The state of Idaho has a reputation for having a low crime rate. Overall, the Idaho State Police reported a decrease in crime in 2022, and the Gem State ranks fourth in the nation for the fewest crimes per 100,000 residents. Surprisingly, though, there are certain areas in this state that you might want to stay away from if you’re planning on going for a run or stroll after dark.
The site is devoted to discovering things in every state. Neighborhood Scout uses an algorithm to identify areas with the highest and lowest risk of violent crime based on data collected from the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the United States Department of Justice.
According to the data provided by the Idaho State Police’s Uniform Crime Reporting, the state of Idaho experiences an average of more than 4,700 violent crimes per year and 32,452 property crimes in 2022 alone.
Twin Falls
The 1 in 196 chance of being a victim of a violent crime in Twin Falls is one reason the city makes the list, according to NeighborhoodScout. However, the city is also known for its drug problem. According to statistics provided by the Idaho State Police, it has a long history of being one of the top statewide locations for drug arrests and the discovery of meth labs.
With a violent crime rate of 5.09 per 1,000 residents, Neighborhood Scout found that Twin Falls was safer than 21% of cities and neighborhoods nationwide. In Twin Falls, the areas surrounding the College of Southern Idaho, Knull, Curry, and McMillan are among the safest places to go for an evening stroll.
Sandpoint
Despite its famed Schweitzer Mountain Resort, the northern Idaho town of Sandpoint was named the seventh most dangerous spot in the Gem State to venture out at night by Only In Your State. Despite having a small population of 9,777, Sandpoint deserves a high ranking.
However, this ranking should not be inflated by including transient residents, such as ski resort vacationers, and seasonal headcounts. The city of Sandpoint estimates that 10,000 tourists visit every year, effectively doubling the population of the city.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Cassia County, Idaho!
Boise
Even though the capital of Idaho doesn’t rank in the top three, it doesn’t imply it’s completely safe. Despite 689 violent crimes per year, the likelihood of becoming a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 345 in Boise, the biggest city in the state with a population of 236,634.
Two individuals were abducted and held against their will in Boise just last week, and police are currently investigating a “suspicious death” close to the Boise Airport. Additionally, a police officer shot a suspect following a gunfight in the North End. Barber, Barber Valley, Robie Creek, East End, Blacks Creek, Hobble Creek Park, and La Grange Street are still several safe areas surrounding the City of Trees.
Lewiston
Victims of violent crimes in Lewiston have a 1 in 556 chance of becoming a victim. On the other hand, 25.6% of alcohol-related traffic fatalities include alcohol, and 18.6% of Lewiston adults report binge or heavy drinking.
Forebay/Hatwai, Waha/Zaha, Lewiston East and Southeast, Lewiston Orchards, Sunset Park, and Lewiston South and West are among the safer neighborhoods in the area, even though the roads can be dangerous at night.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Latah County, Idaho!
Coeur d’Alene
As the most prominent Panhandle city, Coeur d’Alene was most recently in the news for the 2022 arrest of 31 people associated with the far-right Patriot Front, who were convicted of plotting to derail a Pride parade.
Coeur d’Alene has experienced a surge in tourism in recent years, but unfortunately, the likelihood of being a victim of a violent crime in this city is 1 in 325. Fernan Lake Village, Clarksville, Person Park, Bellgrove, and Clarksville are among the safest neighborhoods in the area.