Safest cities in Idaho

Known as the 'Gem State,' Idaho is celebrated for its rugged landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. Located in the northwestern United States, Idaho is characterized by its mountainous terrain, vast forests, and scenic rivers. The state's economy is diverse, with key industries including agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and tourism. Boise, the state capital, is a vibrant urban center known for its cultural attractions, including museums, theaters, and music venues. Idaho is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, fishing, skiing, and white-water rafting. The state's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its numerous festivals, historic sites, and Native American traditions.

The safest cities in Idaho provide a high quality of life, with low crime rates enhancing overall livability. Safety is a fundamental aspect of strong communities, promoting economic growth and social stability. Factors contributing to the safety of Idaho's cities include effective law enforcement, community involvement, and proactive public safety measures. These cities are ranked based on total crime per 100,000 people, providing a clear and accurate assessment of safety. This focus on security allows residents to fully enjoy Idaho's natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and cultural amenities without the constant worry of crime, making the state an appealing place to live.

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Weiser Population: 5,358 178 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 129 Property Crime / 100k: 48 chance of being a victim: 1 in 563
Weiser proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Idaho. With only 178 crimes per 100,000 people, Weiser has a crime rate that is 94% lower than the Idaho average. This equates to an average of 0.03 crimes per day and a 1 in 563 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The city's well-funded police department, active neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement initiatives contribute significantly to its low crime rates, making it an ideal place for families and retirees.
Preston Population: 5,477 446 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 64 Property Crime / 100k: 382 chance of being a victim: 1 in 224
Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Preston comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in Idaho with a crime rate of 446 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 32 counts of burglary, 350 counts of theft, 0 counts of vehicle theft, 48 counts of assault, 16 counts of robbery, 0 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Preston, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.
Rexburg Population: 29,064 593 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 70 Property Crime / 100k: 523 chance of being a victim: 1 in 169
With a population of 29,064 and a total crime rate of 593 per 100,000 residents, Rexburg is the 3rd safest city in Idaho. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 60% lower than the Idaho average, the commitment to safety is evident in its multifaceted crime prevention strategies. The local government collaborates closely with residents through regular community meetings and feedback sessions to address safety concerns. The end result, is an incredibly safe place to live.
Fruitland Population: 5,390 643 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 98 Property Crime / 100k: 545 chance of being a victim: 1 in 156
With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Fruitland is a growing community where residents can enjoy the outdoors. Residents also feel safe, knowing that the overall crime rate per 100,000 people is 643, 93% lower than the Idaho average. This amounts to 0.13 crimes per day and a 1 in 156 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Strong community partnerships between local businesses, schools, and law enforcement further enhance the city’s security. These combined efforts make Fruitland a highly desirable and safe place to call home.
Hailey Population: 8,575 657 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 179 Property Crime / 100k: 478 chance of being a victim: 1 in 152
Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Hailey consistently ranks high in safety. In Hailey, the focus on community policing ensures that officers are integrated into the community, building strong relationships with residents. Crime prevention education, offered through schools and local organizations, empowers residents to take an active role in maintaining their safety. With everything working asynchronously, the total crime rate comes in at 657, which is 90% lower than the state average.
Meridian Population: 107,787 718 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 147 Property Crime / 100k: 571 chance of being a victim: 1 in 139
Meridian has lots to offer its residents, including safety as it comes in at #6 on our list of the safest cities in Idaho. The total crime rate from the year that it was last reported was 718 crimes per 100,000 people, 40% higher than the Idaho average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 52 reports of burglary, 482 reports of theft, 37 reports of vehicle theft, 105 reports of assault, 11 reports of robbery, 30 reports of rape and 1 reports of homicide.
Mountain Home Population: 14,308 727 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 201 Property Crime / 100k: 526 chance of being a victim: 1 in 138
Mountain Home ranks as the seventh safest city in Idaho and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 138 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 0.34 crimes per day (per 100,000 people), the area has a safety record that speaks for itself. Active involvement from its residents, such as neighborhood patrols and community safety workshops, fosters a strong sense of community and vigilance. Mountain Home’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Idaho.
Middleton Population: 8,005 727 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 130 Property Crime / 100k: 597 chance of being a victim: 1 in 138
Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Middleton is the 8th safest city in Idaho. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 88% lower than the Idaho average, reporting a total of 727 crimes per 100,000 people. The city places a strong emphasis on public safety through various initiatives that promote collaboration between residents and local authorities. Regular community safety events and lots of outdoor spaces, coupled with an accessible and responsive police force, ensure that residents feel safe and supported.
Emmett Population: 6,942 753 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 342 Property Crime / 100k: 411 chance of being a victim: 1 in 133
Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Emmett is a great example of such a city and continually ranks as one of the safest communities in Idaho, based on the annual review of the FBI uniform crime report. Statistically speaking, there were a total of 753 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 91% lower than the state average.
Post Falls Population: 34,971 794 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 152 Property Crime / 100k: 643 chance of being a victim: 1 in 126
Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Idaho, is Post Falls. With a low rate of crime that included 88 burglaries, 508 thefts, 47 vehicle thefts, 130 assaults, 11 robberies, 9 rapes and 2 homicides, the overall crime rate was 53% lower than the state average. Cities with engaged citizens and responsive government bodies are more likely to implement effective policies and practices that promote safety and address residents’ concerns.

Full list of the safest cities in Idaho

Rank Location Population Violent Crimes /100k Property Crimes /100k Total Crimes /100k 
1 Weiser 5,358 129 48 178
2 Preston 5,477 64 382 446
3 Rexburg 29,064 70 523 593
4 Fruitland 5,390 98 545 643
5 Hailey 8,575 179 478 657
6 Meridian 107,787 147 571 718
7 Mountain Home 14,308 201 526 727
8 Middleton 8,005 130 597 727
9 Emmett 6,942 342 411 753
10 Post Falls 34,971 152 643 794
11 Jerome 11,824 112 694 806
12 Rathdrum 8,672 64 850 914
13 Moscow 25,652 19 1,016 1,034
14 Sandpoint 8,692 86 1,000 1,086
15 Nampa 96,825 353 742 1,095
16 Coeur d'Alene 51,491 241 956 1,197
17 Blackfoot 11,936 288 909 1,197
18 Payette 7,655 296 990 1,286
19 Rupert 5,820 641 750 1,391
20 Boise 228,057 294 1,110 1,404
21 Caldwell 56,734 453 977 1,430
22 Lewiston 32,853 191 1,313 1,504
23 Twin Falls 49,819 417 1,126 1,543
24 Idaho Falls 62,417 357 1,209 1,566
25 Pocatello 56,016 341 1,587 1,928
26 Garden City 11,873 656 1,436 2,092
27 Chubbuck 15,301 265 2,687 2,952

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the safest cities in Idaho is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) and property crime data (burglary, theft, vehicle theft) per 100,000 people and only included Idaho cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Crime by State

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The interactive map above is a powerful tool for discovering the safest cities in each state across the USA. By highlighting states with the lowest total crime rates, this map provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. It showcases urban centers with thriving economies, regions boasting solid job markets, and areas with low unemployment, all of which correlate with reduced crime rates. By clicking on each state, you can dive deeper into information about their safest cities and explore detailed crime statistics that paint a clearer picture of safety across the nation.