IdahoPop. 57,635Smaller cities
Is Pocatello a Good Place to Live? Pocatello, Idaho: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Pocatello ranks #689 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #304 of 524 smaller cities and #16 of 20 in Idaho. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (16.2 min, #19 of 524) and low rents ($948/mo, #25 of 524), and trails on low household income ($60,418, #440 of 524).
Pocatello by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Pocatello'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 Pocatello?
Pocatello's cost of living index is 88.9, 11% below the US level of 100 and #162 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $948/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $343,159, 28% below the typical Idaho home ($478,744).
| Measure | Pocatello | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 88.9#162 of 1,308 | 95.5 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $343,159#506 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 | $1,074/mo#44 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $271,000#450 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $948/mo#151 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.5x#721 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 18.8%#317 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.
Pocatello 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. Pocatello is in the Pocatello, ID metro.
Idaho housing market →Is Pocatello safe?
Pocatello recorded 331 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 1% above the US rate of 328 and 52% above Idaho's 217. That ranks #604 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #270 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Pocatello Police Department. Property crime runs 1,431 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Pocatello | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 331#604 of 1,085 | 217 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,431#439 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 Pocatello?
The median household in Pocatello earns $60,418, 27% below the US figure of $83,163 and 26% below Idaho ($81,166). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 14.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Pocatello | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $60,418#1036 of 1,312 | $81,166 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 3.7% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 14.8%#851 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.3%#489 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 Pocatello?
The median resident of Pocatello is 33.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 32.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #695 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Pocatello | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 33.1 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 32.6%#695 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 64.5% | 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 Pocatello's schools and health?
Pocatello's 18 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (Idaho 79.9%), with 19.6 students per teacher and $9,868 spent per pupil. 33.2% of adults are obese and 9.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Pocatello | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 91%#291 of 1,063 | 79.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 19.6#929 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $9,868#1151 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 33.2%#627 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.5%#297 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.8%#817 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 10.6%#729 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. 10,571 students are enrolled in Pocatello's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Pocatello?
The average commute in Pocatello is 16.2 minutes (Idaho 22.2); 0.9% of workers take transit and 11.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Pocatello scores 8.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #933 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67.4°F and winters 27°F, with 11.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Pocatello | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 16.2 min#103 of 1,312 | 22.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 4.7%#524 of 1,312 | 5.6% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 75.3% | 72.9% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.9% | 0.5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.8% | 2.6% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.8% | 0.6% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 11.1% | 12.7% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.5#933 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 | 34.2 | 17.1 | 1.1 |
| Feb | 39 | 20.3 | 1 |
| Mar | 50.5 | 27.8 | 1.2 |
| Apr | 58.6 | 32.8 | 1.2 |
| May | 68.7 | 39.7 | 1.4 |
| Jun | 78.5 | 46 | 0.9 |
| Jul | 89.3 | 52.3 | 0.5 |
| Aug | 88.1 | 50.5 | 0.5 |
| Sep | 77.2 | 42.2 | 0.9 |
| Oct | 61.5 | 32.8 | 1 |
| Nov | 46.1 | 23.8 | 1 |
| Dec | 34.3 | 17.3 | 1.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Pocatello Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Pocatello | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 47°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 67.4°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 27°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 11.8 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 Pocatello Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Pocatello?
Bannock County's air had a median air quality index of 36, and 89% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Bannock County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 60% of US counties.
| Measure | Pocatello | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 36#161 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.14%#557 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 Bannock County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Bannock County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.051% | 96% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.013% | 82% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0013% | 40% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.054% | 15% 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 Pocatello compare with similar-size cities?
