Boise, ID

Boise ID scores 75/100 on safety (above average). Crime is about 48% below the national average. Pick the neighborhood carefully. Some ZIPs are fine, others are not.

Detail: overall crime index 52 (100 = avg); violent crime index 63; property crime index 41. Indexes near 100 track a typical U.S. load. Higher means more crime pressure on that category.

Campus scores in the report: Boise Elementary (elementary) at 7/10; Boise Middle School (middle) at 7/10; Boise High School (high) at 8/10. On this 10-point scale, 7 is solidly middle; 9 is a standout.

District picture: about B+ (above average) · Top 35% statewide. Student-teacher staffing: 16:1. If schools drive your move, compare the specific campuses that serve your target address against statewide peers.

Typical rent in Boise is about $1,655/month (on the high side). At $1,655/month for a typical unit, you need about $59,580+ in household income to rent comfortably without stretching (3× rent × 12). Typical home value: $401,800.

Median household income is $76,402, property taxes run about 1.45%, and homes typically sell in around 28 days. Local median income ($76,402) clears the $59,580 comfort line for that rent.

Walk Score 68 (Somewhat Walkable); transit score 42 (Some Transit).

Average temperature is about 80°F (highs near 92°F, lows near 68°F).

Most of the year is outdoor-friendly; peak summer still needs AC for comfort. Cooling costs matter more than heating for most of the year. If you visit, go in late summer so you feel the heat, not just a mild weekend.

Who tends to thrive in Boise: (1) Households that want quieter streets (safety sits at 75/100) (2) People who genuinely love heat and do not mind living indoors June through September (highs near 92°F) (3) People relocating for a job who can pick a safer ZIP (citywide safety is 75/100) (4) Households earning $59,580+ who can clear the 3× rent rule at $1,655/month

Who should look elsewhere: (1) People who need outdoor time year-round for their mental health (summers lock you inside for 3–4 months; highs near 92°F) (2) Anyone stretching past 40% of take-home on housing at $1,655/month (3) Households expecting top marks on rent, safety, and schools at once (Boise does not clear every bar)

Income sniff test: clear about $59,580 household income for $1,655/month rent. Under that, pick a cheaper ZIP or a different city.

Boise ID is not worth a speculative move. Come only for a specific job or family reason.

The strongest upside is safety at 75/100 (above what many metros post).

The biggest risk is heat: highs near 92°F mean summers can run $200–$300/month in AC. Budget for that before you commit.