The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Idaho


The most dangerous places in Idaho are Garden City and Twin Falls for 2024 based on Saturday Night Science.

Most dangerous cities in Idaho research summary. We analyzed the most recent FBI crime data using Saturday Night Science to determine the most dangerous cities in Idaho.

We examined the violent and property crime per capita statistics for every place with over 5,000 residents. In total, we analyzed 30 Idaho cities. Here are the results of our analysis:

  • The most dangerous city in Idaho is Garden City based on the most recent FBI crime data.

  • The violent crime rate in Idaho is 700 per 100k people.

  • The property crime rate in Idaho is 1,954 per 100k people.

  • The safest city in Idaho is Rexburg.

  • Idaho is the 46th most dangerous state in the United States.

Most Dangerous Cities In Idaho Map


Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Table | Methodology | FAQs | References


Idaho may have some of the most friendly people, but crime rates are no small potatoes in the Gem State.

You need to know the most dangerous places to live in Idaho before you decide to move. So, we’ve created a list of the most dangerous places in Idaho for 2024.

We used Saturday Night Science to analyze the FBI’s latest crime statistics for every place in Idaho with over 5,000 residents, which left us with 30 cities.

Some of Idaho’s fastest-growing cities have found a spot on the list of the most dangerous places in the state. Law enforcement in towns like Nampa and Caldwell are still trying to figure out how to meet the demands of their growing population.

What is the most dangerous place in Idaho? The most dangerous place in Idaho is Garden City.

To see the top ten most dangerous cities, see the list below. If you are still looking for your city, head to the bottom for a complete list of Idaho places.

For more Idaho reading, check out:

The 10 Most Dangerous Places To Live In Idaho For 2024

Garden City, ID

Source: Wikipedia User Kencf0618 | CC BY-SA 3.0

Overall SnackAbility

7
/10

Population: 12,279
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 700 (Most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 1,954 (Fourth most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Garden City: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Garden City, Idaho is a small city with a population of around 12,279 residents. Although it is nearly surrounded by the large city of Boise, it remains a separate entity. It is one of the most dangerous cities in the state of Idaho for 2024.

Garden City ranks highest with 86 violent crimes reported in the city. There were also 240 property crimes and 169 cases of larceny. When considering its relatively small population, this makes it one of the more dangerous cities in Idaho.

Garden City is quite small, with just over four square miles of space. It is located along the Boise River and State Highway 44.

Twin Falls, ID

Source: Flickr User neighborhoods.org | CC BY-SA 2.0

Overall SnackAbility

7
/10

Population: 54,648
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 444 (Third most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 1,451 (Fifth most dangerous)
Murders: 2
More on Twin Falls: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Twin Falls, Idaho is the gateway to the fascinating Snake River Canyon. It is a popular tourist spot because of all of the people that want to see the canyon. It also happens to be one of the most dangerous cities in the state.

It ranked third highest for violent crimes in our 2024 list. In the year 2022, there were 243 violent crimes, 199 aggravated assaults, and 793 property crimes reported this year. Twin Falls’ large and growing population of 54,648 residents combined with the thousands of seasonal tourists that spend time in the area each year make good targets for criminals.

Blackfoot, ID

Source: Wikipedia User sporst | CC BY 2.0

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 12,437
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 345 (Ninth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,211 (Third most dangerous)
Murders: 1
More on Blackfoot: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

In the year 2022, there were 43 violent crimes, 1 murders, and 5 cases of rape reported in Blackfoot, Idaho. It ranks 15th for rape and 1st for burglary in the state. The small town isn’t always known for its dangers, as many of its residents believe that it is a great place to raise a family and has a growing population of 12,437 residents.

It is located in southeastern Idaho, right off of I-15 approximately 25 miles away from Idaho Falls. Many of the residents know each other and it retains its small town feel. This makes its relatively high crime rate even more concerning.

Pocatello, ID

Source: Public domain

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 57,914
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 410 (Fifth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 1,348 (Seventh most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Pocatello: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

In many different surveys and reports, Pocatello is recognized as one of the most dangerous cities to live in or visit in the state of Idaho. In the 2022 reporting year, there were 781 cases of property crimes and 524 cases of larceny. This is a huge amount of crime for a town with a population of only 57,914.

Despite its level of property and total crimes, Pocatello continues to be a town that people move to. You can see views of the Rocky Mountains and many residents love to spend time in the outdoors, exploring trails and other recreational activities with friends and family.

