Idaho ranks in the top 10 safest states in the United States. It has low imprisonment rates, low murder rates, and low poverty rates. For the most part, even Idaho’s most dangerous cities have crime rates that are lower than the national average. Although Idaho’s dangerous cities aren’t as dangerous as cities like Detroit or Las Angeles, Idaho still has several cities that are more dangerous than the rest of the state. Here are Idaho’s most dangerous cities.
What Makes a City Dangerous?
The safety levels of a city are determined by the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Statistics. Every year, the FBI releases crime data called “crime rates.” Crime rates record the crime of every city and state in the United States in order to compare crime incidents.
Crime rates are created by dividing the total number of crimes in an area by the total population of the same area. The final number is then multiplied by 100,000 to give “the number of crimes per 100,000.” This number helps to create a uniform rate that allows states, towns, and countries to be compared without issue. However, how do you know if a crime rate is dangerous?
The FBI uses the national crime rate as a baseline. If a city or state has a higher crime rate than the national average, the city is considered to be more dangerous than average. If the city has a lower crime rate than the national average, the city is considered safe.
The national crime rate is separated into two types of crime: violent crime and property crime. Violent crime includes murder, nonnegligent manslaughter, rape, sexual assault, robbery, and aggravated assault.
The national violent crime rate is 382.9 violent crimes per 100,000. The national violent crime rates for murder, rape, robbery, and assault are:
- National Murder Rate: 5 murders per 100,000
- National Rape Rate: 43 rapes per 100,000
- National Robbery Rate: 86 robberies per 100,000
- National Assault Rate: 247 assaults per 100,000
Property crime includes burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft. The national property crime rate is 2,362.2 property crimes per 100,000 people. The separate national crime rates for specific property crimes are:
- National Burglary Rate: 376 burglaries per 100,000
- National Theft Rate: 1,595 thefts per 100,000
- National Motor Vehicle Theft Rate: 229 car thefts per 100,000
Is Idaho Safe?
Compared to the national crime rates, Idaho is incredibly safe. It ranks as one of the safest states in the country. In fact, a vast majority of Idaho’s towns have crime rates that are significantly lower than the national average. Even the most dangerous city in Idaho is relatively safe compared to the most dangerous cities of other states.
The Idaho violent crime rate is 227 violent crimes per 100,000, which is well below the national average. The crime rates for murder, rape, robbery, and assault are:
- Idaho Murder Rate: 2 murders per 100,000
- Idaho Rape Rate: 45 rapes per 100,000
- Idaho Robbery Rate: 11 robberies per 100,000
- Idaho Assault Rate: 169 assaults per 100,000
Idahoans are extremely unlikely to become a victim of violent crime. According to Neighborhood Scout, residents living in Idaho have a 1 in 440 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime.
Property crime rates are also extremely low in this state. The property crime rate is 1,461 property crimes per 100,000 people. The Idaho property crime rates for burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft are:
- Idaho Burglary Rate: 282 burglaries per 100,000
- Idaho Theft Rate: 1,068 thefts per 100,000
- Idaho Motor Vehicle Theft Rate: 112 car thefts per 100,000
Residents are unlikely to be targeted for property crime in Idaho. In fact, there is a 1 in 68 chance that residents of Idaho will be targeted for property crime. In Idaho, there are 23 crimes per square mile (compared to the national average of 31.1 crimes per square mile).
Like every state, Idaho does have cities that have higher crime rates. Idaho’s 10 “most dangerous cities” are actually quite tame in comparison to most states. However, compared to Idaho’s average crime rates, these 10 cities are significantly more dangerous.
1. Garden City Idaho Crime Rate
Garden City ranks as the number one most dangerous city in Idaho. This small town of 12,000 people is located close to the state’s capital, Boise. Garden City has a violent crime rate of 688 violent crimes per 100,000 people, nearly double the national average. The violent crime rates for murder, rape, robbery, and assault in Garden City are:
- Garden City Murder Rate: 0 murders per 100,000
- Garden City Rape Rate: 92 rapes per 100,000
- Garden City Robbery Rate: 50 robberies per 100,000
- Garden City Assault Rate: 546 assaults per 100,000
The most shocking crime in Garden City is the high incidents of rape. Rape is twice as common in Garden City, compared to the national average.
