Idaho Falls, ID – The City of Idaho Falls has released the findings of their 2018 Idaho Falls Housing Inventory Study, conducted by the Idaho Policy Institute at Boise State University.

The study was sponsored by the Greater Idaho Falls Association of Realtors, East Idaho Homebuilders Association, Idaho Housing & Finance Association, and the City of Idaho Falls.

“The information from the study will be used by the city’s Community Development Services Department to better understand, plan for, and assess current and future housing needs,” said Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper.  “Our goal is to use the data to guide urban planning efforts to ensure that we have the right mix of housing for all lifestyles and income levels. The current nationwide housing shortage has taught us that there is a direct correlation between available housing stock and economic prosperity. You cannot attract new industry and business if there is no place for employees to live.”

The study examines employment and income trends and analyzes current housing inventory including rental-occupied units and vacancy rates. In addition, it provides information and data to help provide a forecast of future housing needs in Bonneville County over the next five years.  The research relied heavily on housing data from a variety of sources beginning in 2010. 

Findings from the report indicate that employment and median household income have been improving, and there is a strong forecast for continued growth in the area. The study suggests that by 2023, an additional 1,078 housing units will be needed within the county to keep pace with anticipated growth.  Currently, there are an estimated 41,652 housing units in Bonneville County.

“The City doesn’t directly invest in housing developments, but the findings will be used as a tool to better inform the conversations and influence discussions with those who do,” said Dana Briggs, Idaho Falls Economic Development Coordinator. “The intent is to share the findings with various community organizations and interested stakeholders to help the city be prepared to meet the demands of the future.”

Additional findings from the report indicate that the total number of housing units within the region have been increasing, with more occupied units and fewer vacant units over the course of the study period.  The data also show that most of the new inventory being built has been for residents wishing to own homes; however, in recent years a substantial number of apartment homes have been constructed in the County as well. 

To view the complete report online, visit the city's website at www.idahofallsidaho.gov.

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Media Note: For more information or to schedule an interview with city staff, contact Public Information Officer, Bud Cranor.