IdahoPop. 43,391Small cities
Is Post Falls a Good Place to Live? Post Falls, Idaho: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Post Falls ranks #502 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #93 of 208 small cities and #11 of 20 in Idaho. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2%, #22 of 182), and trails on expensive homes ($477,400, #179 of 208) and high unemployment (4.8%, #153 of 184).
Post Falls by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Post 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 Post Falls?
Post Falls's cost of living index is 98.3, 2% below the US level of 100 and #601 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,469/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $534,582, 12% above the typical Idaho home ($478,744).
| Measure | Post Falls | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 98.3#601 of 1,308 | 95.5 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $534,582#871 of 1,187 | $478,744 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,689/mo#490 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $477,400#942 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,469/mo#699 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 5.8x#1003 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 21.4%#605 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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.
Post 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. Post Falls is in the Coeur d'Alene, ID metro.
Idaho housing market →Is Post Falls safe?
Post Falls recorded 168 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 49% below the US rate of 328 and 23% below Idaho's 217. That ranks #282 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #57 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Post Falls Police Department. Property crime runs 737 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Post Falls | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 168#282 of 1,085 | 217 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 737#105 of 1,085 | 605 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 Post Falls?
The median household in Post Falls earns $82,183, 1% below the US figure of $83,163 and 1% above Idaho ($81,166). Unemployment is 4.8% (US 4.3%). 11.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Post Falls | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $82,183#575 of 1,312 | $81,166 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4.8%#780 of 1,058 | 3.7% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 11.1%#581 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +2%#100 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 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Idaho is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Post Falls?
The median resident of Post Falls is 35 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 25.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #968 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Post Falls | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 35 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 25.3%#968 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 64.1% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Post Falls's schools and health?
Post Falls's 11 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Idaho 79.9%), with 20.3 students per teacher and $9,401 spent per pupil. 33.5% of adults are obese and 10% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Post Falls | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 89%#454 of 1,063 | 79.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 20.3#953 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $9,401#1172 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 33.5%#655 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10%#402 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 18.3%#915 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 10.3%#691 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Idaho is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 6,135 students are enrolled in Post Falls's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Post Falls?
The average commute in Post Falls is 24.1 minutes (Idaho 22.2); 1% of workers take transit and 12.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Post Falls scores 9.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #791 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67°F and winters 32°F, with 25.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Post Falls | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 24.1 min#695 of 1,312 | 22.2 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4.6%#506 of 1,312 | 5.6% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 75.4% | 72.9% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 1% | 0.5% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.5% | 2.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.6% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 12.7% | 12.7% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.2#791 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 | 36.2 | 26.2 | 3.2 |
| Feb | 40.7 | 26.5 | 2.1 |
| Mar | 48.4 | 30.7 | 2.7 |
| Apr | 56.2 | 36.7 | 1.9 |
| May | 65.8 | 44.3 | 2.1 |
| Jun | 72.1 | 50.9 | 2.2 |
| Jul | 82.8 | 57.3 | 0.7 |
| Aug | 83 | 56 | 0.8 |
| Sep | 73.7 | 48.3 | 0.8 |
| Oct | 58.4 | 38.7 | 2 |
| Nov | 44.2 | 31.6 | 3.3 |
| Dec | 36.1 | 26.3 | 3.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Coeur D'Alene.
| Measure | Post Falls | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 48.8°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 67°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 32°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 25.4 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Coeur D'Alene.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Post Falls?
Kootenai County's air had a median air quality index of 31, and 78% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Kootenai County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 88% of US counties.
| Measure | Post Falls | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 31#77 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.1%#189 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Kootenai County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Kootenai County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.001% | 58% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0037% | 57% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.081% | 50% 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 Post Falls compare with similar-size cities?
