Best places to raise a family in Idaho
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April 20, 2021
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Best places to raise a family in Idaho
Choosing a place to raise children can be a daunting task for any family. If it takes a village to raise a child, that may just extend all the way to your next-door neighbor, fifth-grade teacher, or volunteer soccer coach. While all parents are looking for a great place to raise their kids, oftentimes this decision means balancing—and prioritizing—certain community resources and costs.
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to raise a family in Idaho using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Keep reading to see if where you grew up or currently live made the list.
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#25. Rigby
- Population: 4,117
- Median home value: $136,500 (58% own)
- Median rent: $763 (42% rent)
- Median household income: $49,467
- Top public schools: Jefferson Elementary School (A-), Rigby Middle School (B+), Rigby High School (B)
- Pictured: 519 N 4000 E, Rigby ($895,000, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $136,500 (58% own)
- Median rent: $763 (42% rent)
- Median household income: $49,467
- Top public schools: Jefferson Elementary School (A-), Rigby Middle School (B+), Rigby High School (B)
- Pictured: 519 N 4000 E, Rigby ($895,000, 7 bedrooms)
#24. Garden City
- Population: 11,819
- Median home value: $238,100 (58% own)
- Median rent: $907 (42% rent)
- Median household income: $49,318
- Top public schools: Boise Senior High School (A+), Meridian Medical Arts Charter School (A), Renaissance High School (A)
- Pictured: 9221 W Riverside Dr, Garden City ($830,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $238,100 (58% own)
- Median rent: $907 (42% rent)
- Median household income: $49,318
- Top public schools: Boise Senior High School (A+), Meridian Medical Arts Charter School (A), Renaissance High School (A)
- Pictured: 9221 W Riverside Dr, Garden City ($830,000, 3 bedrooms)
#23. Kimberly
- Population: 3,859
- Median home value: $167,300 (86% own)
- Median rent: $784 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $60,484
- Top public schools: Kimberly High School (B+), Kimberly Middle School (B), Kimberly Elementary School (C+)
- Pictured: 3981 N 3600 E, Kimberly ($849,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $167,300 (86% own)
- Median rent: $784 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $60,484
- Top public schools: Kimberly High School (B+), Kimberly Middle School (B), Kimberly Elementary School (C+)
- Pictured: 3981 N 3600 E, Kimberly ($849,900, 4 bedrooms)
#22. Moreland
- Population: 1,232
- Median home value: $157,000 (88% own)
- Median rent: $638 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $56,324
- Top public schools: Riverside Elementary School (B), Snake River Middle School (B), Snake River High School (B-)
- Pictured: 742 W 200 N, Blackfoot ($299,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $157,000 (88% own)
- Median rent: $638 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $56,324
- Top public schools: Riverside Elementary School (B), Snake River Middle School (B), Snake River High School (B-)
- Pictured: 742 W 200 N, Blackfoot ($299,900, 3 bedrooms)
#21. Lewiston
- Population: 32,664
- Median home value: $189,400 (72% own)
- Median rent: $722 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $56,479
- Top public schools: Jenifer Junior High School (B), Sacajawea Junior High School (B), Lewiston High School (B)
- Top private schools: All Saints Catholic School (unavailable), Cornerstone Christian School (unavailable), Beacon Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2724 Grelle Ave, Lewiston ($874,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $189,400 (72% own)
- Median rent: $722 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $56,479
- Top public schools: Jenifer Junior High School (B), Sacajawea Junior High School (B), Lewiston High School (B)
- Top private schools: All Saints Catholic School (unavailable), Cornerstone Christian School (unavailable), Beacon Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2724 Grelle Ave, Lewiston ($874,900, 5 bedrooms)
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#20. Weiser
- Population: 5,323
- Median home value: $116,200 (62% own)
- Median rent: $676 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $36,610
- Top public schools: Weiser High School (B), Pioneer Primary School (B-), Park Intermediate School (C+)
- Pictured: 1300 Long Rd, Weiser ($590,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $116,200 (62% own)
- Median rent: $676 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $36,610
- Top public schools: Weiser High School (B), Pioneer Primary School (B-), Park Intermediate School (C+)
- Pictured: 1300 Long Rd, Weiser ($590,000, 3 bedrooms)
#19. Hayden
- Population: 14,698
- Median home value: $256,100 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,073 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $56,930
