3 Idaho Towns Rank Among Most Expensive in U.S.

These small Idaho cities now rival major metros in home prices.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A new national study from LendingTree analyzed home values in 'micropolitan' towns with populations between 10,000 and 50,000. The study found that five Idaho cities appeared in the Top 50 most expensive small towns in the country, with three of them making the Top 25 - and none of those were in the Treasure Valley region.

Why it matters

This report highlights how the rapid growth and rising home prices in Idaho are no longer just an issue for the Boise metro area, but are now impacting smaller cities and towns across the state. The high cost of housing compared to local incomes in these communities could make it difficult for residents to afford homes and impact the overall affordability and economic development of these areas.

The details

The LendingTree study compared each town's median home price to its median household income to illustrate how expensive homes are in comparison to what people who live there actually make. Three Idaho towns - none of them in the Treasure Valley - fought their way into the Top 25 most expensive small towns in America, rivaling home prices in major metro areas.

  • The United States Census Bureau released its ranking of the Top 100 Fastest Growing Cities in America (2020-2024) last spring.
  • The LendingTree study analyzing home values in 'micropolitan' towns with populations between 10,000 and 50,000 was recently published.

The players

LendingTree

A financial technology company that operates an online lending marketplace and provides information, tools, and resources for consumers to comparison shop for a variety of loans.

United States Census Bureau

A principal agency of the U.S. Federal Statistical System, responsible for producing data about the American people and economy.

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The takeaway

This report underscores how the housing affordability crisis in Idaho is spreading beyond the Boise metro area, impacting smaller communities across the state. Local leaders and policymakers will likely need to address the factors driving up home prices in these towns to ensure residents can still afford to live there.