Caldwell, ID

Source: Wikipedia User Tamanoeconomico | CC BY-SA 4.0

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 66,940
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 443 (Fourth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 1,307 (Eighth most dangerous)
Murders: 3
More on Caldwell: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

The College of Idaho is located in Caldwell, making it a bustling college town full of young people and an active community full of restaurants and things to do. Its large and growing population of 66,940 makes it the 5th in population size.

It has been frequently recognized as one of the most dangerous cities in Idaho. Its previous rank was 3rd. In 2024, it ranks fourth highest after it reported 297 violent crimes in 2022. 875 property crimes and 629 larceny cases were also reported.

While it is one of the more dangerous cities in Idaho, Caldwell is not one of the most dangerous cities in the United States.

Idaho Falls, ID

Source: Wikipedia User Staplegunther at English Wikipedia | GFDL

Overall SnackAbility

8
/10

Population: 68,162
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 347 (Eighth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 1,371 (Sixth most dangerous)
Murders: 2
More on Idaho Falls: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Idaho Falls has 68,162 residents. That’s the number of people you’d find in a few choice blocks in Manhattan. Yet, for eastern Idaho, that counts as a massive urban center — complete with key cultural highlights, like the Museum of Idaho. You’ll also get a taste of nature with picturesque river walks along the Snake River.

This all comes with a cost, however. If Idaho Falls wants to be the big city in eastern Idaho, it has to deal with big-city problems. Like crime. The city experienced 237 violent crimes last year and suffers the number 6.0 highest pace of car theft in the state.

Chubbuck, ID

Source: Wikipedia User Ken Lund | CC BY-SA 2.0

Overall SnackAbility

8
/10

Population: 15,970
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 256 (13th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,536 (Second most dangerous)
Murders: 1
More on Chubbuck: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Chubbuck is located north of Pocatello, Idaho and is the home to the largest tennis court in East Idaho, known as the Osborn Tennis Complex. What often is overlooked in this small, otherwise peaceful community is the crime rate. The area has a problem specifically with property crimes.

In 2022, the small town of just 15,970 residents reported 348 larceny cases and 405 property crimes. This accounts for a large 2,536/100k. This means that for 2024, Chubbuck ranks second highest for property crimes and second highest for total crimes committed in 2024. Having additional protections on your car and home would be well worth it if you live in this dangerous city.

Nampa, ID

Source: Wikipedia User Visitor7 | CC BY-SA 3.0

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 111,501
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 351 (Seventh most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 1,267 (Tenth most dangerous)
Murders: 5
More on Nampa: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Nampa, Idaho is unique in that it is a dangerous place for violent crimes and property crimes. It isn’t particularly safe for either your things or your person. It has a large population of 111,501 people.

If you plan to visit Nampa, be sure to do what you can to stay as safe as possible. In 2022, there were 392 violent crimes, 271 aggravated assaults, 1,413 property crimes, and 1,126 cases of larceny.

Based on that data, it ranks 5th for rape cases in the state.

It is a large city in the Boise-Nampa Metropolitan area and is located in the central part of the state.

Lewiston, ID

Source: Wikipedia User Iidxplus at English Wikipedia | GFDL

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 34,711
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 181 (19th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,638 (Most dangerous)
Murders: 1
More on Lewiston: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

If you are looking to move to a new city in Idaho, Lewiston might not be the best place to buy or rent a home. While there are many positive things about the city, it is among the most dangerous cities in Idaho in 2024.

In 2022, it had 171 burglary cases and 916 property crimes. This leads to its status as the highest in total crime and the highest in property crime. For a population the size of 34,711, this is an alarming rate of crime for residents to be concerned with protecting themselves from.

Lewiston is a relatively affordable place to live in Idaho.

Emmett, ID

Source: Public domain

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 8,007
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 624 (Second most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 874 (19th most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Emmett: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Emmett, located in Idaho’s Gem County along the southern bank of the Payette River, holds the tenth spot on the list of most dangerous places to live in the state for 2024. With a 624/100k rate that ranks as the second highest in Idaho, residents face challenges when it comes to safety.

The city also contends with property crimes, including burglary, which occur at a rate of 874/100k. Emmett has the 19th highest rate of property crimes in the state.

