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Is Moving to Idaho Falls Right for You? 🏞️ | What to Know About Living in Idaho Falls

Last Updated On: 30th May 2025, 05:12 pm

Have you been searching for the perfect midwestern city with natural beauty and tons of outdoor activities? Then you'll love living in Idaho Falls.

A beautiful city in Eastern Idaho, Idaho Falls is known for its small-town atmosphere and low cost of living. The area was mainly farmland settled by cattle and sheep ranchers until 1864, when Henry Rickets built and operated a ferry on the Snake River.

The ferry brought more traffic to the area, and Idaho Falls became a permanent settlement when a freighter named Matt Taylor built a toll bridge across a narrow gorge of the river. This made travel through the area more convenient, attracting new settlers.

The new town that emerged was initially known as Eagle Rock. However, a railroad worker's strike in 1891 caused the town to lose a significant amount of its population, and marketers convinced town leadership to change its name to Idaho Falls after the rapids that flowed beneath the gorge. Local leaders agreed, and it was incorporated as the city of Idaho Falls the same year.

In the modern day, Idaho Falls is a good place to live for families and young professionals who want a laid-back city with a great mix of small-town charm and modern amenities. Think this might be the perfect place for you? In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know before moving to Idaho Falls.

Where Is Idaho Falls?

Idaho Falls is in Booneville County. It's a major cultural and economic hub for Eastern Idaho and parts of western Wyoming and southern Montana. It's also the principal city in the Idaho Falls-Blackfoot-Rexburg metro area.

The Snake River passes directly through the city, and it has an extensive trail system featuring running and bike trails, art installations, and other unique attractions, making living in Idaho Falls ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Living in Idaho Falls also offers access to major highways, including I-15, US Highway 20, and US Route 26. Surrounding communities include Ammon, Osgood, Beach Corner, New Sweden, and Shelley.

It's 280 miles or 4 hours from Boise to Idaho Falls.

Idaho Falls Population & Demographics

The Idaho Falls population is 64,818 as of the 2020 census. That makes it the fourth most populous city in Idaho and the largest by population in Eastern Idaho. More and more people have been moving to Idaho Falls in recent years, as they absolutely love it, and the population increased by 14% between 2010 and 2020.

The majority of people living in Idaho Falls are families and young professionals. About 31% of the Idaho Falls community are children under 18, and 30% are 20 to 30. The median age is 31.1, which is about 20% lower than the rest of Idaho.

Most residents living in Idaho Falls are Caucasian, although the city also has a large Hispanic population. The racial and ethnic breakdown of those living in Idaho Falls is 82% White (77.6% White, non-Hispanic), 16.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1% American Indian or Alaskan Native, and 8.1% two or more races.

Other Idaho Falls demographics:

  • The Idaho Falls ID population is 51% female and 49% male
  • The median household income is $63,049, which is about 20% lower than the rest of Idaho
  • 90.3% of residents living in Idaho Falls have a high school diploma, and 34.1% have a bachelor's degree or higher
  • The foreign-born population is 3%

Living in Idaho Falls is safe for a town of its size. Although it does have a higher crime rate than the rest of the state, it experiences less crime than the average US city. The total Idaho Falls crime rate is 1719 incidents per 100,000 people, which is 47% higher than the Idaho crime rate but 26% lower than the typical US city. 

The violent crime rate is 44% higher than the rest of Idaho and 6% lower than the national average, while the property crime rate is 1,372, which is 48% higher than the rest of Idaho and 30% lower than the rest of the US. Idaho, in general, has a very low crime rate because so many parts of it are rural. So, living in Idaho Falls is very safe compared to any other US city of the same size.

Cost of Living in Idaho Falls

The Idaho Falls cost of living is very low for everything it has to offer. One way to understand how much it costs to live in an area is to consult the cost of living index. It measures the cost of living in a place to the rest of the country, which is represented by 100.

The COLI for the area is 84, indicating the cost of living in Idaho Falls is about 16% less expensive than the average US city. The Economic Policy Institute's Family Budget Calculator is also a fantastic resource. It shows that the average family of four would need to earn about $96,306 per year to afford the cost of living in Idaho Falls ID.

Typical expenses of living in Idaho Falls: 

  • Loaf of bread: $3.69
  • A gallon of milk: $4.35
  • 1 dozen regular eggs: $3.22
  • Hamburger: $5.15
  • Bunch of bananas: $0.67
  • 1 gallon of gas: $4.11
  • Average Idaho Falls monthly energy bill: $169.06

Source: Payscale

Idaho Falls real estate is also very reasonably priced. According to Redfin, the median price of homes for sale in Idaho Falls is $385,000, which is 8.3% lower than the median price in the US. The median price per square foot of Idaho Falls homes for sale is $170.

