Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Boise, ID
Thinking of moving to Boise, ID? With a population of over 236,000, Boise combines affordable living with scenic beauty and a lively community. The median home price is $455,000 and average rent is about $1,480, making it a relatively affordable option in a growing market. You’ll enjoy short average commute times of 19.5 minutes, low unemployment, and plenty of sunshine—over 64% sunny days a year. Boise is known for its safe neighborhoods, quality schools, and vibrant outdoor lifestyle, making it a great place to live, work, and play.
Demographics - Boise, ID
Boise is home to approximately 236,600 residents, with a median age of 36.5 and a population density of 3,100 people per square mile. The city is predominantly White (83%), but also has a mix of Asian, Black, and other ethnic groups, making it a welcoming and diverse community. Around 11% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting Boise's growing multicultural landscape.
Population:
236,634
Density:
3,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.5
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
11.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
83.0%
Black:
1.5%
Asian:
3.1%
Others:
12.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Boise, ID?
Boise offers a cost of living that is slightly above the national average, with a cost of living index of 105.5. The median home value is $455,000, and average rent is about $1,480 per month, while essential expenses like utilities and groceries remain relatively affordable. Idaho’s moderate state tax rates and reasonable homeowner costs make Boise an attractive option for families and professionals seeking value and quality of life.
Median House Value:
$455,000
Gross Rent:
$1,480
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$570
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
5.8%
Cost Of Living Index:
105.5
Grocery:
99.2
Housing:
117.6
Utilities:
87.3
Transportation:
92.1
Health Care:
98.4
Miscellaneous:
101.7
Crime
Is Boise, ID a safe place to live?
Boise is recognized for its safe neighborhoods, with a violent crime rate of 278 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2,104 per 100,000. Your chance of experiencing a violent crime is about 1 in 360, which is lower than many comparably sized U.S. cities. This reputation for safety contributes to Boise's appeal for families and individuals alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
278
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,104
Crime Index:
2,382
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 360
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Boise, ID year-round?
Boise enjoys a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons, featuring warm summers that reach up to 91°F and winters with lows around 23°F. The city receives about 12 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 64% sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round. Residents benefit from comfortable spring and fall temperatures and a generally dry, pleasant climate.
Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
91°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
12.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
64%
Neighbors
Boise’s neighborhoods feature a median household income of $70,000 and a relatively low poverty rate of 11.4%. Most residents enjoy a short average commute of 19.5 minutes and unemployment remains low at 2.8%. With over 94% of adults holding at least a high school diploma, Boise neighborhoods are both educated and economically stable.
Median Income:
$38,900
Household Income:
$70,000
Family Income:
$88,400
Per Capita Income:
$37,200
Income Male:
$46,300
Income Female:
$38,500
Poverty Rate:
11.4%
Non English Speakers:
11.2%
Rent:
$1,480
Unemployment Rate:
2.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
19.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.5%
Bachelors or More:
40.6%
Education
How are the schools in Boise, ID?
Boise supports strong educational opportunities with reputable public schools like Boise High and Timberline High, both offering robust academics and extracurriculars. The city is also home to Boise State University, serving over 25,000 students, and is near the College of Western Idaho. A wide selection of public, private, and higher education institutions makes Boise a great place for lifelong learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Boise High School
Street:
1010 W Washington St
Phone:
208-854-4270
Students:
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.3
Name:
Timberline High School
Street:
701 E Boise Ave
Phone:
208-854-6230
Students:
1,250
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.9
Private Schools
Name:
Bishop Kelly High School
Street:
7009 Franklin Rd
Phone:
208-375-6010
Students:
840
Colleges
Name:
Boise State University
City:
Boise
State:
ID
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
25,500
Name:
College of Western Idaho
City:
Nampa
State:
ID
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
30,000
Healthcare
Boise provides excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like St. Luke’s and Saint Alphonsus offering comprehensive emergency and surgical services. The city has 2.5 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 91% of the population has health insurance coverage. Residents benefit from a strong healthcare infrastructure and responsive emergency care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Luke's Boise Medical Center
Address:
190 E Bannock St, Boise, ID 83712
Phone:
(208) 381-2222
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center
Address:
1055 N Curtis Rd, Boise, ID 83706
Phone:
(208) 367-2121
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.3%
Health Care Index:
79.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Boise, ID?
Boise's housing market remains competitive, with a median home price of $455,000 and a 63.5% owner-occupancy rate. Rental vacancies are moderate at 5.6%, and the area has seen a modest home appreciation rate of 2.3% over the past year. The market offers a mix of new construction and stable prices, making it attractive to both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$455,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,480
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.3%
New Construction Rate:
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration, licensing, and other motor vehicle services in Boise are managed by the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located at 400 W. State Street. Residents can access a full range of DMV services both in person and online through the state’s official website. The office provides support for licensing, registration, and other transportation needs.
State:
Idaho
Department:
Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
400 W. State Street, Boise, ID 83702
Phone:
208-334-8000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.