Is Boise or Moscow Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Moscow is safer than Boise (Safety Score 73/100 vs 60/100), with a total crime rate of 1,034 per 100,000 versus 1,404 for Boise — 26% lower. Boise has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Moscow has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Boise is 8.8x 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
Moscow — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boise, ID
Moscow, ID
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boise | Moscow | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,403.8 | 1,034.3 | +369.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 293.8 | 18.7 | +275.0 |
| Murder Rate | 1.3 | 0.0 | +1.3 |
| Rape Rate | 71.0 | 0.0 | +71.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 15.7 | 0.0 | +15.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 205.8 | 18.7 | +187.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,110.0 | 1,015.6 | +94.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 107.1 | 108.7 | -1.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 872.8 | 884.4 | -11.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 130.1 | 22.5 | +107.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boise or Moscow safer?
Moscow is safer with a total crime rate of 1,034 per 100K vs 1,404 for Boise — a 26% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boise has a violent crime rate of 293.8 per 100K while Moscow has 18.7. Moscow 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 Moscow, ID
Moscow, Idaho, home to the University of Idaho Vandals, is a college town nestled in the scenic Palouse region. This close-knit community of around 25,000 residents thrives on its academic and agricultural roots. With a safety score of 73/100 and a population coverage of 26,684, Moscow has a total crime rate of 1,034.3 per 100,000 residents.