- Top public schools: Sorensen Magnet School of the Arts and Humanities (A-), Canfield Middle School (A-), Dalton Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: North Idaho Christian School (B-)
- Pictured: 3650 E Lancaster Rd, Hayden ($3.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $256,100 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,073 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $56,930
- Top public schools: Sorensen Magnet School of the Arts and Humanities (A-), Canfield Middle School (A-), Dalton Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: North Idaho Christian School (B-)
- Pictured: 3650 E Lancaster Rd, Hayden ($3.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
#18. Hailey
- Population: 8,408
- Median home value: $368,300 (63% own)
- Median rent: $671 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $51,158
- Top public schools: Wood River High School (A-), Ernest Hemingway Elementary School (A-), Wood River Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: The Sage School (A-)
- Pictured: 105 Thunder Rd, Hailey ($4.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $368,300 (63% own)
- Median rent: $671 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $51,158
- Top public schools: Wood River High School (A-), Ernest Hemingway Elementary School (A-), Wood River Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: The Sage School (A-)
- Pictured: 105 Thunder Rd, Hailey ($4.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
#17. Sun Valley
- Population: 1,353
- Median home value: $825,500 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,648 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $51,810
- Top public schools: Wood River High School (A-), Ernest Hemingway Elementary School (A-), Wood River Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Sun Valley Community School (A+)
- Pictured: 9 W Lane Ranch Rd, Sun Valley ($3.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $825,500 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,648 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $51,810
- Top public schools: Wood River High School (A-), Ernest Hemingway Elementary School (A-), Wood River Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Sun Valley Community School (A+)
- Pictured: 9 W Lane Ranch Rd, Sun Valley ($3.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
#16. Star
- Population: 9,115
- Median home value: $283,100 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,143 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $65,282
- Top public schools: Meridian Medical Arts Charter School (A), Renaissance High School (A), Cecil D. Andrus Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 4054 N Ptarmigan Pl, Star ($2.2 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $283,100 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,143 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $65,282
- Top public schools: Meridian Medical Arts Charter School (A), Renaissance High School (A), Cecil D. Andrus Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 4054 N Ptarmigan Pl, Star ($2.2 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#15. St. Anthony
- Population: 3,519
- Median home value: $128,400 (64% own)
- Median rent: $703 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $45,163
- Top public schools: Teton Elementary School (A-), South Fremont High School (B), South Fremont Junior High School (C+)
- Pictured: 809 Sage Dr, Saint Anthony ($399,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $128,400 (64% own)
- Median rent: $703 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $45,163
- Top public schools: Teton Elementary School (A-), South Fremont High School (B), South Fremont Junior High School (C+)
- Pictured: 809 Sage Dr, Saint Anthony ($399,900, 4 bedrooms)
#14. Tyhee
- Population: 1,192
- Median home value: $225,000 (76% own)
- Median rent: $717 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $83,333
- Top public schools: Rulon M. Ellis Elementary School (A-), Alameda Middle School (B+), Pocatello Community Charter School (B+)
- Pictured: 777 Hallmark Dr, Pocatello ($529,900, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $225,000 (76% own)
- Median rent: $717 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $83,333
- Top public schools: Rulon M. Ellis Elementary School (A-), Alameda Middle School (B+), Pocatello Community Charter School (B+)
- Pictured: 777 Hallmark Dr, Pocatello ($529,900, 6 bedrooms)
#13. Dalton Gardens
- Population: 2,812
- Median home value: $399,000 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,058 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $78,977
- Top public schools: Sorensen Magnet School of the Arts and Humanities (A-), Canfield Middle School (A-), Dalton Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 7792 N Rude St, Dalton Gardens ($1.1 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $399,000 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,058 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $78,977
- Top public schools: Sorensen Magnet School of the Arts and Humanities (A-), Canfield Middle School (A-), Dalton Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 7792 N Rude St, Dalton Gardens ($1.1 million, 3 bedrooms)
