Post Falls housing market growth drives new public engagement and strategic planning

Post Falls City Council has taken significant steps to address the booming housing market in the area, as highlighted during their recent meeting on March 18, 2025. The council discussed findings from a public workshop and data analysis that reveal Post Falls is experiencing one of the highest population and housing growth rates in the country.

The city has seen remarkable growth over the past 25 years, with projections indicating that the population could double by 2030. This rapid expansion is accompanied by a surge in housing units, with Post Falls leading in growth rates compared to neighboring Kootenai County and Spokane County. Currently, 66% of homes in Post Falls are owner-occupied, a figure that remains above both state and national averages, although the rise of multifamily units is gradually shifting this balance.

During the meeting, city officials shared insights from a series of public engagements, including an open mic session and roundtable interviews, which gathered community feedback on housing concerns. The data collected indicated that 70% of homes in Post Falls are less than 35 years old, reflecting the city's relatively young housing stock. Additionally, commuting patterns show that a majority of residents have short commutes, with 61% traveling less than 10 minutes to work.

Looking ahead, the council anticipates the creation of 1,500 new jobs in the next five years, which is expected to further influence housing demand. Despite the challenges posed by rising home values, which are among the highest in the region, the city remains committed to addressing the needs of its growing population.

The discussions at the meeting underscore the importance of strategic planning in managing Post Falls' rapid growth, ensuring that the community can adapt to the evolving housing landscape while maintaining its appeal as a desirable place to live.