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.

Weiser Population: 5,358 418 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 134 Property Crime / 100k: 284 chance of being a victim: 1 in 239

Weiser proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Idaho. With only 418 crimes per 100,000 people, Weiser has a crime rate that is 94% lower than the Idaho average. This equates to an average of 0.07 crimes per day and a 1 in 239 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: 29,064 518 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 95 Property Crime / 100k: 423 chance of being a victim: 1 in 193

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 518 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 31 counts of burglary, 381 counts of theft, 11 counts of vehicle theft, 64 counts of assault, 0 counts of robbery, 28 counts of rape and 3 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Rexburg, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

Hailey Population: 8,575 644 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 215 Property Crime / 100k: 429 chance of being a victim: 1 in 155

With a population of 8,575 and a total crime rate of 644 per 100,000 residents, Hailey is the 3rd safest city in Idaho. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 90% 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.

Preston Population: 5,477 725 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 135 Property Crime / 100k: 590 chance of being a victim: 1 in 138

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Preston 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 725, 94% lower than the Idaho average. This amounts to 0.12 crimes per day and a 1 in 138 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 Preston a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

Meridian Population: 107,787 771 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 140 Property Crime / 100k: 631 chance of being a victim: 1 in 130

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Meridian consistently ranks high in safety. In Meridian, 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 771, which is 33% higher than the state average.

Fruitland Population: 5,390 821 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 117 Property Crime / 100k: 704 chance of being a victim: 1 in 122

Fruitland 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 821 crimes per 100,000 people, 93% lower than the Idaho average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 278 reports of burglary, 352 reports of theft, 73 reports of vehicle theft, 73 reports of assault, 15 reports of robbery, 29 reports of rape and 0 reports of homicide.

Middleton Population: 8,005 1,005 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 231 Property Crime / 100k: 775 chance of being a victim: 1 in 99

Middleton ranks as the seventh safest city in Idaho and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 99 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 0.30 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. Middleton’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Idaho.

Payette Population: 7,655 1,109 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 254 Property Crime / 100k: 855 chance of being a victim: 1 in 90

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Payette is the 8th safest city in Idaho. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 91% lower than the Idaho average, reporting a total of 1,109 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.

Sandpoint Population: 8,692 1,124 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 74 Property Crime / 100k: 1,050 chance of being a victim: 1 in 89

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Sandpoint 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 1,124 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 91% lower than the state average.

Mountain Home Population: 14,308 1,235 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 263 Property Crime / 100k: 972 chance of being a victim: 1 in 81

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Idaho, is Mountain Home. With a low rate of crime that included 128 burglaries, 776 thefts, 67 vehicle thefts, 202 assaults, 0 robberies, 61 rapes and 0 homicides, the overall crime rate was 84% 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	134	284	418
2	Rexburg	29,064	95	423	518
3	Hailey	8,575	215	429	644
4	Preston	5,477	135	590	725
5	Meridian	107,787	140	631	771
6	Fruitland	5,390	117	704	821
7	Middleton	8,005	231	775	1,005
8	Payette	7,655	254	855	1,109
9	Sandpoint	8,692	74	1,050	1,124
10	Mountain Home	14,308	263	972	1,235
11	Post Falls	34,971	194	1,047	1,242
12	Coeur d'Alene	51,491	308	1,016	1,325
13	Moscow	25,652	91	1,288	1,380
14	Jerome	11,824	375	1,039	1,413
15	Rupert	5,820	262	1,163	1,425
16	Boise	228,057	247	1,204	1,451
17	Emmett	6,942	624	874	1,499
18	Nampa	96,825	352	1,267	1,619
19	Idaho Falls	62,417	348	1,372	1,719
20	Caldwell	56,734	444	1,307	1,751
21	Pocatello	56,016	411	1,349	1,760
22	Twin Falls	49,819	445	1,451	1,896
23	Blackfoot	11,936	346	2,211	2,557
24	Garden City	11,873	700	1,955	2,655
25	Chubbuck	15,301	257	2,536	2,793
26	Lewiston	32,853	181	2,639	2,820

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.