Pocatello
RANK #523 / 996 NAT · POP 87,434
1YR FORECAST: +1.1%
5YR OUTLOOK: +23%
Bannock County, Idaho, is perhaps best known as home to Pocatello, the county seat and Idaho's fifth-largest city, often called the "Gate City" for its historical role as a transportation hub. Located in southeastern Idaho, it sits in the Portneuf River valley, roughly two hours from Yellowstone National Park. The community offers a four-season climate, with clear, sunny, and dry weather. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with the Portneuf Range offering hiking, camping, fishing, and skiing at Pebble Creek Ski Area. The Portneuf Greenway provides miles of trails along the river for walking and biking.
Life in Bannock County is characterized by a blend of urban amenities and access to natural landscapes. The presence of Idaho State University in Pocatello contributes to the area's educational and cultural scene, offering over 200 programs and acting as a major economic driver. Public schools in the county are rated above average. Commute times are generally short, with most workers having less than a 20-minute drive. The economy is diverse, with key industries including education, healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture. Recent economic developments include investments in transportation infrastructure and initiatives aimed at transforming underutilized areas into economic hubs.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Well below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.0x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Harmon Solar Project (300 MW Solar + 1200 MWh BESS)
Balanced Rock Power
|
$300M | Proposed |
|
New Residential Construction (Multiple Developments)
Various Home Builders
|
$100M | Under Construction |
|
Savage Transload Network Facilities
Savage Transload Network
|
$50M | Completed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Bannock County scores 47/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#523). Median household income is $60,998 and job growth is running at +2.3%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Bannock County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $233,500 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.26, with rents averaging $823/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Bannock County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +1.2% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +2.3% clip. Home values shifted +0.1% in the past year.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 4.24% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Bannock County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.