Boise Housing Market: Trends & Prices (2026)
Boise Real Estate Market Overview
(Last Updated – 8/2026)
Boise, the capital of Idaho, is a vibrant city known for its outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and growing economy. Ranked among the top 10 places to live in the U.S. in 2026 by RentCafe, Boise boasts a hip restaurant scene, hundreds of miles of trails, and a mountain-fed river running through the center of town. The area’s unique mix of urban and rural living may explain why home values are up 0.9% over the past year, increasing faster than the national growth rate of 0.8%, according to Zillow.
Despite these rising prices, Boise remains desirable due to its easy access to outdoor activities (including hiking, biking, and skiing), strong job market, and thriving tech industry. The city’s rich cultural offerings, including galleries, museums, theaters, and music festivals, contribute to its appeal as a place to live.
Overall Boise Market Trends
Real estate experts consider the Boise market to be “somewhat competitive,” with homes receiving an average of three offers and selling in around 13 days. That’s a pretty swift home-buying process.
It’s also less than the 15-day average seen in the three months up to May 2025. Highly desirable (aka “hot”) homes can get snapped up within four days, according to Redfin. To keep up with the market, you’ll want to have the mortgage preapproval process completed before you start looking.
As of May 2026, the median sale price of a home in Boise was $524,686, while the median sale price per square foot was $335. On average, homes sell for about list price. If you’re hoping to buy property in Boise, it’s a good idea to start thinking now about what type of mortgage loan might suit your budget and preferences.
$524,686
Median Sale Price
$335
Median Price per Square Ft.
13 days
Median Time on Market
Boise Housing Market Forecast
Home prices aren’t skyrocketing the way they were between August 2020 and June 2022, so you shouldn’t need to stretch your potential home loan if your search takes a while. After a period of decline between June 2022 and May 2023, however, costs have been creeping up. Even so, the average home value of $508,258 reported by Zillow in June 2026 is still below the market high of $543,723 in June 2022.
Still, many realtors characterize Boise as more of a seller’s than a buyer’s market and forecast prices either holding steady or gradually going up in the next couple of years. Especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer, it’s important to understand the market you’re hoping to enter.
Demographics of the Boise Market
More than 47% of Boise’s residents are college educated, which is higher than the national average of 35.7%.
The city is touted as a good place to raise a family, thanks to its low crime rate and easy access to outdoor activities. It also appeals to retirees looking for affordability and access to good health care — while Boise isn’t generally cheap compared to the average cost of living in the U.S., it punches above its weight for senior citizens.
Boise is a hub for a number of industries, including a burgeoning technology sector, led by memory chip manufacturer Micron Technology. Several other large companies, including Clearwater Analytics, Bodybuilding.com, and Cradlepoint, are based in Boise. As Idaho’s capital, the city is also home to many state government agencies. In addition, it has two large hospitals, which employ a large number of residents in the health care field. The average commute time to work is around 20 minutes, which is lower than the U.S. average of more than 27 minutes.
Recommended: Best Affordable Places to Live in Idaho
Median Household Income: $83,904
Median Age: 40
College Educated: 47.5%
Homeowners: 63.2%
Married: 45%
Popular Boise Neighborhoods
Boise is home to 35 neighborhoods, but here are some fast facts about 5 of the most popular ones to help you get a feel for your options before you speak to potential mortgage lenders.
Recommended: Free Boise, ID, Mortgage Loan CalculatorNorth End
The stunning North End is known nationwide for being the gateway to the Boise Foothills and home to Hyde Park, so nature lovers will feel right at home here.
This neighborhood is full of trees and flowers, plus sightseeing, dining, and shopping options. It’s pedestrian friendly and popular with singles and families alike, though with all those attractions to keep you busy, you might find your average monthly expense for one person coming in a little higher than before.
Quick Facts
Population:
9,454
Median Age:
39.2
Housing Units:
5,750
Bike Score:
85/100
Walk Score:
65/100
Transit Score:
31/100
Median Household Income:
$101,006
North End Housing Market
The North End housing market is considered very competitive. In May 2026, the median price for a home in this neighborhood was $749,748, a 6.5% increase from the year before. However, homes are selling more slowly — the average time on the market in May 2026 was 14 days, compared to 8 days in May last year.
Median Sale Price
$749,748
Median Price per Square Ft.
$525
Downtown
Downtown Boise has so much to offer: arts and entertainment, business and career opportunities, food galore, and an exciting energy and vibrancy. And with a great walkability score, life downtown could help you save on transport costs, keeping the cost of living low.