Crime By City In Idaho

Rank City Population Total Crimes Per 100K Violent Crimes Per 100K Property Crimes Per 100K Murders
1 Garden City 12,279 2,654 700 1,954 0
2 Twin Falls 54,648 1,895 444 1,451 2
3 Blackfoot 12,437 2,556 345 2,211 1
4 Pocatello 57,914 1,759 410 1,348 0
5 Caldwell 66,940 1,750 443 1,307 3
6 Idaho Falls 68,162 1,719 347 1,371 2
7 Chubbuck 15,970 2,792 256 2,536 1
8 Nampa 111,501 1,618 351 1,267 5
9 Lewiston 34,711 2,820 181 2,638 1
10 Emmett 8,007 1,498 624 874 0
11 Jerome 12,806 1,413 374 1,038 0
12 Rupert 6,107 1,424 261 1,162 0
13 Coeur d’Alene 57,061 1,324 308 1,016 1
14 Boise 239,074 1,451 247 1,203 3
15 Mountain Home 16,357 1,234 262 972 0
16 Post Falls 46,306 1,241 194 1,047 1
17 Payette 8,657 1,108 254 854 0
18 Moscow 26,240 1,379 91 1,288 4
19 Middleton 10,845 1,005 230 774 1
20 Sandpoint 9,429 1,124 74 1,049 1
21 Hailey 9,789 643 214 429 0
22 Meridian 132,522 771 140 630 0
23 Fruitland 6,823 820 117 703 0
24 Kimberly 5,025 756 119 636 0
25 Rigby 5,428 957 73 884 0
26 Preston 5,932 724 134 590 0
27 Shelley 5,232 879 76 802 0
28 Rathdrum 8,968 780 89 691 0
29 Weiser 5,986 417 133 283 0
30 Rexburg 35,711 518 95 422 1

Methodology: How we determined the most dangerous cities in Idaho for 2024?

Every year the FBI release two crime datasets on cities in Idaho. First a preliminary dataset limited to the biggest cities in Idaho, followed by a more detailed release at the end of the year.

For our analysis, we focused on the 2022 data, specifically the 2022 Crime In The United States Report for Idaho.

So what criteria did we use? Have a look:

  • Violent Crimes Per Capita
  • Property Crimes Per Capita

In order to make the analysis as apples to apples as possible, we only considered Idaho cities over 5,000 in population. That left us with 30 cities in Idaho.

We then ranked each city from 1 to 30 for the two criteria with a #1 ranking being the most dangerous for the particular criteria.

Next, we averaged the two rankings into one “Dangerous Index”.

Finally, we ranked every city on the “Dangerous Index” with the lowest index being the most dangerous in Idaho — Garden City. Any ties went to the smaller city.

This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. It is our tenth time ranking the most dangerous places to live in Idaho and is updated for 2024.

Most Dangerous Places To Live In Idaho FAQs

No, Idaho is not a dangerous state as it ranks as the #5 safest state in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. The violent crime rate in Idaho ranks 42nd most dangerous in the United States — 34.4% better than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the Gem State ranks 48th most dangerous in the United States — 43.11% better than US average property crime rate. The latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022.

No, Meridian is not a dangerous city. Meridian ranks as the #3 safest out of 328 major cities over 100,000 people in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. Keep in mind that are always safe and dangerous parts of any city, so even though Meridian might be considered safe you still need to be aware of where you are.

Compared to other big cities, the violent crime rate in Meridian ranks 302nd highest in America — 74.64% better than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the ranks 326th highest in the United States — 76.88% better than US average property crime rate. Note the latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022 and that no city in America is ‘dangerous’. Despite the uptick in murders, it’s nothing like you’d see in Tijuana or Caracas where the murder rate is 2x any American city.

Graphing The Most Dangerous And Safest Places In Idaho

Most Dangerous Cities In Idaho Graph

Click To Enlarge

Summary: Locking It All Up In Idaho

So what is the most dangerous city in Idaho? After analyzing 30 cities in Idaho, Garden City takes the top spot as the most dangerous city in Idaho based on the most recently reported FBI data — 2022.

The latest FBI crime data shows that Garden City ranks as the most dangerous city in Idaho for 2024.

The most dangerous cities in Idaho are .

We want to point out again that there’s still safes places in Garden City and that this isn’t a comment on the people that live there. So please don’t beat us up.

What is the most dangerous place in Idaho? The most dangerous place in Idaho is Garden City.

To see the top ten most dangerous cities, see the list below. If you are still looking for your city, head to the bottom for a complete list of Idaho places.

Learn more about the safest places in Idaho.

If you’re looking for something more national, check out the most dangerous cities in America or the most dangerous states in America.

