Idaho local data guide

Current Poverty Rate in Boise, Idaho

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 data, the official poverty rate in the City of Boise (Boise City), Idaho is 10.6%. For comparison, the broader Boise Metropolitan Area (Ada and Canyon counties) registers a slightly lower poverty rate of 9.16%, while the state of Idaho as a whole records a 10.6% poverty rate.

Updated with grounded research as of 2026-07-29.

The short answer

The official poverty rate in the City of Boise, Idaho stands at 10.6%, based on 2024 U.S. Census Bureau estimates. Across the broader Boise Metropolitan Statistical Area, the poverty rate is 9.16%, while Idaho's statewide poverty rate is 10.6%.

Key facts

Boise City Poverty Rate
10.6%
Boise City Population (2024)
237,242
Boise Metro Area Poverty Rate
9.16%
Idaho Statewide Poverty Rate
10.6%

Boise City vs. Metro Area Benchmarks

The City of Boise (Boise City) registered an official poverty rate of 10.6% in 2024, reflecting a slight 0.508% year-over-year decrease [1.1.3]. With an estimated municipal population of 237,242, Boise serves as the primary economic hub for Southwestern Idaho.

  • Boise Municipal Poverty Rate (2024): 10.6% across 237,242 residents [1.1.3].
  • Boise MSA Poverty Rate (2024): 9.16% across Ada and Canyon counties.
  • Idaho Statewide Poverty Rate (2024): 10.6%, placing Idaho 15th lowest nationwide.

Factors Influencing Local Poverty Statistics

  • Organic wage growth and high-earner migration have lowered official poverty percentages statewide [1.2.1].
  • Surging housing and transportation costs continue to strain low-income households relative to fixed federal poverty lines.

Relevance for Housing and Relocation Planning

For individuals and families evaluating relocation or real estate investment in Boise, understanding poverty and cost-of-living thresholds provides crucial context [1.2.3]. Because federal poverty guidelines do not reflect regional housing price shifts, many households earning above the poverty line still face cost-burdened living expenses.

  • Federal poverty lines evaluate gross cash income uniformly nationwide without location adjustments [1.1.3].
  • Evaluating median household income alongside poverty metrics offers a complete picture of Treasure Valley affordability.

Common questions

How is the official poverty rate calculated in Boise?

The poverty rate is calculated by comparing total pre-tax household cash income against federal income thresholds established by the U.S. Census Bureau, adjusted for family size and composition [1.1.3].

How does Boise's poverty rate compare to the rest of Idaho?

Boise City's poverty rate of 10.6% matches the Idaho statewide average of 10.6%, while the surrounding Boise Metropolitan Area maintains a lower rate of 9.16%.

Do federal poverty thresholds account for Boise's housing market costs?

No. Federal poverty thresholds are uniform across the contiguous United States and do not adjust for regional variations in housing prices, utility costs, or local inflation.

Related Idaho questions

  • What is the median household income in Boise, Idaho?
  • How does the cost of living in Boise compare to the federal poverty threshold?
  • What is the child poverty rate in Ada County, Idaho?

Sources and verification