Boise, Idaho
Mountain living meets urban opportunity
U.S. News & World Report (2025)
#2 Best Places to Live
Forbes (2025)
#15 Safest Cities
WhereAtHome Score
73.2
Cout of 100
Overview
Boise ranks among the top U.S. cities for quality of life in 2025, combining relatively affordable housing with strong income levels and short commute times. With an average commute under 20 minutes and consistent safety rankings, Boise appeals to both families and remote workers seeking stability and outdoor access. Median home values in 2025 remain below many western metros, supporting long-term affordability.
Key Highlights
- Ranked #2 Best Place to Live by U.S. News & World Report
- Average commute under 20 minutes
- Access to world-class outdoor recreation
- Strong tech sector job growth
- Lower cost of living than coastal cities
- Ranked among 25 safest U.S. cities by Forbes
Key Metrics
2024 Presidential Election
Ada County (county-level results)
Source: County-level results from MIT Election Data + Science Lab. Learn more
Climate
Summer High
91°F
Winter Low
25°F
Annual Rainfall
12"
Sunny Days
206
Amenities & Infrastructure
190+ Parks
Green spaces and recreation
3 Major Hospitals
Healthcare access
2 Universities
Higher education institutions
Public Transit Available
Bus, rail, or metro service
Major Employers
Score Breakdown
6 of 6 score factors available. Missing factors are excluded and available weights are rescaled.
Median home value relative to national average (Weight: 20%)
How affordable housing is relative to local incomes (Weight: 20%)
Average commute time compared to national average (Weight: 15%)
Overall crime levels based on FBI crime statistics (Weight: 20%)
Walk Score — ease of daily errands on foot (Weight: 15%)
Median income relative to national average, adjusted for cost of living (Weight: 10%)
Location
Compare with another city
Start ComparisonLast Updated: 2026-07-01
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Walk Score, and Niche.
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