Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Boise

Affordability in Boise

The median asking rent in Boise is $1,446 per month against a median household income of $83,904 per year, and renters make up 37% of households, according to Census ACS 5-Year estimates (2024). Lease Lantern tracks 19 HUD-assisted or income-restricted properties in the city, offering a combined 823 units at below-market rents for eligible households.

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Boise Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 300 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Note that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and local definitions.

Getting Around Boise

According to Walk Score, the area around assisted properties in Boise scores 28 (Car-Dependent) for walkability, 34 (Some Transit) for public transit, and 87 for bikeability -- suggesting a car is helpful for most errands, though Boise stands out for its bike-friendly infrastructure.

Schools

Boise is served by 81 public schools across 13 districts -- including 51 elementary, 10 middle, and 19 high schools, plus 1 other -- according to the NCES Common Core of Data. Ratings vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address before making a decision.

Cost of Renting in Boise

The median household income in Boise is $83,904 per year, according to the Census ACS 5-Year estimate. The median gross rent across all rentals in the city is $1,446 per month, according to the same source.

Affordable and income-based housing can significantly reduce what eligible renters pay. Rents at HUD-assisted and LIHTC properties are restricted based on income limits, not market rates.

• Median household income: $83,904/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Median market rent: $1,446/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Share of renter households: 37% (Census ACS 5-Year)

Flood and Environmental Exposure

Of the 19 affordable housing properties mapped for flood risk in Boise, 2 fall within a high-risk flood zone. The remaining 17 properties carry minimal flood exposure according to flood zone mapping data.