In the early 1900s, Idaho Falls City's economy was largely agricultural, but by the 1950s the town's economy was dependent on high-paying jobs at the nearby Idaho National Laboratory, also known as "The Site." Today, Idaho Falls has a growing retail sector and a regional medical center. It's also home to the Willard Arts Center, which hosts plays and musical concerts. It also has a civic auditorium, where events are held.
The median age in Idaho Falls City was 32.2 years, and nearly 30% of residents were under the age of 18. Twenty-four percent of households were married couples; 11.3% had female householders without a husband or wife present. One-quarter of households were non-families, and 31.6% were single people. As of the 2010 Census, there were 49.5% of male residents and 50.3% of females.
The state of Idaho is environmentally friendly, and its residents have a deep appreciation for the outdoors. Despite its small size, Idaho is home to many artistic and cultural events. The state's culture has expanded to include ballets and operas, beer festivals, and sheep festivals. While once dominated by a Mormon community, today the state has a diverse population with strong Native American and Hispanic heritage.
The area surrounding Idaho Falls was originally sparsely populated. It was only in 1864 that it started to develop as a permanent settlement. The river's lower level made it easier for travelers to travel on it, including miners and freighters, and settlers who had come west to find the riches of the gold fields. Those who wished to travel the Montana Trail and find gold were able to do so by building a timber-frame toll bridge over the river. During the gold rush, Idaho Falls was a hub for travel and commerce, and it became a hub of Idaho's western frontier.