Quick Facts
Population:
2,856
Median Age:
43.7
Housing Units:
1,368
Bike Score:
98/100
Walk Score:
81/100
Transit Score:
45/100
Median Household Income:
$84,313
Downtown Housing Market
While Downtown Boise is not very competitive, prices have been on the upswing. In May 2026, the median sale price of a home was up nearly 4% year-over-year. On the plus side for buyers, the average home sells for 2.3% below asking price after sitting on the market for 134 days, and multiple offers are rare.
Median Sale Price
$589,802
Median Price per Square Ft.
$574
West Bench
Offering affordability and plenty of amenities, including public, charter, and private schools, West Bench is a family-friendly neighborhood on the rise. Part of the wider Boise Bench area, this part of the city puts you close to community facilities, local culture, and a range of attractive properties.
Quick Facts
Population:
11,632
Median Age:
39
Housing Units:
4,964
Bike Score:
61/100
Walk Score:
41/100
Transit Score:
24/100
Median Household Income:
$73,390
West Bench Housing Market
The housing market in West Bench is considered very competitive, but the median home sale price in May 2026 was down 5.2% compared to a year earlier. There’s also been a sharp drop in how long homes are staying on the market, with a median figure of 10 days, so remember to get that mortgage preapproval. On average, homes in this neighborhood sell for roughly list price, and many get multiple offers.
Median Sale Price
$451,048
Median Price per Square Ft.
$249
Southeast Boise
Southeast Boise is a rapidly growing neighborhood that offers access to a river, greenbelt, and the hustle and bustle of downtown. Its close proximity to major parks, sports complexes, trendy new restaurants, and Boise State University doesn’t hurt.
Quick Facts
Population:
23,357
Median Age:
36
Housing Units:
10,591
Bike Score:
67/100
Walk Score:
32/100
Transit Score:
20/100
Median Household Income:
$105,858
Southeast Boise Housing Market
You may be able to find your dream home in Southeast Boise. As of May 2026, Redfin considered the area only somewhat competitive, with the average home selling at about list price.
Nonetheless, the median sale price of a home in May 2026 was up 5.2% since last year, with some getting multiple offers, so be ready to bid.
Median Sale Price
$549,815
Median Price per Square Ft.
$353
East End
This upscale historic district covers 39 blocks and consists of primarily single-family homes. With its first subdivisions dating to 1890, East End has changed quite a bit over the years.
The most common architectural style in this area is the Craftsman bungalow, but you’ll also see quite a few Queen Anne cottages. Architecture buffs will love all of the options available to them.
Quick Facts
Population:
6,978
Median Age:
44.5
Housing Units:
3,500
Bike Score:
64/100
Walk Score:
33/100
Transit Score:
22/100
Median Household Income:
$116,377
East End Housing Market
In May 2026, the median listed home price in East End was down 4.4% year-over-year. On average, however, homes in the East End are selling for 1.2% above asking price and sitting on the market for just 9 days. On top of that, the area is still pricey, with the median sale price in May 2026 coming in at $829,721, just below the jumbo loan threshold for the county. If this price is beyond your budget, consider widening your search to include homes in popular neighborhoods around East End.
Median Sale Price
$829,721
Median Price per Square Ft.
$400
SoFi Home Loans
It’s easy to see why Boise has become such a popular market to buy a home in. There are some really amazing neighborhoods to choose from, whether you’re young and single or have a family to look after.
If you think Boise could be your home sweet home, then it may be time to consider your mortgage loan options.
Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.
FAQ
Is it a good time to buy a house in Boise?
Boise’s housing market is competitive, but it can still be a good time to buy if you’re prepared. While inventory has recently increased, offering more choices, it remains below levels needed for a balanced market, keeping prices elevated. Still, if you can afford the current prices and are ready to move quickly, you might find a great home.
Is there a housing shortage in Boise, Idaho?
Boise has been experiencing a housing shortage, with the city’s rapid population growth and limited new construction leading to a tight market with low inventory. This shortage has driven up prices and made it challenging for buyers to find homes, especially in desirable areas. However, new developments are in the works to address this issue.
How long are houses on the market in Boise?
Houses in Boise typically stay on the market for a relatively short period, as little as days in popular neighborhoods. On average, homes in Boise sell after just 13 days on the market, according to Redfin. To increase your chances of securing a home, you’ll want to be ready to act fast and have your finances in order before you start your search.
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