Pocatello Relocation Deep Dive: 2026 Data Report

Pocatello: The Data Profile (2026)

Pocatello represents a specific tier of the American housing market: the "Stabilized LCOL" (Low Cost of Living) zone. With a population of 57,152, it functions less as a remote-work "boomtown" and more as a service hub for the broader Bannock County region. The median income sits at $57,931, which is -22.3% below the national median of $74,580. However, this income deficit is aggressively offset by a housing index of 70.9 (nearly 30% below the US average).

The educational attainment is statistically average, with 32.9% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher, nearly identical to the US average of 33.1%. This suggests a workforce heavily skewed toward healthcare, education (Idaho State University), and retail services rather than high-salary tech sectors.

Target Demographic: The statistical "sweet spot" for Pocatello in 2026 is the remote worker with a national-average salary, or the dual-income service/industrial household. A remote worker earning the US median of $74,580 would effectively have the purchasing power of someone earning $94,500 in Pocatello, relative to housing costs.

Cost of Living Analysis

The cost of living (COL) index paints a picture of extreme variance. While general expenses like groceries and transportation hover exactly at the national baseline (100.0), the structural costs of living are drastically lower. Healthcare sits at 68.0 (-32% vs US), and restaurant pricing is similarly depressed at 68.0. The most significant outlier is electricity, averaging 11.52 cents/kWh, significantly lower than the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

Table 1: Monthly Cost of Living Breakdown

Disposable Income Analysis:
A household earning the local median of $57,931 (approx $4,828/mo gross) faces a tight margin, with a potential surplus of roughly $750/mo after taxes and the Family of 4 budget. However, a remote worker earning the national median of $74,580 (approx $6,215/mo gross) would retain approximately $2,139/mo in disposable income, a robust savings rate for the region.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary value proposition of Pocatello. The disparity between buying and renting is significant. The median home price is estimated at $285,000, which is -29.1% lower than the US average. The price per square foot is $165, offering substantial space for the budget.

Renting remains the lower barrier to entry, with a 1-bedroom unit at $751/mo. However, the "Rent vs. Buy" gap is widening; the monthly mortgage payment on a median home (assuming 20% down and 6.5% interest) would be roughly $1,450, nearly double the cost of renting a 1-bedroom. This suggests the market favors long-term stability for buyers but offers flexibility for renters.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting)

Buying vs. Renting Verdict: Relative to the national curve, buying in Pocatello is an exceptional wealth-building tool if you plan to stay 5+ years. The entry price of $285,000 allows for significant equity capture compared to the national average. Renting is financially efficient in the short term, with 1BR costs at $751, but lacks the leverage potential of the local 70.9 housing index.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

In 2026, the "Post-Remote" landscape has impacted Pocatello differently than major metros. While RTO (Return to Office) mandates hit coastal cities, Pocatello has seen a rise in "Hybrid-Local" residents—people who work remotely for national firms but live locally.

Commute & Infrastructure:
The average commute time in Pocatello is 17.2 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 27.6 minutes. This time efficiency is a massive non-monetary salary increase.

Industry Stability:
The local economy is anchored by Idaho State University (ISU) and Portneuf Medical Center. These are recession-resistant employers. The unemployment rate is 3.7%, slightly better than the US average of 4.0%, indicating a tight labor market for local service and healthcare roles.

RTO Impact:
Because local salaries are lower ($57,931), the economic shock of RTO is mitigated. Fewer residents commute to high-cost corporate offices. The primary economic friction is the lack of high-paying local corporate jobs, forcing reliance on remote work or lower-paying local industry.

Quality of Life Audit

Pocatello scores an aggregate Health Score of 80.9/100, which is categorized as "Good." However, the data reveals a specific public health challenge: lifestyle-related risks.

Health Paradox:
Despite a high health score, the obesity rate is 33.2% (US avg: 31.9%). This is likely tied to the "Car-Dependent" infrastructure score of the region. Conversely, smoking rates (13.3%) and diabetes rates (9.5%) are marginally better than the national average.

Air Quality & Environment:
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is generally excellent, averaging in the "Good" range. However, Pocatello is in a valley, and winter inversions can spike PM2.5 levels temporarily.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Schools:

• Violent Crime: 1.8 per 1,000 residents (Low).
• Property Crime: 15.2 per 1,000 residents (Moderate).
• Schools: The district spends approx $9,800 per student, slightly below the national average, but graduation rates hover around 88%.
• Weather: Currently 38.0°F with sunny conditions. Winters are cold with average snowfall of 50 inches, requiring AWD/4WD vehicles.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Leverage: A median home price of $285,000 is one of the most affordable entry points in the West.
• Commute Efficiency: 17.2 minute average commute saves roughly 5.5 hours per week vs the national average.
• Energy Costs: Electricity at 11.52 cents/kWh is a major long-term savings driver.
• Air Quality: AQI of 35 is superior to 90% of US urban areas.

Cons:

• Income Ceiling: Local median income of $57,931 is $16,649 below the US average.
• Health Risks: High obesity rate of 33.2% suggests a culture with limited active-transport infrastructure.
• Weather: Harsh winters with significant snow accumulation.

Final Recommendation:
Pocatello is a High-Value Relocation Hub for 2026, specifically for remote workers earning above the local median. If you can secure a salary of $75,000+ while working remotely, Pocatello offers a financial "cheat code" allowing for rapid wealth accumulation via real estate and low overhead. It is not recommended for those seeking high local career advancement outside of healthcare or education.

FAQs (2026)

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Pocatello?
For a single adult, a salary of $55,000 provides a comfortable lifestyle with savings potential. For a family of four, $85,000 is recommended to maintain a savings rate of 15%.

2. How does the value compare to Boise or Salt Lake City?
Pocatello is ~45% cheaper than Boise and ~50% cheaper than Salt Lake City in terms of housing. You sacrifice metro amenities for roughly $200,000 in equity savings on a median home.

3. Are the crime rates safe for families?
Yes. Violent crime is 1.8 per 1,000, significantly lower than the national average of 4.0. Property crime is the primary concern, though still below the national average.

4. Is now a good time to buy (2026)?
With the Housing Index at 70.9 and inventory remaining tight, waiting may result in higher prices. If you plan to stay 3+ years, the current interest rate environment is offset by the low entry price of $285,000.