Despise everyone besides your dog? Not into having roommates? Great news, Idaho

Idahoans are used to seeing our state hyped as one of the best places to live.

But here’s a slightly different take: A recent study ranks Idaho as the best place to live — alone.

Not into having a roommate? Do house guests make your skin crawl?

Boise and the rest of the Gem State are calling your name, friend. The research comes courtesy of medication website NiceRx, which created a “Solo Living Index.”

Idaho scored a 6.5, topping the nation. It is followed closely by Nebraska, Louisiana, Wisconsin and Indiana.

“Nicknamed the Gem State because of its breathtaking landscapes,” NiceRx proclaims absolutely incorrectly, “Idaho is perfect for solitary nature lovers. With wide-open spaces and friendly neighbors, it scored as one of the safest places in our index. The state also has a high number of group activities per 100,000 people.”

Wait a minute. I want to be alone, but I want lots of group activities?

I’m confused.

Either way, here is some of the data that helped Idaho win first place, according to the study:

▪ 24.6% of households in Idaho are single-person.

▪ Median monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $853. (Seems a little low. Maybe I’m just thinking about sky-high Boise, though, where nobody can afford to live alone.)

▪ Idaho offers 4.19 “activity groups” per 100,000 people. (“Activity groups” apparently are the same as the aforementioned “group activities”?)

▪ There are 2.8 hospitals and 2.69 health centers per 100,000 people.

▪ The average cost of health insurance is $6,455.

Oh, and in case you’d like to grow old all by your lonesome? Just stay where you are! A related NiceRx study ranks Idaho No. 2 among the best states for elderly solo living. Utah is No. 1.

“Like Utah, Idaho has a high number of assisted living facilities per 100,000 people, twinned with a relatively low cost of assisted living,” NiceRx writes. (How is assisted living “solo living”? Got me.) “The state also ranks highly for health care quality. Known for its scenic beauty, Idaho is the perfect place for retirees who love to commune with nature.”

Just remember: Nature might not want to commune with you in Idaho.

Moose are solitary animals.

This story was originally published April 13, 2022 at 4:00 AM.