Safest cities in Idaho

Known as the 'Gem State,' Idaho is celebrated for its rugged landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. Located in the northwestern United States, Idaho is characterized by its mountainous terrain, vast forests, and scenic rivers. The state's economy is diverse, with key industries including agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and tourism. Boise, the state capital, is a vibrant urban center known for its cultural attractions, including museums, theaters, and music venues. Idaho is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, fishing, skiing, and white-water rafting. The state's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its numerous festivals, historic sites, and Native American traditions.

The safest cities in Idaho provide a high quality of life, with low crime rates enhancing overall livability. Safety is a fundamental aspect of strong communities, promoting economic growth and social stability. Factors contributing to the safety of Idaho's cities include effective law enforcement, community involvement, and proactive public safety measures. These cities are ranked based on total crime per 100,000 people, providing a clear and accurate assessment of safety. This focus on security allows residents to fully enjoy Idaho's natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and cultural amenities without the constant worry of crime, making the state an appealing place to live.

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Weiser Population: 5,358 331 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 166 Property Crime / 100k: 166 chance of being a victim: 1 in 302
Weiser proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Idaho. With only 331 crimes per 100,000 people, Weiser has a crime rate that is 94% lower than the Idaho average. This equates to an average of 0.05 crimes per day and a 1 in 302 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The city's well-funded police department, active neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement initiatives contribute significantly to its low crime rates, making it an ideal place for families and retirees.
Rexburg Population: 29,064 339 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 54 Property Crime / 100k: 285 chance of being a victim: 1 in 295
Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Rexburg comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in Idaho with a crime rate of 339 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 39 counts of burglary, 239 counts of theft, 7 counts of vehicle theft, 49 counts of assault, 0 counts of robbery, 5 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Rexburg, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.
Preston Population: 5,477 614 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 162 Property Crime / 100k: 453 chance of being a victim: 1 in 163
With a population of 5,477 and a total crime rate of 614 per 100,000 residents, Preston is the 3rd safest city in Idaho. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 94% lower than the Idaho average, the commitment to safety is evident in its multifaceted crime prevention strategies. The local government collaborates closely with residents through regular community meetings and feedback sessions to address safety concerns. The end result, is an incredibly safe place to live.
Meridian Population: 107,787 660 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 165 Property Crime / 100k: 495 chance of being a victim: 1 in 151
With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Meridian is a growing community where residents can enjoy the outdoors. Residents also feel safe, knowing that the overall crime rate per 100,000 people is 660, 35% higher than the Idaho average. This amounts to 2.45 crimes per day and a 1 in 151 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Strong community partnerships between local businesses, schools, and law enforcement further enhance the city’s security. These combined efforts make Meridian a highly desirable and safe place to call home.
Fruitland Population: 5,390 762 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 99 Property Crime / 100k: 664 chance of being a victim: 1 in 131
Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Fruitland consistently ranks high in safety. In Fruitland, the focus on community policing ensures that officers are integrated into the community, building strong relationships with residents. Crime prevention education, offered through schools and local organizations, empowers residents to take an active role in maintaining their safety. With everything working asynchronously, the total crime rate comes in at 762, which is 93% lower than the state average.
Middleton Population: 8,005 827 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 205 Property Crime / 100k: 623 chance of being a victim: 1 in 121
Middleton has lots to offer its residents, including safety as it comes in at #6 on our list of the safest cities in Idaho. The total crime rate from the year that it was last reported was 827 crimes per 100,000 people, 89% lower than the Idaho average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 116 reports of burglary, 427 reports of theft, 80 reports of vehicle theft, 116 reports of assault, 9 reports of robbery, 71 reports of rape and 9 reports of homicide.
Mountain Home Population: 14,308 839 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 270 Property Crime / 100k: 569 chance of being a victim: 1 in 119
Mountain Home ranks as the seventh safest city in Idaho and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 119 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 0.38 crimes per day (per 100,000 people), the area has a safety record that speaks for itself. Active involvement from its residents, such as neighborhood patrols and community safety workshops, fosters a strong sense of community and vigilance. Mountain Home’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Idaho.
Jerome Population: 11,824 904 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 224 Property Crime / 100k: 680 chance of being a victim: 1 in 111
Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Jerome is the 8th safest city in Idaho. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 87% lower than the Idaho average, reporting a total of 904 crimes per 100,000 people. The city places a strong emphasis on public safety through various initiatives that promote collaboration between residents and local authorities. Regular community safety events and lots of outdoor spaces, coupled with an accessible and responsive police force, ensure that residents feel safe and supported.
Rathdrum Population: 8,672 920 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 70 Property Crime / 100k: 850 chance of being a victim: 1 in 109
Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Rathdrum is a great example of such a city and continually ranks as one of the safest communities in Idaho, based on the annual review of the FBI uniform crime report. Statistically speaking, there were a total of 920 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 89% lower than the state average.
Emmett Population: 6,942 1,021 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 451 Property Crime / 100k: 570 chance of being a victim: 1 in 98
Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Idaho, is Emmett. With a low rate of crime that included 178 burglaries, 392 thefts, 0 vehicle thefts, 392 assaults, 0 robberies, 59 rapes and 0 homicides, the overall crime rate was 92% lower than the state average. Cities with engaged citizens and responsive government bodies are more likely to implement effective policies and practices that promote safety and address residents’ concerns.

Full list of the safest cities in Idaho

Rank Location Population Violent Crimes /100k Property Crimes /100k Total Crimes /100k 
1 Weiser 5,358 166 166 331
2 Rexburg 29,064 54 285 339
3 Preston 5,477 162 453 614
4 Meridian 107,787 165 495 660
5 Fruitland 5,390 99 664 762
6 Middleton 8,005 205 623 827
7 Mountain Home 14,308 270 569 839
8 Jerome 11,824 224 680 904
9 Rathdrum 8,672 70 850 920
10 Emmett 6,942 451 570 1,021
11 Post Falls 34,971 136 908 1,044
12 Caldwell 56,734 400 752 1,152
13 Rupert 5,820 507 698 1,205
14 Payette 7,655 444 774 1,218
15 Nampa 96,825 365 853 1,219
16 Coeur d'Alene 51,491 298 1,041 1,339
17 Blackfoot 11,936 373 970 1,343
18 Lewiston 32,853 125 1,280 1,405
19 Sandpoint 8,692 58 1,382 1,440
20 Moscow 25,652 15 1,465 1,480
21 Boise 228,057 270 1,242 1,512
22 Idaho Falls 62,417 312 1,405 1,717
23 Pocatello 56,016 360 1,394 1,754
24 Twin Falls 49,819 393 1,540 1,933
25 Garden City 11,873 664 1,622 2,285
26 Chubbuck 15,301 317 3,106 3,422

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the safest cities in Idaho is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) and property crime data (burglary, theft, vehicle theft) per 100,000 people and only included Idaho cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Crime by State

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The interactive map above is a powerful tool for discovering the safest cities in each state across the USA. By highlighting states with the lowest total crime rates, this map provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. It showcases urban centers with thriving economies, regions boasting solid job markets, and areas with low unemployment, all of which correlate with reduced crime rates. By clicking on each state, you can dive deeper into information about their safest cities and explore detailed crime statistics that paint a clearer picture of safety across the nation.