Worst Places to Work in Idaho: Criteria for Determination
Finding a place to work can be a challenging task. It’s not just about the job description, salary, and benefits, but also about the location and working environment.
After all, where you work and live can have a significant impact on your life and well-being. Idaho is a state home to many great job opportunities with several cities and towns where people can thrive and succeed.
However, some places may not meet everyone’s expectations and may turn out to be less than ideal for someone’s career. In this article, we will discuss the worst places to work in Idaho, based on commute time, cost of living, crime rates, and weather/comfort index.
Criteria for Determining the Worst Places
When it comes to determining the worst places to work in Idaho, several factors are taken into account. The Sperling’s Best Places website is a helpful resource that provides data on various criteria.
We have focused on four key criteria: commute time, cost of living, crime rates, and weather/comfort index.
Commute Time
Long commute time can be a significant issue for some people. Spending hours stuck in traffic can be tiring and frustrating, taking a toll on an individual’s health and well-being.
Factors like distance, traffic, public transportation availability, and road conditions can affect commute time. Therefore, we have analyzed commute time data for different cities and towns in Idaho to determine their suitability regarding this criterion.
Cost of Living
The cost of living varies from place to place and can significantly impact someone’s decision to work in a particular location. Factors like housing, food, transportation, and utilities can affect the cost of living.
Higher costs can mean less disposable income, which can impact an individual’s well-being and lifestyle.
Crime Rates
Crime rates can affect a person’s sense of safety and well-being. It’s essential to consider the crime rates in a city or town before moving or working there.
Higher crime rates can mean a higher incidence of theft, robbery, and other crimes, which can lead to a lack of safety and security. Weather/
Comfort Index
Weather and climate can significantly impact someone’s well-being and comfort. Factors like temperature, humidity, and precipitation levels can affect how comfortable one feels in a particular location.
Hence, we have also included the weather/comfort index criterion to determine the worst places to work in Idaho.
Worst Places to Work in Idaho
Based on the four criteria mentioned above, we have compiled a list of the worst places to work in Idaho.
Middleton
Middleton tops the list due to its long commute time and low comfort index, making it less ideal for work. The city has an average commute time of 33 minutes, which can be frustrating for people who want to reach their workplaces quickly.
Moreover, the comfort index of the city is only 6.7 out of 10, which means it can be uncomfortable to live in this area.
Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend ranks second, with a long commute time and a high cost of living. The city’s average commute time is 34 minutes, making it inconvenient for people who want to reach their workplaces quickly.
Moreover, the cost of living in
Horseshoe Bend is higher than the national average, which can make it difficult for people to budget properly.
Garden City
Garden City ranks third, with a high cost of living and bad weather conditions. The cost of living in
Garden City is higher than the national average, which can make it challenging to make ends meet.
Moreover, the city experiences uncomfortable weather conditions, with a comfort index of only 6.4 out of 10.
Star
Star ranks fourth, with a long commute time and low crime rates. The city’s average commute time is 35 minutes, making it inconvenient for people who want to reach their workplaces quickly.
However, the low crime rate in
Star can make it tempting to work there.
Driggs
Driggs ranks fifth, with a high crime rate and long commute time. The city experiences an above-average crime rate, which can make it less ideal for people who value safety and security.
Moreover, the average commute time in
Driggs is 32 minutes, which can make it challenging for people who want to reach their workplaces quickly.
Nampa
Nampa ranks sixth, with a low comfort index and long commute time. The city’s comfort index is below the national average, which means that people living here might experience some discomfort.
Additionally, the average commute time in
Nampa is 25 minutes, which can make it less ideal for people who want to reach their workplaces quickly.
Boise City
Boise City ranks seventh, with a high cost of living and short commute time. The cost of living in Boise is higher than the national average, which can make it challenging for people to budget properly.
Moreover, the average commute time in Boise is only 19 minutes, which might make it tempting to work there.
Mountain Home
Mountain Home ranks eighth, with a low comfort index and short commute time. The comfort index in
Mountain Home is below average, which means that people living here might experience some discomfort.
Additionally, the average commute time in
Mountain Home is only 13 minutes, making it tempting to work there.
Chubbuck
Chubbuck ranks ninth, with a high crime rate and low danger level. The city experiences a high crime rate, which can make it less ideal for people who value safety and security.
However, the danger level in
Chubbuck is low, which can make it less dangerous to live there.
