For years, Idaho was the place many Americans confused with Iowa. Then the rest of the country discovered what we already knew: Idaho is an amazing place to live.
As more people moved here, demand for housing increased and prices rose. At the same time, many homeowners with low-interest mortgages chose to stay put, further tightening the supply. As a result, too many Idahoans, including young adults, growing families and first-time buyers, are struggling to afford a home of their own.
There is no single cause or simple solution, but many of our housing challenges involve two factors: location and cost.
First, where housing can be built matters. Local planning and zoning requirements involving lot sizes, building heights, density, open space, and parking shape what can be built and where. Although each requirement may serve a purpose, it can also add time and expense that ultimately result in higher home prices and rents.
In 2026, the Idaho Legislature adopted statewide land-use policies for cities with more than 10,000 residents, including provisions allowing smaller-lot starter homes and accessory dwelling units. The goal was to remove unnecessary barriers and create more housing options.
At the same time, Idaho’s communities are not all alike. What works in Boise may not work in Idaho Falls, Pocatello or our smaller rural communities. State policy can address broad barriers, but local leaders, and residents need flexibility to plan for their community’s needs and character.
Finding suitable land can also be difficult. Demand is often greatest near jobs, schools and services, where vacant land is limited. Older properties can be redeveloped, but demolition and reconstruction add costs. Land may be more available on the outskirts of a community, but building farther from employment centers increases commuting time and transportation expenses.
Second, building costs matter. Even after finding suitable land and navigating the permitting process, construction requires materials and skilled labor. Idaho continues to face shortages in many skilled trades. When electricians, plumbers, framers, and other tradespeople are in high demand, projects take longer and cost more.
What can we do?
We should begin by examining regulatory costs. Safety standards such as fire codes and smoke detector requirements protect families and serve an important purpose. However, parking minimums, large-lot requirements, and lengthy approval processes can make smaller, more affordable homes too expensive to build. Regulations should protect the public, not simply preserve the way things have always been done.
We often hear that “growth should pay for itself.” I agree that existing residents should not carry the full cost of new development. Growth places real demands on roads, water systems, public safety and schools.
But we should be honest about why a project is denied. Is it because of legitimate infrastructure costs, or because it includes smaller lots, accessory dwelling units or housing that differs from what has traditionally been built? The status quo cannot become an excuse for preventing homes that working Idahoans can afford.
Idaho is also expanding its skilled workforce through programs such as Idaho Launch. Our community colleges, including the College of Eastern Idaho, are creating more opportunities in high-demand careers such as plumbing, electrical work, welding and construction management.
The state can also support growing communities through infrastructure coordination, low-interest loans and targeted programs for roads, water and sewer systems.
Solving Idaho’s housing shortage will require multiple tools and cooperation among state and local leaders, builders, educators, employers and residents. We will not solve it overnight. But if we want our children and grandchildren to build their lives here, we must examine the barriers, make thoughtful changes and begin the work today.