Fresh mountain air, low cost of living, and a booming economy are great reasons to consider living in Idaho. But outdated infrastructure, limited educational opportunities, and the rural lifestyle might not be a good fit for some.

Idaho has much to offer—from country music and an outdoor lifestyle to low crime and elder care, Idaho is more than just the Spud State! More and more people have grown savvy to Idaho’s appeal, and they are relocating here in droves. So, is it the right place for you and your family?

To help you make a decision, we’re explaining the top pros and cons of living in Idaho. Whether you need

car insurance

for where you live now or tips on relocating to a new state,

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that has your back. From the lakes and cities to crime rates and diversity, here’s everything you need to know about living in Idaho.

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Pro: Low cost of living

From housing to grocery costs, life in Idaho is much more affordable than in many other parts of the country. Affordable housing makes Idaho a great place to raise a family, too—you can feed more people for less money here.

The minimum wage in Idaho is $7.25 per hour and the average income per capita is $39,000 (higher than the national average).

About 70% of Idahoans are homeowners. Both the average home price and rent are well below the national average. Expect to pay between $250,000 and $350,000 for a house, or about $900 per month for an apartment. You can find affordable accommodations in urban and rural areas of Idaho.

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Pro: Outdoor recreation opportunities and natural beauty

You’ll experience the benefits of all four seasons in Idaho. Summers are gloriously warm, and Idaho’s mountains and lakes are the perfect places to beat the heat. Spring and autumn bring milder temperatures along with gorgeous colors from wildflowers and falling leaves.

Socializing is an outdoor activity in Idaho. Whether you like fishing, hiking, camping, hunting, or skiing, you’ll find your new favorite destination in Idaho. Eager to hit the slopes? Head to

Sun Valley

Schweitzer

. Need a lakeside cabin vacation? Head to

Coeur d’Alene

for dockside drinks, golfing, and boating—and don’t forget world-famous

Hudson’s Hamburgers

There are several National parks and state recreation scattered throughout the state. If you move to Idaho, you’ll never be further than 20 minutes from a stunning natural recreation destination!

Winter weather can present some challenges, especially if you live in a rural area. But if you have the proper equipment, you can access Idaho’s natural beauty all year round.

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Con: Rural lifestyle

A lot of perks come along with a rural lifestyle, but the isolationist mindset of life in the country can be challenging.

Access to services is much more difficult if the nearest store is more than 30 minutes away by car. Even if you have neighbors within earshot (which is unlikely in rural Idaho), rural culture encourages self-reliance.

While Idahoans are friendly once you get to know them, it may take some time to find your community if you live in a rural area.

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Pro: Economy is growing

Idaho has impressively

low unemployment rates

compared to the rest of the country, at just 2.7% unemployment. This trend is expected to continue. Job growth in the Boise area, for instance, is projected to increase by 22%. The national average is just 6.3%.

On the one hand, wages are lower in Idaho when compared to the rest of the USA. But, on the other hand, the low cost of living and positive job growth counteract the low wages.

From agriculture and beer production to energy production and tourism, newcomers will find plenty of opportunities for work in the Gem State. Some of the largest employers in Idaho are Albertsons, the State of Idaho, Micron Technology, St. Luke’s Health, and WinCo. Foods.

MORE:Is Idaho a community property state?

Con: Limited higher education opportunities

There are plenty of in-state higher-ed institutions in Idaho. The University of Idaho, Boise State University, and Idaho State University are three common destinations for college students.

However, Lewis-Clark State College is the only public, non-university 4-year college in Idaho.

The

overall assessment

for public education in Idaho has some room for improvement. Idaho ranks 43rd in the nation for school quality, high school graduation rates, and math and reading scores.

If you have kids or plan to raise a family, the favorable opportunity for in-state tuition and low school ratings will need contemplation. Of course, many Idahoans choose to homeschool their children—and Idaho does not currently regulate or monitor homeschool education.