Anyone moving to Idaho Falls who plans on renting will also find a wide range of options. Census data shows that 61% of Idaho Falls homes are owner-occupied, while 39% are rented out. According to Rentcafe, the average rent in Idaho Falls for a two-bedroom apartment is between $1700 and $1850 per month.

Best apartment buildings for renters living in Idaho Falls:

Rent in Idaho Falls starts around $900 for a one-bedroom apartment and goes up to $2000 for three or more bedrooms.

A view of the famous Idaho Falls on the Snake River

Idaho Falls Neighborhoods | Where To Live in Idaho Falls

Idaho Falls is an exciting and dynamic city with many fantastic areas to explore. While living in Idaho Falls offers affordable homes and peaceful streets anywhere you look, certain areas are more notable for their attractions than others. Here are a few of the best places to live in Idaho Falls if you're looking for your dream home.

The Village | A Family-Oriented Neighborhood With Affordable Homes

Located in the western part of Idaho Falls, the Village is a peaceful, family-friendly neighborhood offering a tight-knit community and spacious homes in the $160,000 to $225,000 price range.

Southpoint | A Clean, Inviting Neighborhood In a Central Location

Southpoint is a centrally located neighborhood with easy access to shopping, dining, and other attractions, as well as well-maintained homes and good schools, making it a popular option for families living in Idaho Falls. 

Crow Creek | A New Construction Neighborhood With Great Community Spirit

Crow Creek is a popular new construction neighborhood by reputable builder Kartchner Homes. It boasts easy access to urban conveniences, a strong sense of community with friendly neighbors, and kind people living in Idaho Falls who will embrace you with open arms.

Idaho Falls Weather & Climate

According to the Koppen classification system, the Idaho Falls climate is humid continental. That means if you plan on moving to Idaho Falls, you'll be in for cold, harsh winters and warm, dry summers. Temperatures typically range from 14°F to 87°F, although winter can be as cold as -3°F, and summer reaches a high of around 94°F.

The best time to visit anyone living in Idaho Falls is usually from late June to mid-August. You'll want to be prepared for the snow, as the Idaho Falls annual snowfall is 39 inches per year. It also gets about 12 inches of rain, so you may want to pack an umbrella.

Things to Do in Idaho Falls

As a major cultural center for Eastern Idaho, you'll find a great array of fun things to do in Idaho Falls, from museums to parks. 

The Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone are also just 90 miles away, right across the Wyoming border, for those living in Idaho Falls who want to go fishing, camping, hiking, or hunting in the great outdoors. 

Grand Teton is the main shopping mall in Idaho Falls, although you'll also find shopping at Westfield Plaza or Teton Village. Looking for more Idaho Falls attractions? Here are a few of the best things to do.

Museum of Idaho

The Museum of Idaho is one of the best things to do in Idaho Falls with kids. Its exhibits, collections, and displays trace the social and scientific history of Idaho and the Intermountain West. It’s a great destination for history lovers living in Idaho Falls. 200 N Eastern Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83402 (208) 522-1400

Idaho Falls River Walk - Greenbelt Trail

Spanning 5 miles on both sides of the Snake River bank, the Idaho Falls River Walk features benches, sculptures, and beautiful views of the rapids, making it one of the best things to do in Idaho Falls on a sunny day.

525 River Pkwy, Idaho Falls, ID 83402 (208) 529-1200

East Idaho Aquarium

The East Idaho Aquarium is one of the top Idaho Falls families activities featuring fascinating wildlife exhibits on a range of animals, including sting rays, birds, and sloths.

570 E Anderson St, Idaho Falls, ID 83401 (208) 569-2996

Additional Attractions in Idaho Falls

Looking for more fun things to do while living in Idaho Falls ID? The Parks and Recreation Department has a list of facilities and local events on its website.

Idaho Falls Restaurants

From American fare to Italian cuisine, you'll find a wide range of delicious restaurants in Idaho Falls. But with so many great options, it can be hard to know where to look. To help make the decision easier, here are a few of the best places to eat in Idaho Falls.

Copper Rill Restaurant

Copper Rill is one of the top restaurants in Idaho Falls, offering sophisticated cuisine and exceptional service in a relaxed atmosphere. It serves elevated American cuisine like filet mignon and rendered duck breast, and it has an extensive cocktail menu. It’s a great spot for anyone living in Idaho Falls who's planning a date night. 