#12. Chubbuck
- Population: 14,995
- Median home value: $176,300 (71% own)
- Median rent: $846 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $59,459
- Top public schools: Connor Academy Charter School (A-), Franklin Middle School (A-), Rulon M. Ellis Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 527 Taylor Ln, Chubbuck ($554,900, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $176,300 (71% own)
- Median rent: $846 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $59,459
- Top public schools: Connor Academy Charter School (A-), Franklin Middle School (A-), Rulon M. Ellis Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 527 Taylor Ln, Chubbuck ($554,900, 7 bedrooms)
#11. Rexburg
- Population: 28,414
- Median home value: $211,700 (32% own)
- Median rent: $717 (68% rent)
- Median household income: $31,128
- Top public schools: Alta Elementary School (A), Burton Elementary School (A-), Adams Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 389 Partridge Ln, Rexburg ($989,000, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $211,700 (32% own)
- Median rent: $717 (68% rent)
- Median household income: $31,128
- Top public schools: Alta Elementary School (A), Burton Elementary School (A-), Adams Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 389 Partridge Ln, Rexburg ($989,000, 6 bedrooms)
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#10. Idaho Falls
- Population: 61,459
- Median home value: $164,500 (63% own)
- Median rent: $776 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $53,148
- Top public schools: Compass Academy (B+), Westside Elementary School (B+), Idaho Falls Senior High School (B+)
- Top private schools: Watersprings School (B-), Holy Rosary Catholic School (unavailable), Little People's Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7770 S Blackhawk Dr, Idaho Falls ($1.4 million, 2 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $164,500 (63% own)
- Median rent: $776 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $53,148
- Top public schools: Compass Academy (B+), Westside Elementary School (B+), Idaho Falls Senior High School (B+)
- Top private schools: Watersprings School (B-), Holy Rosary Catholic School (unavailable), Little People's Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7770 S Blackhawk Dr, Idaho Falls ($1.4 million, 2 bedrooms)
#9. Pocatello
- Population: 55,525
- Median home value: $148,200 (63% own)
- Median rent: $656 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $46,617
- Top public schools: Century High School (A-), Franklin Middle School (A-), Alameda Middle School (B+)
- Top private schools: Grace Lutheran School (unavailable), Holy Spirit Catholic School (unavailable), Calvary Chapel Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4670 Kim Dr, Pocatello ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $148,200 (63% own)
- Median rent: $656 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $46,617
- Top public schools: Century High School (A-), Franklin Middle School (A-), Alameda Middle School (B+)
- Top private schools: Grace Lutheran School (unavailable), Holy Spirit Catholic School (unavailable), Calvary Chapel Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4670 Kim Dr, Pocatello ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
#8. Ketchum
- Population: 2,791
- Median home value: $760,500 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,298 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $60,491
- Top public schools: Wood River High School (A-), Ernest Hemingway Elementary School (A-), Wood River Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Pioneer Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 221 and 225 Sutton Pl, Ketchum ($16.0 million, 11 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $760,500 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,298 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $60,491
- Top public schools: Wood River High School (A-), Ernest Hemingway Elementary School (A-), Wood River Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Pioneer Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 221 and 225 Sutton Pl, Ketchum ($16.0 million, 11 bedrooms)
#7. Middleton
- Population: 7,556
- Median home value: $190,400 (85% own)
- Median rent: $706 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $52,522
- Top public schools: Thomas Jefferson Charter School (A-), Middleton Mill Creek Elementary School (B+), Middleton Heights Elementary School (B+)
- Pictured: 8404 Fountain Springs Ct, Middleton ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $190,400 (85% own)
- Median rent: $706 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $52,522
- Top public schools: Thomas Jefferson Charter School (A-), Middleton Mill Creek Elementary School (B+), Middleton Heights Elementary School (B+)
- Pictured: 8404 Fountain Springs Ct, Middleton ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
#6. Lincoln
- Population: 3,817
- Median home value: $158,800 (83% own)
- Median rent: $918 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $64,792
