IdahoPop. 54,164Smaller cities
Is Twin Falls a Good Place to Live? Twin Falls, Idaho: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Twin Falls ranks #627 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #277 of 524 smaller cities and #13 of 20 in Idaho. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (15.7 min, #10 of 524) and low living costs (92.1, #71 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (80%, #365 of 437) and low household income ($61,205, #430 of 524).
Twin Falls by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Twin 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 Twin Falls?
Twin Falls's cost of living index is 92.1, 8% below the US level of 100 and #324 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,082/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $372,848, 22% below the typical Idaho home ($478,744).
| Measure | Twin Falls | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 92.1#324 of 1,308 | 95.5 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $372,848#567 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 | $1,557/mo#385 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $321,300#590 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,082/mo#303 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.2x#881 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 21.2%#586 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.
Twin 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. Twin Falls is in the Twin Falls, ID metro.
Idaho housing market →Is Twin Falls safe?
Twin Falls recorded 359 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 10% above the US rate of 328 and 65% above Idaho's 217. That ranks #659 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #294 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Twin Falls Police Department. Property crime runs 1,027 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Twin Falls | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 359#659 of 1,085 | 217 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,027#228 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 Twin Falls?
The median household in Twin Falls earns $61,205, 26% below the US figure of $83,163 and 25% below Idaho ($81,166). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 11.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Twin Falls | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $61,205#1017 of 1,312 | $81,166 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.5%#249 of 1,058 | 3.7% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 11.4%#608 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.2%#198 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 Twin Falls?
The median resident of Twin Falls is 35.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 24.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #992 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Twin Falls | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 35.1 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 24.5%#992 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 64.1% | 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 Twin Falls's schools and health?
Twin Falls's 17 public schools graduate 80% of students in four years (Idaho 79.9%), with 18.3 students per teacher and $9,403 spent per pupil. 33.2% of adults are obese and 10.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Twin Falls | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 80%#880 of 1,063 | 79.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 18.3#859 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $9,403#1170 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% | 10.7%#555 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.3%#700 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 13.3%#981 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. 10,065 students are enrolled in Twin Falls's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Twin Falls?
The average commute in Twin Falls is 15.7 minutes (Idaho 22.2); 0% of workers take transit and 7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Twin Falls scores 9.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #763 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.4°F and winters 30.1°F, with 10.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Twin Falls | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 15.7 min#86 of 1,312 | 22.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 2.5%#103 of 1,312 | 5.6% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 78.6% | 72.9% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0% | 0.5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.4% | 2.6% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.6% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 7% | 12.7% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 9.4#763 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 | 37 | 21.1 | 1 |
| Feb | 41.8 | 23.8 | 0.7 |
| Mar | 52.2 | 29.7 | 1 |
| Apr | 58.7 | 34.3 | 1.1 |
| May | 68.7 | 42.2 | 1.5 |
| Jun | 78.2 | 49.4 | 1 |
| Jul | 88.4 | 57.7 | 0.3 |
| Aug | 86.8 | 55.8 | 0.4 |
| Sep | 76.4 | 47.1 | 0.5 |
| Oct | 62.3 | 36.4 | 0.8 |
| Nov | 47.2 | 26 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 36.9 | 20.1 | 1.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Twin Falls Sun Valley Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Twin Falls | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 49.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 69.4°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 30.1°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 10.3 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 Twin Falls Sun Valley Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Twin Falls?
Twin Falls County's air had a median air quality index of 26, and 93% 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 Twin Falls County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 97% of US counties.
| Measure | Twin Falls | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 26#43 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% | 0.08%#45 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 Twin Falls County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Twin Falls County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.016% | 88% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0053% | 67% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.044% | 6% 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 Twin Falls compare with similar-size cities?
