Idaho Falls: The Data Profile (2026)

Idaho Falls represents a distinct statistical outlier in the post-2024 remote work landscape. With a population of 67,996, it operates as a "micro-urban" hub rather than a major metropolitan center. The critical data point for potential relocators is the income-to-cost ratio: while the median income sits 15.5% lower than the national average at $63,049, the aggregate Cost of Living (COL) index is heavily skewed in the resident's favor.

The educational attainment rate stands at 34.1%, statistically identical to the US average of 33.1%. This suggests a workforce that is neither significantly under-skilled nor over-educated relative to available economic opportunities. The statistical target demographic for Idaho Falls in 2026 is the "High-Value Relocator"—remote workers or hybrid professionals prioritizing housing affordability and healthcare cost reduction over high nominal salaries. Specifically, households earning between $60,000 and $90,000 will see a purchasing power increase of approximately 30-40% compared to coastal metros.

Cost of Living Analysis

The aggregate COL index in Idaho Falls is 87.9, meaning a 12.1% reduction in expenses compared to the national baseline. The most aggressive savings are found in discretionary spending and infrastructure costs.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single adult earning the median income of $63,049 (approx. $3,900 monthly take-home) faces a total monthly expense of $1,778 (based on the Single Adult Budget above). This results in a disposable income of approximately $2,122 per month. This is significantly higher than the national average for the same income bracket, which typically retains less than $1,200 after essential expenses.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary economic engine of Idaho Falls. The data indicates a market heavily favoring buyers over renters relative to national ratios, though rental inventory remains affordable.

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

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
The "Price-to-Rent Ratio" in Idaho Falls is approximately 21.2 (Median Home $285,000 / Annual Rent $13,500). While a ratio above 21 generally leans toward renting, the low interest rate environment of 2026 combined with the -30.5% discount on home prices makes buying statistically advantageous for long-term residents. The monthly mortgage payment on a median home (assuming 20% down and a 6.0% rate) is roughly $1,370, which is only $467 more than the $903 cost of a one-bedroom apartment, allowing for immediate equity capture.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Idaho Falls has a unique economic base centered on the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), engineering, and agriculture. The 3.7% unemployment rate is effectively at full employment, sitting below the national average of 4.0%.

RTO and Commute:
In 2026, the "Return to Office" (RTO) mandate has resulted in a bifurcated market. Idaho Falls, with its small population, sees a high rate of hybrid work. The average one-way commute time is 18 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 27 minutes. This time saving equates to roughly 80 hours of reclaimed personal time annually per commuter. Local industry stability is high due to federal funding in the energy sector (INL), insulating the city from the tech-sector volatility seen in larger hubs.

Quality of Life Audit

While the economic data is robust, the health metrics present a complex picture. The aggregate Health Score of 80.8/100 is deceptive; it is buoyed by low smoking rates and adequate healthcare access, but masked by significant metabolic risk factors.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics (2026)

Safety & Environment:

• Violent Crime: 1.9 per 1,000 residents (National Avg: 4.0). This is a 52.5% reduction in risk.
• Property Crime: 14.1 per 1,000 residents (National Avg: 19.0). This is a 25.8% reduction in risk.
• Air Quality: With an AQI of 38 and PM2.5 levels of 6.5 µg/m³, Idaho Falls ranks in the top 5% of US cities for air purity.
• Schools: The high school graduation rate is 88%, slightly above the national average.
• Weather: The current snapshot shows a high of 38°F and a low of 19°F. Residents must be prepared for long, cold winters with significant snowfall, contrasting sharply with the "Sunny" conditions of the current report.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: Home prices are 30.5% below the national median, offering the highest equity potential in the region.
• Healthcare Savings: At a COL index of 67.9, healthcare costs are 32.1% cheaper than average—a critical factor for aging populations.
• Safety & Air: Violent crime is 52.5% lower and air quality is 42% cleaner than the US average.

Cons:

• Income Ceiling: Median income is 15.5% lower than the US average, capping liquidity for high-earners.
• Health Risks: The obesity rate of 34.3% indicates a cultural environment that may challenge healthy lifestyle maintenance.
• Weather: Harsh winters with highs frequently below 30°F require significant seasonal adjustment.

Final Recommendation:
Idaho Falls is a Strong Buy for remote workers and families prioritizing asset accumulation and safety over high salary liquidity. It is not recommended for those requiring specialized high-end services or who are sensitive to cold weather.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Idaho Falls?
For a single adult, a salary of $55,000 provides a comfortable lifestyle with significant savings potential. For a family of four, $85,000 is recommended to maintain a similar standard of living.

2. How does the value compare to Boise?
Idaho Falls is approximately 18% cheaper than Boise regarding total COL, with home prices roughly $50,000 (-15%) lower on average.

3. Is Idaho Falls safe?
Yes. With violent crime at 1.9 per 1,000 and property crime at 14.1 per 1,000, it is statistically safer than 85% of US cities of comparable size.

4. When is the best time to move?
Ideally between May and September. Moving during winter months (Dec-Feb) incurs higher logistics costs due to weather, and the average temperature of 25°F complicates the moving process.