Cost of Living
Idaho’s cost of living is the lowest in the western United States. For necessities such as groceries, housing, healthcare, utilities, and transportation, costs in eastern Idaho are often 20 to 50 percent less than in other areas. The message is clear — the cost of living in eastern Idaho is attractive.
Taxes
In fiscal year 2010, 25 of the 50 states had higher overall taxes per $1,000 of total personal income than Idaho. Only eight states had lower overall taxes per capita. (Source: Idaho State Annual Report.) The average property tax rate in Idaho Falls is 0.938%.
Crime Rate
According to CLR reseach.com, the Idaho Falls total crime risk is 68 and it indicated lower than the average United States total crime risk which is 100. Index score for an area is compared to the national average of 100. A score of 200 indicates twice the national average total risk, while 50 indicates half the national risk. Almost all of risk is lower than the average United States rate.
|
Crime Rates in Idaho Falls |
|||
|
2011 Crime Rate Indexes |
Idaho Falls, ID |
Idaho |
United States |
|
Total Crime Risk |
68 |
83 |
100 |
|
Murder Risk |
79 |
82 |
100 |
|
Rape Risk |
111 |
125 |
100 |
|
Robbery Risk |
41 |
85 |
100 |
|
Assault Risk |
67 |
80 |
100 |
|
Burglary Risk |
106 |
104 |
100 |
|
Larceny Risk |
142 |
108 |
100 |
|
Motor Vehicle Theft Risk |
69 |
68 |
100 |
Housing Market
Eastern Idaho’s housing costs are moderate and affordable, and homes are available from modest cottages to executive estates. According to the Greater Idaho Falls Association of Realtors, the average home price for a mid- to upper-management quality executive home with the specifications listed below is $144,900 in the Idaho Falls metro area and $133,000in the surrounding areas.
- Location: Good subdivision, convenient for shopping and school, within an area offering full municipal services.
- General Description: 1 to 2-story house; 3-4 bedroom, 2 full baths, living-dining area, kitchen with built-in cabinetry, finished family room, one fireplace, utility room. Conventionally built on site.
- Lot Size: 8000 sq. ft.
- Garage: Two-car attached.
(These standards are set forth by ACCRA (American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association). However, many houses in Eastern Idaho exceed these standards with larger lots, more house square footage, and three-car garages.
Cultural Arts in Idaho Falls
Idaho Falls has several cultural venues which host many thrilling shows and events. We are home to the Idaho Falls Art Council, the Willard Colonial Theater, the Museum of Idaho, the East Idaho Art Museum, and the Idaho Falls Symphony. Many events postings are on our web calendar throughout the year.
Recreation in Idaho Falls
Four distinct seasons means that eastern Idaho can offer an unusual variety of diverse recreational activities. Outdoor recreation is available year-round – you just have to dress for it.
The area's cities and community organizations offer programs in softball, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and baseball. In the winter the Tautphaus Park Ice Rink is in use nearly 24 hours a day by hockey teams of all ages as well as by ice skaters.Also, Tautphaus lce rink remodeled and improved for public and ice hockey player.
Idaho Falls is home to an aquatic complex and a national junior Olympic whitewater training site. The Chukars, a baseball team currently affiliated with the Kansas City Royals in the Pioneer League, plays ball each summer in Melaleuca Field, a new stadium that seats 3,400. Sandy Downs south of town hosts thoroughbred racing each September with pari-mutuel betting, as well as the War Bonnet Roundup, the longest-running rodeo in Idaho.
Idaho Falls’ Tautphaus Park Zoo houses over 350 animals, making it the largest zoo in Idaho. The Tautphaus Park Zoo proudly participates in the Species Survival Plan® for 14 different species including Snow Leopards, Amur Tigers, and Red crowned cranes.
“The city maintains 30 parks and three golf courses, which make up 1,960 acres of parklands. (The acreage doesn't include school yards.) That is four times the park space of neighboring Pocatello and well above the national average, according to the Trust for Public Land, a group that lobbies for protection and enhancement of parks. In acres, Idaho Falls is 13.8 percent city parks or golf course. That is a higher percentage than environmentally friendly Seattle and equal to Portland, Ore., which is considered one of the most park-friendly cities in the U.S.”
- Rob Thornberry, Idaho Falls Post Register, September 25, 2008
Idaho Falls’ 30 city parks include the beautiful Greenbelt around the Snake River, a skate park, and a new equal access playground. Idaho Falls also has two public golf courses and a private country club.