RANK #680 / 996 · POP 87,434 · ID
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.1%
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.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| 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 has a Boom Town Index score of 32/100, ranking #680 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +2.3% and a median household income of $60,998, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Bannock County is $233,500 with median rent at $823/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2612, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +2.3%. Home values changed +0.1% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.24% of Bannock County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.