Idaho Reddit Post Sparks Big Debate Over Scant Diversity, Bigotry

Diversity is a topic that seems to come up a lot when people discuss Idaho and its social climate. A recent online post by a visitor to Idaho who claimed to have been treated with hate on multiple occasions wound up sparking a large debate over the state's lack of diversity compared to others and its perceived reputation for bigotry and unkindness toward outsiders.

I spent many years living in southern Idaho and working as a journalist and broadcaster. My wife grew up in Twin Falls, graduated high school there, and still has her mother and three of four siblings there. I have no gripes at all about my time spent there, but of course, I'm a white dude.

Is Idaho Lacking Diversity and Filled With Bigotry?

When my wife decided in 2016 that she wanted to move back to Idaho to begin raising our boy and escape the West Coast hustle and bustle, we were fortunate to both land great jobs and buy a home relatively quickly. It wasn't much of an adjustment for me, and the lack of diversity in the Magic Valley was apparent immediately.

Get our free mobile app

Idaho has come up a time or two in studies and online reports dealing with the least diverse states in the country. It doesn't mean Idaho is a terrible place to live at all, it just means that it's a predominantly white state.

A Reddit post from January 9, 2025, asked the question, "Why the racism?" It was shared by someone claiming to have lived "in the South" their entire life.

"I get that Idaho isn't very diverse, but I guess I'm just wondering where that hatred stems from," the person posted.

More than 340 people--many from Idaho--chimed in in less than 10 hours. Dozens of people claiming to be from the Gem State acknowledged the question as a fair one, and stated that these attitudes are far more prevalent the further north one travels. I found the discussion to be mostly proactive and positive.

What are your thoughts on the topic? Is it fair that Idaho has a reputation for not being welcoming?