Boise Ranks #2 in National Housing Crisis Report. Here’s Why That Matters

Boise just landed near the top of a national list, but this time it’s not for livability or scenic beauty. According to a new report from LendingTree, Boise has the second-worst housing crisis outlook among the 100 largest metro areas in the country. The only city ranked worse is Portland, Oregon.

The report looked at three major indicators: vacancy rates, home value-to-income ratios, and the number of approved housing units. Boise scored poorly in all three categories. If you live in the Treasure Valley, none of this comes as a surprise, but now the rest of the country is taking notice.

Let’s walk through what the report said, what’s really happening on the ground, and why this is a moment for the community to take stock and push for change.

The Numbers Behind the Ranking

LendingTree's analysis measured how housing markets are functioning in cities across the country. Boise’s results were sobering.

• Vacancy Rate: 4.56%, significantly lower than the national average. This means very few homes are sitting empty and available, making it even harder for people to find a place to live.

• Home Value-to-Income Ratio: Boise homes are among the least affordable when compared to what people actually earn. In just one year, this ratio increased by 7.12%, widening the affordability gap.

• Approved Housing Units: New housing isn’t being approved quickly enough to meet growing demand.

  
  

This mix of low supply, high prices, and slow development has put Boise in a tough spot.

What This Means for Treasure Valley Residents

The numbers reflect the reality many locals already know well. It’s harder than ever to buy a home in Boise. Rental prices are up. First-time buyers are being squeezed out. And families who have lived here for years are wondering whether they can afford to stay.

Even though we’ve seen a lot of new construction across Meridian, Kuna, Eagle, and beyond, it hasn’t been enough to ease the pressure. Homes are selling quickly, and the ones that are available are often out of reach for many households.

This growing affordability crisis touches nearly every part of life—from school enrollment to workforce retention. When housing is scarce or too expensive, it’s harder to recruit teachers, nurses, service workers, and first responders. Families delay major life decisions. Young professionals leave in search of more affordable markets.

This Isn’t a List to Brag About

Being ranked second in a national housing crisis study is not something to ignore or shrug off. It’s a wake-up call.

The visibility from this report puts pressure on local leaders, developers, and community groups to take meaningful action. That means:

• Prioritizing affordable housing in new developments

• Supporting zoning changes that allow more housing types, like duplexes or townhomes

• Protecting long-term residents from displacement

• Investing in infrastructure that supports smarter, more equitable growth

  
  

Boise’s growth isn’t slowing down. But if we want that growth to benefit more than just a select few, we need to act now.

What's Driving the Shortfall

One reason Boise is struggling is that for many years, the city grew faster than its housing supply. Job opportunities expanded. The lifestyle attracted remote workers. Out-of-state buyers flooded in. But housing approvals and construction didn’t keep up.

Now, the market is playing catch-up, and it’s not going well.

• Builders face rising material and labor costs

• Local zoning laws restrict density in many neighborhoods

• Community resistance to higher-density projects slows progress

• Permitting timelines are often drawn out

  
  

The result? Demand keeps climbing, supply lags behind, and prices continue to rise.

What Needs to Happen Next

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but here are a few starting points that could help turn things around:

• Fast-track approvals for affordable housing projects

• Expand housing options with accessory dwelling units and mixed-use developments

• Incentivize private developers to include lower-cost units

• Reevaluate zoning rules that limit how and where housing can be built

• Support programs that help renters become homeowners

  
  

Most importantly, these efforts have to be coordinated. Cities, counties, developers, nonprofits, and residents all have a role to play.

A Tipping Point for the Treasure Valley

Boise has long been celebrated for its quality of life, access to nature, and sense of community. But if housing continues to outpace income, we risk becoming a city that only the wealthy can afford.

It doesn’t have to go that way.

This report can be a turning point, not just because of the rankings, but because it forces the community to ask harder questions. Who gets to live here? Who gets priced out? And what can we do, together, to build a city that works for more people?

Stay Engaged

Boise’s housing challenges aren’t going to disappear overnight. But the more informed and engaged we are, the better our chances of shaping a future that’s sustainable, inclusive, and fair.

For more local housing updates, neighborhood insights, and real talk about Treasure Valley growth, follow @iHeartCityOfTrees and stay in the loop on what’s happening around town.