Idaho is a state with a small-town, friendly nature. Its largest community, Boise, remains under 200,000 people and the next
largest, Nampa, has just over 64,000 people. Idaho communities are rooted in nature, most of them historically tied to
agriculture, ranching, mining or timber industries.
Climate
Idaho’s climate is diverse and influenced by weather patterns off the Pacific Ocean. Generally, the northern part of the state
receives more precipitation than southern Idaho, which has warmer summer temperatures.
Cost of Living
Based on average housing costs, utilities, health care, transportation, groceries and other services, Idaho’s cost of
living is the second lowest of the 11 western states.
Crime Rate
According to FBI statistics, Idaho’s crime rate is the lowest in the West. The rate of serious crime is 21.3 percent less
than the national average.
Education
Idaho ranks in the top third among the 50 states for percentage of adults aged 25 and older who have graduated from high
school (84.7 percent). Nearly 64% of the state’s general fund is dedicated to education and almost 94% of school age children
attend public schools. Almost every city with a population over 20,000 has a college or university and six
professional-technical training centers provide vocational education as well.
Environmental Quality
Much of Idaho’s surface water flows out of the high mountains and is generally of high quality. Air quality is good
throughout the year with the exception of winter temperature inversions and the effects of pollen in a few locations.
