Idaho Living Report — July 11, 2026

Idaho has long been marketed as the last of the “unspoiled” West, a place where rugged mountains meet affordable living. For anyone considering a move, the numbers paint a picture of a state that is still relatively accessible, though the days of dirt-cheap real estate are fading. With a population of just over 1.85 million, Idaho remains one of the less densely populated states in the nation, but its growth trajectory has been unmistakable over the past decade.

The cost of living here is a mixed bag. The median home value sits at $331,600, which is notably lower than the national average but has climbed sharply since the pandemic-era migration boom. Renters face a median of $1,061 for a one-bedroom apartment. To put that in perspective, with a median household income of $70,214, a one-bedroom rent consumes roughly 18 percent of gross monthly income—well within the traditional 30 percent affordability threshold. That ratio is a strong selling point for newcomers, especially those fleeing coastal cities where rent often eats up half a paycheck. However, the poverty rate of 10.7 percent suggests that not everyone is sharing equally in the state’s economic story, and lower-income residents may find the housing market increasingly tight.

The job market is currently robust. Idaho’s unemployment rate stands at just 3.5 percent as of May 2026, well below the national average. The median household income of $70,214 supports a comfortable lifestyle in most parts of the state, though wages in rural areas lag behind the Boise metro. The state has attracted a diverse mix of newcomers: families seeking good schools and outdoor recreation, retirees drawn to lower taxes and a slower pace, and a growing number of remote workers who can take their coastal salaries inland. The median age of 36.9 suggests a relatively young population, which aligns with the influx of working-age adults.

Quality of life is Idaho’s primary draw. The state is home to 268 cities tracked by Finklick, ranging from the bustling capital of Boise to tiny mountain towns like Stanley. Outdoor recreation is the backbone of the lifestyle—hiking, fishing, skiing, and whitewater rafting are all within a short drive for most residents. The air is clean, the crime rates are generally low outside of a few urban pockets, and the pace of life is deliberately slower. That said, the state’s rapid growth has strained infrastructure in places like Boise and Coeur d’Alene, where traffic and housing shortages have become genuine frustrations.

The job market is healthy, with an unemployment rate of just 3.5 percent as of May 2026. Major employment sectors include healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and agriculture. The state has also become a magnet for remote workers, who are drawn by the lower cost of living and the promise of mountain views from a home office. Families appreciate the strong sense of community and relatively low crime rates, while retirees are attracted to Idaho’s favorable tax climate—no state income tax on Social Security benefits and relatively low property taxes compared to the national average.

Affordability, however, is relative. While the median home value of $331,600 is far cheaper than California or Washington, it has risen sharply over the past five years, pricing out some longtime residents. The poverty rate of 10.7 percent is slightly above the national average, indicating that not everyone has benefited equally

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Browse utility costs, housing data, Census demographics, and climate data for all 268 tracked cities in Idaho.

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Data: US Census Bureau ACS 2022, BLS. Updated July 11, 2026.