IdahoPop. 67,725Smaller cities
Is Idaho Falls a Good Place to Live? Idaho Falls, Idaho: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Idaho Falls ranks #448 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #210 of 524 smaller cities and #8 of 20 in Idaho. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+3.2%, #22 of 468) and short commutes (18.9 min, #69 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Idaho Falls by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Idaho Falls's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Idaho Falls?
Idaho Falls's cost of living index is 94.4, 6% below the US level of 100 and #425 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,075/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $395,714, 17% below the typical Idaho home ($478,744).
| Measure | Idaho Falls | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 94.4#425 of 1,308 | 95.5 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $395,714#619 of 1,187 | $478,744 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,388/mo#245 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $335,500#615 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,075/mo#295 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.6x#755 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 17.6%#203 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Idaho is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Idaho Falls housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Idaho Falls is in the Idaho Falls, ID metro.
Idaho housing market →Is Idaho Falls safe?
Idaho Falls recorded 301 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 8% below the US rate of 328 and 38% above Idaho's 217. That ranks #567 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #252 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Idaho Falls Police Department. Property crime runs 960 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Idaho Falls | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 301#567 of 1,085 | 217 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 960#200 of 1,085 | 605 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Idaho is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Idaho Falls?
The median household in Idaho Falls earns $73,110, 12% below the US figure of $83,163 and 10% below Idaho ($81,166). Unemployment is 3.3% (US 4.3%). 11.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 3.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Idaho Falls | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $73,110#752 of 1,312 | $81,166 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.3%#186 of 1,058 | 3.7% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 11.5%#618 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +3.2%#46 of 1,132 | +1.4% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Idaho is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Idaho Falls?
The median resident of Idaho Falls is 33.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 31.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #725 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Idaho Falls | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 33.7 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 31.7%#725 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 64.2% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Idaho Falls's schools and health?
Idaho Falls's 20 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (Idaho 79.9%), with 19.2 students per teacher and $9,886 spent per pupil. 34.3% of adults are obese and 10.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Idaho Falls | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 84%#746 of 1,063 | 79.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 19.2#906 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $9,886#1148 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 34.3%#719 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.2%#440 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.2%#675 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 12.1%#881 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Idaho is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 11,385 students are enrolled in Idaho Falls's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Idaho Falls?
The average commute in Idaho Falls is 18.9 minutes (Idaho 22.2); 2.5% of workers take transit and 9.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Idaho Falls scores 8.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #956 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 65°F and winters 22.4°F, with 10.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Idaho Falls | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 18.9 min#251 of 1,312 | 22.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 6.8%#808 of 1,312 | 5.6% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 74.2% | 72.9% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2.5% | 0.5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1% | 2.6% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.6% | 0.6% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 9.5% | 12.7% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.4#956 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Idaho is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28.7 | 12.1 | 0.7 |
| Feb | 34.2 | 15.7 | 0.6 |
| Mar | 47.2 | 25.3 | 0.8 |
| Apr | 57.5 | 31.4 | 1 |
| May | 67.2 | 38.4 | 1.6 |
| Jun | 76.2 | 44.6 | 1.1 |
| Jul | 86.6 | 49.3 | 0.5 |
| Aug | 85.6 | 47.5 | 0.6 |
| Sep | 74.8 | 40.6 | 1 |
| Oct | 59.1 | 30.8 | 0.9 |
| Nov | 43 | 21.9 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 30.3 | 13.4 | 0.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Idaho Falls Faa Airport.
| Measure | Idaho Falls | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 44.2°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 65°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 22.4°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 10.1 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Idaho Falls Faa Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Idaho Falls?
Bonneville County's air had a median air quality index of 22, and 93% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Bonneville County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 51% of US counties.
| Measure | Idaho Falls | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 22#34 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.15%#667 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Bonneville County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Bonneville County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.036% | 89% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0064% | 81% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0053% | 71% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.084% | 54% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Idaho Falls compare with similar-size cities?
Idaho Falls is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #210 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 67,725.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho Falls, IDPop. 67,725 | #448 | 59.0 | $73,110 | $1,075/mo | 301 | 18.9 min |
| South Hill, WAPop. 68,025 | #801 | 53.3 | $113,130 | $2,088/mo | no data | 33.9 min |
| Eagan, MNPop. 68,000 | #162 | 65.7 | $108,690 | $1,679/mo | 130 | 21.2 min |
| Delray Beach, FLPop. 67,979 | #475 | 58.5 | $82,041 | $1,961/mo | 292 | 23 min |
| Madera, CAPop. 67,831 | #1230 | 43.6 | $63,933 | $1,353/mo | 432 | 25.7 min |
| Haverhill, MAPop. 67,698 | #444 | 59.1 | $88,326 | $1,668/mo | 330 | 27.4 min |
| Rockville, MDPop. 67,671 | #40 | 71.4 | $128,649 | $2,274/mo | 108 | 30.7 min |
| Ames, IAPop. 67,669 | #358 | 60.8 | $60,991 | $1,023/mo | 103 | 15.6 min |
| Conway, ARPop. 67,642 | #903 | 51.7 | $63,004 | $1,011/mo | 486 | 22.8 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Idaho Falls compare with the rest of Idaho?