415 River Pkwy, Idaho Falls, ID 83402 (208) 529-5800

Park & A Italia

Park & A Italia is a great choice for Italian restaurants in Idaho Falls, ID. It offers classic dishes like penne ala vodka and fettuccini Alfredo with a culinary twist.401 Park Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83402 (208) 973-1801

Sully's GastroPub

Sully's is a local watering hole and one of the best restaurants in Idaho Falls, ID. If you're craving a delicious burger fresh off the grill and a cold glass of beer while living in Idaho Falls, this is the place to go.

504 Shoup Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83402 (208) 346-8851

Jobs in Idaho Falls, ID

Living in Idaho Falls also offers a strong economy with easy access to career opportunities and professional growth. As a major economic center for Eastern Idaho, residents will find jobs in industries like healthcare, travel, and business services

Prior to 1949 and the opening of the Idaho National Laboratory, the local economy was mostly based on agriculture. However, since the 1990s, the city has become a major center for retail, entertainment, hospitality, and medicine.

It's home to the Idaho Falls Regional Airport, which provides jobs in aerospace and customer service for anyone living in Idaho Falls. The headquarters of United Potato Growers of Idaho and District 7 of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare are also located in Idaho Falls.

Major employers in Idaho Falls:

Living in Idaho Falls offers a decent standard of living. According to Payscale, the average hourly wage for a worker in Idaho Falls ID is $20.60. Whatever field you're in, you can find fantastic Idaho Falls jobs in roles such as zoo keeper or admissions clerk. Those who would prefer to work with the local government can also find great city of Idaho Fall jobs offer stable pay and benefits.

A view of the Snake River at dusk with the temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints visible in the background

Idaho Falls Schools

Kids living in Idaho Falls will also get a great education. Most students will attend schools in the Idaho Falls School District #91. However, some students living in Idaho Falls are zoned for schools in the Bonneville Joint School District #93.

There are 12 elementary schools in Idaho Falls, ID District #91. Westside Elementary School is generally considered the best and ranks #91 in the state of Idaho.

The high schools in Idaho Falls ID are:

  • Compass Academy
  • Idaho Falls Senior High School
  • Skyline Senior High School
  • Emerson High School
  • Compass Academy

Bonneville High School and West Jefferson High School in the Bonneville Joint District are also in Idaho Falls.

Compass Academy is generally regarded as the best among experts living in Idaho Falls, ranking 18th in the state and featuring a 93% graduation rate. There are also plenty of great private schools in Idaho Falls, including Acton Academy, Lighthouse Montessori School, and Alturas International Academy Charter School.

The University of Idaho also has a campus in Idaho Falls, and the College of Eastern Idaho, a two-year community college, is located in the city. Residents living in Idaho Falls can also stop by the Idaho Falls Public Library for books and other media.

Idaho Falls Statistics & Information

  • County: Bonneville County
  • Idaho Falls area: 24.55 square miles
  • Idaho Falls zip code: 83401–83406, 83415
  • Idaho Falls area code: 208 and 986
  • Idaho Falls elevation: 4,712 ft
  • Idaho Falls time zone: Mountain Time Zone (UTC-6 and -7)
  • Closest airport to Idaho Falls: The Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) is in the city.

Idaho Falls, ID Map

Find more activities, attractions, and fun things to do while living in Idaho Falls with this map.

Ready to Find Out What Living in Idaho Falls Is Really Like

Excited to find out for yourself what living in Idaho Falls is really like? When you’re ready to settle down in this majestic community, you can trust the professional Idaho Falls movers at BusNMoves to make your moving day easy and efficient. Call (208) 557-3328 for a free quote.

BustNMoves Moving Company
Taylor Kerbs, Founder of BustNMoves: Taylor Kerbs founded BustNMoves Moving Company in 2021 after identifying a growing need for professional moving services in Southeast Idaho. His journey in the moving industry began in his teenage years, where he gained hands-on experience coordinating and executing numerous residential relocations. This practical background, combined with his detailed market research and business planning, established the foundation for BustNMoves. Under Taylor's leadership, the company has grown from a weekend operation to a full-service moving business with three dedicated trucks and year-round staff. He has personally overseen moves ranging from single-bedroom apartments to 9,000-square-foot homes throughout Idaho. Taylor's commitment to transparent pricing and customer service has helped establish BustNMoves as a trusted moving solution for residents in Pocatello and surrounding communities. As a local business owner who has lived in the region since 2014, Taylor brings both professional expertise and community knowledge to every moving project.
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