The Garden City property crime rate is 2,972 property crimes per 100,000 people, which is lower than the national average. There is a 1 in 34 chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Garden City. The property crime rates for burglary, theft, and car theft in Garden City are:
- Garden City Burglary Rate: 621 burglaries per 100,000
- Garden City Theft Rate: 2,132 thefts per 100,000
- Garden City Car Theft Rate: car thefts per 100,000
Essentially, you’re twice as likely to be burglarized in Garden City, yet less likely to experience car theft. Those living in Garden City should take precautions to protect themselves against burglary. One of the best ways for residents of Garden City to protect themselves against burglary is by installing a home security system.
2. Chubbuck Idaho Crime Rate
Chubbuck is the second most dangerous city in Idaho. It has a population of 15,316 and is located in the south-eastern part of the state. In the past few years, crime in Chubbuck has increased by 11 percent, securing Chubbuck’s place as the second most dangerous city in Idaho. The violent crime rate in Chubbuck is 359, meaning that residents have a 1 in 259 chance of being a victim of violent crime. Chubbuck’s violent crime is significantly higher than the average Idaho crime rate but lower than the national average. The violent crime rates for murder, rape, robbery, and assault in Chubbuck are:
- Chubbuck Murder Rate: 0 murders per 100,000
- Chubbuck Rape Rate: 52 rapes per 100,000
- Chubbuck Robbery Rate: 13 robberies per 100,000
- Chubbuck Assault Rate: 294 assaults per 100,000
Violent crime in Chubbuck isn’t something that should cause residents to cower in fear. Like all cities, residents should simply be cautious about where they are and take precautions to protect themselves.
The Chubbuck property crime rate is 4,520 property crimes per 100,000 people. Chubbuck’s property crime rate is the highest property crime rate in Idaho. There is a 1 in 23 chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Chubbuck. The property crime rates for burglary, theft, and car theft in Chubbuck are:
- Chubbuck Burglary Rate: 457 burglaries per 100,000
- Chubbuck Theft Rate: 3,806 thefts per 100,000
- Chubbuck Car Theft Rate: 163 car thefts per 100,000
In Chubbuck, your car is safe. You are unlikely to experience car theft while in this town. However, you are likely to experience theft. Theft is the main crime that concerns the county sheriff’s department since it is the main crime that is reported in the city. The Idaho state police work hard to stop theft in Chubbuck and advise residents to wear theft-proof bags if they are visiting a crowded area.
3. Pocatello Idaho Crime Rate
Pocatello, Idaho, is the third most dangerous city in Idaho. It has a violent crime rate of 371 violent crimes per 100,000 people. There is a 269 chance that residents will become victims of violent crime. The violent crime rates for murder, rape, robbery, and assault in Pocatello are:
- Pocatello Murder Rate: 2 murders per 100,000
- Pocatello Rape Rate: 37 rapes per 100,000
- Pocatello Robbery Rate: 23 robberies per 100,000
- Pocatello Assault Rate: 309 assaults per 100,000
The Pocatello property crime rate is 2,787 property crimes per 100,000 people. There is a 1 in 36 chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Pocatello. The property crime rates for burglary, theft, and car theft in Pocatello are:
- Pocatello Burglary Rate: 602 burglaries per 100,000
- Pocatello Theft Rate: 1,955 thefts per 100,000
- Pocatello Car Theft Rate: 229 car thefts per 100,000
Although some of Pocatello’s property crime rates are fairly average, homeowners in Pocatello are twice as likely to be victims of burglary. The burglary rates are higher than average, putting homeowners at risk. Homeowners should take precautions in order to better protect themselves.
