Deep Dive Relocation Report: Caldwell, Idaho (2026)

1. Caldwell: The Data Profile (2026)

Caldwell represents a specific archetype of the post-2025 "Zoom Town" evolution. With a population of 68,339, it sits firmly in the "smaller city" category, offering infrastructure without the density of a major metro. The economic profile reveals a distinct divergence from national medians: the median income is $67,117, which is -10.0% below the US average of $74,580. However, this lower income is offset by a significant reduction in operational costs, specifically in essential services.

The educational attainment data provides the clearest insight into the local labor market. Only 18.4% of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the US average of 33.1%. This suggests a workforce historically skewed toward agriculture, trade, and logistics rather than the high-tech sector, though this is shifting.

Target Demographic: The statistical target for Caldwell in 2026 is the cost-conscious remote worker or the hybrid professional. This demographic prioritizes housing affordability and lower utility costs (11.52 cents/kWh vs. 16.0 cents/kWh national average) over proximity to high-density corporate hubs. It is also attractive to families seeking lower tax burdens, despite the lower median wage.

2. Cost of Living Analysis

The aggregate Cost of Living Index for Caldwell is 98.0, representing a -2.0% savings over the national average. However, the granular data reveals a "two-speed" economy where services are drastically cheaper than goods.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
Despite a $7,463 lower median income compared to the US average, the "Services Gap" creates a unique disposable income opportunity. A single person spending $280 on healthcare versus the national average of roughly $410 saves $130 monthly. Combined with the -31.9% cheaper restaurant index, a resident can maintain a higher social and physical quality of life for roughly $300-$400 less per month than the national baseline.

3. Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Caldwell is the primary engine of its relocation appeal. While the median income is lower, the housing index remains below the national average, creating a favorable price-to-income ratio. The rental market is particularly competitive for investors and tenants.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
Relative to the national curve, renting in Caldwell is statistically undervalued. A -22.2% discount on 1BR units suggests a high vacancy rate or an oversupply of apartment complexes catering to the influx of remote workers. Buying offers a -7.5% entry point on median home prices. For a relocating worker with a national-average salary, Caldwell housing is "cheap," but for a local earning the median $67,117, the $385,000 home price represents a 5.7x multiple, which is approaching affordability stress.

4. Economic & Job Market Outlook

The economic outlook for 2026 is defined by the tension between local industry and remote capital.

RTO & Commute:
Post-remote work trends have solidified Caldwell as a "bedroom community" for Boise (approx. 30 miles south). However, for the 81.6% of the workforce without a college degree, local employment in agriculture, manufacturing, and warehousing remains stable. The commute into Boise during peak hours can exceed 45-50 minutes, a factor that dampens appeal for strictly hybrid workers.

Unemployment Analysis:
The local economy is tight. The unemployment rate is 3.7%, which is actually slightly better than the US average of 4.0%. This indicates that while wages are lower, jobs are plentiful. The scarcity of labor is likely contributing to wage stagnation; employers do not need to raise pay significantly to fill roles.

5. Quality of Life Audit

Caldwell presents a complex QoL picture: excellent economic efficiency and air quality, offset by notable public health challenges.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:

• Health Risks: The Obesity Rate of 36.9% is a critical outlier, +5.0% above the national average. This correlates with a "High" risk rating despite an aggregate "Good" health score.
• Air Quality: Caldwell boasts pristine air. An AQI of 35 and PM2.5 levels of 4.5 µg/m³ are significantly cleaner than the US averages of 55 and 8.4 µg/m³, respectively. This is a major draw for health-conscious relocations.
• Schools & Weather: The weather snapshot shows a current temperature of 39.0°F with sunny conditions, typical for a high-desert winter. Educational performance varies, but the low 18.4% college attainment rate suggests that K-12 focus is vocational rather than collegiate-prep.

6. The Verdict

Pros:

• Healthcare & Dining Efficiency: The -31.9% cost index for healthcare and restaurants is the strongest financial argument for moving here.
• Air Quality: AQI of 35 is top-tier nationally.
• Housing Entry Price: $385,000 median home price is accessible for dual-income households.
• Low Unemployment: 3.7% ensures job security for locals.

Cons:

• Wage Ceiling: Median income of $67,117 is -10.0% below the norm; career growth in local industries may be capped.
• Public Health: The 36.9% obesity rate indicates systemic lifestyle or dietary issues.
• Educational Attainment: At 18.4%, the pool of college-educated peers is half the national average, which may impact networking for white-collar professionals.

Recommendation:
Caldwell is a Strong Buy for the fully remote worker earning a national-average salary (or higher). The arbitrage opportunity—earning a $74,580 salary while paying $1,050 rent and 11.52 cents/kWh for power—is mathematically compelling. It is a Caution for local hires, as the $67,117 median income struggles to keep pace with the $385,000 housing market.

7. FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Caldwell in 2026?
For a single person, a salary of $55,000 provides a comfortable buffer due to the low 98.0 Cost of Living Index. For a family of four, $95,000 is recommended to account for the $1,850 typical housing and childcare costs.

2. How does Caldwell's value compare to Boise?
Caldwell offers approximately -20% savings on rent compared to Boise, but the commute adds significant time and fuel costs. However, with electricity at 11.52 cents/kWh vs. Boise's higher rates, fixed utility costs favor Caldwell.

3. Are the safety statistics reliable?
While specific violent crime rates were not provided in the dataset, the low Unemployment Rate of 3.7% historically correlates with lower property crime rates. The "Small City" designation (68,339 pop) generally implies lower violent crime density than major metros.

4. Is the housing market going to crash?
With a Median Home Price of $385,000 and a -2.0% housing index, the market is not considered "overheated" compared to national averages. The -7.5% differential suggests stability rather than a speculative bubble, making 2026 a safe entry point for long-term holds.