Boise's population has surged, ranking it among the fastest-growing cities in the country. This indicates a healthy market, which entrepreneurs often view as a lucrative opportunity. Let’s explore the reasons behind the influx of people to Boise, Idaho, and consider how this trend could impact your investment strategies.
Key Highlights:
- Boise boasts a strong and diverse job market with low unemployment (3.8%) and booming industries like tech, healthcare, and manufacturing, drawing professionals from across the country.
- Outdoor recreation is a major attraction, with access to over 100 parks, mountain trails, rivers, and year-round activities, making it ideal for nature lovers and active residents.
- The city has a vibrant cultural scene, hosting popular community events and festivals that enhance its appeal to individuals and families seeking a lively and inclusive environment.
- Housing availability and pricing have stabilized, offering investors more inventory and lower competition as prices grow at a slower rate compared to previous years.
- Boise is considered one of the safer major cities in the U.S., with property and violent crime rates well below national averages—an important factor for attracting long-term renters.
1. A Thriving Job Market
Many professionals are drawn to the city by job opportunities that they may not find elsewhere. The unemployment rate is currently at 3.8%, which is lower than the national average of 4.1%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
It has a diverse economy as well, with the largest industries in Boise being technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and food processing. This very diversity widens your tenant pool with young to seasoned professionals.
2. An Outdoor Enthusiast’s Dream
Recreational opportunities are abundant in the city, making Boise a nice place to live. Living there provides you with proximity to mountains, rivers, trails, and other open spaces. Fun fact: There are over 100 parks in the City of Boise!
Residents can go camping, mountain biking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and engage in other outdoor leisure activities. People don’t just consider job opportunities—they also want to live in a place where they can have fun and try new experiences.
3. Flourishing Cultural Scene
In Boise, Idaho, residents will find a vibrant culture rich in art and talent that enhances its welcoming atmosphere. There are plenty of festivals, concerts, exhibits, and productions to feast their eyes on.
There’s the Boise Music Festival, Festival of Trees, Race to Robbie Creek, Hyde Park Street Fair, the Twilight Criterium race, and more events that bring out the community spirit, reflecting what the city is all about.
4. Options in Housing
Boise’s housing market has been stabilizing after experiencing rapid growth in home prices. Furthermore, housing inventory has also increased, providing buyers with more options and lower prices.
While prices are still rising, they have slowed down considerably as opposed to previous years. Now is one of the best times to invest in real estate, especially since the population growth can tip the balance and make Idaho a seller’s market again.
5. The City is Safer Than Most
The average crime rate for Idaho per 100,000 people is low at 0.81%, whereas the national average is 1.92% per 100,000 people. Even with violent crime rates, Idaho is at 0.23% compared to the national average of 0.37% per 100,000 people.
For a bustling city like Idaho, these numbers are far more favorable than those of other major cities. It goes without saying that people prefer to live in places where they feel safe, and 70% of Boise residents report feeling safe in the city.
Boise, Idaho Residents Profile Data
Data shows that approximately 22% of the residents are under 20 years old, while about 62% are within the 21 to 64-year-old age range. That leaves 16% for residents over 65 years old, who likely moved with their family or have lived there for years.
.webp)
As for the median household income, Boise residents are faring better at $79,977, compared to Idaho’s median household income, which is $74,942. More than half of the population earns between $50,000 and $200,000, according to the latest update of the census data.
What This Could Mean for Real Estate Investors
Several factors suggest that Boise is an ideal location for a lucrative venture, such as a rental business. With the growing population and the stabilizing market, rental demand in the city is expected to increase in the coming years.
Of course, those aren’t the only considerations that affect the potential of your business. For instance, the type of rental property you purchase will affect the potential tenants you attract. Boise is a nice place to live for many age groups, but each group has different preferences when it comes to living situations.
Families will prefer to live in a single-family home for the space and privacy. In contrast, single young professionals will only need the capacity and amenities that a smaller rental unit can provide. As such, you will need to conduct your due diligence to ensure a thriving rental property in Boise, Idaho.
Boise, Idaho FAQs
1. Why are people moving to Boise, Idaho?
- Boise offers a strong job market, affordable housing, abundant outdoor recreation, a vibrant cultural scene, and a low crime rate, making it an appealing city for professionals, families, and retirees alike.
2. Is Boise a good place to invest in real estate in 2025?
- Yes. With population growth, stabilizing home prices, and increasing rental demand, Boise presents a favorable environment for real estate investors seeking long-term returns.
3. What industries are driving job growth in Boise?
- Boise’s economy is diverse, with major industries including technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and food processing contributing to a low unemployment rate and strong job creation.
4. Is Boise a safe city to live in?
- Yes. Boise has significantly lower crime rates than the national average, with many residents reporting that they feel safe—making it a desirable place to live.
5. What types of rental properties are in demand in Boise?
- Demand varies by demographic: families often prefer single-family homes, while young professionals may opt for smaller apartments or rental units close to downtown and job hubs.
Moving to Idaho? Let Us Find You a Good Home
If you have your sights set on Boise, Idaho, we can help you find an ideal residential rental home. We have a variety of listings you can filter through by property type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and price range.
Thinking about investing in a rental property instead, we've got that covered as well. Wave Property Management can provide local market research and management services to ensure that your real estate investment is not wasted.
Contact us today, and discover what opportunities might await you in Boise, Idaho!