4. Twin Falls Idaho Crime Rate
Twin Falls is a beautiful city, located near two tall waterfalls (which is why the city is named Twin Falls). However, despite the beauty of the area, the crime rates are high enough to secure the town as the fourth most dangerous city. The violent crime rate in Twin Falls is 452. The violent crime rates for murder, rape, robbery, and assault in Twin Falls are:
- Twin Falls Murder Rate: 0 murders per 100,000
- Twin Falls Rape Rate: 78 rapes per 100,000
- Twin Falls Robbery Rate: 14 robberies per 100,000
- Twin Falls Assault Rate: 360 assaults per 100,000
The property crime rate is 2,894 property crimes per 100,000 people, giving residents a 1 in 42 chance of becoming a victim of property crime. The property crime rates for burglary, theft, and car theft in Twin Falls are:
- Twin Falls Burglary Rate: 382 burglaries per 100,000
- Twin Falls Theft Rate: 2,833 thefts per 100,000
- Twin Falls Car Theft Rate: 157 car thefts per 100,000
Burglary and theft and slightly higher than the national average; however, the car theft rate is actually lower than the national average. Car owners are safer in Twin Falls.
5. Blackfoot Idaho Crime Rate
The chance of crime, both violent and property crime, in Blackfoot, Idaho, is 1 in 34. The violent crime rate is 335 violent crimes per 100,000 people. Even though Blackfoot is the fifth most dangerous city in Idaho, the violent crime rate in Blackfoot is lower than the national average of The violent crime rates for murder, rape, robbery, and assault in Blackfoot are:
- Blackfoot Murder Rate: 0 murders per 100,000
- Blackfoot Rape Rate: 42 rapes per 100,000
- Blackfoot Robbery Rate: 0 robberies per 100,000
- Blackfoot Assault Rate: 293 assaults per 100,000
The main concern for Blackfoot police is the assault rate. Other than assault and low rates of rape, Blackfoot experiences no other violent crimes. So, although Blackfoot is ranked as number five, it’s a relatively safe place to live.
The Blackfoot property crime rate is 2,637 property crimes per 100,000 people, which is only moderately higher than the national average. There is a 1 in 38 chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Blackfoot. The property crime rates for burglary, theft, and car theft in Blackfoot are:
- Blackfoot Burglary Rate: 904 burglaries per 100,000
- Blackfoot Theft Rate: 1,565 thefts per 100,000
- Blackfoot Car Theft Rate: 167 car thefts per 100,000
Blackfoot is not a dangerous place to live. However, Blackfoot does have the highest burglary rates in the state of Idaho. Residents living in Blackfoot should be extra cautious about their home security. Homeowners in Blackfoot are 300 percent more likely to experience burglary.
6. Coeur d’Alene Idaho Crime Rate
Coeur d’Alene ranks as the sixth most dangerous place in Idaho. However, both the violent crime rate and the property crime rate are lower than the national averages. The violent crime rate is 366 violent crimes per 100,000 people. The violent crime rates for murder, rape, robbery, and assault in Coeur d’Alene are:
- Coeur d’Alene Murder Rate: 4 murders per 100,000
- Coeur d’Alene Rape Rate: 105 rapes per 100,000
- Coeur d’Alene Robbery Rate: 37 robberies per 100,000
- Coeur d’Alene Assault Rate: 220 assaults per 100,000
Coeur d’Alene has an abnormally high number of reported rapes in the city, making the area unsafe for those who may be targeted for rapes.
The property crime rate is 1,895 property crimes per 100,000 people. There is a 1 in 53 chance of becoming a victim of property crime, making it fairly unlikely to become a target for property crime. The property crime rates for burglary, theft, and car theft are:
- Coeur d’Alene Burglary Rate: 275 burglaries per 100,000
- Coeur d’Alene Theft Rate: 1,481 thefts per 100,000
- Coeur d’Alene Car Theft Rate: 138 car thefts per 100,000
All recorded property crimes are lower than the national average crime rate, making it unlikely that residents will be targeted for property crime in Coeur d’Alene.
7. Nampa Idaho Crime Rate
Nampa, the seventh most dangerous city in Idaho, is also a fairly safe area (compared to national crime rates). The violent crime rate in Nampa is 278, lower than the national average. The violent crime rates for murder, rape, robbery, and assault in Nampa are:
- Nampa Murder Rate: 5 murders per 100,000
- Nampa Rape Rate: 83 rapes per 100,000
- Nampa Robbery Rate: 11 robberies per 100,000
- Nampa Assault Rate: 179 assaults per 100,000
There is a 1 in 359 chance that you will be a victim of violent crime in Nampa. Overall, Nampa is about average in terms of violent crimes.
