Rexburg, Idaho

America’s Family Community

An up-and-coming city with youth and dynamic growth on its side

With an average resident age of just over 22 years, Rexburg, Idaho, boasts a unique identity as “America’s Family Community.” Brigham Young University-Idaho is at the core of this identity, a significant educational institution that enrolls over 20,000 students annually. The university’s presence infuses the city with energy and growth, making Rexburg an appealing destination for families and businesses.

Sitting down with the city’s leadership—including Mayor Jerry Merrill; Scott Johnson, Director of Economic Development and Public Relations; Keith Davidson, Public Works Director; and Aaron Denney, Economic Development Assistant—provide a comprehensive picture of Rexburg’s current state and future aspirations.

A city of youth and family

Rexburg’s youthful demographic sets it apart from many other cities. Mayor Merrill, who has seen the city’s growth firsthand, describes the city’s charm: “Our tagline, ‘America’s Family Community,’ reflects our commitment to creating an environment where families can thrive. With the youngest average age in the country—around 22 to 23 years—we’re a vibrant, youthful city surrounded by stunning natural features. The mountains, Yellowstone Park, and Jackson Hole provide endless opportunities for outdoor activities, and we’re dedicated to ensuring that Rexburg is a great place for families.”

The city’s proximity to natural attractions and its focus on family-oriented development create a unique living experience. The focus is evident in the city’s housing strategies and commitment to providing a balanced mix of single-family and multi-family housing options.

Housing market and development

Rexburg is experiencing a significant shift in its housing market. According to Johnson, the city is making strides to balance the demand for single- and multi-family housing. “We have a sufficient supply of multi-family units, but we are still working to address the need for more single-family homes. We’ve struggled to keep up with demand, but we’re trying to streamline regulations and facilitate new developments.”

Davidson highlights: “We have several new projects in the pipeline, including affordable housing units and market-rate developments. Notable projects include the Summer Field and Alpine subdivisions and the Madison Park complex, adding around 300 units. Additionally, we are working on a new student housing complex to accommodate the university’s planned expansion.”

Brigham Young University-Idaho’s growth plays a significant role in shaping the city’s housing market. The university plans to increase its enrollment by 6,000 students, further driving demand for student housing and impacting the local real estate landscape. Mayor Merrill elaborates on the university’s unique approach: “The university operates on a trimester system, which means they serve about 40,000 students annually. This system allows them to offer affordable education while managing a high student turnover, which adds to the dynamic nature of our community.”

Infrastructure impact

Infrastructure improvements are a central focus for Rexburg, especially with ongoing road construction projects to enhance traffic flow and safety. Mayor Merrill describes the current state of roadwork as follows: “This summer has been challenging with major road construction. We’re updating two main interchanges on Highway 20, which have caused significant traffic disruptions. The work is essential to improve traffic flow and safety, and while it’s inconvenient now, it will greatly benefit the city once completed.”

“The current road improvements include implementing a divergent diamond interchange design. This innovative design will help manage traffic more efficiently by reducing conflict points and streamlining the movement of vehicles”, Davidson notes. The project is expected to be completed by the fall semester, which should ease the traffic congestion caused by the university’s student influx.

Fiber internet and technological advancements

Fiber internet is set to transform Rexburg into a modern, connected community. By mid-2025, the city plans to have high-speed fiber internet available to every home, with multiple providers offering competitive services. Johnson highlights the impact of this project, “We anticipated about a 40% take rate initially, but we’re seeing about a 70% take rate. The high demand reflects the city’s need for robust internet services, especially as more people move here to work remotely.”

The open-access network allows homeowners to choose from multiple providers without contracts or data caps. Johnson shares his experience, “I pay $68 for a one-gig connection up and down, and I can switch providers anytime if I’m not satisfied.” The flexibility and affordability make Rexburg an attractive destination for tech-savvy residents and businesses.

Economic opportunities and growth

Rexburg’s growth is not limited to housing and infrastructure; the city also fosters a burgeoning business environment. Johnson emphasizes the city’s economic potential, “Rexburg offers significant opportunities for business development, thanks to our growing population and favorable living conditions. Our city’s safety, cleanliness, and strong community spirit make it an attractive location for businesses.”

