Is Idaho Falls Safe, Pros and cons of living in Idaho Falls

Idaho Falls, a city nestled in Bonneville County, Idaho, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and a growing economy. Situated along the Snake River, it provides residents with access to outdoor recreational activities and a community-focused atmosphere. The city serves as a regional hub for eastern Idaho, attracting visitors and businesses alike.

This city is known for its proximity to outdoor attractions like Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, making it a desirable location for those who enjoy nature. Idaho Falls also boasts a diverse economy, with key sectors contributing to its growth and stability. The community is characterized by its friendly residents and a commitment to maintaining a good quality of life.

Is it Safe to Live in Idaho Falls?

Idaho Falls is generally considered a safe city with a crime rate that is significantly lower than some nearby cities like Blackfoot and Pocatello (according to Idaho criminal defense attorneys). While it is impossible to provide exact crime rates for all of Bonneville County due to data limitations, Idaho Falls itself presents a lower crime rate overall. The city had a Group A crime rate of 5,465.3 per 100,000 people in 2018, a category that includes most violent and property crimes (according to Idaho criminal defense attorneys).

However, some analyses indicate that Idaho Falls has a crime rate that is higher than the national average across all communities (according to NeighborhoodScout). Specifically, the chance of being a victim of violent crime in Idaho Falls is 1 in 284, and property crime is 1 in 84 (according to NeighborhoodScout). Property crime levels in Idaho Falls tend to be higher than Idaho’s average, while violent crime levels are about the same as the state’s average (according to IDcide).

Cost of Living and Housing

Housing Costs

The cost of living in Idaho Falls is notably lower than the national average, with housing expenses being a significant factor in this affordability. Housing costs are approximately 41.2% less than the national average (according to Apartments.com). Rent in Idaho Falls averages around $1,214 per month, which is 26.0% lower than the national average (according to Apartments.com). The average listing price for a home in Idaho Falls is approximately $303,927, about 43.1% lower than the national average (according to Apartments.com).

More recent data from March 2026 indicates that the median sale price of a home in Idaho Falls was $365,000, a slight decrease of 1.4% from the previous year (according to Redfin). Homes in Idaho Falls typically sell in about 54 days, compared to 46 days in the previous year (according to Redfin). In February 2026, the median sale price was $381,000 (according to Zillow).

Overall Cost of Living

Idaho Falls offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average. The overall cost of living is estimated to be 17.3% lower than the national average (according to Apartments.com). This includes savings on groceries, which are about 4.6% less expensive than the national average (according to Apartments.com).

Utilities in Idaho Falls are also more affordable, costing around 17.0% less than the national average (according to Apartments.com). While transportation costs might be slightly higher, around 2.0% more than the national average, the savings in other categories contribute to a lower overall cost of living for residents (according to Apartments.com).

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers

Idaho Falls has a diverse economy with several major employers contributing significantly to its job market. The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is a prominent employer, focusing on nuclear energy research and employing many residents (according to Livability.com). Other key employers include Melaleuca Inc., an online retailer of wellness products, and the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, a large healthcare provider (according to Livability.com).

Additional significant employers in the area include WinCo Foods and Golden Valley Natural (according to Livability.com). The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in May 2024, the average hourly wage in the Idaho Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area was $28.05, which is lower than the nationwide average of $32.66 (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Unemployment and Salaries

The unemployment rate in Idaho Falls has remained relatively low. For instance, the unemployment rate for the Idaho Falls, ID (MSA) was 3.0% in October 2025 (according to FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis). This indicates a stable job market for the region.

The average annual salary in Idaho Falls is reported to be around $52,793 as of April 26, 2026 (according to ZipRecruiter). More broadly, the average salary for jobs in Idaho Falls is $63,619 per year, or $31 per hour (according to ERI SalaryExpert). Some of the highest-paying jobs in Idaho Falls are in the medical field, such as anesthesiologists and cardiovascular surgeons (according to ZipRecruiter).

Climate and Environment

Temperatures and Seasons

Idaho Falls experiences distinct seasons with a climate that ranges from warm summers to freezing winters. Summer temperatures typically range from a low of around 52°F to a high of 86°F in July (according to myPerfectWeather). The hot season lasts for about three months, from mid-June to mid-September (according to Weather Spark).

Winter in Idaho Falls is cold and snowy, with temperatures in January averaging a high of 30°F and a low of 14°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The cold season extends from late November to late February, with daily high temperatures generally below 40°F (according to Weather Spark).

Precipitation and Weather Patterns

The city receives an average of 13 inches of precipitation annually, with about 41 inches of snowfall (according to myPerfectWeather). May is typically the wettest month, with an average of 2 inches of precipitation (according to myPerfectWeather). Conversely, July is the driest month, with an average of only 0.35 inches of rain and approximately 3.3 days of precipitation (according to Weather Spark).

Overall, Idaho Falls has warm, dry, and mostly clear summers, while winters are freezing, snowy, and partly cloudy (according to Weather Spark). The humidity level remains comfortable during the summer months (according to myPerfectWeather).

Education and Demographics

School Ratings

The Idaho Falls School District serves the city’s student population. For the 2026 school year, there are 22 public schools serving over 10,000 students (according to Public School Review). The district’s average testing ranking is 4 out of 10, placing it in the bottom 50% of public schools in Idaho (according to Public School Review). Math proficiency is at 37%, and reading proficiency is at 48% (according to Public School Review).

Idaho Falls High School is recognized as a top-performing school in the area, with a 2024 graduation rate of 84% (according to East Idaho News). Compass Academy also shows strong performance with a 95% graduation rate (according to East Idaho News). Niche gives the Idaho Falls School District a “B minus” rating overall (according to Niche).

Demographics

As of 2024, Idaho Falls has a population of 67,725, making it the fourth most populated city in Idaho (according to the US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). The projected population for 2026 is 70,487 (according to the US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey).

The largest racial/ethnic groups in Idaho Falls are White (77.5%), followed by Hispanic (16.7%), and Two or More Races (3.8%) (according to the US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). The median household income in Idaho Falls was $73,110 in 2024 (according to the US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). The median age of residents is 33.7 years (according to World Population Review).