Discover the Safest Cities in Idaho: 2024 Crime Rates Revealed

daho is a state of natural beauty and outdoor recreation. So, how safe are the cities and towns throughout the Gem State?

The safest cities in Idaho are revealed in this article, along with the latest crime statistics that will help you discover the safest towns in Idaho as of 2024. To find what are the safest cities in Idaho, we’ll take a look at violent and property crime rates in cities across the state.

Is Idaho a Good Place to Live?

The answer is yes. Idaho offers a high quality of life and good public safety for residents. Violent crime in the state is one of the lowest in the nation.

Also, property crime rates are well below the national average. The safest places to live in Idaho are safer than big metro areas across the country. The safest city in Idaho is an attractive place to settle down because of the mix of small towns, open spaces, and natural amenities.

Top 10 Safest Cities in Idaho

The following are the top 10 Idaho safest cities:

Rexburg

Rexburg tops the list as the safest city in Idaho. This small college town has very low crime rates. Violent crime is nearly non-existent, while property crime is minimal. Rexburg offers an idyllic setting near the Teton Mountains that appeals to outdoor enthusiasts. It had a violent crime rate of 1.0 and a property crime rate of 4.2 in 2024.

Idaho Falls

The crime rate in Idaho Falls is a mere fraction of the national average. Violent offenses are rare. Property crimes like burglary and theft are also uncommon. This mid-sized city provides easy access to nature along with amenities like shopping, dining, and healthcare. Idaho Falls has a violent crime rate of 3.5 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 13.8 per 1,000.

Twin Falls

Peaceful and family-friendly, Twin Falls has the third lowest crime rate in Idaho. Violent crime is negligible, and property crime is below average. Twin Falls records a violent crime rate of 2.5 per 1,000 and a property crime rate of 22.3 per 1,000 residents.

Nampa

As Idaho's third-largest city, Nampa boasts a diverse economy and affordable housing. It scores high marks for public safety, too. Nampa has a violent crime rate of 2.9 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 17.2 per 1,000.

Meridian

Located just outside Boise, Meridian is Idaho's second-largest city. It combines small-town charm with big-city opportunities. Meridian, one of Idaho's fastest-growing cities, boasts a violent crime rate of 1.2 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 10.1 per 1,000.

Moscow

Home to the University of Idaho, Moscow enjoys extremely low crime rates. Violent offenses are rare in this college town. Moscow has a violent crime rate of 0.9 per 1,000 and a property crime rate of 6.7 per 1,000 residents.

Eagle

North of Boise, Eagle is one of Idaho's safest suburbs. Violent crime is negligible, and property offenses are well below average. Eagle enjoys a very low violent crime rate of 0.7 per 1,000 and a property crime rate of 7.4 per 1,000.

Kuna

A small town just southwest of Boise, Kuna boasts the eighth-lowest crime rate in Idaho. Violent crime is virtually nonexistent. Kuna reports a violent crime rate of 0.8 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 8.5 per 1,000, reflecting low crime levels in this small, growing town.

Post Falls

Located near Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls combines small-town living with urban amenities. It has minimal violent crime and property crime rates below state and national averages. Post Falls has a violent crime rate of 2.3 per 1,000 and a property crime rate of 13.9 per 1,000 residents.

Hayden

Rounding out the top ten is Hayden, another safe suburb of Coeur d'Alene. Crime rates are extremely low, with violent offenses very rare. Hayden reports a violent crime rate of 1.0 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 6.2 per 1,000.

Top 5 Most Dangerous Cities in Idaho

While Idaho enjoys low crime rates overall, some cities see more criminal activity than others, which leads to the dangers of living in Idaho. Here are the ten cities in Idaho reporting the highest crime rates.

Pocatello

Pocatello has the unwelcome distinction of being the most dangerous city in Idaho based on recent FBI data. Pocatello has a violent crime rate of 4.1 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 13.5 per 1,000.

Caldwell

With crime rates 43% higher than the state overall, Caldwell has the third highest level of criminal activity. Caldwell experiences elevated crime, with a violent crime rate of 3.2 per 1,000 and a property crime rate of 16.5 per 1,000.

Boise

As Idaho's capital and largest city, Boise contends with higher crime rates than smaller towns. Boise has a violent crime rate of 2.2 per 1,000 and a property crime rate of 20.1 per 1,000 residents.

Coeur d'Alene

Although Coeur d'Alene is a popular tourist area, its crime rate is 43% higher than that of the state overall. Coeur d'Alene reports a violent crime rate of 3.1 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 21.3 per 1,000.

Lewiston

Located near the Washington border, Lewiston has elevated rates of violent crime and property crime. Lewiston sees higher crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 and a property crime rate of 22.4 per 1,000 residents.

Idaho Crime Rate Overview

Here are some key statistics to give you an overview of Idaho crime rate while you hunt for the safest town in Idaho:

• Idaho has one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S. at 2.5 incidents per 1,000 people. The national rate is 4.0 violent crimes per 1,000.
• Leading violent crimes in Idaho are aggravated assault, robbery, rape, and murder.
• Property crime is also low at 14.5 incidents per 1,000 people, versus 24.5 per 1,000 nationally.
• Top property crimes in Idaho include burglary, larceny theft, and motor vehicle theft.
• Crime trends show Idaho's crime rates have risen slightly in recent years but remain well below national figures.
• Rural areas and small towns report the lowest crime rates, while cities see more offenses.

How to Find a Safest Place to Live in Idaho

If you are considering going to Idaho, follow these tips to find the safest place:

• Research crime rates in cities and towns using the latest FBI and local police data.
• Drive around potential neighborhoods during the day and at night to gauge safety and maintenance.
• Talk to locals about any problem areas or criminal activity in the community.
• Consider proximity to high crime spots like bars, motels, or bus stations.
• Look for visible security measures like police patrols, street lighting, and home alarm systems.

How to Stay Secure in Idaho Cities

Living in Idaho is safe. However, to avoid any unforeseen circumstances, you should follow these tips:

• Always lock doors and windows, set your alarm, and leave lights on when away from home.
• Don't display valuables openly, and record serial numbers in case of theft.
• Get to know your neighbors to keep an eye on each other's property.
• Use motion sensor lights and security cameras to deter trespassers.
• Make sure your street address number is clearly visible to aid police response.

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FAQs

What city in Idaho has the least crime?

Rexburg has the lowest crime rate in Idaho, with very minimal violent and property crime. Its isolated college town setting deters criminal activity.

Where in Idaho is it safe to live?

Many smaller cities and towns like Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, Moscow, Eagle, Kuna, and Hayden boast low crime rates that make them safe places to live.

What is the most desirable place to live in Idaho?

Boise, Meridian, and Nampa are popular and desirable Idaho cities thanks to their vibrant economies, cultural attractions, and access to outdoor recreation. All three have crime rates well below the national average.

Conclusion

Idaho has an overall low crime rate, and while no place is immune from crime, Idaho is one of the safest states. Violent offenses and property crimes are reported as minimal in small towns and cities throughout the state. Research and preventative security can help you find and maintain safety. Minimize risk by focusing on cities like Rexburg, Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, and Moscow. Know your community and report any suspicious activity. You can enjoy Idaho's natural splendor without undue worries about criminal activity by staying informed and being vigilant.