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Pro: Low crime rates

Idaho has earned a

top ranking

as one of the safest states in the country. Crime rates in Idaho are below the national average across all categories.

The violent crime rate in Idaho is 2.7 per 1,000 people (about half the national rate). The property crime rate is 21.3 crimes per 1,000 people.

Idaho has one of the highest police-per-citizen rates in the entire country, too.

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Homeowners insurance in Idaho

Pro: Popular—but not too popular

Idaho is an attractive state, and more people are moving to Idaho than ever before.

Because there is a significant influx of newcomers to Idaho, you can expect housing costs to increase in the next few years. Rising housing cost is especially true in desirable areas like Boise and Nampa.

Urbanization could be a pro or a con, depending on your perspective. Prices will go up, yes, but access to services will also improve. Now is a great time to move to Idaho!

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Con: Not much public transportation and infrastructure

You will need a personal vehicle to get around in Idaho, as public transportation systems are fairly nonexistent outside of the major metropolitan areas like Boise. Luckily,

car insurance in Idaho

is pretty affordable.

It’s also worth pointing out that

Idaho’s infrastructure

was designed for a much smaller population. As more people relocate to Idaho, the roads and bridges are subject to higher wear and tear.

As a result, you may encounter more potholes, traffic congestion, or bridge renovation projects in Idaho than in other states.

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Con: Lacking cultural activities and entertainment

There is no shortage of first-rate performing arts and entertainment in Idaho. You can enjoy theater and the symphony in major cities, for instance. There’s even a surprisingly large

Basque community

in the Boise area.

However, Idaho simply can’t compare to more metropolitan states when it comes to cultural activities, entertainment, and racial diversity. Idaho is predominantly white (about 90%).

If you value the benefits of multiculturalism, Idaho does not offer the level of cultural diversity you can find in other states.

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Pro: Idaho is a great place to retire

Idaho is very popular among retirees. With pleasant weather, good healthcare, and a low cost of living, it’s easy to see why people choose to grow old in Idaho!

If you’re considering relocating, you might welcome the opportunity to put down roots in the same state where you can eventually retire. Sandpoint, Hayden, and Twin Falls offer everything that older adults could need in their golden years: plenty of accessible outdoor recreation, medical centers, and community.

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Is Idaho a good state to live in?

Idaho is undeniably gorgeous. But living in Idaho presents some pros and cons that you should consider before relocating.

Idaho is an excellent state for:

Outdoor adventurers

Retirees

Homesteaders

Young families

Foodies and beer lovers

However, if you’re uncertain about the rural lifestyle or limited access to amenities, then Idaho may not be the right place for you. It’s also worth mentioning that due to climate change, Idaho is experiencing an

uptick in wildfires

and seasonal weather may become more extreme in the coming years.

Think carefully about job prospects, lifestyle, and future plans (aka retirement and raising kids) before making the move to Idaho. Love it or hate it, the Gem State has a straightforward culture that is unlikely to change much in the next decade.

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How to upgrade your car insurance in Idaho

Be aware that all Idaho drivers must legally carry

car insurance

. While Idaho residents generally pay less than most Americans for car insurance, it’s still worth shopping around for a better policy. The difference could be hundreds of dollars per year.

Jerry

is an app that can help you compare rates fast. Just enter your info, tweak the coverage until its just right, and Jerry will take care of everything. Whether you’re considering a lake cabin in Pend Orville or a family home in Boise, Jerry’s friendly agents can help you!

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FAQs

What are the winters like in Idaho?

Winters in Idaho can be very cold with occasional snow. From November to February, expect to dress very warmly and use snow tires on your vehicle. Rural areas can become dangerous with icy roads, whereas cities like Coeur d’Alene are milder in the wintertime.

Is Idaho racially diverse?

No. Idaho is predominantly white, with about 90% of Idahoans identifying as Caucasian.

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