Idaho Falls ranks #8 of the 20 Idaho cities we track, with a score of 59 against Idaho's statewide 78.4. Its households earn 10% below the Idaho median. Violent crime is 38% above the statewide rate. Homes are 17% below the typical Idaho home.
| City | Rank in ID | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meridian, IDPop. 130,138 | #1 | 64.7 | $100,795 | $1,805/mo | 137 |
| Boise, IDPop. 237,242 | #2 | 64.4 | $83,904 | $1,446/mo | 289 |
| Eagle, IDPop. 32,855 | #3 | 62.6 | $122,894 | $1,765/mo | no data |
| Star, IDPop. 14,745 | #4 | 60.5 | $97,936 | $1,924/mo | no data |
| Moscow, IDPop. 26,286 | #5 | 60.3 | $57,022 | $927/mo | 37 |
| Coeur d'Alene, IDPop. 56,447 | #6 | 59.9 | $72,338 | $1,468/mo | 235 |
| Kuna, IDPop. 27,158 | #7 | 59.9 | $96,219 | $1,774/mo | no data |
| Idaho Falls, IDPop. 67,725 | #8 | 59.0 | $73,110 | $1,075/mo | 301 |
| Nampa, IDPop. 110,319 | #9 | 58.6 | $74,279 | $1,420/mo | 310 |
| Lewiston, IDPop. 34,651 | #10 | 58.3 | $72,197 | $1,027/mo | 175 |
| Post Falls, IDPop. 43,391 | #11 | 58.0 | $82,183 | $1,469/mo | 168 |
| Caldwell, IDPop. 66,516 | #12 | 57.3 | $73,058 | $1,264/mo | 482 |
| Twin Falls, IDPop. 54,164 | #13 | 56.3 | $61,205 | $1,082/mo | 359 |
| Chubbuck, IDPop. 16,126 | #14 | 56.3 | $82,977 | $1,048/mo | 280 |
| Hayden, IDPop. 16,338 | #15 | 55.9 | $82,958 | $1,733/mo | no data |
| Pocatello, IDPop. 57,635 | #16 | 55.1 | $60,418 | $948/mo | 331 |
| Rexburg, IDPop. 40,543 | #17 | 54.9 | $50,617 | $1,004/mo | 49 |
| Ammon, IDPop. 19,064 | #18 | 52.2 | $86,121 | $1,372/mo | no data |
| Jerome, IDPop. 12,930 | #19 | 50.4 | $66,894 | $947/mo | 356 |
| Mountain Home, IDPop. 16,493 | #20 | 48.0 | $63,125 | $1,155/mo | 193 |
All 20 Idaho cities we track, by overall score. Idaho statewide: median income $81,166, violent crime 217.3 per 100,000.
How is Idaho Falls's score calculated?
Idaho Falls scores 59 out of 100, #448 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Idaho's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Idaho Falls. Similar-size median 55.5.
56.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Idaho Falls's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
80.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Idaho Falls. Similar-size median 58.9.
56.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Idaho Falls's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
39.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Idaho Falls's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
73.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Idaho Falls. Similar-size median 56.1.
50.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Idaho Falls. Similar-size median 42.4.
75.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Idaho Falls. Similar-size median 50.0.
49.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Idaho Falls's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
38.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
73.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Idaho Falls's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Idaho Falls has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Idaho Falls
Is Idaho Falls, ID a good place to live?
Idaho Falls ranks #448 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #210 of 524 smaller cities and #8 of 20 in Idaho. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+3.2%, #22 of 468) and short commutes (18.9 min, #69 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Idaho Falls?
Idaho Falls's cost of living index is 94.4, 6% below the US level of 100 and #425 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,075/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $395,714, 17% below the typical Idaho home ($478,744).
What is the crime rate in Idaho Falls?
Idaho Falls recorded 301 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 8% below the US rate of 328 and 38% above Idaho's 217. That ranks #567 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #252 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Idaho Falls Police Department. Property crime runs 960 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Idaho Falls?
The median household in Idaho Falls earns $73,110, 12% below the US figure of $83,163 and 10% below Idaho ($81,166). Unemployment is 3.3% (US 4.3%). 11.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 3.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Idaho Falls?
Median rent in Idaho Falls is $1,075/mo (Census), #295 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,388/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Idaho Falls?
The typical home value in Idaho Falls is $395,714, up 1.4% in a year, against $478,744 for Idaho and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $335,500.
How are the public schools in Idaho Falls?
Idaho Falls's 20 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (Idaho 79.9%), with 19.2 students per teacher and $9,886 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Idaho Falls?
The average commute is 18.9 minutes, #251 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.2 minutes across Idaho. 6.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Idaho Falls?
Idaho Falls averages 44.2°F over the year, 65°F in summer and 22.4°F in winter, with 10.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Idaho Falls walkable?
Idaho Falls scores 8.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #956 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Idaho Falls at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Bonneville County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 51% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Idaho Falls?
Bonneville County's air had a median air quality index of 22, and 93% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Idaho Falls?
Idaho Falls has 67,725 residents. The median resident of Idaho Falls is 33.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 31.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #725 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Idaho Falls compare with the rest of Idaho?
Idaho Falls ranks #8 of the 20 Idaho cities we track, with a score of 59 against Idaho's statewide 78.4. Its households earn 10% below the Idaho median. Violent crime is 38% above the statewide rate. Homes are 17% below the typical Idaho home.
What cities are similar in size to Idaho Falls?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Idaho Falls's population of 67,725 are South Hill, WA (#801 overall), Eagan, MN (#162 overall), Delray Beach, FL (#475 overall), Madera, CA (#1230 overall), and Haverhill, MA (#444 overall). Idaho Falls is #448.