Twin Falls Relocation Deep Dive: 2026 Data Report

Twin Falls: The Data Profile (2026)

Twin Falls represents a specific archetype of the post-2024 migration pattern: the "Zoom Town" pivot. With a population of 53,219, it offers the infrastructure of a city without the density of a metro. The economic profile reveals a distinct trade-off: while the median income sits at $60,760—an 18.5% deficit compared to the national median of $74,580—the cost of living offsets this significantly.

The educational attainment rate is a critical filter for this market. Only 22.7% of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the US average of 33.1%. This suggests a workforce historically rooted in agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics rather than the tech or finance sectors. The statistical target demographic is the remote worker with a coastal salary (above $85,000 annually) seeking to maximize housing purchasing power, or the skilled tradesperson benefiting from the region's industrial base.

Cost of Living Analysis

The "Twin Falls Discount" is most aggressive in service and infrastructure costs. Healthcare costs are 31.9% lower than the national average, and restaurant pricing follows the same trend. However, a notable anomaly is the electricity rate, which is 11.52 cents/kWh—actually lower than the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh, defying the regional trend of rising utility costs.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis: A single person earning the local median income of $60,760 (~$3,800/month after tax) retains approximately $1,699 in disposable income monthly. This is 44.7% savings capacity, significantly higher than the national average of roughly 25%.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary driver of relocation to Twin Falls. The Housing Index stands at 74.2, indicating a market that is 25.8% more affordable than the national average. This is driven by a median home price that is roughly $130,000 below the national median (derived from the index). Renters see immediate relief, with a 1-bedroom unit costing $806/mo, nearly $600 cheaper than the US average.

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

Buy vs. Rent Relative to National Curve: Buying is statistically favorable here. The price-to-rent ratio (Median Home Price / Annual Rent of 1BR) is roughly 29.5. While slightly above the traditional "buy" threshold of 15-20, the low interest rate environment (assumed 6.0% in 2026) and the 25.8% discount on the asset price make buying a hedge against inflation. Renting offers low overhead but no equity capture in a low-inflation asset class.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Return to Office (RTO) mandates have minimal impact on the local Twin Falls economy. With a commute time average of 14.5 minutes, "local" employment is frictionless. The economy is anchored by the "Magic Valley" agricultural sector and light manufacturing, specifically food processing (Chobani, Glanbia). This provides a counter-cyclical stability buffer against tech sector volatility.

Unemployment Analysis: The unemployment rate is 3.7%, sitting slightly below the US average of 4.0%. This indicates a "tight" labor market where demand for skilled labor (welders, logistics managers, healthcare support) outstrips supply, potentially driving local wages up faster than the historical $60,760 median suggests.

Quality of Life Audit

While the economic numbers are strong, the health metrics require scrutiny. The overall Health Score is 80.0/100, which is "Good," but the underlying risk factors are elevated. The obesity rate is 33.2%, exceeding the US average of 31.9%. This is a statistical proxy for lifestyle and food culture.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety: Twin Falls maintains a violent crime rate of 198 per 100k residents, significantly lower than the US average of 380 per 100k. Property crime is 1,450 per 100k, roughly in line with the national average.

Air Quality: The air quality is a major asset for respiratory health. An AQI of 42 and PM2.5 levels of 4.5 µg/m³ are well below the EPA's safety thresholds, offering a distinct advantage over urban centers.

Schools & Weather: The student-to-teacher ratio is 18:1, slightly higher than the national average of 16:1. Weather is seasonal; currently recording 39.0°F with sunny conditions, experiencing four distinct seasons with an average snowfall of 22 inches annually.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: The 74.2 Housing Index offers immediate equity leverage for buyers.
• Cost of Services: Healthcare and dining are 31.9% cheaper than the national norm.
• Air Quality: PM2.5 levels of 4.5 µg/m³ are pristine.
• Safety: Violent crime is 48% below the national average.

Cons:

• Income Ceiling: Median income is 18.5% lower than the US average; high-earning local jobs are scarce.
• Health Risks: Obesity rates are 1.3% higher than the national average, suggesting a sedentary or calorie-dense local culture.
• Education: College attainment is 10.4% lower, which may impact the cultural/dining scene for some transplants.

Final Recommendation:
Twin Falls is a High-Yield Relocation Target for Remote Workers. If your household income exceeds $85,000 and is location-independent, the purchasing power parity (PPP) is exceptional. It is not recommended for career climbers in non-remote sectors (tech, finance) due to the low educational attainment and income ceiling.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Twin Falls?
For a single person, a salary of $65,000 provides a comfortable lifestyle with savings. For a family of four, $95,000 is recommended to maintain a standard of living comparable to a $140,000 salary in a major metro.

2. How does the value proposition compare to Boise?
Twin Falls is approximately 18% cheaper than Boise in overall cost of living, with housing being roughly 30% less expensive. However, Boise offers higher median incomes and significantly more high-education service jobs.

3. Are the crime statistics reliable?
Yes. The violent crime rate of 198 per 100k is statistically verified and places Twin Falls in the "safer than average" percentile for US cities of its size (53,219 pop).

4. Is now the right time to buy a home?
With the Housing Index at 74.2 and inventory remaining tight, waiting for a price drop is risky. The market is undervalued relative to the region's growth. Locking in a fixed rate while prices are below the national curve is the data-driven move for 2026.