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Are you mulling over moving to Idaho?
If you enjoy hunting or love lakes, rivers, boating, extreme sports, skiing and snowboarding, rock climbing, golfing, fishing, and the likes, moving to Idaho is right for you.
The state’s remarkable outdoor attractions and fun spots make it appealing to millennials, young families, retirees, and any individual.
Idaho is one of the safest states in the country with both property and crime rates ranking below average. In fact, Idaho is the safest state in the West. Moving to Idaho is perfect for you if safety is one of the key things you’re considering.
Famous for its potatoes, Idaho’s booming job market and vibrant economy is a magnet for various professionals.
Since you’re considering moving to Idaho, this guide contains all the information you need to make an informed decision. Let’s find out if moving to Idaho is right for you or not!
A quick look at the population and other demographics of Idaho.
The population of Idaho is 1,860,120 people with a young and vibrant population. If you’re moving to Idaho, here’s a breakdown of the state’s population:
If the weather is one of the key metrics you’d like to consider before moving to Idaho, here’s a simple breakdown of the state’s weather. This will give you an idea of what to anticipate if you’re moving to Idaho:
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Idaho’s average one-way commute time is 20.6 minutes. The national average is 26.4 minutes. That means the average commuting time in Idaho is shorter than the United States average. Moving to Idaho will be perfect for you if you’re considering the shorter commuting time which means less stress and a longer lifespan.
Here’s a simple analysis of how Idahoans commute to work on average:
Moving to Idaho is a great decision, considering the abundance of natural resources and scenic areas. However, it is not the resources and serene natural beauty that makes the Gem State special. Here are 10 things you need to know before moving to Idaho
Idaho is a good place to do farming but living there will give you a hard time. Here are the reasons you should not move to Idaho.
Idaho is rich in minerals and resources and hence it is called the ‘Gem State. However, Idahoans believe that the real gems in the state are the panoramic landscapes. Most people get it wrong when they talk about Idaho as they mistake the state for Boise, the largest city in the state. But Idaho is much more and you need to know the state well before packing the bags here
To help you, we’ve got 10 things you need to know before moving to Idaho, both good and bad.
Just as every state in the US, Idaho has got places that are not suitable to settle down. We’ve listed out 10 places you need to avoid staying in Idaho for various reasons
Why should you consider moving to Idaho? The Gem state is one of the most coveted states for several reasons. Here’s a top ten list of why people are moving to Idaho:
It is easier to enjoy a better standard of living in Idaho as the cost of living is extremely low in the state. Health, housing, utilities, education, and transportation costs are lower than the national average.
Idaho’s housing cost is lower than the neighboring states. The median home cost is $263,900 but it is shooting up every year.
Idaho has one of the robust economies in the US and this contributes to the booming job market. The unemployment rate in Idaho is much lower than the national average which means your chance of grabbing one is much higher in Idaho.
Idahoans are warm and welcoming. Do not be too surprised if a total stranger starts a conversation with you while you are waiting in line. Also, don’t get tired of waving back or wishing your neighbor a good day.
Idaho experiences all 4 seasons. The summers are warm and mild, with occasional afternoon rainstorms, especially in the mountains. The winters bring snow in the higher elevations, along with cold temperatures. Spring experiences heavy winds and occasional avalanches, while fall brings temperate weather and changing leaves.
Idaho is one of the richest states and its economy continues to boom fuelling more job opportunities. Important industries in Idaho are food processing, lumber and wood products, machinery, chemical products, paper products, electronics manufacturing, silver, and other mining, and tourism.
Idaho records one of the lowest crime rates in the US and it is further dropping. About 74% of the residents feel safe in the state. Violent crimes are extremely low in certain parts and there are areas where violent crime rates are almost nil.
One of the best things about Idaho is the low traffic and better connectivity that ensures you spend less time on road diving.
For every outdoor enthusiast, the Gem State needs to be on the bucket list. Hidden surprises, dramatic views, and thrilling adventures – Idaho has got everything to excite you.
Here are just a few options to enjoy in Idaho.
Idaho reports low traffic and the roads are mostly free, making it easy to drive. Commuting to the office and back even during peak hours is comparatively easier in Idaho’s big cities.
To have a balanced view about moving to Idaho, we’ve made a list of the key pros and cons of living in the Gem State.
This will give you an idea of what to look forward to if you’re moving to Idaho:
Idaho is home to many beautiful livable cities, towns, ad neighborhoods.
