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:
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The most dangerous city in Idaho is Garden City based on the most recent FBI crime data.
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The violent crime rate in Idaho is 656 per 100k people.
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The property crime rate in Idaho is 1,435 per 100k people.
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The safest city in Idaho is Kimberly.
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Idaho is the 45th most dangerous state in the United States.
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 2025.
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.
The Most Dangerous Cities In Idaho For 2025
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:
- Most dangerous cities in the US
- Best Places To Live In Idaho
- Cheapest Places To Live In Idaho
- Best Places To Raise A Family In Idaho
The 10 Most Dangerous Places To Live In Idaho For 2025
/10
Population: 12,956
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 656 (Most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 1,435 (Third most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Garden City: Data
Garden City, Idaho is a small city with a population of around 12,956 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 2025.
Garden City ranks highest with 85 violent crimes reported in the city. There were also 186 property crimes and 148 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.
/10
Population: 58,618
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 341 (Eighth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 1,586 (Second most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Pocatello: Data
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 2024 reporting year, there were 930 cases of property crimes and 697 cases of larceny. This is a huge amount of crime for a town with a population of only 58,618.
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.
/10
Population: 68,716
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 356 (Fifth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 1,209 (Fifth most dangerous)
Murders: 3
More on Idaho Falls: Data
Idaho Falls has 68,716 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 245 violent crimes last year and suffers the number 6.0 highest pace of car theft in the state.
/10
Population: 55,932
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 416 (Fourth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 1,126 (Seventh most dangerous)
Murders: 3
More on Twin Falls: Data
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 fourth highest for violent crimes in our 2025 list. In the year 2024, there were 233 violent crimes, 174 aggravated assaults, and 630 property crimes reported this year. Twin Falls’ large and growing population of 55,932 residents combined with the thousands of seasonal tourists that spend time in the area each year make good targets for criminals.
/10
Population: 16,600
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 265 (12th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,686 (Most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Chubbuck: Data
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 2024, the small town of just 16,600 residents reported 391 larceny cases and 446 property crimes. This accounts for a large 2,686/100k. This means that for 2025, Chubbuck ranks highest for property crimes and highest for total crimes committed in 2025. Having additional protections on your car and home would be well worth it if you live in this dangerous city.
/10
Population: 71,115
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 452 (Third most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 977 (12th most dangerous)
Murders: 1
More on Caldwell: Data
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 71,115 makes it the 4th in population size.
It has been frequently recognized as one of the most dangerous cities in Idaho. Its previous rank was 9th. In 2025, it ranks third highest after it reported 322 violent crimes in 2024. 695 property crimes and 524 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.
7. Boise
Population: 235,223
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 293 (Tenth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 1,110 (Eighth most dangerous)
Murders: 3
More on Boise:
/10
Population: 6,399
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 640 (Second most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 750 (17th most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Rupert: Data
/10
Population: 8,790
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 295 (Ninth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 989 (11th most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Payette: Data
Payette, Idaho has a disproportionate problem with rape. In 2025, it ranks 19th for the number of rape cases filed in the state. This translates to 2 cases reported in 2024. While this may not seem like a lot, Payette is a very small town with only 8,790 residents. This might explain why it has a slightly declining population rate.
The area has a general lack of employment, particularly in good paying jobs. There is a large number of minimum wage jobs available, if they haven’t already been filled by other residents. This can be a contributing factor for crime.
It is located about an hour away from Boise.
/10
Population: 35,036
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 191 (16th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 1,312 (Fourth most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Lewiston: Data
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 2025.
In 2024, it had 102 burglary cases and 460 property crimes. This leads to its status as the sixth highest in total crime and the fourth highest in property crime. For a population the size of 35,036, 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.
Crime By City In Idaho
| Rank | City | Population | Total Crimes Per 100K | Violent Crimes Per 100K | Property Crimes Per 100K | Murders |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garden City | 12,956 | 2,091 | 656 | 1,435 | 0 |
| 2 | Pocatello | 58,618 | 1,927 | 341 | 1,586 | 0 |
| 3 | Idaho Falls | 68,716 | 1,565 | 356 | 1,209 | 3 |
| 4 | Twin Falls | 55,932 | 1,542 | 416 | 1,126 | 3 |
| 5 | Chubbuck | 16,600 | 2,951 | 265 | 2,686 | 0 |
| 6 | Caldwell | 71,115 | 1,430 | 452 | 977 | 1 |
| 7 | Boise | 235,223 | 1,403 | 293 | 1,110 | 3 |
| 8 | Rupert | 6,399 | 1,390 | 640 | 750 | 0 |
| 9 | Payette | 8,790 | 1,285 | 295 | 989 | 0 |
| 10 | Lewiston | 35,036 | 1,504 | 191 | 1,312 | 0 |
| 11 | Rigby | 5,756 | 1,355 | 173 | 1,181 | 0 |
| 12 | Nampa | 118,950 | 1,095 | 353 | 742 | 3 |
| 13 | Blackfoot | 13,196 | 1,197 | 287 | 909 | 0 |
| 14 | Coeur d’Alene | 57,561 | 1,196 | 241 | 955 | 0 |
| 15 | Shelley | 5,305 | 1,093 | 207 | 885 | 0 |
| 16 | Emmett | 8,766 | 752 | 342 | 410 | 0 |
| 17 | Sandpoint | 10,498 | 1,085 | 85 | 1,000 | 0 |
| 18 | Mountain Home | 16,927 | 726 | 200 | 525 | 1 |
| 19 | Moscow | 26,684 | 1,034 | 18 | 1,015 | 0 |
| 20 | Post Falls | 46,835 | 794 | 151 | 642 | 1 |
| 21 | Middleton | 11,550 | 727 | 129 | 597 | 0 |
| 22 | Jerome | 13,399 | 806 | 111 | 694 | 1 |
| 23 | Meridian | 140,353 | 718 | 146 | 571 | 1 |
| 24 | Hailey | 10,039 | 657 | 179 | 478 | 0 |
| 25 | Rathdrum | 12,467 | 914 | 64 | 850 | 0 |
| 26 | Fruitland | 7,157 | 642 | 97 | 544 | 0 |
| 27 | Rexburg | 40,164 | 592 | 69 | 522 | 1 |
| 28 | Weiser | 6,194 | 177 | 129 | 48 | 0 |
| 29 | Preston | 6,282 | 445 | 63 | 382 | 0 |
| 30 | Kimberly | 5,618 | 409 | 53 | 355 | 0 |
Methodology: How we determined the most dangerous cities in Idaho for 2025?
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 2024 data, specifically the 2024 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 2025.
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
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 — 2024.
The latest FBI crime data shows that Garden City ranks as the most dangerous city in Idaho for 2025.
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:
- Middleton (Pop. 11,550)
- Jerome (Pop. 13,399)
- Meridian (Pop. 140,353)
- Hailey (Pop. 10,039)
- Rathdrum (Pop. 12,467)
- Fruitland (Pop. 7,157)
- Rexburg (Pop. 40,164)
- Weiser (Pop. 6,194)
- Preston (Pop. 6,282)
- Kimberly (Pop. 5,618)
For more Idaho reading, check out:
- Best Places To Live In Idaho
- Cheapest Places To Live In Idaho
- Best Places To Raise A Family In Idaho
- Safest Places In Idaho
- Worst Places To Live In Idaho
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.
Horrible place, drug central, thieves, shady corrupt cops, poor, unemployed and dirty.
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.
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
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.
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.
You sound racist.
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.
You forgot the safest city – Ammon, Idaho.
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?
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.
Yea, we update it every year.