Is Caldwell Safe, Pros and cons of living in Caldwell

Is it Safe to Live in Caldwell?

Caldwell has a crime rate that is 33% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). However, violent crimes in Caldwell are 26% higher than the national average (AreaVibes). There is a 1 in 70 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Caldwell (AreaVibes).

Your chance of being a victim of crime in Caldwell varies by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 26 in the central neighborhoods to 1 in 63 in the southwest (NeighborhoodScout). The southwest part of the city is generally considered the safest (NeighborhoodScout). Crime costs in Caldwell are approximately $350 per resident per year (NeighborhoodScout).

Violent Crime Statistics

Violent crime in Caldwell is 453 per 100,000 individuals, which is 26.1% higher than the national average (AreaVibes). The violent crime rate for murder is 1.4 per 100,000, which is lower than the national average of 6.1 (Niche). Rape rates are 85.8 per 100,000, and robbery rates are 5.6 per 100,000 (Niche). Assault rates are 288 per 100,000 (Cove Security).

Property Crime Statistics

Property crime in Caldwell is 977 per 100,000 residents, which is 44.5% lower than the U.S. average (AreaVibes). The burglary rate is 423 per 100,000 (Cove Security). The theft rate is 1,466 per 100,000, and the car theft rate is 237 per 100,000 (Cove Security).

The Cost of Living in Caldwell

The cost of living in Caldwell, ID is approximately 6% higher than the national average (ERI Economic Research Institute, Salary.com). This is also 8% higher than the average city in Idaho (ERI Economic Research Institute). The median after-tax salary is $4160, which is enough to cover living expenses for 1.9 months (World Population Review).

Housing Costs

The median home value in Caldwell is $396,876, as of March 31, 2026 (Zillow). The median sale price was $394,165 as of February 28, 2026 (Zillow). For renters, the average rent in Caldwell is $1,705 per month (RentCafe). A one-bedroom apartment averages $1,515, and a two-bedroom apartment averages $1,794 (RentCafe).

Transportation and Utilities

Transportation expenses in Caldwell are 3% higher than the national average (Payscale). Utility prices are 4% higher than the national average (Payscale). Energy costs are 6.1% higher than the national average (Salary.com).

The Job Market and Economy in Caldwell

Caldwell has a labor force of 28,005 people, with an unemployment rate of 4.9% as of March 2026 (Data Commons). This is higher than the February state unemployment rate of 3.7% (Idaho Department of Labor). The leading industries in Caldwell are Health Care and Social Services, Construction, Retail Trade, and Manufacturing (Idaho Department of Labor).

Major Employers

Major employers in Caldwell are primarily in government and education sectors (City of Caldwell). The College of Idaho is a significant economic anchor for the downtown area (City of Caldwell). Other key industries include manufacturing, food processing, and industrial sectors, which are closely tied to agriculture and food production (City of Caldwell). Transportation, warehousing, and construction sectors also support growth in the area (City of Caldwell).

Average Salary and Income

The median household income in Caldwell was $82,573 in 2024 (Point2Homes). The average annual salary for an average job in Caldwell, ID is $34,000 (Zippia). However, other sources report higher figures; for example, the average annual salary in Caldwell, NJ is $51,127 (ZipRecruiter). The median rent-to-income ratio in the area is 38.1% (Point2Homes).

Climate in Caldwell

Caldwell experiences hot, dry summers and very cold, snowy winters (Weather Spark). The average temperature ranges from a chilly 22°F in winter to a warm 94°F in summer (myPerfectWeather). Annual snowfall is light at 12 inches, with most falling in December and March (myPerfectWeather). Total annual precipitation is low at 11 inches (myPerfectWeather).

Temperatures and Rainfall

The hottest month in Caldwell is July, with an average high of 91°F and a low of 58°F (Weather Spark). The coldest month is December, with an average low of 24°F and a high of 37°F (Weather Spark). The month with the most precipitation is December, with an average of 1.1 inches, while August receives the least at 0.2 inches (Weather Spark).

Education in Caldwell

Caldwell School District serves over 5,000 students with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1 (Niche). Math proficiency is at 20%, and reading proficiency is at 32% (Niche). The district has an overall Niche grade of C- (Niche).

School Ratings

Top-ranked public schools in Caldwell, ID include Thomas Jefferson Charter School, Vision Charter School, and West Canyon Elementary School (Niche). Thomas Jefferson Charter School has a rating of 3.91 out of 5, and Vision Charter School has a rating of 4.02 out of 5 (Niche).

Demographics of Caldwell

Caldwell’s population was 59,996 as of the 2020 census (Wikipedia). The median age is 31.0 years (Wikipedia). The racial makeup is 57% White, 21% Hispanic, 14% Asian, and 5% African American (Niche).

Population and Diversity

Hispanic or Latino residents make up 35.4% of the population (Wikipedia). In Caldwell, ID, 12.5% of residents were born outside the country (Data USA). The majority of the population in Caldwell has a high school degree, with 23.87% holding a college degree (Idaho Department of Labor).

Pros and Cons of Living in Caldwell

Caldwell offers a lower cost of living compared to many other cities in the US, with a median home value that is significantly lower than the national average (Zillow, Redfin). The city also boasts a substantial amount of sunshine throughout the year, with nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine annually (myPerfectWeather). However, the violent crime rate is higher than the national average, and the school district’s proficiency scores are below the state average (AreaVibes, Niche).

Housing Market Insights

The housing market in Caldwell is considered balanced, with supply and demand being about the same as of March 2026 (realtor.com). The median sale price of a home in Caldwell was $394,165 as of February 28, 2026 (Zillow). Rent prices have seen an increase, with the average rent for an apartment being $1,705 per month as of May 2026 (RentCafe).

Community and Lifestyle

Caldwell offers a blend of historic charm and modern convenience, with nearby outdoor recreation opportunities along the Snake River (Rentometer). Its proximity to the College of Idaho and major highways makes it an attractive hub for various residents (Rentometer). The city provides a family-friendly atmosphere with excellent schools, parks, and community centers (Rentometer).

Economic Factors

The unemployment rate in Caldwell is 4.9% as of March 2026 (Data Commons). Leading industries include healthcare, construction, and retail trade (Idaho Department of Labor). The median household income is $82,573, but the average salary for an average job is considerably lower at $34,000 (Point2Homes, Zippia).

Climate Considerations

Summers in Caldwell are hot and dry, while winters are very cold and snowy (Weather Spark). The city receives an average of 11 inches of precipitation annually, with most of it falling in December (Weather Spark). While humidity is low year-round, the temperature can fluctuate significantly between seasons (myPerfectWeather).