Pocatello is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #304 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 57,635.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pocatello, IDPop. 57,635 | #689 | 55.1 | $60,418 | $948/mo | 331 | 16.2 min |
| Royal Oak, MIPop. 57,950 | #94 | 68.6 | $101,109 | $1,381/mo | 153 | 23.8 min |
| Bowie, MDPop. 57,926 | #190 | 64.8 | $141,995 | $2,330/mo | 205 | 34.8 min |
| Orland Park, ILPop. 57,916 | #171 | 65.3 | $98,910 | $1,440/mo | 9 | 33.8 min |
| Kannapolis, NCPop. 57,890 | #512 | 57.9 | $73,836 | $1,319/mo | 170 | 26.2 min |
| Brookhaven, GAPop. 57,855 | #168 | 65.4 | $117,663 | $1,882/mo | 265 | 25.1 min |
| Lacey, WAPop. 57,737 | #449 | 59.0 | $90,625 | $1,870/mo | 220 | 25.4 min |
| Lancaster, PAPop. 57,719 | #634 | 56.1 | $63,690 | $1,240/mo | 374 | 23.6 min |
| Decatur, ALPop. 57,361 | #865 | 52.2 | $61,563 | $896/mo | 634 | 21.1 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 Pocatello compare with the rest of Idaho?
Pocatello ranks #16 of the 20 Idaho cities we track, with a score of 55.1 against Idaho's statewide 78.4. Its households earn 26% below the Idaho median. Violent crime is 52% above the statewide rate. Homes are 28% 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 Pocatello's score calculated?
Pocatello scores 55.1 out of 100, #689 of 1,312 (grade C+, 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 Pocatello. Similar-size median 55.5.
45.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Pocatello's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
75.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Pocatello. Similar-size median 58.9.
57.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Pocatello's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
45.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Pocatello's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
81.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Pocatello. Similar-size median 56.1.
39.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Pocatello. Similar-size median 42.4.
43.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Pocatello. Similar-size median 50.0.
53.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Pocatello's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
39.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
63.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Pocatello'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 Pocatello 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 Pocatello
Is Pocatello, ID a good place to live?
Pocatello ranks #689 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #304 of 524 smaller cities and #16 of 20 in Idaho. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (16.2 min, #19 of 524) and low rents ($948/mo, #25 of 524), and trails on low household income ($60,418, #440 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Pocatello?
Pocatello's cost of living index is 88.9, 11% below the US level of 100 and #162 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $948/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $343,159, 28% below the typical Idaho home ($478,744).
What is the crime rate in Pocatello?
Pocatello recorded 331 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 1% above the US rate of 328 and 52% above Idaho's 217. That ranks #604 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #270 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Pocatello Police Department. Property crime runs 1,431 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Pocatello?
The median household in Pocatello earns $60,418, 27% below the US figure of $83,163 and 26% below Idaho ($81,166). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 14.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Pocatello?
Median rent in Pocatello is $948/mo (Census), #151 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,074/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Pocatello?
The typical home value in Pocatello is $343,159, up 1.6% in a year, against $478,744 for Idaho and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $271,000.
How are the public schools in Pocatello?
Pocatello's 18 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (Idaho 79.9%), with 19.6 students per teacher and $9,868 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Pocatello?
The average commute is 16.2 minutes, #103 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.2 minutes across Idaho. 4.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Pocatello?
Pocatello averages 47°F over the year, 67.4°F in summer and 27°F in winter, with 11.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Pocatello walkable?
Pocatello scores 8.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #933 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 Pocatello at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Bannock County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 60% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Pocatello?
Bannock County's air had a median air quality index of 36, and 89% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Pocatello?
Pocatello has 57,635 residents. The median resident of Pocatello is 33.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 32.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #695 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Pocatello compare with the rest of Idaho?
Pocatello ranks #16 of the 20 Idaho cities we track, with a score of 55.1 against Idaho's statewide 78.4. Its households earn 26% below the Idaho median. Violent crime is 52% above the statewide rate. Homes are 28% below the typical Idaho home.
What cities are similar in size to Pocatello?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Pocatello's population of 57,635 are Royal Oak, MI (#94 overall), Bowie, MD (#190 overall), Orland Park, IL (#171 overall), Kannapolis, NC (#512 overall), and Brookhaven, GA (#168 overall). Pocatello is #689.