Located in the state of Idaho, Boise is a large city with a population of 218,677 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Boise is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. If you are looking for a family friendly city, Boise might be a good fit as 76% of the population over 15 years old are married, and 60% have kids who are 18 years old or younger.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Boise, Idaho. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, cost of living, health & safety, education, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Boise and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Boise to Idaho and the national average.
With a livability score of 82/100, Boise is ranked #779 in the United States and #6 in Idaho. Based on this score, Boise would be considered a very livable city! Boise also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we explore each of the categories individually, we see that Boise ranks well for amenities (B-), crime (B-), cost of living (B), education (B+) and housing (A+).
The Boise unemployment rate (1.26%) has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth.
For buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Boise apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Boise real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Boise. Median real estate prices in Boise come in at $191,000, which is 13.8% higher than the Idaho average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Boise, the home price to income ratio is 3.7, which is 8.8% higher than the Idaho average.
| Statistic | Boise | Idaho | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 20min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 76.5% | 78.3% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.1% | 10.0% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.5% | 0.7% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 2.7% | 1.0% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.2% | 2.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 8.5% | 5.9% | 4.6% |
| Walk | Bike | Compact | Car | S.U.V. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance | |||||
| Duration | |||||
| Cost/Month |
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