Top 10 Safest Cities in Idaho

Welcome to Idaho, the potato capital of the United States! Although best known for its potatoes, Idaho is also a leading producer of lentils and trout. Additionally, Idaho has earned its nickname of the Gem State for its bountiful precious and semi-precious stones. Framed by beautiful mountains and valleys, Idaho truly is a treasure. Ready to make a move out west? We’ve compiled a list of the 10 safest cities in the state to help inform your choice.

1. Rexburg

• Population: 28,765
• Violent Crimes: 5 (0.0174 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 135 (0.4693 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

81.05% Below National Crime Rate, 71.17% Below State Crime Rate

Located in Madison County, Rexburg has maintained its ranking as safest city in Idaho for three years in a row. Founded in 1883, Rexburg is home to Brigham Young University-Idaho, a four-year liberal arts university, as well as a strongly performing public education system. Median house prices average around $250,000, making Rexburg a fairly affordable city in addition to its high safety rating. Looking to explore outside the city? Yellowstone Park is only an hour and a half away.

2. Middleton

• Population: 7,762
• Violent Crimes: 11 (0.1417 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 35 (0.4509 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

76.93% Below National Crime Rate, 64.90% Below State Crime Rate

Middleton has jumped two spots to become the second safest city in Idaho. The oldest settlement in Canyon County, Middleton is a small town with a lot of history, including as a stage station on the Oregon Trail. Modern Middleton boasts a motto of “Life Is Better Here,” and with the median house price averaging in the mid-$200,000s, it’s a motto well earned.

3. Rathdrum

• Population: 8,508
• Violent Crimes: 5 (0.0588 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 94 (1.1048 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

54.69% Below National Crime Rate, 31.08% Below State Crime Rate

Rathdrum is a small town located in Kootenai County in the Idaho Panhandle. Named after Rathdrum, Ireland, the community survived devastating fires in the late 180’s and early 1900s. Many historical buildings still stand in the city, however, including Saint Stanislaus Church, the oldest brick church in the state. Rathdrum is also home to North Idaho STEM Charter Academy, a high-performing school that serves K-12 students.

4. Preston

• Population: 5,411
• Violent Crimes: 7 (0.1294 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 37 (0.6838 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

68.34% Below National Crime Rate, 51.84% Below State Crime Rate

Located in Franklin County, Preston is a small, thriving town of more than 5,000 residents. It is known for its emphasis on community, which can be seen in annual traditions like the holiday Festival of Lights. With mountains and parks within drivable distance, there’s always something to do. Median house prices average in the low $200,000s in this safe town, making Preston an affordable place to call home.

5. Hailey

• Population: 8,334
• Violent Crimes: 14 (0.168 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 21 (0.252 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

83.65% Below National Crime Rate, 75.13% Below State Crime Rate

Hailey is the county seat of Blaine County, located in the Wood River Valley in the central part of the state. Surrounded by mountains and greenery, Hailey is a picture-perfect small town, perfect for hiking in the summer and sledding in the winter. The largest community in the Wood River Valley, Hailey is home to the Friedman Memorial Airport, which has direct commercial flights from six major cities. Although fifth on our list, Hailey has the lowest nonviolent crime rate in the state, with 0.25 crimes per 100 residents.

6. Fruitland

• Population: 5,308
• Violent Crimes: 4 (0.0754 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 68 (1.2811 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Burglary and Larceny

47.19% Below National Crime Rate, 19.66% Below State Crime Rate

Fruitland is a small city in Payette County, located along the Oregon border. True to its name, Fruitland started as an agricultural town, specializing in apples. Modern Fruitland has more urban delights but still honors its agricultural roots. For the past few years, the town has held an annual Apple Jam, a fun-filled event that raises money for community projects.

7. Moscow

• Population: 25,339
• Violent Crimes: 13 (0.0513 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 394 (1.5449 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

37.46% Below National Crime Rate, 4.87% Below State Crime Rate

Moscow is located along the Washington border and acts as the county seat of Latah County. Named after the founder’s hometown of Moscow, Pennsylvania, Moscow became incorporated in 1887. Moscow is home to the University of Idaho, which serves more than 11,000 students annually. This college town is one of the safest around, having the second lowest violent crime rate in the state.

8. Meridian

• Population: 103,774
• Violent Crimes: 165 (0.159 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 1,260 (1.2142 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

46.54% Below National Crime Rate, 18.67% Below State Crime Rate

With a population of more than 100,000 residents, Meridian is not only one of the safest states in Idaho but also the second largest. One reason this city is growing so fast is its prime location. Parks and mountains surround Meridian, and the state capital of Boise is less than 15 miles away. Despite its growth, Meridian honors its history as a dairy-related village by hosting Meridian Dairy Days every June. If you’re looking to become a resident, the median house prices are in the low $300,000s.

9. Emmett

• Population: 6,871
• Violent Crimes: 15 (0.2183 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 68 (0.9897 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Aggravated Assault

52.97% Below National Crime Rate, 28.46% Below State Crime Rate

Emmett is the one and only city located in Gem County, north of Boise. As the county’s name implies, the area was a hotspot for mining. Although the mines closed, Emmett thrived as an agricultural community due to the fertile valley land. The nearby Black Canyon Park along the Payette River offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun.

10. Payette

• Population: 7,430
• Violent Crimes: 16 (0.2153 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 99 (1.3324 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

39.74% Below National Crime Rate, 8.33% Below State Crime Rate

Rounding out the top 10 list is Payette, the county seat of Payette County. Located along the Oregon border, this small town has over 51 acres of community parkland, in addition to the natural wonders of the Snake River. Golf enthusiasts can visit the Scotch Pines Golf Course, which includes a newly remodeled clubhouse.