What to know when moving to Idaho Falls, ID
TL;DR: Idaho Falls at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 29.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 25.4% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $75,870, supporting a comfortable lifestyle.
- The Reality Check:
- With only 1.8% using public transit, this is a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,132/month in rent to find a suitable place.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Idaho Falls has a population of about 47,170, with a median household income of $75,870. Education is valued here, with nearly 30% of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree. However, only about 25% of the population rents, indicating a strong presence of homeowners. The area experiences roughly 128 rainy days each year, so be prepared for wet weather.
Probably not your spot if you rely heavily on public transportation, as the transit share is just 1.8%.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,132, while the median home value is $307,700, making home ownership a significant investment.
- 29.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, reflecting a moderately educated community.
- The poverty rate stands at 10.0%, which is noteworthy for community context.
- With 25.4% of residents renting, the housing market offers options for renters.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Idaho's crime rates show a downward trend, with state-level annual rates indicating a safer environment compared to the national average.
- Violent crime: 220.4 per 100k vs. 325.3 nationally, down 12.2% since 2022.
- Property crime: 615.3 per 100k vs. 1546.9 nationally, down 35.7% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates are low at 2 per 100k, a 29.6% decrease since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Idaho).
Schools & Higher Ed
Idaho Falls has access to three postsecondary institutions, providing educational opportunities in the area.
- Austin Kade Academy
- College of Eastern Idaho
- Provo College-Idaho Falls Campus
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Bonneville County experiences an average annual high of 54°F and a low of 37°F, with about 128 rainy days each year. This climate allows for a range of outdoor activities throughout the seasons.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Idaho Falls River Walk - Greenbelt Trail (4.8 stars, 2818 reviews)
- Tautphaus Park (4.6 stars, 2146 reviews)
- Museum of Idaho (4.6 stars, 2070 reviews)
- Mountain America Center (4.3 stars, 1245 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Bonneville County, the economy shows signs of health with a low unemployment rate and a robust labor force.
- Unemployment rate: 3.0% as of December 2025.
- Employed individuals: 64,789.
- Labor force size: 66,811.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.