The city’s economic landscape includes major employers and recent business expansions. Johnson highlights the growth in key sectors, “Education, healthcare, and agriculture are major industries here. Notably, Basic American Foods recently completed a $125 million expansion of their plant, which was a competitive process involving multiple locations. Additionally, tech manufacturing is emerging as a significant sector, with companies like AMET providing automated welding systems for high-profile clients like NASA and Boeing.”

Denny speaks about the city’s focus on entrepreneurship, “We recently received a $6.5 million grant from the Economic Development Administration to build an entrepreneurial center. This facility will provide low-cost rental space and mentoring for startups, fostering local business growth and innovation.”

Community engagement

The city’s Chamber of Commerce plays an important role in fostering business relations, and the collaboration with local schools and county officials contributes to the city’s overall growth. The school district consistently achieves a 97-98% graduation rate, and the strong relationship between the city, university, and local organizations supports the community’s development.

Its exceptional school system highlights the district’s success, which is vital to the community. The high graduation rate is a testament to educators’ dedication and families’ support.

Cultural events

Rexburg’s community spirit is further showcased through its cultural and recreational events. The city hosts numerous events that attract residents and visitors alike. “We have a rich cultural arts program with student orchestras, choirs, and performances featuring top-tier artists,” Mayor Merrill says. Events like the monthly First Friday art walk, the Teton Dam marathon, and the historic carousel draw thousands of visitors annually.

The city’s emphasis on cultural activities extends to various community events. Mayor Merrill shares, “In August, we host Celebrate Youth, an event sponsored by the school district that attracts 12,000 to 14,000 people to one of our largest parks. It’s a massive event with activities for all ages, and it’s a great way for families to come together.”

The city’s commitment to family-friendly events continues throughout the year. Experience Rexburg in September features businesses setting up booths in the park to introduce themselves to college students. Oktoberfest celebrates the mighty potato in October with square dancing, face painting, and various potato dishes.

Rexburg’s winter activities also stand out. The city transforms its golf course into a winter park, offering cross-country skiing, sledding, and ice skating. People are encouraged to enjoy winter with activities that benefit their physical and mental health. The city is also excited about the upcoming hockey arena, a public-private partnership expected to be completed around the holidays.

Investment opportunities

Rexburg’s appeal extends to potential investors and developers. The city offers various opportunities for growth and expansion, driven by its strategic initiatives and supportive community environment. Johnson highlights the city’s proactive approach to development, “We are working on a downtown redevelopment project, which includes mixed-use parking structures, retail spaces, offices, and housing. This $70-75 million project is set to start in the second quarter of next year and will create significant opportunities for businesses to locate in Rexburg.”

The downtown redevelopment is part of a broader effort to enhance the city’s infrastructure and attract new businesses. Davidson provides insights into the upcoming projects, “We are also working on upgrading our sewer and water systems, and we have plans to relocate our airport to handle larger business jets. These projects support the city’s growth and ensure we have the necessary infrastructure.”

A safe place to live

Rexburg’s safety is a key attraction. “We are continually voted among the safest cities in Idaho and the country,” Mayor Merrill states. The city’s low crime rate and family-friendly environment make it an ideal place to live and work. This reputation is bolstered by the strong community and local law enforcement relationship, fostering residents’ sense of security and trust.

Looking ahead

As Rexburg continues to grow and evolve, its leadership remains focused on enhancing the city’s infrastructure, housing, and economic opportunities. The city’s commitment to family values, safety, and community development positions it as a vibrant and promising place for residents and businesses.

“Our job is to create a great place so that people want to be here, which in turn helps businesses attract the talent they need to be successful.” With such a clear and compelling vision, Rexburg is indeed on the rise, ready to embrace a future filled with promise and potential.

AT A GLANCE

Rexburg, Idaho

What: A small city with a notably young population, primarily due to the presence of Brigham Young University-Idaho, which attracts thousands of students each year.

Where: In eastern Idaho, within Madison County, approximately 30 miles northeast of Idaho Falls.

Website: https://www.rexburg.org/