Idaho Living Report — July 22, 2026

For many considering a move to the Mountain West, Idaho has emerged as a compelling alternative to pricier neighbors like Colorado or Oregon. The Gem State’s population now sits at approximately 1,854,109, reflecting steady growth driven by newcomers seeking space, outdoor access, and a relatively manageable cost of living. But what does everyday life actually look like for a transplant?

The cost of living remains a primary draw, though it is no longer a bargain. The median one-bedroom apartment rents for $1,061 per month, while the median home value stands at $331,600. To put affordability in perspective, consider the median household income of $70,214. That gives a rent-to-income ratio of roughly 18% for a single-bedroom unit—well below the 30% threshold that housing experts consider burdensome. Homeownership, however, requires more financial heft: the typical home costs about 4.7 times the median income, a ratio that has climbed in recent years but still beats coastal markets. The poverty rate sits at 10.7%, slightly under the national average, suggesting that while prosperity isn’t universal, economic opportunity is fairly widespread.

Job seekers will find a tight labor market. The unemployment rate was just 3.6% as of June 2026, a figure that reflects a robust economy driven by construction, healthcare, tech, and logistics. Idaho has attracted a wave of remote workers drawn by the quality of life, as well as families prioritizing safety and schools. The median age of 36.9 points to a population that skew

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Data: US Census Bureau ACS 2022, BLS. Updated July 22, 2026.

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