Knowing where to start house hunting in the gem state may seem tricky. We’ve made a list of the ten best places to live in the state if you’re moving to Idaho. Check them out below:
| Rank | City | Population | Median Home Value | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eagle | 26,514 | 2.0% | $426,000 |
| 2 | Meridian | 101,905 | 3.7% | $274,900 |
| 3 | Star | 9,115 | 1.9% | $283,100 |
| 4 | Moscow | 25,319 | 5.1% | $229,900 |
| 5 | Ammon | 15,859 | 3.1% | $199,400 |
| 6 | Rexburg | 28,414 | 7.0% | $211,700 |
| 7 | Lewiston | 32,664 | 3.3% | $189,400 |
| 8 | Kuna | 19,580 | 3.4% | $207,700 |
| 9 | Hayden | 14,698 | 4.2% | $256,100 |
| 10 | Chubbuck | 14,995 | 4.6% | $176,300 |
The cost of living in Idaho is 97.7. The national average is 100. That means the average cost of living in Idaho is lower than the United States average.
This makes Idaho suitable for people of all ages including young families, millennials, singles, and retirees.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the cost of living in the state if you’re moving to Idaho:
| Cost of living | Idaho | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 97.7 | 100 |
| Grocery | 94.4 | 100 |
| Health | 95.1 | 100 |
| Housing | 114.1 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $263,900 | $231,200 |
| Utilities | 89.3 | 100 |
| Transportation | 81.6 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 95.3 | 100 |
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Start My Quote NowRenting or buying a home are both good housing options if you’re moving to Idaho. Here’s a simple breakdown of key metrics in the state housing market:
Renting a home can be a good housing option if you’re moving to Idaho. Up to 26.7% of the state’s population are renters and about 1.5% of homes and apartments in the Gem state are available to rent. Here’s the average home rental cost in the state if you’re moving to Idaho:
Idaho is currently rated among the state with the most booming economies in the United States, making it one of the most coveted spots for employment in the country.p>
The state’s low crime rate and high quality of life are constantly attracting people to its job market. Since you’re considering moving to Idaho, below are key metrics of the state’s job market:
Idaho’s unemployment rate is 2.8%. The national average is 3.7%. That means the unemployment rate in Idaho is lower than the national average. If you’re interested in getting a job quicker, moving to Idaho is a good idea. In fact, over the past year, job growth in Idaho has risen by 2.77%.
| Employment Information | Idaho | United States |
|---|---|---|
| The income per Cap | $25,471 | $31,177 |
| Household Income | $50,985 | $57,652 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.80% | 3.70% |
| Recent Job Growth | 2.77% | 1.59% |
| Future Job Growth | 43.80% | 33.51% |
Tip: When you’ve got a home to move in Idaho, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.
Idaho’s median salary and income are a key metric of the state’s economic strength. Moving to Idaho could mean getting a new job with new pay. If you’re an investor or interested in starting a business after moving to Idaho, the average pay in the state can give you an idea of what to look forward to.
Idaho is home to several large companies in various industries in the state. These large companies are also the highest employers in the state. Moving to Idaho could mean getting the chance to work for any of these companies. Here’s a list of the ten largest companies in Idaho:
| Rank | Company | City | Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ADM Edible Bean Specialties | Twin Falls | 33,000 |
| 2 | Micron Technology | Boise | 31,400 |
| 3 | Idaho | Boise | 26,100 |
| 4 | State of Idaho | Boise | 26,100 |
| 5 | WinCo Foods | Boise | 18,000 |
| 6 | Lamb Weston Holdings | Eagle | 6,500 |
| 7 | Boise Cascade | Boise | 6,370 |
| 8 | Employers Resource Management | Boise | 4,234 |
| 9 | University of Idaho | Moscow | 4,180 |
| 10 | J.R. Simplot | Boise | 3,090 |
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Start My Quote NowIf you’re moving to Idaho, chances are that you’ll be interested in the most booming sectors of the state. Those various sectors also form the top career options in the state. Here are the top career options in the state if you’re moving to Idaho:
| Rank | Job Description | Growth % | Entry Level Salary | # of Employmen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Family Medicine Physicians | $206,460 | $85,560 | 610 |
| 2 | General Dentists | $192,010 | $110,600 | 470 |
| 3 | General Pediatricians | $174,920 | $86,720 | 90 |
| 4 | Nurse Anesthetists | $153,110 | $136,840 | 210 |
| 5 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | $147,580 | $86,410 | 1,260 |
| 6 | Nuclear Engineers | $140,080 | $100,060 | 670 |
| 7 | Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates | $128,490 | $91,930 | 230 |
| 8 | Pharmacists | $124,990 | $105,270 | 1,730 |
| 9 | Chemical Engineers | $123,900 | $80,250 | 160 |
| 10 | Postsecondary Engineering Teachers | $122,180 | $62,790 | 160 |
Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. Know the top-rated moving companies in Idaho.
