Boise Voters See Housing Affordability as Serious Issue in Poll

88% of Boise voters view housing affordability as a 'very serious' or 'somewhat serious' problem, with broad support for zoning updates to increase housing options.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A recent poll of 806 registered Boise voters found that the majority, regardless of political affiliation, view housing affordability as a serious issue in the city. The poll, conducted by Change Research on behalf of Neighbors for Boise, showed that 88% of voters see housing affordability as a 'very serious' or 'somewhat serious' problem, with 96% of Democrats, 91% of Independents, and 80% of Republicans holding this view. The poll also found broad support for zoning updates to allow for more housing options, such as cottages, courtyard homes, and small multiplexes.

Why it matters

Housing affordability is a growing concern in Boise, as the city experiences rapid population growth and rising home prices. This poll highlights the widespread agreement among Boise voters that the city needs to address this issue, regardless of political affiliation. The strong support for zoning updates to increase housing options suggests that the city government should prioritize these policy changes to meet the housing needs of its residents.

The details

The poll found that 70% of Boise voters support updating the city's zoning code to allow for specific standards for cottages, courtyard homes, and small multiplexes. Additionally, 61% of voters support allowing homeowners to divide their property in two to build and sell a small home on the divided parcel. The poll also revealed that 76% of Boise voters say they or a loved one has been personally impacted by the shortage of affordable and available housing, and only 11% believe housing affordability has been the highest priority for the city government in the last two years.

  • The poll was conducted by Change Research on behalf of Neighbors for Boise in mid-February 2026.
  • An upcoming city council meeting on March 10, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Boise City Hall will be focused on proposed zoning code updates.

The players

Neighbors for Boise

A local organization that commissioned the poll on housing affordability in Boise.

Byron Folwell

A local architect and leader of Neighbors for Boise.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Boise voters across every age, income and political party are sending a clear message: We need more homes that people can actually afford.”

— Byron Folwell, local architect and leader of Neighbors for Boise (Neighbors for Boise)

“These zoning updates aren't radical ― they're commonsense solutions that voters across the political spectrum already support.”

— Byron Folwell, local architect and leader of Neighbors for Boise (Neighbors for Boise)

What’s next

An upcoming city council meeting on March 10, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Boise City Hall will be focused on proposed zoning code updates to address housing affordability in the city.

The takeaway

This poll highlights the widespread concern among Boise voters, regardless of political affiliation, about the city's housing affordability crisis. The strong support for zoning updates to increase housing options suggests that the city government should prioritize these policy changes to meet the housing needs of its residents and address this critical issue.