Idaho, known for its breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures, also has areas that present significant challenges for residents. While many cities boast natural beauty and a high quality of life, some struggle with economic hardship, high crime rates, and other social issues. This article explores the 10 worst places and most dangerous cities to live in Idaho, highlighting the economic struggles, crime statistics, and quality of life that contribute to these rankings. From small towns grappling with poverty to cities facing rising crime rates, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the communities where residents may face significant obstacles. Whether you're considering relocating to Idaho or simply curious about the state's diverse living conditions, this guide sheds light on the areas that pose the most challenges for their inhabitants. Top 10 Worst Places to Live In Idaho . Top 10 Worst Cities In Idaho to Live, Raise a Family, Job or Retire. Top 10 Worst Towns in Idaho. Top 10 Worst Villages in Idaho. If you’re thinking about a move to Idaho, here are the places you should avoid to live, retire or raise a family. 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Idaho You Should Never Move To. Top 10 Worst Cities To Live In Idaho. 10 Places in Idaho You Should NEVER Move To.

1. Jerome, Idaho

Jerome is a small city located in southern Idaho, known for its agricultural heritage and proximity to the scenic Snake River. With a population of 11,824 residents, Jerome has gained a reputation for its charming rural community and local farms. However, it faces significant challenges related to poverty and crime.

Jerome ranks 11th in Poverty and 2nd in Violent Crimes within the state of Idaho. The poverty rate here stands at 23.1%, significantly higher than the national average of 14.1%, indicating that nearly 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line. The typical household income is around $47,389 per year, which is approximately 29.79% lower than the national average.

In terms of crime, Jerome experiences a violent crime rate that is 48.87% higher than the national average, with residents having a 1 in 169 chance of becoming a victim. The city ranks 2nd in Assaults and Rapes in Idaho.

Socio-Economic Statistics:

• Population: 11,824
• Unemployment Rate: 3.8%
• Poverty Rate: 23.1%
• Median Household Income: $47,389
• Median Home Value: $146,800
• Overall Score: 5/10
• Violent Crime Cases: 70
• Property Crime Cases: 185

2. Gooding, Idaho

Nestled in the heart of Idaho, Gooding is a small city with a population of 3,465. Known for its agricultural focus and friendly community, Gooding struggles with high unemployment rates and poverty levels that are concerning for its residents.

The city ranks 3rd in Unemployment and 9th in Poverty in Idaho, with a poverty rate of 23.5%, which is 67.86% higher than the national average. The median household income is $32,062, reflecting a 52.5% drop compared to national figures. Approximately 1 in every 4 residents lives in poverty, a stark contrast to the national average.

Gooding also has a significant crime issue, ranking 1st in Burglaries and 5th in Rapes statewide. The unemployment rate is notably high at 12.9%, which is 174.47% higher than the national average.

Socio-Economic Statistics:

• Population: 3,465
• Unemployment Rate: 12.9%
• Poverty Rate: 23.5%
• Median Household Income: $32,062
• Median Home Value: $83,200
• Overall Score: 4/10
• Violent Crime Cases: 9
• Property Crime Cases: 56

3. Parma, Idaho

Parma, located in southwestern Idaho, has a population of 2,057. This small city is recognized for its agricultural landscape and vibrant community but is also grappling with economic challenges.

Parma ranks 6th in Unemployment in Idaho, with an unemployment rate of 10.6%, significantly above the national average. The city also experiences a poverty rate of 13.7%, indicating that economic hardship affects many residents. The typical household income is around $42,500, which is 37.04% lower than the national median.

Socio-Economic Statistics:

• Population: 2,057
• Unemployment Rate: 10.6%
• Poverty Rate: 13.7%
• Median Household Income: $42,500
• Median Home Value: $116,200
• Overall Score: 5/10
• Violent Crime Cases: 8
• Property Crime Cases: 23

4. Payette, Idaho

Payette is a city located in western Idaho, known for its picturesque views and outdoor recreational opportunities. The city has a population of 7,655 and is home to many agricultural businesses.

The poverty rate in Payette is 13.2%, which is slightly lower than the state average. However, the median household income of $47,272 is 29.97% lower than the national average, indicating ongoing economic difficulties for some families. The unemployment rate in Payette is 6.6%, which is 40.43% higher than the national rate.

Payette ranks 4th in Larcenies within Idaho, contributing to a moderate level of property crime in the area.

Socio-Economic Statistics:

• Population: 7,655
• Unemployment Rate: 6.6%
• Poverty Rate: 13.2%
• Median Household Income: $47,272
• Median Home Value: $134,300
• Overall Score: 5/10
• Violent Crime Cases: 28
• Property Crime Cases: 139

5. Kellogg, Idaho

Kellogg is a small city located in the scenic Silver Valley of Idaho, with a population of 2,390. Known for its rich mining history and beautiful mountainous surroundings, Kellogg faces economic challenges related to poverty and low median incomes.

The city ranks 8th in Median Income and 10th in Poverty in Idaho, with a poverty rate of 23.2%, significantly higher than the national average. Households in Kellogg earn a median income of $33,516, which is about 50.35% lower than the national average. Approximately 1 in 10 households have incomes below $10,000 per year.

The unemployment rate in Kellogg is 5.8%, which is 23.4% higher than the national average. The city also ranks 5th in Burglaries, indicating safety concerns within the community.

