The worst places to live in Idaho are Weiser, Emmett, Caldwell, Nampa, Jerome, Pocatello, Burley, Payette, and Rupert. The overall degree of crime in Idaho is quite low, with both the violent crime rate and property crime rate below the national average.
Boise is the best place to live in Idaho. Caldwell is not much better than Weiser, with high unemployment rates and low average household income. It’s hard to find work, and when you do, the pay is low. We’re here to make an unbiased analysis of where the worst places to live in Idaho are.
The 10 Worst Places In Idaho For 2023
- Caldwell
- Payette
- Lewiston
- Post Falls
- Idaho Falls
- Sandpoint
- Coeur d’Alene
These locations often struggle with high unemployment rates, low household incomes, and public schools that score a 6/10 or lower.
Cost of Living and Safety
Garden City has a violent crime rate of 688 violent crimes per 100,000 people, nearly double the national average. Located on Payette Lake just 2.5 hours north of Boise, McCall is a peaceful scenic destination.
Boise offers convenient public transportation for residents. The cost of living in Idaho is below the US average, with a score of 97.7. Here’s how specific costs compare:
| Cost | Idaho | US Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 97.7 | 100 |
| Health | 95.1 | 100 |
| Housing | 114.1 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $398,900 | $291,700 |
| Utilities | 89.3 | 100 |
There are some challenges to living in Idaho, including limited cultural and entertainment options, long and harsh winters, and a relatively isolated location. Since you’re not near the coast, beach activities like surfing are off the table. Idaho’s outdoor-oriented lifestyle centers around activities such as fishing and hiking, which may not appeal to everyone.
The state’s growing population contributes to overpopulation in some areas, complicating waste management and pollution control. Rapidly changing housing markets in larger cities can present difficulties in home-buying.
There are few cultural options catering to minority groups, which might be a dealbreaker for those seeking a diverse cultural environment. Lastly, Idaho’s strong gun culture and firm support for the Second Amendment might be unsettling for those uncomfortable around firearms.