Moving to Pocatello, Idaho: A Comprehensive Relocation Guide
Considering moving to Pocatello, Idaho? This historic Eastern Idaho city offers university atmosphere, affordable living, and outdoor access. With approximately 57,000 residents in 2025, Pocatello combines college town character with railroad heritage and Southeast Idaho’s regional hub.
Demographic Profile to Consider If Moving to Pocatello:
Pocatello’s 2025 population is approximately 57,000 residents in this Bannock County city in Southeast Idaho along the Portneuf River. The median age is around 32 years, reflecting Idaho State University’s influence. The population is approximately 85% White, 8% Hispanic, 3% Native American, 2% Asian. Pocatello features the ISU campus, historic Old Town district, railroad heritage buildings, and mountain backdrop. The city serves as Southeast Idaho’s commercial and medical hub. Pocatello attracts students, university employees, healthcare workers, and those seeking affordable Idaho living with mountain recreation access. The community values education, railroad history, outdoor lifestyle, and small-city character.
Cost of Living to Consider If Moving to Pocatello:
Pocatello offers exceptional affordability for Idaho. Median home values range from $280,000 to $370,000 in 2025, among the state’s most affordable markets while providing quality living and university amenities. The median household income is approximately $52,000. Rental properties average $1,000 to $1,500 monthly, with abundant student housing affecting the market. Idaho’s state income tax is flat 5.8%. Overall cost of living is very low, making Pocatello highly attractive for students, families, university employees, and those seeking affordable mountain living. The city provides tremendous value with college amenities and outdoor access. Housing costs create exceptional accessibility for diverse income levels.
Economy and Job Market:
Pocatello’s economy centers on Idaho State University, healthcare, government, and manufacturing. ISU is a major employer with faculty, staff, and operations. Portneuf Medical Center and other healthcare facilities provide medical employment serving the region. The city government and Bannock County provide jobs. ON Semiconductor operates manufacturing. The railroad heritage continues with Union Pacific operations. Typical industries include education, healthcare, government, and manufacturing. The economy benefits from university stability and serves as Southeast Idaho’s regional hub. Career opportunities are somewhat limited outside education and healthcare.
Education:
Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 serves area students with schools including Pocatello High School, Highland High School, and various elementary and middle schools. School quality is adequate. Idaho State University offers comprehensive programs including strong health sciences and pharmacy programs, and NCAA Division I athletics (Idaho State Bengals). The university creates college-town atmosphere and graduates professionals serving the region. The educational infrastructure benefits from ISU’s presence.
Recreation and Lifestyle:
Pocatello offers excellent outdoor recreation access with nearby skiing at Pebble Creek Ski Area, hiking trails including Scout Mountain and Mink Creek, mountain biking on extensive trail systems, and the Portneuf River Greenway providing paved recreation paths through the city. Residents enjoy rock climbing at nearby areas, camping, and fishing. The historic Old Town district features restaurants and shops. ISU athletic events, performances, and cultural programming create entertainment. The Zoo Idaho provides family activities. Downata Hot Springs offers natural soaking. The lifestyle emphasizes affordable living, outdoor recreation, college atmosphere, and four-season activities. The mountain setting creates scenic beauty. The community values education, outdoor access, railroad heritage, and affordability. Living in Pocatello means accepting geographic isolation (2 hours to Salt Lake City, 3.5 hours to Boise), limited career opportunities outside university/healthcare, and cold winters while enjoying exceptional outdoor recreation access, college amenities, and Idaho’s most affordable mountain city living.
Healthcare and Services:
Pocatello residents access comprehensive healthcare through Portneuf Medical Center providing full-service hospital care as the regional medical center. The healthcare infrastructure serves Southeast Idaho with quality medical services. ISU’s health sciences programs contribute to medical education.
Transportation:
Pocatello is accessed via Interstate 15, Interstate 86, U.S. Highway 30, and various corridors. Pocatello Regional Airport provides limited commercial service. Pocatello Regional Transit operates bus routes throughout the city. Most residents use personal vehicles. Campus areas offer some walkability. Typical travel times to Salt Lake City or other regional destinations vary with some isolation.
Conclusion:
Moving to Pocatello in 2025 offers affordable college city living with ISU Bengals, outdoor recreation, and mountain beauty. The city’s combination of low housing costs, university atmosphere, and trail access makes it ideal for students, outdoor enthusiasts, and budget-conscious families seeking Southeast Idaho lifestyle where college energy meets mountain recreation and exceptional affordability defines Idaho’s ultimate value university city.