Post Falls is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #93 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 43,391.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Post Falls, IDPop. 43,391 | #502 | 58.0 | $82,183 | $1,469/mo | 168 | 24.1 min |
| Pearl City, HIPop. 44,547 | #331 | 61.3 | $118,112 | $2,316/mo | no data | 26.6 min |
| Fond du Lac, WIPop. 44,494 | #612 | 56.5 | $62,260 | $913/mo | 403 | 19.3 min |
| Concord, NHPop. 44,375 | #203 | 64.4 | $84,902 | $1,441/mo | 181 | 23 min |
| Alexandria, LAPop. 44,060 | #1288 | 38.6 | $47,113 | $931/mo | 2,448 | 17.4 min |
| Woonsocket, RIPop. 43,521 | #936 | 51.2 | $61,059 | $1,161/mo | 371 | 29.3 min |
| Altoona, PAPop. 43,196 | #724 | 54.6 | $51,250 | $819/mo | 285 | 17.9 min |
| Sumter, SCPop. 43,053 | #1227 | 43.8 | $55,592 | $1,076/mo | 710 | 19.6 min |
| Jefferson City, MOPop. 42,488 | #621 | 56.4 | $66,371 | $802/mo | 348 | 15.5 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 Post Falls compare with the rest of Idaho?
Post Falls ranks #11 of the 20 Idaho cities we track, with a score of 58 against Idaho's statewide 78.4. Its households earn 1% above the Idaho median. Violent crime is 23% below the statewide rate. Homes are 12% above 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 Post Falls's score calculated?
Post Falls scores 58 out of 100, #502 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 Post Falls. Similar-size median 52.9.
51.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Post Falls's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
90.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Post Falls. Similar-size median 52.2.
55.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Post Falls's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
41.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Post Falls's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
60.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Post Falls. Similar-size median 46.7.
55.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Post Falls. Similar-size median 44.2.
58.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Post Falls. Similar-size median 47.3.
47.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Post Falls's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
43.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
82.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Post Falls's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Post 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 Post Falls
Is Post Falls, ID a good place to live?
Post Falls ranks #502 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #93 of 208 small cities and #11 of 20 in Idaho. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2%, #22 of 182), and trails on expensive homes ($477,400, #179 of 208) and high unemployment (4.8%, #153 of 184).
What is the cost of living in Post Falls?
Post Falls's cost of living index is 98.3, 2% below the US level of 100 and #601 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,469/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $534,582, 12% above the typical Idaho home ($478,744).
What is the crime rate in Post Falls?
Post Falls recorded 168 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 49% below the US rate of 328 and 23% below Idaho's 217. That ranks #282 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #57 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Post Falls Police Department. Property crime runs 737 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Post Falls?
The median household in Post Falls earns $82,183, 1% below the US figure of $83,163 and 1% above Idaho ($81,166). Unemployment is 4.8% (US 4.3%). 11.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Post Falls?
Median rent in Post Falls is $1,469/mo (Census), #699 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,689/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Post Falls?
The typical home value in Post Falls is $534,582, up 2.7% in a year, against $478,744 for Idaho and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $477,400.
How are the public schools in Post Falls?
Post Falls's 11 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Idaho 79.9%), with 20.3 students per teacher and $9,401 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Post Falls?
The average commute is 24.1 minutes, #695 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.2 minutes across Idaho. 4.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Post Falls?
Post Falls averages 48.8°F over the year, 67°F in summer and 32°F in winter, with 25.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Post Falls walkable?
Post Falls scores 9.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #791 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 Post Falls at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Kootenai County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 88% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Post Falls?
Kootenai County's air had a median air quality index of 31, and 78% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Post Falls?
Post Falls has 43,391 residents. The median resident of Post Falls is 35 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 25.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #968 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Post Falls compare with the rest of Idaho?
Post Falls ranks #11 of the 20 Idaho cities we track, with a score of 58 against Idaho's statewide 78.4. Its households earn 1% above the Idaho median. Violent crime is 23% below the statewide rate. Homes are 12% above the typical Idaho home.
What cities are similar in size to Post Falls?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Post Falls's population of 43,391 are Pearl City, HI (#331 overall), Fond du Lac, WI (#612 overall), Concord, NH (#203 overall), Alexandria, LA (#1288 overall), and Woonsocket, RI (#936 overall). Post Falls is #502.