluff, NEPop. 14,376 | #1180 | 45.7 | $56,359 | $966/mo | 672 | 12.5 min |
| Teays Valley, WVPop. 14,151 | #523 | 57.8 | $108,741 | $1,102/mo | no data | 24.1 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 Star compare with the rest of Idaho?
Star ranks #4 of the 20 Idaho cities we track, with a score of 60.5 against Idaho's statewide 78.4. Its households earn 21% above the Idaho median. Homes are 21% above 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 Star's score calculated?
Star scores 60.5 out of 100, #375 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 8 of 11 categories with local data; safety, 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, some inputs missing · 21% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Star. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
54.7 - HealthCity data · 17% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Star. Similar-size median 56.5.
63.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 14% of score
Star's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
51.5 - Household financesCity data · 11% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Star. Similar-size median 50.8.
72.2 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 10% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Star. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
100.0 - TransportationCity data · 10% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Star. Similar-size median 48.3.
54.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 10% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Star's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
30.0 - EnvironmentCounty data · 6% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
67.1 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Star alone.
— - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for Star.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Star's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Star 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 Star
Is Star, ID a good place to live?
Star ranks #375 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #60 of 234 towns and #4 of 20 in Idaho. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+14.8%, #1 of 151) and low poverty (5.8%, #43 of 234), and trails on high rents ($1,924/mo, #215 of 231) and expensive homes ($564,300, #211 of 231).
What is the cost of living in Star?
Star'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 $1,924/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $579,749, 21% above the typical Idaho home ($478,744).
Is Star safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Star alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Star crime rate or rank it on safety. Idaho as a whole records 217 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Star?
The median household in Star earns $97,936, 18% above the US figure of $83,163 and 21% above Idaho ($81,166). 5.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 14.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Star?
Median rent in Star is $1,924/mo (Census), #1054 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,419/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Star?
The typical home value in Star is $579,749, down 0.4% in a year, against $478,744 for Idaho and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $564,300.
How are the public schools in Star?
We have too few school records for Star to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in Star?
The average commute is 27.5 minutes, #966 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.2 minutes across Idaho. 5.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Star?
Star 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 Star walkable?
Star scores 6.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1265 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 Star 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 Star?
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 Star?
Star has 14,745 residents. The median resident of Star is 40.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 34.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #615 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 80.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Star compare with the rest of Idaho?
Star ranks #4 of the 20 Idaho cities we track, with a score of 60.5 against Idaho's statewide 78.4. Its households earn 21% above the Idaho median. Homes are 21% above the typical Idaho home.
What cities are similar in size to Star?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Star's population of 14,745 are Rutland, VT (#514 overall), Deming, NM (#1299 overall), Brookside, DE (#1009 overall), Lebanon, NH (#27 overall), and Huron, SD (#1035 overall). Star is #375.