Meridian
Meridian ranks tenth, with a high cost of living and bad weather conditions. The cost of living in
Meridian is higher than the national average, which can make it challenging for people to budget properly.
Moreover, the city experiences uncomfortable weather conditions, with a comfort index of only 6.1 out of 10.
Conclusion
Determining the worst places to work in Idaho takes into account various criteria, including commute time, cost of living, crime rates, and weather/comfort index. By analyzing the data provided by Sperling’s Best Places, we have compiled a list of the ten worst places, including
Middleton,
Horseshoe Bend,
Garden City,
Star,
Driggs,
Nampa,
Boise City,
Mountain Home,
Chubbuck, and
Meridian.
We hope this information will be useful for people who are considering working in Idaho and are looking for an ideal location to pursue their careers.
Middleton – A Place to Avoid for Work
Middleton is a small city in Canyon County, Idaho, with a population of approximately 9,000 individuals. However, despite its small size,
Middleton is notorious for having the longest commute time in Idaho.
The city has been ranked as the worst place to work in Idaho, based on its population, long commute time, and crime index. Population and
Commute Time
The lengthy commute time in
Middleton can be attributed to its small population and location.
Middleton is located between Boise and Caldwell, and for individuals who work in Boise, the daily commute can be a challenge. The city’s proximity to Boise and Caldwell makes it an ideal location for commuting.
However, the lack of public transportation and limited access to major highways has made it challenging for residents to commute to work. Adding to the problem is the city’s growing population, which has caused traffic congestion on the only road connecting the town to the surrounding communities.
Consequently, the average travel time to work for residents in
Middleton is 33 minutes, which is significantly higher than the national average of 26 minutes. The lengthy commute time has affected the residents’ quality of life and made it difficult for them to balance work and personal life.
Crime Index
Crime rate is also a significant concern for people living and working in
Middleton. According to the latest statistics,
Middleton’s crime index is 7 out of 100, which means it is safer than 7% of U.S. cities.
Property crime is the most common type of criminal activity followed by burglary. Thus, it is advisable for residents to take measures to protect their homes and businesses from theft and other criminal activities.
Overall Ranking
The combination of the city’s long commute times and high crime index has made
Middleton the worst place to work in Idaho. The inhabitants face difficulties in finding suitable living and working conditions.
The result is that most people avoid working in
Middleton and commute from other nearby communities instead.
Horseshoe Bend – The Second Worst Place To Work
Horseshoe Bend is a small city in Boise County, Idaho, with a population of approximately 1,000 individuals. While the city is known for its scenic beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities like horseback riding and hiking,
Horseshoe Bend has a long way to go to become a suitable place for work.
Population and
Commute Time
Horseshoe Bend’s location is a massive contributing factor to its long commute times. The city is situated in a remote location, which makes it challenging for people who work in other cities to commute.
Moreover, the lack of public transportation in the area increases the burden for residents who do not have their vehicles. The average commute time for individuals in
Horseshoe Bend is 34 minutes, which is longer than the national average.
The lengthy commute time has reduced the work’s desirability in the area and made it challenging for residents to balance work and life.
Crime Index
Horseshoe Bend has a high crime index, making it one of the least safe places to work in Idaho. The city’s crime index is 11 out of 100, which is lower than the national average.
Property crimes such as theft and burglary are the most common types of criminal activities in the city. Consequently, residents have to be vigilant and take measures to protect their homes and businesses from theft.
Cost of Living
Horseshoe Bend has a relatively high cost of living compared to other cities in Idaho, which might discourage people from living and working in the area. The cost of living in
Horseshoe Bend is 4.2% higher than the national average, with housing costs being the primary driver of the high cost of living.
Overall Ranking
Based on the high crime index, a long commute time, and a high cost of living,
Horseshoe Bend has been ranked as the second-worst place to work in Idaho. As a result, the city has failed to attract many businesses, making it a less ideal location for anyone seeking to pursue a career in Idaho.
Conclusion
In conclusion,
Middleton and
Horseshoe Bend have failed to provide residents with favorable working conditions, affecting the overall well-being of the inhabitants. The combination of factors such as the long commute time, high cost of living, low comfort index, and high crime rate have made these cities significantly less desirable.
Therefore, for individuals seeking opportunities for work in Idaho, it is essential to carefully consider various factors before settling in a new location.
