Boise Ranked 5th Best State Capital to Live In

New study cites Boise's economic well-being and low crime rate among top factors.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 2:29am

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A new study by WalletHub ranked all 50 U.S. state capitals, and Boise, Idaho came in 5th place overall. The study looked at factors like affordability, economic well-being, quality of education and health, and quality of life. Boise ranked particularly high in economic well-being (3rd) and had the second lowest crime rate among all state capitals.

Why it matters

As the center of a state's economic and political activity, a capital city's livability is an important indicator of a state's overall quality of life and ability to attract and retain residents and businesses. This ranking highlights Boise's strengths as an attractive, thriving state capital that offers a high quality of life.

The details

The 'Best State Capitals to Live In' study by personal finance site WalletHub evaluated all 50 U.S. state capitals across 51 key indicators of livability, including affordability, economic well-being, education, health, and quality of life metrics. Boise ranked 5th overall, behind only Austin, TX (1st), Raleigh, NC (2nd), Atlanta, GA (3rd), and Madison, WI (4th). Boise performed particularly well in the economic well-being category, ranking 3rd, as well as having the second lowest crime rate among all state capitals.

  • The study was released on February 16, 2026.

The players

WalletHub

An online personal finance website that conducted the 'Best State Capitals to Live In' study.

Chip Lupo

An analyst at WalletHub who commented on the importance of a state's capital city as an economic and cultural center.

Dr. Keith G. Debbage

A professor emeritus in the Department of Geography, Environment and Sustainability at the University of North Carolina - Greensboro, who provided commentary on the study's findings.

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What they’re saying

“A state's capital city is more than just the seat of its government ― it's also often the center of its economic activity. Some state capitals boast incredible job markets, high average salaries, world-class universities and an abundance of attractions. Unfortunately, others have populations that are struggling financially, failing public education systems and poor public health systems. States should aim to make their capital city a shining example of the best they have to offer.”

— Chip Lupo, Analyst, WalletHub

“As the old saying goes, 'when you've seen one state capital, you've seen one state capital'. State capitals range in population from just over 1.6 million in Phoenix, Arizona, to just over 8,000 in Montpelier, Vermont. One notable theme in recent years is that the state capitals with higher qualities of life are frequently those with medium-sized populations that host major university institutions including Boise, Idaho; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Raleigh, North Carolina.”

— Dr. Keith G. Debbage, Professor Emeritus, Department of Geography, Environment and Sustainability, University of North Carolina - Greensboro

What’s next

The study's findings highlight Boise's strengths as an attractive state capital, which could lead to increased interest and investment in the city from businesses and residents looking for a high quality of life.

The takeaway

Boise's strong performance in the 'Best State Capitals to Live In' study underscores its reputation as a thriving, livable city that offers a compelling combination of economic opportunity, affordability, and quality of life - qualities that are increasingly sought after by both businesses and individuals.