Quick answer
Idaho is the lower-cost option on housing: the median home value across the app's top-scoring places is $368,100 versus $617,450. Colorado shows +1.7% population change and Idaho +2.5%. Neither is "better" for everyone — the right answer depends on your income, job, commute and the exact county you choose.
| Metric | Colorado | Idaho |
|---|---|---|
| Median home value | $617,450 | $368,100 |
| Median rent | $2,068/mo | $1,321/mo |
| Household income | $128,755 | $71,585 |
| Population change | +1.7% | +2.5% |
| Violent crime / 100k (state) | 438 | 221 |
| Home value ÷ income | 4.8× | 5.1× |
| State wage income tax | Yes | Yes |
Colorado in numbers
Median home value
$617,450
Top-scoring places
Median rent
$2,068/mo
Household income
$128,755
Violent crime / 100k
438
Colorado, 2025
Population change
+1.7%
Tracked places + counties
Home value change
+7.0%
State wage income tax
Yes
Home value ÷ income
4.8×
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erie, CO | 92 | $685,900 | $2,775 | $163,644 | +4.9% |
| Parker, CO | 83 | $613,200 | $1,973 | $129,342 | +2.4% |
| Castle Rock, CO | 78 | $621,700 | $1,946 | $143,031 | +3.4% |
| Broomfield, CO | 75 | $631,600 | $2,074 | $121,025 | +1.6% |
| Highlands Ranch, CO | 74 | $672,600 | $2,397 | $155,847 | -0.1% |
| Dakota Ridge, CO | 65 | $570,400 | $2,103 | $120,368 | -0.2% |
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elbert County | 76 | $664,600 | $1,436 | $129,477 | +2.6% |
| Douglas County | 75 | $674,000 | $2,095 | $145,737 | +2.2% |
| Lake County | 71 | $401,300 | $1,599 | $93,655 | +0.1% |
| Archuleta County | 70 | $451,400 | $1,409 | $76,524 | +1.6% |
| Ouray County | 70 | $670,100 | $1,398 | $84,556 | +1.8% |
| Broomfield County | 67 | $631,600 | $2,074 | $121,025 | +1.6% |
Idaho in numbers
Median home value
$368,100
Top-scoring places
Median rent
$1,321/mo
Household income
$71,585
Violent crime / 100k
221
Idaho, 2025
Population change
+2.5%
Tracked places + counties
Home value change
+14.0%
State wage income tax
Yes
Home value ÷ income
5.1×
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kuna, ID | 81 | $403,700 | $1,647 | $93,545 | +4.5% |
| Meridian, ID | 75 | $485,000 | $1,714 | $98,686 | +4.2% |
| Eagle, ID | 71 | $711,500 | $1,753 | $118,037 | +2.8% |
| Nampa, ID | 56 | $332,500 | $1,340 | $72,122 | +3.6% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | 50 | $298,600 | $992 | $69,630 | +1.5% |
| Post Falls, ID | 50 | $425,100 | $1,313 | $73,313 | +4.3% |
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson County | 80 | $335,000 | $1,098 | $82,952 | +2.7% |
| Franklin County | 72 | $304,000 | $831 | $65,991 | +2.4% |
| Bear Lake County | 69 | $234,200 | $687 | $67,304 | +1.8% |
| Boise County | 69 | $424,100 | $854 | $77,349 | +3.0% |
| Gem County | 67 | $367,300 | $887 | $66,245 | +3.1% |
| Teton County | 67 | $595,900 | $1,196 | $90,740 | +2.4% |
Verdict factors to check before you decide
- 1Price the whole address: taxes, insurance, utilities and HOA, not just the listing.
- 2Confirm the exact city, county and school assignment for the address.
- 3Drive the commute at the hours you will actually travel.
- 4Check flood, heat and storm exposure on official maps.
- 5Compare crime at the jurisdiction level, then visit at night.
Frequently asked questions
Want Mountains Without Colorado Prices?
Idaho is the lower-cost option on housing: the median home value across the app's top-scoring places is $368,100 versus $617,450. Colorado shows +1.7% population change and Idaho +2.5%. Neither is "better" for everyone — the right answer depends on your income, job, commute and the exact county you choose.
What are the best places to live in Colorado?
In the Smart Movers Club app, the top-scoring Colorado cities are Erie, Parker, Castle Rock, Broomfield, Highlands Ranch, and the top counties are Elbert County, Douglas County, Lake County, Archuleta County. Scores combine income, housing, growth, employment and education.
Does Colorado have a state income tax?
Yes, Colorado taxes wage income. Check the state revenue department for current rates and compare property and sales taxes too.
Where does this data come from?
Figures come from the Smart Movers Club app, which compiles U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates and FBI state crime rates. Census figures are survey estimates, not live listing prices.
