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Despite the common perception of endless fields of potatoes, Idaho is a Rocky Mountain state with scenic canyons, waterfalls, wild rapids, and snow-capped mountains.

Potatoes are still important, but so is mining of gemstones and precious metals in the Gem State and, quite recently, hi-tech industries are also becoming a major employer, especially in and around metro Boise.

Tourism, however, continues to outrank all other industries in Idaho attracting milliions of visitors a year to world class ski resorts in Sun Valley, summer outdoor adventure in Hells Canyon, and recreational opportunities in more than two dozen state parks and recreation areas.

• Demographics : (Idaho Census Data)
  Major cities: Boise (capital), Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Twin Falls, Coeur d'Alene
  Population : 1,293,953
  White : 95.5%
  Black, African American : 0.6%
  Hispanic : 9.1%
  High school graduates : 84.7%
  Bachelor's degree or higher : 21.7%
  Average household income: $40.509
  
  
• Crime : see Crime in Idaho
  
  
• Cost of Living: On the basis of housing costs, utilities, and other expenses, Idaho's cost of living is 20 to 50 percent less than in other areas nationally, and is one of the most affordable of the western states.
  
  
• Property Taxes : Idaho's Tax Climate - Idaho is one of the 13 states that collect no state-level property taxes, meaning its per capita property tax collections equaled $777 for all levels of government in FY 2004, ranking it 36th nationally.
  
  
• Housing & Real Estate Overview
  Home ownership rate : 72.4%
  Average home price: $180,200
  Average travel time to work : 20 minutes
  
  
• Schools : see Education Idaho.gov
  
  
• Weather : For most of the state, summers in Idaho can be hot, although evenings tend to be cooler and more comfortable even during prolonged heat spells. Winters can also be quite cold, although not as frigid as many assume of a northern state, thanks to the moderating effects of Pacific Ocean winds.
  

More about moving to Idaho around the Web:

Moving to Idaho - Facts-at-a-glance on population, cost of living, typical house prices and energy costs, taxes, employment statistics, with links to major newspapers throughout Idaho.

Idaho City-Data Forums - Active message boards with questions and answers regarding cost of living, property taxes, healthcare and hospitals, quality of life, recreation, and weather facts for Boise, Idaho Falls, Sun Valley and other Idaho towns & cities.

Idaho - Sperling's Best Places - Good, general overview with facts on real estate & housing, schools & education, cost of living, demographic data, and related information.

Where to Live and Play: Boise or Bust! - National Geographic Magazine feature with information on Boise area opportunities for outdoor recreation, along with stats on median home prices, population, weather and relocation tips.

Idaho Real Estate, Apartments & Job Classifieds:

• Boise : Idaho Statesman
• Idaho Falls : Post Register
• Couer d'Alene : Press
  
  

also see -> Idaho Beaches | Idaho Eviction Laws

Idaho Fall Foliage | Idaho Taxes | Idaho Tourist Attractions

Idaho Wine Tours | Christmas in Idaho

also see in House & Home -> Apartment Renting | Buying Foreclosures

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