These are the 10 Most Dangerous Small Towns in Idaho You Need to Know About (2025)

Published On: August 21, 2025

These are the 10 Most Dangerous Small Towns in Idaho You Need to Know About (2025)

Idaho is known for its scenic landscapes and safe living environments, but like many states, some small towns face higher crime rates than others. While Idaho overall has a lower crime rate than the national average, a few towns stand out in 2025 for their elevated levels of violent or property crime. Understanding these areas can help residents and visitors make informed choices. Here are the ten most dangerous small towns in Idaho based on recent crime data.

1. Garden City, Ada County

Garden City leads in violent crime with approximately 664 incidents per 100,000 residents, far above Idaho’s state average. It also experiences high property crime rates. This town, adjacent to Boise, has a developing arts scene but struggles with safety concerns in several neighborhoods, particularly the city center.

2. Twin Falls, Twin Falls County

Twin Falls, a larger city in southern Idaho, has violent crimes at 5.09 per 1,000 residents and property crime at 15.33 per 1,000, both above state averages. Crime is mostly concentrated near the city center and around the University of Southern Idaho.

3. Payette, Payette County

With a violent crime rate about 80% higher than the state average, Payette deals with frequent assaults and property crimes, although burglary and theft remain below national averages. It is a smaller city located near the Oregon border.

4. Pocatello, Bannock County

Pocatello faces high crime rates, especially in its Alameda East and Whittier neighborhoods. The city has a violent crime rate of 4.26 per 1,000 residents and property crime near 20 per 1,000, making it one of Idaho’s most dangerous places.

5. Chubbuck, Bannock County

Lasting high property crime defines Chubbuck, with 23.99 incidents per 1,000 residents. The city, just north of Pocatello, has a violent crime rate of 3.85 per 1,000 and higher crime density compared to statewide numbers.

6. Idaho Falls, Bonneville County

Idaho Falls exhibits moderate violent and property crime rates exceeding state averages. Its North and Northwest neighborhoods report more criminal activity, reflecting concerns about property offenses and assaults.

7. Caldwell, Canyon County

Caldwell’s crime rates top 43% above the state average, with violent crime at 3.2 per 1,000 and property crime at 16.5 per 1,000. The city struggles with safety issues, particularly in specific areas prone to gang activity and incidents.

8. Boise, Ada County

Idaho’s capital has crime rates higher than state averages, including property crime rates of over 20 per 1,000 residents. As Idaho’s largest city, Boise’s urban core includes neighborhoods experiencing higher violent crimes.

9. Coeur d’Alene, Kootenai County

This city’s crime rate exceeds state averages by 43%, with incidences of violent crime reaching 3.1 per 1,000 residents. Property crime also is a concern in Coeur d’Alene’s more densely populated districts.

10. Lewiston, Nez Perce County

Lewiston rounds out the list with violent crime at 4.0 per 1,000 residents and property crime around 22.4 per 1,000. Its crime statistics reflect issues with theft, burglary, and occasional violent crimes in various neighborhoods.

Contributing Factors

Population Density: Larger small towns tend to experience more crime than very rural communities.

Economic Factors: Poverty and unemployment correlate with higher crime rates.

Urbanization Effects: Proximity to bigger cities often influences crime spread into smaller towns.

Policing and Community Resources: Some areas have less comprehensive law enforcement coverage.

Awareness and Safety in Idaho’s Small Towns

Most of Idaho remains safe compared to national rates, but residents and visitors should be cautious in these towns identified with elevated crime. Staying informed, choosing safer neighborhoods, and community involvement help improve safety. Understanding where these small towns stand can guide better decisions for living, working, or traveling in Idaho.