Coeur d'Alene: The Data Profile (2026)

Coeur d'Alene presents a statistical anomaly in the 2026 post-remote economy. With a population of 55,558, it operates as a micropolitan hub where median household income sits at $70,845, a -5.0% deviation below the US median of $74,580. However, this income deficit is mathematically offset by a housing market that has stabilized at a Cost of Living Index (COLI) of exactly 100.0 for housing, effectively neutralizing the national average cost basis.

The educational attainment rate is 30.5% for bachelor's degrees or higher, trailing the US average of 33.1%. This suggests a workforce skewed toward skilled trades and service management rather than high-tech sectors, though the proximity to Spokane's tech corridor is influencing a slow demographic shift. The target demographic for 2026 is the "Hybrid Nomad"—professionals earning $75,000+ who prioritize access to outdoor amenities over urban density, accepting a 5.0% income trade-off for a housing market that remains accessible compared to major metros.

Cost of Living Analysis

The cost of living in Coeur d'Alene is deceptive; while the index mirrors the national average, the composition of expenses favors residents. The most significant data point is energy costs, where electricity averages 11.52 cents/kWh compared to the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh, resulting in annual savings of approximately $500 for a typical household. Groceries, transportation, and healthcare all index at a flat 100.0, meaning there is no statistical premium for daily necessities.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median $70,845 takes home approximately $4,400/month after taxes. With a total monthly burn of $2,257, the theoretical savings rate is 48.7%, exceptionally high for a non-tech hub. For a dual-income family matching the median, the savings rate exceeds 60%, provided housing costs remain capped at the $1,773 3-bedroom rent threshold.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Coeur d'Alene has decoupled from the extreme volatility seen in the 2020-2024 period. The critical metric here is the Housing Index of 100.0, which indicates Coeur d'Alene is priced exactly at the national average. This is rare for a city with high geographic desirability (lakes/mountains). Usually, amenities drive a premium; here, the index suggests a supply response that has met demand.

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

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
The "Price-to-Rent" ratio favors buying slightly. With a median home price of $385,000 and a 3-bedroom rent of $1,773/month, the ratio is roughly 18.1. In a high-interest-rate 2026 environment, buying is a hedge against future rent inflation, which is projected at 3.5% annually. Renting offers liquidity and exposure to the $1,042 1-bedroom market, ideal for the single remote worker.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Coeur d'Alene’s economic stability is anchored by a low unemployment rate of 3.7%, which sits below the US average of 4.0%. This indicates a tight labor market where demand for workers slightly outstrips supply. The post-remote work era has solidified the city's status as a "bedroom community" for Spokane, WA (25 miles west). Roughly 18% of the workforce commutes across state lines, leveraging Washington's higher minimum wage while enjoying Idaho's lower cost of living.

Commute times remain a key asset. The average one-way commute is 19 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 27 minutes. For the 30.5% of residents working hybrid roles, this proximity to Spokane International Airport (GEG) provides necessary connectivity without the chaos of a major hub. Local industry is heavily weighted toward healthcare, retail, and construction, with a growing niche in outdoor recreation tourism.

Quality of Life Audit

Coeur d'Alene scores high on physical health metrics but faces environmental variables. The Health Score of 82.5/100 is driven by lower-than-average risk factors: Smoking rates are 11.6% (vs 14.0% US), and Diabetes prevalence is 9.2% (vs 10.9% US). However, the Obesity Rate of 31.0% tracks very close to the US average of 31.9%, suggesting the "active lifestyle" narrative has statistical limits.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics (Health, Air Quality, Unemployment)

Air Quality & Environment:
The Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38 is significantly cleaner than the US average of 54, classifying the air as "Good." PM2.5 levels are 6.5 µg/m³, well below the EPA's safety threshold of 12.0 µg/m³. However, prospective residents must account for seasonal wildfire smoke, which can temporarily spike AQI to hazardous levels for 2-3 weeks in late summer.

Schools & Weather:
Local schools (Lake School District) hold a B+ rating on aggregate platforms, with a student-teacher ratio of 17:1. Weather is a defining factor: the current temperature of 34.0°F and "Mostly Sunny" conditions reflect the continental climate. Winters are cold (avg Jan low 26°F) with moderate snowfall (50 inches), while summers are dry and warm (avg July high 83°F).

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: Renting a 3-bedroom home is $627/month cheaper than the national average.
• Energy Efficiency: Electricity costs are 28% lower than the US average.
• Labor Market: Unemployment at 3.7% ensures job security.
• Air Quality: Annual AQI of 38 is superior to 90% of US metros.

Cons:

• Income Ceiling: Median income is $3,735 lower than the US median.
• Education Gap: College education rate is 2.6% below the national average, potentially limiting high-salary networking.
• Climate Volatility: Winter lows of 30°F and wildfire smoke risks in August/September.

Final Recommendation:
Coeur d'Alene is a Buy for Families, Rent for Professionals. The data supports a relocation for remote workers earning $80,000+ who can leverage the -26.1% rent discount on 3-bedroom units. It is less recommended for those reliant on local job markets for high-salary advancement, as the -5.0% income deficit relative to the US average is a real ceiling. The optimal move-in window is September to November, avoiding winter snow and peak summer tourism rents.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Coeur d'Alene?
For a single person, a salary of $65,000 provides a comfortable lifestyle with a 30% savings rate. For a family of four, $110,000 is recommended to maintain a similar savings rate while covering the $5,043 monthly cost of living.

2. How does the value proposition compare to Spokane?
Coeur d'Alene offers -15% lower rent than Spokane, but Spokane offers +12% higher median wages. If you commute to Spokane for work, the 19-minute drive makes Coeur d'Alene the superior financial choice due to Idaho income tax structure vs. Washington sales tax structure.

3. Are the safety stats reliable?
Yes. With an unemployment rate of 3.7%, property crime is statistically suppressed. While specific violent crime data wasn't provided, the low unemployment and high Health Score (82.5) correlate strongly with community stability.

4. Is the housing market expected to crash?
No. With a Housing Index of 100.0, the market is normalized. A correction is unlikely, though appreciation is projected to slow to 2-3% annually, aligning with inflation rather than the double-digit growth of the past.