Is Boise or Idaho Falls Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Boise is safer than Idaho Falls (Safety Score 60/100 vs 54/100), with a total crime rate of 1,404 per 100,000 versus 1,566 for Idaho Falls — 10% lower. Boise has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Boise has a 71% lower rate.
Note: Boise is 3.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Boise — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Idaho Falls — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boise, ID
Idaho Falls, ID
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boise | Idaho Falls | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,403.8 | 1,565.9 | -162.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 293.8 | 356.5 | -62.8 |
| Murder Rate | 1.3 | 4.4 | -3.1 |
| Rape Rate | 71.0 | 71.3 | -0.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 15.7 | 10.2 | +5.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 205.8 | 270.7 | -64.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,110.0 | 1,209.3 | -99.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 107.1 | 308.5 | -201.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 872.8 | 774.2 | +98.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 130.1 | 126.6 | +3.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boise or Idaho Falls safer?
Boise is safer with a total crime rate of 1,404 per 100K vs 1,566 for Idaho Falls — a 10% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boise has a violent crime rate of 293.8 per 100K while Idaho Falls has 356.5. Boise has lower violent crime.
About Boise, ID
Boise, Idaho, known for the "Treefort Music Fest," sits along the Boise River at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. As the state capital, it's the largest city in Idaho, with a population exceeding 230,000. With a safety score of 60/100 and a population coverage of 235,223, Boise has a total crime rate of 1,403.8 per 100,000 residents.
About Idaho Falls, ID
Idaho Falls, a city vital to the Manhattan Project, sits along the Snake River in eastern Idaho. It serves as a regional hub, home to the Idaho National Laboratory and a growing population. With a safety score of 54/100 and a population coverage of 68,716, Idaho Falls has a total crime rate of 1,565.9 per 100,000 residents.