What to know when moving to Caldwell, ID
Caldwell at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 32.8% of residents rent and the median household income is $60,657.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent stands at $973, making it an affordable option compared to many larger cities.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 14.5%, some residents face financial challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 0.4% use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $973 in monthly rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Caldwell has a population of about 41,155, with a median household income of $60,657. The community is primarily home to renters, with 32.8% of residents renting their homes. Educational attainment is relatively low, with only 14.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The area has a low public transit usage, with just 0.4% commuting via this mode. Residents deal with a modest amount of precipitation, averaging about 8.1 inches annually.
Probably not your spot if: high poverty (14.5%) is a concern for you.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $973, while the median home value is $300,900.
- Only 14.1% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, indicating a lower educational attainment in the area.
- The poverty rate is 14.5%, reflecting some financial challenges within the community.
- With 32.8% of the population renting, the community has a sizable renter presence.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Idaho's crime rates indicate a relatively safe environment compared to national averages.
- Violent crime: 220.4 per 100k vs. national average of 325.3, showing a decrease of 12.2% since 2022.
- Property crime: 615.3 per 100k vs. national average of 1546.9, down 35.7% from 2022.
- Notable trend: The burglary rate has dropped significantly, down 46% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Idaho).
Schools & Higher Ed
Caldwell residents have access to several educational institutions in the area.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 5
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 5
- Notable institutions include The College of Idaho, College of Western Idaho, and Northwest Nazarene University.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Caldwell experiences an annual precipitation total of about 8.1 inches, with 49 rainy days per year. Snowfall is minimal, averaging just 0.2 inches annually, which translates to about 2 snow days.
- Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge: 4.5 stars based on 1,645 reviews
- Amity Dog Park: 4.7 stars based on 1,558 reviews
- Mallard Park: 4.7 stars based on 1,285 reviews
- Lions Park: 4.5 stars based on 1,228 reviews
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
The employment landscape in Canyon County supports a diverse workforce.
- Unemployment rate: 3.4% as of December 2025
- Total employment: 132,074
- Labor force: 136,740
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.