No suburban area in Idaho soothes like a welcoming hug with all the conveniences of modern living as Idaho Falls does.
Surrounded by stunning natural beauty and mountain views, Idaho Falls matches charm with practicality. Here, you will find a slower-paced life that doesn’t skimp on quality.
At the forefront of all the great qualities of Idaho Falls is the promise of affordable living, but you can gain so much more by moving here.
So, what is life like in this city?
What should you know before moving to Idaho Falls?
Let’s address the elephant in the room, that way you can decide whether Idaho Falls can deliver a life worth settling into.
- The Cost of Living is Balance Without Sacrifice
Good news—Idaho Falls’s cost of living is 16% lower than the U.S. average.
Groceries are affordable, utility costs are low, and yes, you guessed it, housing prices are reasonable.
Idaho Falls is a haven for anyone looking for housing that doesn’t break the bank. For instance, the median home price is significantly lower than the national average, making homeownership an achievable dream for many.
About 63% of the residents here own their homes. Renters will be happy, too, as the average rental costs are reasonable, especially compared to bigger cities like Boise or Seattle.
- Average House Rent: $1,495
- Median Home Value: $362,300
If you are into DIY, many homes here come with generous backyards that are perfect for gardening, entertaining, or setting up that dream barbecue station.
Transportation and healthcare costs are also manageable, so you won’t find yourself constantly pinching pennies.
| Expense Category | Compared to the National Average |
| Housing | 43% lower |
| Utilities | 15% lower |
| Groceries | 7% lower |
| Transportation | 21% lower |
| Healthcare | 0 |
Note:
The balance of everything here makes moving to Idaho Falls an excellent choice for families, retirees, and remote workers looking for a lifestyle upgrade without a financial downgrade.
- Taxation and the Economy — Friendly for Your Finances
Another big plus of moving to Idaho Falls is that the city benefits from Idaho’s overall tax-friendly policies.
The state has relatively low-income tax rates, and property taxes in the area are refreshingly reasonable.
- Property Tax Rate: 0.49%
- Sales Tax Rate: 6%
- Income Tax Rate: 5.8%
Combine this with a healthy job market and a thriving economy, and it’s clear why people are relocating here, and the movers in Idaho Falls are constantly booked.
Key industries in Idaho Falls include healthcare, retail, and education. Others include manufacturing, construction, and energy, particularly due to the Idaho National Laboratory, a major employer in the region.
If you are job hunting, your best bet would be to pitch your tent in these industries.
Although the median household income may be slightly lower than the national average, you will get by just okay because of the low living costs.
- Median Household Income: $69,630
- Unemployment Rate: 2.8%
- Poverty Rate: 11.4%
- The Weather: Cold Winters and Perfect Summers
Idaho Falls gives the warmest of welcomes to new residents, but only a few come prepared for the winter frosts.
Idaho Falls experiences all four seasons, with its winters dipping as low as 7°F and snow a frequent visitor from December through February.
That’s a shocker, right?
So, why does it get so cold here? To find the answer, you might start by asking, ‘Where is Idaho Falls located?’
Idaho Falls is perfectly positioned near the Rocky Mountains in southeastern Idaho. A location providing breathtaking scenery and contributing to its crisp, cold winters.
But Idaho Falls’ location is not just about winter!
The trade-off for the winters is summer days that wrap you in warm, sunny days with low humidity and cool evenings. The perfect weather for hiking, fishing, or simply enjoying a riverside picnic.
Fall is magical, too, with colorful foliage taking over the city. Here’s the average seasonal temperature in Idaho Falls:
Average Seasonal Temperature:
Winter — 21°F
Fall — 46°F
Spring — 44°F
Summer — 69°F
- Idaho Falls is a Safe Place to Call Home
While every city has its share of incidents, Idaho Falls boasts lower crime rates than many cities of its size.
But is Idaho Falls a good place to live?
Well, Idaho Falls earns solid points when it comes to safety. The crime rate here is lower than the national average for both violent and property crimes.
However, property crime is higher than violent crime, so you may want to be extra cautious about your property.
| per 1,000 Residents | Idaho Falls Median | Idaho Median | National Median |
| Violent Crime | 3.5 | 2.41 | 4.0 |
| Property Crime | 13.81 | 9.27 | 20.0 |
Note:
Most neighborhoods are family-friendly, with a strong sense of community, making this place feel even safer.
But if you are worried about finding the right area to settle in, neighborhoods like Orvin, Osgood, Ammon, and Shelley offer quiet streets, great schools, and plenty of peace of mind.
- Gun Culture: A High Possession Rate and Strong Second Amendment Support
Idaho, including Idaho Falls, has a strong gun culture.
In fact, it ranks as the city with the fourth highest rate of gun ownership in the U.S. (over 56%), so it’s safe to say that firearms are deeply woven into the lifestyle here.
Whether for hunting, self-defense, or recreational shooting, guns are a staple for many Idaho Falls residents. You will even find local businesses hosting shooting events and gun safety courses.
State laws are also notably gun-friendly, with constitutional carry (permitless concealed carry) in place for residents over 18.
If you are planning to move here and are not familiar with this aspect of Idaho life, it’s worth knowing that guns here are not just tools but symbols of independence and personal freedom.
- Demographics — A Predominantly White Populace
It’s a predominantly white city, with over 75% of the population identifying as Caucasian.
While the city has become slightly more diverse in recent years, particularly with a growing Hispanic/Latino community, it remains less racially and culturally diverse than many urban hubs across the U.S.
That said, the people of Idaho Falls are often described as friendly, welcoming, and community-oriented.
Suppose you’re moving here from a more diverse area, it may feel different at first. But you will find that a shared love of the outdoors and family values are common threads that unite the community.
- Infrastructure and Amenities in Idaho Falls
Might feel small compared to metropolitan areas, but Idaho Falls doesn’t lack amenities!
The city has excellent infrastructure, including a well-maintained road network and a regional airport, making travel easy.
Moreover, the Idaho Falls Greenbelt is a local hotspot for recreational activities. Its paved trail along the Snake River is a perfect spot for walking, biking, and enjoying the outdoors.
That’s not all! The city also has a thriving arts scene, great local restaurants, and family-friendly spots like the Idaho Falls Zoo and Museum of Idaho.
Want to go shopping? The Grand Teton Mall has you covered—many people who live in cities close to Idaho Falls come here for retail therapy.
Final Thoughts: The Feel of Idaho Falls
Moving to Idaho Falls is a decision you will not regret!
The city has all the indexes aimed at helping you thrive. From affordable housing, a low unemployment rate, ample job opportunities, and safe neighborhoods, a comfortable life is readily accessible.
Winters here are chilly, but the warmth of the community more than makes up for it. If you revel in your ‘American Freedom,’ Idaho Falls might just be the perfect place for you.
So, what do you say? To move or not to move?
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