Idaho’s robust economy is powered by several key industries. Moving to Idaho could mean investing in any of these industries or working for any of them. We’ve made a list of the largest industries in the Gem state to make it easier to streamline your options if you’re moving to Idaho:
Will you end up paying more or less in taxes by moving to Idaho?
You can compare taxes in your current state to the one in the Gem state before making up your mind about moving to Idaho. Here are key taxes in Idaho:
Moving to Idaho means you’ll be living in one of the states with lower-than-average crime rates. That means Idaho is suitable for raising a family and living your dreams without fear or constantly looking over your shoulder. Since you’re mulling over moving to Idaho, here’s a simple analysis of the state’s crime rates.
If you’re moving to Idaho, you’ll most likely be interested in the safest cities in the state. Here’s a list of the ten safest cities in Idaho to help you narrow down your house hunting:
| Rank | City | Population | Violent Crimes Per 100K | Property Crimes Per 100K |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Weiser, ID | 5,369 | 0 | 0 |
| 2 | Rexburg, ID | 29,109 | 20 | 415 |
| 3 | Fruitland, ID | 5,472 | 54 | 657 |
| 4 | Rathdrum, ID | 8,968 | 89 | 769 |
| 5 | Preston, ID | 5,533 | 90 | 921 |
| 6 | Moscow, ID | 26,018 | 26 | 1,326 |
| 7 | Hailey, ID | 8,575 | 233 | 338 |
| 8 | Middleton, ID | 8,395 | 131 | 893 |
| 9 | Rupert, ID | 5,791 | 69 | 1,226 |
| 10 | Meridian, ID | 111,196 | 159 | 1,068 |
Idaho is called the gem state for several reasons. There are lots of gems and attractions to see and experience in the state.
Moving to Idaho means you’ll never miss the chance to visit as many beautiful and breathtaking attractions as you want.
Since you’re considering moving to Idaho, here’s a list of the best things to do in the state. You can start building a bucket list.
Situated 5,900-feet above sea level, Craters of the Moon National Monument Preserve is a national monument and is one of the best-preserved flood basalt areas in the US. Spread over 410,000 acres, its central feature is the Great Rift, a 52-mile long crack in the Earth’s crust. The Craters of the Moon offers countless opportunities for hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, wildlife viewing, and backcountry travel.
Sun Valley Resort in southern Idaho attracts skiing enthusiasts from all over with its magnificent facilities for winter sports and its excellent tourist infrastructure. There are multiple downhill skiing opportunities available. Heli-Skiing is another popular activity in Sun Valley. During the summer months, the resort caters to hikers, mountain bikers, and other outdoor adventurers.
The756, 000-acre national recreation area has over 700 miles of trails, 40 peaks rising over 10,000 feet, and more than 300 high mountain lakes that add to the spectacular scenery and vistas. The popular activities here include camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing, boating and canoeing, rafting, observing nature, photographing, and bicycling.
The second largest lake in Northern Idaho, Lake Coeur d’Alene is over 26 miles long with some 135 miles of shoreline, dotted with numerous parks, campgrounds, beaches, trails, and recreational facilities.
Hugging the borders of northeastern Oregon and western Idaho, the 215,000-acre recreational area is the place where you can let your senses run as wild as the landscape. It is home to diverse and abundant wildlife. The recreation area offers scenic vistas, world-class whitewater boating, fishing, spectacular mountain peaks, and vast reaches of remote wilderness.
Located at the edge of Twin Falls, Shoshone Falls is a natural beauty on the Snake River. Often nicknamed the ‘Niagara of the West’, the 212-feet falls offer a unique blend of recreational facilities, including playgrounds, hiking trails, picnic areas, a boat ramp, swimming area, and a scenic overlook.
Idaho has many abandoned towns that were once packed with mine workers and were highly active. Explore the creepy towns to know more about the rich past of Idaho Often, many of these ghost towns are known only to locals.
To help you, we’ve compiled 10 such creepy ghost towns in Idaho.
