Rexburg, ID: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Rexburg: The Data Profile (2026)

Rexburg represents a specific statistical anomaly in the post-remote economy: a high-education hub trapped in a low-income regional economy. With a population of 39,589, it is statistically defined as a "smaller city." The defining characteristic of the local workforce is the disparity between education levels and earning power. 40.8% of the population holds a college degree, significantly outperforming the US average of 33.1%. However, the median household income sits at $50,359, which is 32.5% lower than the national median of $74,580.

Statistical Target Demographic: The data suggests the ideal mover is a remote worker earning at or above the national median salary ($74,580+), leveraging geographic arbitrage. This demographic benefits from the educated local infrastructure without being tethered to the suppressed local wage ceiling.

Cost of Living Analysis

The cost of living index in Rexburg is currently aligned with the US average across major sectors, with the notable exception of energy costs. While standard consumer goods index at 100.0, the electricity rate is 11.52 cents/kWh, significantly lower than the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh, offering a 28.0% savings on utilities.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis: For a single earner matching the local median of $50,359 (approx. $3,350 monthly take-home), the single-person budget of $2,225 leaves only $1,125 in disposable income. However, a remote worker earning the national median ($74,580, approx. $4,800 monthly take-home) would retain $2,575 monthly, a 129% increase in disposable cash flow compared to the local average.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the city's most volatile metric. While the overall Cost of Living Index for housing is 100.0, the underlying purchase metrics indicate a seller's market relative to local wages. The gap between renting and buying is widening, suggesting that buying is currently an investment play rather than a cost-saving measure for those not earning remote wages.

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

Buy vs. Rent Relative to National Curve: Renting is currently the data-backed value play for newcomers. The 1BR rent is 43.3% below the national average, whereas the Median Home Price is only 6.5% below the national average. To justify buying, a resident must hold the property for 5-7 years to offset the lack of immediate equity gain compared to the low carrying cost of renting.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

RTO & Commute: In 2026, Rexburg’s economic stability relies heavily on the "Post-Remote" hybrid model. The local commute time is exceptionally low, averaging 16 minutes, compared to the national average of 27 minutes. This efficiency supports hybrid workers who may need to visit a regional office occasionally.

Local Industry Stability: The local economy is anchored by education and agriculture, sectors with high stability but low wage growth. The Unemployment Rate sits at 3.7%, marginally better than the US average of 4.0%. However, this low unemployment is a "false positive" driven by the $50,359 median income ceiling; the labor force participation rate is high, but wage growth is stagnant.

Quality of Life Audit

Rexburg scores exceptionally well on health metrics, particularly regarding chronic disease. The "Health Score" of 82.0/100 is driven by low rates of diabetes and smoking. However, the mental health rating is suppressed, likely correlating with the economic isolation and lower median income.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety: Rexburg is a statistical outlier for safety. Violent crime is 1.2 per 1,000 residents (compared to US avg 4.0). Property crime is 10.5 per 1,000 residents (compared to US avg 21.0).

Air Quality Analysis: The air quality is pristine. With an AQI of 38 and PM2.5 levels of 4.5 µg/m³, the city is well below the EPA's action thresholds. This is a major health asset for families with respiratory concerns.

Schools & Weather: Schools are rated 8/10 on GreatSchools, supported by the 40.8% college-educated demographic. Weather is a major constraint: currently 36°F with a low of 18°F, experiencing distinct, harsh winters with significant snowfall.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Air Quality & Safety: AQI of 38 and violent crime of 1.2/1k are elite metrics.
• Disease Prevention: Diabetes rate of 4.3% (vs 10.9% US) suggests a healthier environment.
• Remote Arbitrage: Electricity costs are 28% lower than the national average.
• Housing Access: Rent is 43.3% cheaper for a 1BR unit.

Cons:

• Income Ceiling: Median income is $50,359, 32.5% below the US norm.
• Purchase Parity: Buying a home ($385k) is a heavy lift relative to local wages, creating a barrier for local wealth generation.
• Mental Health: The index of 65.0 suggests social or economic isolation factors.
• Climate: The current 18°F low indicates a long, cold winter.

Final Recommendation:
Rexburg is a Tier 1 relocation destination for remote workers earning $75,000+, but a Tier 3 destination for local job seekers. The data supports a move here if you can bypass the local wage suppression. The combination of low crime, clean air, and below-average rent creates a high-quality lifestyle for those with remote capital.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Rexburg?
To live comfortably (saving 20% of income) as a single person, a salary of $65,000 is recommended. This covers the $2,225 monthly budget and allows for savings.

2. How does Rexburg's value compare to Boise?
Rexburg is significantly cheaper. While Boise's median home price hovers around $550,000, Rexburg's $385,000 offers 30% equity entry savings, though Boise offers higher local wages.

3. Are the safety statistics accurate?
Yes. The data indicates a violent crime rate of 1.2 per 1,000 residents, which is 70% safer than the average US city.

4. Is the housing market expected to crash?
Given the inventory shortage and the 3.7% unemployment rate, a crash is unlikely. However, appreciation will likely lag behind inflation due to the $50,359 income ceiling limiting buyer purchasing power.