Climate & Geography

Climate

The Boise area's climate is pleasant year-round, with just enough variation to make the change of seasons enjoyable.

• Average annual precipitation - 12.1 inches
  
• Average annual snowfall - 21.4 inches
  

In the Boise area, occasional extreme temperatures of cold and hot are still comfortable because of the typically low humidity, sparse snowfall in the winter, and frequent mild breeze.

Geography

The geological forces that created Boise and the Treasure Valley resulted in foothills that sweep up from the city of Boise to mountains rising 7,600 feet in altitude.

The area, on the western edge of the mountains, is characterized as mountainous and desert.

The geology of the area includes a large concentration of geothermal wells, springs and hot creeks.

Cultural & Community Activities

You'll find a full list of exciting events at the Boise Chamber of Commerce Community Calendar of Events.

Industry

The Treasure Valley economy is strong due to a healthy mix of business, education, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, government and the military and professional communities - all working together to provide stability and promise for more than 380,000 residents.

The natural resource industries are central to the well-being of the area. Tourism is a major growth factor of the Idaho economy. Idaho is an exquisite state, beautiful from every angle. People come to the area to ski, float the wild rivers, hunt, fish and camp. The newest industry added to the mix is the high tech manufacturing that has provided strong growth in recent years. A regional trade and commerce center, the area draws people from three states - eastern Oregon, northern Nevada and southern Idaho - a combined population of over 550,000 people. The professional community is central to Boise's identity and integrity. Some of the area's most talented professionals were drawn here because this is a beautiful city in a beautiful land.

Parks & Recreation

The Boise area has a number of outstanding parks and facilities with plenty of opportunity for recreational and family activities, including golf, boating, youth athletics, softball, football and baseball, biking, skating or just picnicking. The Boise River Greenbelt is located on both banks of the Boise River, covering over 16 acres and providing more than 25 miles of paved and graveled paths for walkers, bikers, skaters, joggers and runners. For those wanting to experience the great outdoors, our mountains, deserts, lakes and rivers offer year-round recreation.

Rich forests, punctuated by clear, high mountain lakes, stand in contrast to the quiet beauty of high desert plains. The Boise area abounds with recreational and scenic resources within a short trek from downtown.

Taxation

The Boise area's balanced tax structure is based on three categories of tax revenue: income tax, sales tax and local property tax.

This program currently provides adequate funding for state government, educational services and institutions, and provides for expansion to accommodate future growth.

Individual Income Tax

A tax is levied on Idaho taxable income of individuals, estates and trusts. Tax rates range from two percent to 8.2 percent, depending on income.

Federal income tax is not deductible from state taxes.

Every taxpayer is required to file a return and must pay a $10 permanent building-fund tax.

Sales & Use Tax

The state levies a five percent Sales and Use Tax on all sales or transfers of title of tangible personal property.

Retail sales of tangible personal property are taxed at five percent. Major exemptions are on sales for the following:

Gasoline

Heating fuel (coal, wood, natural gas, etc.)

Electricity

Water

Gas (when delivered to consumer's personal property)

Property Tax

Tax rates may vary among localities depending on the aggregate levies imposed by cities, counties, and special taxing districts. The averages tax rate for the urban areas of the state is approximately 1.7 percent of market value. This rate varies from about one percent to 2.7 percent of market value depending on the local area.

Idaho and Boise have some of the lowest property taxes in the U.S.

The property tax in Boise is used to support local services such as education and fire and police protection.

The Boise area's balanced tax structure is based on three categories of tax revenue: income tax, sales tax, and local property tax.

This program currently provides adequate funding for state government, educational services and institutions, and provides for expansion to accommodate future growth.

Individual Income Tax

A tax is levied on Idaho taxable income of individuals, estates and trusts. Tax rates range from 2 percent to 8.2 percent, depending on income.

Taxable income (filing as single)

$0-$7,500 2-7.5%

$7,500-$20,000 7.8%

$20,000+ 8.2%

Federal income tax is not deductible from State taxes.

Every taxpayer is required to file a return and must pay a $10 permanent building-fund tax.

Sales & Use Tax

The state levies a five percent Sales and Use Tax on all sales or transfers of title of tangible personal property.

Retail sales of tangible personal property are taxed at five percent. Major exemptions are on sales for the following:

• gasoline
  
• heating fuel (coal, wood, natural gas, etc.)
  
• electricity
  
• water
  
• gas (when delivered to consumer's personal property)
  
• Property Tax
  
  

Tax rates may vary among localities depending on the aggregate levies imposed by cities, counties, and special taxing districts. The average tax rate for the urban areas of the state is approximately 1.7 percent of market value. This rate varies from about one percent to 2.7% of market value depending on the local area.

Idaho and Boise have some of the lowest property taxes in the U.S.

Idaho ranks 37th among U.S. states for state and local property tax collections per capita.

The property tax in Boise supports local services such as education and fire and police protection.

Cost of Living

According to the American Chamber of Commerce Research Association (ACCRA) Cost of Living Index, the Boise MSA's cost of living was 1.2 percent below the national average for the second quarter of 2000. The Boise MSA ranks below the national average in utilities and housing costs.

The area's moderate temperature combined with moderate utility prices yields a modest utility bill for residents and businesses.