Socio-Economic Statistics:

• Population: 2,390
• Unemployment Rate: 5.8%
• Poverty Rate: 23.2%
• Median Household Income: $33,516
• Median Home Value: $108,500
• Overall Score: 4/10
• Violent Crime Cases: 7
• Property Crime Cases: 32

6. Rupert, Idaho

Rupert is a city located in Minidoka County, Idaho, with a population of approximately 5,820 residents. Nestled in the scenic Magic Valley region, Rupert is known for its agricultural roots and community events. The city features a rich history, with the original settlement established in the early 1900s, making it a quaint place with a close-knit feel.

Rupert ranks 6th in Poverty in Idaho, with a poverty rate of 27.9%, which is 99.29% higher than the national average. The typical household income is around $41,618 per year, falling 38.34% below the national average. Financial struggles are apparent, as nearly 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line, significantly higher than the national poverty rate of 14.1%. Additionally, over 1 in 16 households in the area survive on an income of less than $10,000 a year, compared to 5.8% nationally, and 61.1% of households earn less than $50,000, far exceeding the 39% national figure.

In terms of crime, Rupert has a violent crime rate that contributes to the community's challenges, with 16 violent crimes reported last year. Residents have a 1 in 364 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime.

Overall Statistics:

• Population: 5,820
• Poverty Rate: 27.9%
• Median Household Income: $41,618
• Unemployment Rate: 2.1%
• Median Home Value: $123,300
• Violent Crime Cases: 16
• Property Crime Cases: 82
• Overall Score: 5/10

7. Wendell, Idaho

Wendell is a small city in Idaho with a population of around 2,703 residents, located in Gooding County. Known for its agricultural landscape, Wendell has a charming small-town atmosphere and a strong community spirit. The city’s history is intertwined with farming and livestock, making it a vital hub for local agriculture.

Wendell ranks 5th in Poverty in Idaho, with a staggering poverty rate of 28.6%, which is 104.29% higher than the national average. The typical household in Wendell earns about $40,302 annually, which is 40.29% lower than the national average. The situation is dire, with 1 in 3 residents living below the poverty line, far surpassing the national rate of 14.1%. Additionally, more than 1 in 12 households survive on incomes of less than $10,000 a year, while 63.8% earn below $50,000, compared to 39% nationally.

Crime rates reflect the challenges the city faces, as Wendell ranks 1st in Car Thefts in Idaho, with 4 violent crimes reported last year.

Overall Statistics:

• Population: 2,703
• Poverty Rate: 28.6%
• Median Household Income: $40,302
• Unemployment Rate: 1.1%
• Median Home Value: $105,800
• Violent Crime Cases: 4
• Property Crime Cases: 25
• Overall Score: 5/10

8. St. Anthony, Idaho

St. Anthony is a charming city located in Fremont County, Idaho, with a population of about 3,519 residents. Known as the gateway to the scenic Upper Valley and close to the famous St. Anthony Sand Dunes, the city has a small-town vibe with rich history and outdoor recreational opportunities.

St. Anthony ranks 8th in Unemployment in Idaho, with an unemployment rate of 9.3%, which is 97.87% higher than the national average. The poverty rate in St. Anthony is 16.9%, 20.71% higher than the national average. The typical household income stands at $45,163, which is 33.09% lower than the national average. Financial struggles are evident, with a noticeable percentage of residents living paycheck to paycheck.

St. Anthony's crime statistics reveal a relatively safe community, with only 10 property crimes recorded last year and no violent crime, indicating a tranquil environment for families.

Overall Statistics:

• Population: 3,519
• Poverty Rate: 16.9%
• Median Household Income: $45,163
• Unemployment Rate: 9.3%
• Median Home Value: $128,400
• Violent Crime Cases: 0
• Property Crime Cases: 10
• Overall Score: 5/10

9. Rathdrum, Idaho

Rathdrum is a city in Kootenai County, Idaho, with a population of 8,672 residents. Situated near beautiful lakes and mountains, Rathdrum offers a blend of outdoor activities and a close-knit community feel. Its scenic beauty attracts both residents and visitors alike.

The typical household in Rathdrum earns $64,167 annually, which is 4.94% lower than the national average. However, the unemployment rate is at 6%, which is 27.66% higher than the national rate. The city has a poverty rate of 7.3%, indicating a relatively stable economic situation compared to other cities in Idaho.

Rathdrum experiences a moderate crime rate, with 8 violent crimes reported last year, making it a generally safe place to live.

Overall Statistics:

• Population: 8,672
• Poverty Rate: 7.3%
• Median Household Income: $64,167
• Unemployment Rate: 6%
• Median Home Value: $233,800
• Violent Crime Cases: 8
• Property Crime Cases: 69
• Overall Score: 5/10

10. Montpelier, Idaho

Montpelier is a quaint city in Bear Lake County, Idaho, with a population of approximately 2,518 residents. Nestled in a picturesque valley, Montpelier is renowned for its historical significance and outdoor recreational activities, including fishing and hiking in nearby national forests.

Montpelier has a poverty rate of 21.6%, which is 54.29% higher than the national average. The typical household earns about $42,447 a year, falling 37.12% below the national average. Many residents face financial hardships, with about 1 in 5 living below the poverty line, significantly above the national rate of 14.1%. Additionally, more than 1 in 12 households earn less than $10,000 annually, while 56.6% earn below $50,000, compared to the 39% national figure.

Overall Statistics:

• Population: 2,518
• Poverty Rate: 21.6%
• Median Household Income: $42,447
• Unemployment Rate: 3.7%
• Median Home Value: $116,500
• Violent Crime Cases: 2
• Property Crime Cases: 30
• Overall Score: 5/10