Garden City – A Challenging Place to Work
Located in Ada County,
Garden City is a small city in Idaho with a population of approximately 12,000 residents. While it may seem like a picturesque place with its beautiful parks and riverfront views,
Garden City falls short in terms of being an ideal place to work.
The city has been ranked as the third-worst place to work in Idaho due to factors such as population, commute time, comfort index, and high cost of living. Population and
Commute Time
Garden City’s population size is relatively small compared to nearby cities, but it still poses challenges when it comes to commuting. The city’s proximity to Boise attracts many residents from both cities.
However, the limited number of roads connecting
Garden City to the surrounding areas causes traffic congestion during peak hours, leading to longer commute times. The average commute time for residents in
Garden City is 25 minutes, which is slightly higher than the national average.
Comfort Index
One of the main drawbacks of working in
Garden City is its uncomfortable weather conditions. The city experiences hot summers and cold winters, which can be challenging for individuals who prefer moderate climates.
The comfort index, which takes into account factors such as temperature, humidity, and precipitation, is only rated at 6.4 out of 10 in
Garden City. This means that residents may have to endure extremes in weather conditions, impacting their overall comfort level.
Cost of Living
Another significant factor that contributes to
Garden City’s ranking as one of the worst places to work in Idaho is its high cost of living. The cost of housing, utilities, transportation, and other expenses in
Garden City is higher than the national average.
With the rising housing costs, it can be financially demanding for workers to afford decent accommodation in the area. The higher cost of living in
Garden City has implications for individuals seeking a desirable work-life balance and potentially limits their financial well-being.
Overall Ranking
Considering the combination of high housing costs, uncomfortable weather conditions, and longer commute times,
Garden City is ranked as the third-worst place to work in Idaho. While the city may offer some appealing amenities and attractions, these factors make it less desirable for individuals seeking an optimal work environment.
Star – A Less Suitable Place for Work
Star is a small city in Ada County, Idaho, with a population of approximately 8,000 residents. While the city may seem like a peaceful and idyllic place to work, it has drawbacks that make it less appealing.
Star has been ranked as the fourth-worst place to work in Idaho based on factors such as population size, commute time, crime index, and comfort index. Population and
Commute Time
Star’s population size may be small compared to neighboring cities, but it still faces challenges in terms of commuting. As the city grows in popularity, more people are choosing to settle in
Star while working in nearby areas.
However, the lack of major highways and limited public transportation options can result in longer commute times. On average, residents in
Star experience a 35-minute commute, which is considerably higher than the national average.
Crime Index
One positive aspect of working in
Star is its low crime rate. The city has a crime index of 8 out of 100, meaning it is safer than 92% of cities in the United States.
The low crime rate provides a sense of security and peace of mind for workers in
Star, making it an attractive aspect for individuals valuing safety in their work environment.
Comfort Index
One of the challenges of working in
Star is its low comfort index. The city experiences extreme temperatures, with hot summers and cold winters.
This can make it uncomfortable for individuals who prefer milder climates. The comfort index of
Star is lower than the national average, at 6.7 out of 10.
Workers may need to adapt to the weather conditions and ensure they are well-prepared for extreme temperatures throughout the year.
Overall Ranking
Considering the longer commute times, low comfort index, and limited amenities,
Star has been ranked as the fourth-worst place to work in Idaho. While the low crime rate provides a sense of security, workers may need to cope with a longer commute and adapt to the weather conditions to fully enjoy the benefits of living and working in
Star.
Conclusion
Garden City and
Star, despite their appealing attributes, present challenges that make them less desirable places to work in Idaho. Factors such as population, commute time, crime rate, comfort index, and cost of living contribute to their rankings as the third and fourth-worst places to work.
Potential employees should carefully consider these factors before deciding to work in these cities.
Driggs – A Challenging Work Environment
Driggs, a small city in Teton County, Idaho, is home to approximately 2,500 residents. While it may offer beautiful scenery and recreational opportunities, it falls short in terms of being an ideal place to work.
Driggs has been ranked as the fifth-worst place to work in Idaho due to its population size, commute time, high crime rate, and overall working conditions. Population and
Commute Time
Driggs’s small population size can pose challenges for individuals seeking employment in the area. Limited job opportunities and a smaller workforce mean that residents often need to commute to nearby towns or cities for work.
The average commute time for individuals in
Driggs is approximately 32 minutes, which is higher than the national average. This extended commute can impact work-life balance and contribute to overall dissatisfaction with the working environment.
