Moving to Southern Idaho? Here Are 7 Counties to Consider
In Twin Falls and the surrounding Magic Valley, you can find just about any type of living situation to suit your lifestyle.
There’s so much to love about Southern Idaho: The stunning scenery, outstanding outdoor activities, great career opportunities, and a fabulous foodie scene. Here’s another great asset: Choosing to move to Twin Falls and the Magic Valley means you have seven great counties to choose from. Let’s take a tour to see which county may be the best fit for you.
In This Article
Twin Falls County
Population: 86,878 • Median home value: $304,000
The county is home to Twin Falls, the largest city in the Magic Valley and center of commerce for the region. Twin Falls is home to the main campus of the College of Southern Idaho, one of the fastest-growing higher education institutions in the state. One of the city’s most famous attractions is Perrine Bridge, which draws BASE jumpers from around the world who parachute to the Snake River below. Shoshone Falls Park includes a waterfall with a drop of more than 200 feet and is one of the largest natural waterfalls in the U.S. The city of Buhl is also near the Snake River, and adventurers can enjoy fishing, boating, kayaking and whitewater rafting. Buhl has several large sprawling farm fields, linking this area to the agrarian values that tie everyone in the Magic Valley to the land.
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Lincoln County
Population: 5,366 • Median home value: $191,000
Lincoln County is a rural community known for its “horse property” type of housing options, with small acreages and country living. The county seat of Shoshone is primarily a farming and dairy community. Four highways converge in Shoshone and the county is a crossroads to Yellowstone, the Ketchum-Sun Valley resorts, Boise and Twin Falls.
Cassia County
Population: 24,030 • Median home value: $230,000
One of the Magic Valley’s fastest-growing communities is Cassia County, which offers easy access to the Snake River along with several waterfalls that highlight the region. In Burley, the county seat, an industrial and commercial boom has been occurring over the last 10 years, and now the city’s residential market is becoming just as robust. In Oakley, residents can choose neighborhoods that feature historic Victorian homes. The community has hosted an annual summertime Pioneer Days celebration for more than 130 years.
Gooding County
Population: 15,179 • Median home value: $234,000
The dairy industry is a major economic contributor in Gooding County, where the city of Gooding is home to a barrel cheese factory operated by Glanbia that is the largest in the world. Barrel cheese is the raw product for processed cheese. Gooding also houses the Idaho School for the Deaf and the Blind. Hagerman hosts a large arts and music festival every September, and the town’s location on the Snake River makes it ideal for residents and visitors who enjoy fishing, boating, kayaking and whitewater rafting. Adventurers will also enjoy exploring the stunning beauty of Thousand Springs State Park – Ritter Island.
Minidoka County
Population: 21,039 • Median home value: $213,000
One of the Magic Valley’s fastest-growing areas, Minidoka County offers outdoor splendor and boundless recreation opportunities such as hiking, camping and wildlife viewing. The city of Rupert has experienced recent upgrades to the historic Wilson Theatre and renovations to its downtown square, giving the district a classic small-town America vibe. Minidoka County is a diverse community where more than 36% of its population identifies as Hispanic or Latino. Heyburn, with its proximity to Twin Falls (about 40 miles away), is growing in popularity as a bedroom community. For an otherworldly experience, adventurers can explore the dormant lava fields of the nearby Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve.
Jerome County
Population: 24,412 • Median home value: $277,000
Much has been happening lately in Jerome, with smart growth taking place thanks to favorable housing prices, a pro-business environment and little traffic congestion. The community recently invested $850,000 into redoing Idaho Central Credit Union Park. Jerome County’s boundaries at the center of the Snake River make the community popular with anyone who enjoys outdoor adventure. Dairy production has long been a significant industry in Jerome County.
Camas County
Population: 1,106 • Median home value: $151,000
In this rural community, Camas County residents can experience country living while enjoying close proximity to urban amenities. The county seat is Fairfield. Many outdoor recreation opportunities are available in the nearby Soldier Mountains and Sawtooth National Forest.
Want to learn more about living in Twin Falls and the Magic Valley? Check out the latest edition of Livability Southern Idaho.
