How high is Boise?

Boise sits at 2,710 ft (826 m) above sea level, measured from Copernicus GLO-30 satellite data. That sits below Idaho’s average of 5,240 ft (1,597 m) — on the lower side for the state, with about 93% of Idaho higher.

Interactive 3D elevation map of the Boise, Idaho area, from the Copernicus GLO-30 model

A live 3D slice of the terrain around Boise, from our satellite elevation model. Boise is marked at 2,710 ft (826 m); the highest ground in view reaches 8,665 ft (2,641 m). Drag to spin it (tap to start on mobile).

Boise in Idaho

Here’s the useful context: Boise, at 2,710 ft (826 m), sits roughly 2,530 ft (771 m) below Idaho’s average elevation of 5,240 ft (1,597 m). Despite its reputation it’s on the lower side for its state — our model puts about 93% of Idaho’s land higher than the city.

728 ft — Idaho low▲ Boise 2,710 ft · avg 5,240 ft ┈12,572 ft — Idaho high

The terrain around Boise

Across this view the land rises toward the east. The western third of the frame averages about 2,703 ft (824 m); the eastern third about 4,741 ft (1,445 m) — a climb of roughly 2,041 ft (622 m), topping out near 8,665 ft (2,641 m) at the edge of the frame. That is the mountain front Boise sits against.

You can read the whole story in the map above — the flatter ground where the city sits, and the way the land gathers into peaks nearby. It’s the difference between where you stand and what you can see from it.

What Boise’s altitude means

At 2,710 ft (826 m), Boise is low enough that altitude barely registers. The air holds close to the oxygen your body expects nearer sea level, so arriving here brings none of the breathlessness or fast dehydration that higher cities do. If altitude is on your mind, this isn’t the place to worry about it.

How Boise compares

Among Idaho’s larger cities, Boise is ranked #7 of 10 by elevation. For a familiar yardstick, that puts it well below Denver’s mile-high 5,280 ft (1,609 m).

Pocatello — 4,465 ft (1,361 m)
Twin Falls — 3,737 ft (1,139 m)
Mountain Home — 3,146 ft (959 m)
Boise — 2,710 ft (826 m)
Coeur d'Alene — 2,198 ft (670 m)
Sandpoint — 2,103 ft (641 m)
Lewiston — 741 ft (226 m)

Boise elevation FAQ

How high is Boise?: Boise’s elevation is about 2,710 ft (826 m) above sea level at the city center, measured from Copernicus GLO-30 satellite data.
Is Boise high or low for Idaho?: On the low side. At 2,710 ft (826 m) it sits below Idaho’s average of 5,240 ft (1,597 m), with about 93% of the state higher.
Does Boise’s altitude affect visitors?: Not really. At 2,710 ft (826 m), Boise is low enough that the air feels much like it does near sea level.

Explore more

↑ Idaho’s full elevation map — the whole state in interactive 3D, with its high and low points and average elevation.
· Blog: Average Elevation by State — where Idaho’s 5,240 ft (1,597 m) mean ranks.
· Blog: Elevation vs Altitude — what a city’s elevation figure actually measures.

Boise’s elevation is a native ~30 m windowed-median sample from Copernicus GLO-30 (ESA); the Idaho figures are computed across the state from the same model. The 3D view is a fine windowed sample at roughly 216 m resolution, sharp enough to resolve the surrounding ridgelines. Data as of 2026-08-17.