Crime Index
One of the significant drawbacks of working in
Driggs is its high crime rate. The city’s crime index is higher than the national average, indicating a greater likelihood of criminal activities.
While property crimes, such as theft and burglary, are the most common, the overall crime rate may create an atmosphere of insecurity and uncertainty for individuals working and living in
Driggs. It is essential for residents to take necessary precautions to protect their homes and businesses from potential criminal activities.
Overall Ranking
Considering the combination of a small population, longer commute times, and a high crime rate,
Driggs has been ranked as the fifth-worst place to work in Idaho. These factors contribute to a less than desirable work environment, making it challenging for individuals to thrive professionally and personally in the city.
Nampa – A Less Comfortable Work Environment
Nampa, a city in Canyon County, Idaho, is one of the largest cities in the state, with a population of approximately 98,000 residents. While it may offer various amenities and opportunities for employment,
Nampa faces challenges that make it a less comfortable place to work.
The city has been ranked as the sixth-worst place to work in Idaho due to factors such as population, commute time, low comfort index, and overall working conditions. Population and
Commute Time
Being a larger city,
Nampa faces challenges related to population size and transportation.
With the increasing population, more residents choose to work in
Nampa or commute to larger cities nearby for employment. This leads to increased traffic congestion during peak hours, resulting in longer commute times.
On average, individuals in
Nampa experience a 25-minute commute, which is slightly higher than the national average. The longer commute can impact work-life balance and contribute to overall stress and dissatisfaction.
Comfort Index
One of the significant challenges of working in
Nampa is its low comfort index. The city experiences hot summers and cold winters, which can result in uncomfortable weather conditions.
The comfort index in
Nampa is lower than the national average, indicating that individuals may face challenges related to temperature, humidity, and overall comfort throughout the year. Adapting to extreme weather conditions can require additional effort and adjustments in the workplace, impacting the comfort and well-being of employees.
Overall Ranking
Considering the larger population, longer commute times, and lower comfort index,
Nampa has been ranked as the sixth-worst place to work in Idaho. While the city may offer various amenities and opportunities for employment, these factors contribute to a less comfortable working environment, making it challenging for individuals to fully thrive in their professional lives.
Conclusion
Driggs and
Nampa face different challenges that contribute to their rankings as less desirable places to work in Idaho. Factors such as population size, commute time, crime rate, and comfort index play significant roles in determining the overall working conditions in these cities.
Individuals seeking employment or considering relocation should carefully consider these factors to ensure a suitable work environment that aligns with their needs and preferences.
Boise City – High Cost but Short Commute
Boise City, the capital and largest city of Idaho, is home to a population of approximately 230,000 residents. While it may seem like a bustling and prosperous city,
Boise City has its drawbacks when it comes to being an ideal place to work.
The city has been ranked as the seventh-worst place to work in Idaho due to factors such as population, commute time, and high cost of living. Population and
Commute Time
With a larger population,
Boise City faces challenges related to commuting.
As more residents choose to work within the city or commute from nearby towns, traffic congestion during peak hours becomes a common occurrence. However,
Boise City has a saving grace in terms of commute time.
The average commute time for residents in
Boise City is only 19 minutes, which is significantly lower than the national average. This shorter commute time can be a positive aspect for individuals seeking a more manageable work-life balance.
Cost of Living
One of the primary concerns for individuals considering work in
Boise City is its high cost of living. The cost of housing, utilities, transportation, and other expenses in the city is higher than the national average.
The vibrant and desirable living environment comes at a price, often making it financially challenging for workers to afford decent accommodation and maintain a comfortable standard of living. The higher cost of living may limit financial well-being and impact an individual’s overall quality of life.
Overall Ranking
Considering the combination of a larger population, high cost of living, and shorter commute times,
Boise City has been ranked as the seventh-worst place to work in Idaho. While the city offers various amenities, job opportunities, and a shorter commute, the high cost of living poses significant challenges for individuals seeking favorable working conditions and financial stability.
Mountain Home – Comfort vs. Crime
Nestled in Elmore County, Idaho,
Mountain Home is a small city with a population of approximately 14,000 residents.
While it may offer a tight-knit community and a peaceful living environment,
Mountain Home faces challenges that make it a less desirable place to work. The city has been ranked as the eighth-worst place to work in Idaho due to factors such as population, commute time, low comfort index, and crime rate.
Population and
Commute Time
Mountain Home’s small population size can pose challenges for individuals seeking employment within the town itself. Limited job opportunities often lead residents to commute to larger cities or nearby areas for work.