The Nampa property crime rate is 2,518 property crimes per 100,000 people. Residents have a 1 in 40 chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Nampa. The property crime rates for burglary, theft, and car theft are:
- Nampa Burglary Rate: 446 burglaries per 100,000
- Nampa Theft Rate: 1,797 thefts per 100,000
- Nampa Car Theft Rate: 265 car thefts per 100,000
Property crimes in Nampa are slightly above the national average. However, Nampa shouldn’t be considered a necessarily dangerous town, even if it has the seventh-highest crime rates in Idaho.
8. Caldwell Idaho Crime Rate
Caldwell ranks as the eighth most dangerous city in Idaho. Like most other cities in Idaho, Caldwell is actually relatively safe. The violent crime rate in Caldwell is 324 violent crimes per 100,000 people. The violent crime rates for murder, rape, robbery, and assault are:
- Caldwell Murder Rate: 0 murders per 100,000
- Caldwell Rape Rate: 16 rapes per 100,000
- Caldwell Robbery Rate: 19 robberies per 100,000
- Caldwell Assault Rate: 288 assaults per 100,000
Residents are unlikely to experience violent crime while in Caldwell. In fact, there is a 1 in 309 chance that a resident in Caldwell will be involved in an incident of violent crime.
The Caldwell property crime rate is 2,126 property crimes per 100,000 people. There is a 1 in 47 chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Caldwell. The property crime rates for burglary, theft, and car theft in Caldwell are:
- Caldwell Burglary Rate: 423 burglaries per 100,000
- Caldwell on Theft Rate: 1,466 thefts per 100,000
- Caldwell Car Theft Rate: 237 car thefts per 100,000
Caldwell has very average rates for property crime. It isn’t the most dangerous city in Idaho, but also isn’t among the safest cities in Idaho. Crime statistics show that Caldwell is average in terms of crime (which makes it dangerous compared to the safest cities in Idaho).
9. Boise Idaho Crime Rate
Boise law enforcement ranks Boise as the ninth most dangerous city in Idaho. However, the city is fairly safe. The violent crime rate in Boise is 278 violent crimes per 100,000 people. The violent crime rates for murder, rape, robbery, and assault in Boise are:
- Boise Murder Rate: 0 murders per 100,000
- Boise Rape Rate: 76 rapes per 100,000
- Boise Robbery Rate: 22 robberies per 100,000
- Boise Assault Rate: 179 assaults per 100,000
Murder and nonnegligent manslaughter are rare, if not unheard of, in Boise. However, above-average rates of rape have been reported by police officers multiple years in a row.
The Boise property crime rate is 2,022 property crimes per 100,000 people. There is a 1 in 49 chance of becoming a victim of property crime. The property crime rates for burglary, theft, and car theft are:
- Boise Burglary Rate: 279 burglaries per 100,000
- Boise Theft Rate: 1,628 thefts per 100,000
- Boise Car Theft Rate: 115 car thefts per 100,000
Property crime is well below the national average property crime rates. Homeowners have a lower risk than usual for burglary.
10. Lewiston Idaho Crime Rate
Lewiston is the tenth most dangerous city in Idaho, which doesn’t make it that dangerous compared to the rest of the country. The violent crime rate in Lewiston is 146, significantly lower than the national average. There is a 1 in 684 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. The violent crime rates for murder, rape, robbery, and assault are:
- Lewiston Murder Rate: 0 murders per 100,000
- Lewiston Rape Rate: 43 rapes per 100,000
- Lewiston Robbery Rate: 18 robberies per 100,000
- Lewiston Assault Rate: 85 assaults per 100,000
The Lewiston property crime rate is 3,069 property crimes per 100,000 people. Although the Lewiston property crime rate is lower than average, it is high compared to other Idaho property crime rates. There is a 1 in 33 chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Lewiston. The property crime rates for burglary, theft, and car theft are:
- Lewiston Burglary Rate: 427 burglaries per 100,000
- Lewiston Theft Rate: 2,450 thefts per 100,000
- Lewiston Car Theft Rate: 192 car thefts per 100,000
Although the Lewiston crime rate is fairly low, compared to other cities in the country, Lewiston has very high rates of burglary—compared to most Idaho towns. Homeowners should protect their homes and possessions by installing home security systems with door and window sensors.