Twin Falls is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #277 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 54,164.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin Falls, IDPop. 54,164 | #627 | 56.3 | $61,205 | $1,082/mo | 359 | 15.7 min |
| Peabody, MAPop. 54,695 | #322 | 61.6 | $96,657 | $1,950/mo | 292 | 25.8 min |
| Rocky Mount, NCPop. 54,297 | #1216 | 44.4 | $55,534 | $957/mo | 672 | 20.6 min |
| Kentwood, MIPop. 54,296 | #772 | 53.8 | $74,373 | $1,260/mo | 583 | 19.7 min |
| Hacienda Heights, CAPop. 54,291 | #754 | 54.1 | $109,193 | $2,300/mo | no data | 33.8 min |
| Manhattan, KSPop. 54,239 | #691 | 55.1 | $60,172 | $1,003/mo | no data | 17.3 min |
| Pensacola, FLPop. 54,036 | #835 | 52.7 | $74,212 | $1,322/mo | part year | 22 min |
| Elkhart, INPop. 53,733 | #830 | 52.8 | $51,028 | $998/mo | 220 | 18.5 min |
| Normal, ILPop. 53,569 | #525 | 57.7 | $64,785 | $965/mo | 290 | 16.5 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 Twin Falls compare with the rest of Idaho?
Twin Falls ranks #13 of the 20 Idaho cities we track, with a score of 56.3 against Idaho's statewide 78.4. Its households earn 25% below the Idaho median. Violent crime is 65% above the statewide rate. Homes are 22% 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 Twin Falls's score calculated?
Twin Falls scores 56.3 out of 100, #627 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 Twin Falls. Similar-size median 55.5.
49.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Twin Falls's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
76.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Twin Falls. Similar-size median 58.9.
56.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Twin Falls's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
36.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Twin Falls's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
75.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Twin Falls. Similar-size median 56.1.
45.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Twin Falls. Similar-size median 42.4.
54.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Twin Falls. Similar-size median 50.0.
47.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Twin Falls's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
44.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
92.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Twin 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 Twin 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 Twin Falls
Is Twin Falls, ID a good place to live?
Twin Falls ranks #627 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #277 of 524 smaller cities and #13 of 20 in Idaho. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (15.7 min, #10 of 524) and low living costs (92.1, #71 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (80%, #365 of 437) and low household income ($61,205, #430 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Twin Falls?
Twin Falls's cost of living index is 92.1, 8% below the US level of 100 and #324 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,082/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $372,848, 22% below the typical Idaho home ($478,744).
What is the crime rate in Twin Falls?
Twin Falls recorded 359 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 10% above the US rate of 328 and 65% above Idaho's 217. That ranks #659 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #294 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Twin Falls Police Department. Property crime runs 1,027 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Twin Falls?
The median household in Twin Falls earns $61,205, 26% below the US figure of $83,163 and 25% below Idaho ($81,166). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 11.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Twin Falls?
Median rent in Twin Falls is $1,082/mo (Census), #303 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,557/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Twin Falls?
The typical home value in Twin Falls is $372,848, up 3.3% in a year, against $478,744 for Idaho and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $321,300.
How are the public schools in Twin Falls?
Twin Falls's 17 public schools graduate 80% of students in four years (Idaho 79.9%), with 18.3 students per teacher and $9,403 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Twin Falls?
The average commute is 15.7 minutes, #86 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.2 minutes across Idaho. 2.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Twin Falls?
Twin Falls averages 49.1°F over the year, 69.4°F in summer and 30.1°F in winter, with 10.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Twin Falls walkable?
Twin Falls scores 9.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #763 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 Twin Falls at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Twin Falls County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 97% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Twin Falls?
Twin Falls County's air had a median air quality index of 26, and 93% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Twin Falls?
Twin Falls has 54,164 residents. The median resident of Twin Falls is 35.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 24.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #992 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Twin Falls compare with the rest of Idaho?
Twin Falls ranks #13 of the 20 Idaho cities we track, with a score of 56.3 against Idaho's statewide 78.4. Its households earn 25% below the Idaho median. Violent crime is 65% above the statewide rate. Homes are 22% below the typical Idaho home.
What cities are similar in size to Twin Falls?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Twin Falls's population of 54,164 are Peabody, MA (#322 overall), Rocky Mount, NC (#1216 overall), Kentwood, MI (#772 overall), Hacienda Heights, CA (#754 overall), and Manhattan, KS (#691 overall). Twin Falls is #627.