Here are the safest cities in Idaho:

  1. Hailey (Pop. 9,789)
  2. Meridian (Pop. 132,522)
  3. Fruitland (Pop. 6,823)
  4. Kimberly (Pop. 5,025)
  5. Rigby (Pop. 5,428)
  6. Preston (Pop. 5,932)
  7. Shelley (Pop. 5,232)
  8. Rathdrum (Pop. 8,968)
  9. Weiser (Pop. 5,986)
  10. Rexburg (Pop. 35,711)

For more Idaho reading, check out:

References

About Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar has been in the real estate business for almost ten years now. He originally worked for Movoto Real Estate as the director of marketing before founding HomeSnacks.

He believes the key to finding the right place to live comes down to looking at the data, reading about things to do, and, most importantly, checking it out yourself before you move.

If you've been looking for a place to live in the past several years, you've probably stumbled upon his writing already.

You can find out more about him on LinkedIn or his website.

12 thoughts on “The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Idaho

  1. This is ridiculous! Idaho is very safe overall..what on earth were you looking at? And how can Caldwell be so far down the list? Where is Nampa? Must not have been counting actual shootings in your statistics.

  2. McCall #3. It is a resort town with activities that invite large numbers of people looking for a good time away from home. Examples: Winter Carnival estimated crowd of 45K (unofficial) on the Saturday of the parade; 4th of July large numbers of young adults @ North Beach & Fireworks show demonstrating the excessive use of alcohol.

  3. This is really silly Caldwell and McCall? McCall is just a vacation spot and Caldwell is a small town with no violence! Go look at Chicago or Portland or New York City and then see what you think

  4. There is no place in the US which is 100% safe to live in. There is crime everywhere. It is a signs of the times and moral decay. I do understand that Pocatello, Boise and other parts of Idaho are experiencing crime by muslims refugees. Three MUSLIM refugees, ages 14, 10, and 7, from Iraq and Eritrea, have pled guilty to sexually assaulting a disabled five-year-old girl and filming themselves doing it in Twin Falls, Idaho. As long as liberals continue to allow muslim refugees into their states, such as Idaho, we will see an increase in muslim crime and violence against none-muslims. Liberals are a signs of the times and moral decay.

    1. I agree, LilyDarcey. Boise has far too many misguided liberals doing everything they can to destroy Boise and destroy Idaho. Bringing in refugees from 3rd and 4th world countries where violence is an every day occurrence ensures that you are bringing people here who have a disturbed mindset to begin with. Liberalism is a mental disorder, and Boise is infected by this disease.

  5. These lists are grossly oversimplified misrepresentations and should be disregarded as nonsensical. There are a number of variables that should have been taken into consideration when these lists were compiled.
    Here is a short list I’ve developed of the 3 most exotic vacation destinations on earth.
    Using a state-of-the-art optical sensory inhibitor apparatus (blindfold), a multi-functional index appendage precision locator gadget (finger), a semi accurate celestial sphere replica doodad, and based on no research what-so-ever, here is the 3 most exotic vacation destinations on earth… #1: the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Bring a raincoat. #2: Mauritania. Near the border of Mali. Sounds cold. #3: the Pacific Ocean again. This time about 270 miles West of Jarvis.

  6. I fixing to retire. I’m looking for a state for my retirement home. My main shopping list is as follows: gun friendly, elk/mule deer hunting and fishing, fixed income friendly with low crime rate. I hear a lot of cross opinions both good and bad about Idaho. What’s the truth?

  7. Yo Chris(author), because as the details in your data states that this is an opinion based and from the looks of it.

    You do this for all states and you’re basing this from pulled FBI data from which some of data is theoretically inflated for some of these towns/cities because the FBIs data is based on mathematical equations using 100k nominals which a lot of these places don’t come close to that number and I think we could argue more about those numbers instead.

    Anyways I did notice an issue on your #10 listing regarding the city of Lewiston. It states that Lewiston is located in the southwestern part of the state against the Atlantic and this is far from the truth. The city of Lewiston (Idaho’s original state capitol) is located on the Pacific side of the state about 2/3 Up along the border to Canada in the Idaho panhandle area. It doesn’t change your rating but it does get its location facts correctly stated. Thanks for your lists btw, I don’t always agree with your ratings they are still Interesting as they are based on numbers most don’t ever pay much attention to.

    One question I have on this ratings list does this list just get updated with new data released and header updated for the new year? The reason I’m asking is this list is for FY2020 and the comments on this post date back to 2015.

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