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

These small Idaho cities now rival major metros when it comes to home prices.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A new national study from LendingTree analyzed home values in 'micropolitan' towns, or cities and 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 those towns making the Top 25 list.

Why it matters

This study highlights how rapidly home prices have risen in certain parts of Idaho, even in smaller cities and towns outside the Boise metro area. The high cost of housing compared to local incomes raises concerns about affordability and accessibility, especially for first-time homebuyers and lower-income residents in these communities.

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 - not located 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 was recently published.

The players

LendingTree

A financial technology company that operates an online lending exchange 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 study underscores the rapid rise in home prices across Idaho, even in smaller cities and towns outside the Boise metro area. The high cost of housing compared to local incomes raises concerns about affordability and accessibility, especially for first-time homebuyers and lower-income residents in these communities.