East Idaho Stats & Facts

Thinking about moving to Idaho Falls, Rigby, Rexburg or the surrounding communities? Here’s a quick snapshot of the Eastern Idaho region and why so many families are choosing to live here.

At a glance

  • Bonneville County population: about 133,600 (2024, Idaho Department of Labor)
  • Median household income (Bonneville County): $79,068 (2024)
  • Unemployment rate (Bonneville County): 3.2% (December 2025)
  • Idaho population growth: 1.4% in 2025, one of the faster-growing states in the country
  • Typical home sale price, Idaho Falls: about $405,000 (Redfin mid-tier median, January 2026)
  • Elevation: Idaho Falls sits at roughly 4,700 feet
  • Climate: four distinct seasons, with warm, dry summers and snowy winters

Communities in the region

Eastern Idaho is made up of a cluster of cities and small towns, each with its own personality:

  • Idaho Falls is the regional hub for jobs, health care, shopping and dining, with the Snake River Greenbelt running through the heart of town.
  • Ammon and Iona are fast-growing communities on the east side of Idaho Falls, popular with young families.
  • Rigby, Ririe, Menan and Lewisville in Jefferson County offer small-town living, larger lots and acreage, with an easy commute to Idaho Falls.
  • Rexburg is home to Brigham Young University–Idaho and has a lively college-town feel.
  • Shelley, Firth and Blackfoot to the south, and St. Anthony and Ashton to the north, round out the region.

Jobs and economy

Idaho National Laboratory, headquartered in Idaho Falls, is one of the region’s largest employers and draws engineers and scientists from around the world. Other major employers include Melaleuca, Mountain View Hospital, Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, Idaho Falls Community Hospital, and the local school districts. Agriculture, especially potatoes, grain and cattle, is still a big part of the local economy.

Education

  • Brigham Young University–Idaho (Rexburg)
  • College of Eastern Idaho (Idaho Falls)
  • Idaho State University and University of Idaho programs in Idaho Falls
  • Strong public school districts plus a growing number of public charter schools. See my East Idaho schools guide.

Getting around

  • Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) offers nonstop flights to several major hubs
  • Interstate 15 and U.S. Highway 20 connect the region north to south and east to west
  • Yellowstone National Park and Jackson Hole, Wyoming are each about a 2-hour drive
  • Salt Lake City is about 3 hours south, and Boise about 4 hours west

Figures are the most recent available as of October 2026 from the Idaho Department of Labor, U.S. Census Bureau estimates and Redfin. Market numbers change frequently. Ask me for current stats on any neighborhood.

Want the latest numbers for a specific area?

I’ve lived in East Idaho for more than 25 years and I’m happy to answer questions about any town, neighborhood or school in the area. Call or text me at 208-520-6363 or email andreahjardine@gmail.com.

Andrea Jardine, Realtor® · BOSS Real Estate · 396 Park Ave., Suite 100, Idaho Falls, Idaho