The 20-mile Boise River Greenbelt is a recreational and alternate transportation trail connecting many neighboring towns. The scenic trail is packed with wildlife and has access to popular parks and recreation sites.
The 425-mile Salmon River flows through central Idaho, draining a rugged, thinly populated watershed of 14,000 square miles. Known as "The River of No Return”, the river has an amazing aquatic life and is also a popular recreational venue. The granite-walled canyon in Salmon River is one-fifth of a mile deeper than the Grand Canyon, and, for approximately 180 miles, the Salmon Canyon is more than one mile deep.
The rustic lodge at Stanley is an excellent stop before any Sawtooth Wilderness escape. The highly posh resort caters to the needs of every guest. The lodge offers panoramic views from the campus and provides access to the wilderness of Sawtooth.
A state park in south-central Idaho, the City of Rocks National Reserve is known for its enormous granite rock formations and excellent rock climbing. There are over 1,000 traditional and bolt-protected routes and the park also has the nickname the ‘Silent City of Rocks’
The 470-feet high Bruneau Dunes State Park is the tallest single-structure dune in North America. The state park includes desert, dune, prairie, lake, and marsh habitat with opportunities to observe nocturnal species. Activities in the park include fishing, birdwatching, camping, hiking, swimming, and viewing the stars.
A functional prison from 1872 to 1973 at Boise, the Old Idaho Penitentiary is now a state historic site with thirty historic buildings and special exhibits including the J. Curtis Earl Memorial Exhibit, a collection of historic weaponry. The Old Idaho Penitentiary also hosts many programs for school children.
Nestled along the north bank of the South Fork of the Payette River at an elevation of 4,000 feet, the Kirkham Hot Springs boasts hot spring waterfalls and rock-walled hot spring pools. There is also a trail that winds through the seeps and sources which continuously provide the hot springs pools with fresh mineral water.
The largest lake within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Redfish Lake is 4.5 miles in length and is a popular destination to fish, swim, and boat. The lake and its surrounding area are also famous camping sites.
Traversing the state from west to east, Highway 12 meanders alongside the Clearwater and Lochsa rivers and into some of the state’s wildest off-road country. Driving through the 202-mile highway may take 3-4 hours and is the best way to explore the scenic Idaho landscapes
Idaho boasts of some of the astonishing mountains of the US. With hundreds of mountains spread out over more than 110 named mountain ranges, Idaho is also home to 9 mountains with an elevation of more than 12,000 feet. The best way to explore the mountains is on horseback.
We’ve compiled the 10 best mountains in Idaho.
Since you’re considering moving to Idaho, here are the best schools in the Gem state:
Galileo Math & Science Magnet
West Ada School District, Public, PK-8 | 795 students, Rating: 10/10
Paramount Elementary School
West Ada School District, Public, PK-5 | 569 students, Rating: 10/10
North Idaho STEM Charter Academy
North Idaho Stem Charter Academy District, Charter, K-12 | 496 students, Rating: 10/10
Fairview Elementary School
Bonneville Joint District, Public, PK-6 | 331 students, Rating: 10/10
Cecil D Andrus Elementary School
West Ada School District, Public, PK-5 | 648 students, Rating: 10/10
Galileo Math & Science Magnet
West Ada School District, Public, PK-8 | 795 students, Rating: 10/10
Heritage Middle School
West Ada School District, Public, 6-8 | 1330 students, Rating: 10/10
North Idaho STEM Charter Academy
North Idaho Stem Charter Academy District, Charter, K-12 | 496 students, Rating: 10/10
Idaho Fine Arts Academy
West Ada School District, Public, 6-12 | 188 students, Rating: 10/10
Compass Public Charter School Jr/Sr High
Compass Charter School, Charter, 7-12 | 361 students, Rating: 10/10
North Idaho STEM Charter Academy
North Idaho Stem Charter Academy District, Charter, K-12 | 496 students, Rating: 10/10
Renaissance High School
West Ada School District, Public, 9-12 | 735 students, Rating: 10/10
Idaho Fine Arts Academy
West Ada School District, Public, 6-12 | 188 students, Rating: 10/10
Compass Public Charter School Jr/Sr High
Compass Charter School, Charter, 7-12 | 361 students, Rating: 10/10
Madison Senior High School
Madison District, Public, 10-12 | 1145 students, Rating: 9/10
Brigham Young University
Boise State University
University of Idaho
Northwest Nazarene University
College of Southern Idaho
Idaho State University
The College of Idaho
College of Eastern Idaho
Lewis-Clark State College
North Idaho College
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