- Top public schools: Discovery Elementary School (B+), Summit Hills Elementary School (B), Bonneville High School (B-)
- Pictured: 465 6th St, Idaho Falls ($230,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $158,800 (83% own)
- Median rent: $918 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $64,792
- Top public schools: Discovery Elementary School (B+), Summit Hills Elementary School (B), Bonneville High School (B-)
- Pictured: 465 6th St, Idaho Falls ($230,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#5. Meridian
- Population: 101,905
- Median home value: $274,900 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,111 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $71,389
- Top public schools: Meridian Medical Arts Charter School (A), Renaissance High School (A), Cecil D. Andrus Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Cole Valley Christian Schools (A-), The Ambrose School (A-), Challenger School - Meridian (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3621 W Red Jade Ct, Meridian ($3.0 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $274,900 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,111 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $71,389
- Top public schools: Meridian Medical Arts Charter School (A), Renaissance High School (A), Cecil D. Andrus Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Cole Valley Christian Schools (A-), The Ambrose School (A-), Challenger School - Meridian (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3621 W Red Jade Ct, Meridian ($3.0 million, 8 bedrooms)
#4. Boise
- Population: 226,115
- Median home value: $253,400 (61% own)
- Median rent: $957 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $60,035
- Top public schools: Boise Senior High School (A+), Meridian Medical Arts Charter School (A), Renaissance High School (A)
- Top private schools: Riverstone International School (A+), Bishop Kelly High School (A), St. Joseph's Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6315 E Wildhorse Ln, Boise ($3.3 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $253,400 (61% own)
- Median rent: $957 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $60,035
- Top public schools: Boise Senior High School (A+), Meridian Medical Arts Charter School (A), Renaissance High School (A)
- Top private schools: Riverstone International School (A+), Bishop Kelly High School (A), St. Joseph's Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6315 E Wildhorse Ln, Boise ($3.3 million, 3 bedrooms)
#3. Eagle
- Population: 26,514
- Median home value: $426,000 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,138 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $92,807
- Top public schools: Meridian Medical Arts Charter School (A), Renaissance High School (A), Cecil D. Andrus Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Arts West School (B+), Montessori Academy Elementary School (unavailable), Eagle Adventist Christian School & Preschool (unavailable)
- Pictured: 756 S Moon Beam Way, Eagle ($3.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $426,000 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,138 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $92,807
- Top public schools: Meridian Medical Arts Charter School (A), Renaissance High School (A), Cecil D. Andrus Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Arts West School (B+), Montessori Academy Elementary School (unavailable), Eagle Adventist Christian School & Preschool (unavailable)
- Pictured: 756 S Moon Beam Way, Eagle ($3.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
#2. Ammon
- Population: 15,859
- Median home value: $199,400 (74% own)
- Median rent: $903 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $67,545
- Top public schools: Rimrock Elementary School (B+), Sandcreek Middle School (B+), Hillview Elementary School (B)
- Top private schools: Snake River Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4900 Torcello Dr, Ammon ($585,000, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $199,400 (74% own)
- Median rent: $903 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $67,545
- Top public schools: Rimrock Elementary School (B+), Sandcreek Middle School (B+), Hillview Elementary School (B)
- Top private schools: Snake River Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4900 Torcello Dr, Ammon ($585,000, 6 bedrooms)
#1. Moscow
- Population: 25,319
- Median home value: $229,900 (41% own)
- Median rent: $731 (59% rent)
- Median household income: $41,896
- Top public schools: West Park Elementary School (A), Palouse Prairie Charter School (A), Lena Whitmore Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Logos School (A)
- Pictured: 1088 Nearing, Moscow ($865,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $229,900 (41% own)
- Median rent: $731 (59% rent)
- Median household income: $41,896
- Top public schools: West Park Elementary School (A), Palouse Prairie Charter School (A), Lena Whitmore Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Logos School (A)
- Pictured: 1088 Nearing, Moscow ($865,000, 4 bedrooms)
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