The average commute time for individuals in
Mountain Home is only 13 minutes, which is considerably lower than the national average. While the short commute provides convenience, the limited local opportunities can pose difficulties for residents in finding suitable employment options.
Comfort Index
One of the primary challenges of working in
Mountain Home is its low comfort index. The city experiences extreme weather conditions, with hot summers and cold winters.
These fluctuations can make it uncomfortable for individuals who prefer more moderate climates. The comfort index in
Mountain Home is lower than the national average, indicating potential challenges related to temperature, humidity, and overall comfort throughout the year.
Adapting to extreme weather conditions can require additional effort and adjustments in the workplace, impacting the comfort and well-being of employees.
Crime Index
While
Mountain Home excels in having a short commute time and a relatively lower population, it faces the challenge of a higher crime rate compared to some other cities in Idaho. The city’s crime index is slightly higher than the national average, indicating a greater likelihood of criminal activities.
Residents must take necessary precautions to safeguard their homes and businesses from potential criminal activities.
Overall Ranking
Considering the combination of a smaller population, short commute times, low comfort index, and relatively higher crime rate,
Mountain Home has been ranked as the eighth-worst place to work in Idaho. While the city may provide a close-knit community and a short commute, its extreme weather conditions and crime rate contribute to a less desirable working environment.
Conclusion
Boise City and
Mountain Home may have their appeal, but they also present challenges that make them less desirable places to work in Idaho. Factors such as population size, commute time, cost of living, comfort index, and crime rate play significant roles in determining the overall working conditions in these cities.
Individuals seeking employment or considering relocation should carefully consider these factors to ensure a suitable work environment that aligns with their needs and preferences.
Chubbuck – A City with High Crime and
Commute Times
Chubbuck, a small city situated in Bannock County, Idaho, is home to approximately 15,000 residents. While it may offer a close-knit community,
Chubbuck falls short in terms of being an ideal place to work.
The city has been ranked as the ninth-worst place to work in Idaho due to factors such as population, commute time, and a high crime rate. Population and
Commute Time
Despite its smaller population size compared to neighboring cities,
Chubbuck still faces challenges related to commuting.
Many residents choose to commute to larger nearby cities for work, resulting in increased traffic congestion during peak hours. The average commute time for individuals in
Chubbuck is comparable to larger cities, averaging around 26 minutes.
This longer commute time can impact work-life balance and contribute to overall dissatisfaction with the working environment.
Crime Index
One of the significant drawbacks of working in
Chubbuck is its high crime rate. The city’s crime index is higher than the national average, indicating a greater likelihood of criminal activities.
While property crimes, such as theft and burglary, are common in the area, the overall crime rate may create an atmosphere of insecurity and uncertainty for individuals working and living in
Chubbuck. It is essential for residents to take necessary precautions to protect their homes and businesses from potential criminal activities.
Overall Ranking
Considering the combination of a relatively small population, longer commute times, and a high crime rate,
Chubbuck has been ranked as the ninth-worst place to work in Idaho. While the city may offer a close-knit community, the longer commute and higher crime rate pose significant challenges for individuals seeking a favorable work environment and a sense of security.
Meridian – Bracing for Bad Weather and High Expenses
Meridian, a city located in Ada County, Idaho, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state, with a population of approximately 120,000 residents. While it may offer various amenities and a vibrant community,
Meridian faces challenges that make it a less desirable place to work.
The city has been ranked as the tenth-worst place to work in Idaho due to factors such as population, commute time, comfort index, and high cost of living. Population and
Commute Time
With its rapidly growing population,
Meridian faces challenges related to commuting.
As more residents choose to work within the city or commute from nearby towns and cities, traffic congestion during peak hours becomes a common occurrence. The average commute time for individuals in
Meridian is slightly higher than the national average, with residents spending about 23 minutes commuting to work.
While the commute time is manageable, residents still face the challenges of navigating through traffic and potential delays.
Comfort Index
One of the primary concerns for individuals considering work in
Meridian is its uncomfortable weather conditions. The city experiences hot summers and cold winters, which can be challenging for individuals who prefer more temperate climates.
The comfort index in
Meridian is lower than the national average, indicating that individuals may experience discomfort related to temperature, humidity, and overall weather conditions throughout the year. Adapting to extreme weather conditions can require additional effort and adjustments in the workplace, impacting the comfort and well-being of employees.