Iona
Fast-Growing Bedroom Community Northeast of Idaho Falls
Why People Move Here
Iona is a rapidly growing bedroom community five miles northeast of downtown Idaho Falls, with a 2024 population of ~3,105 and a growth rate of +152.8% since 2000 — faster than 100% of similarly sized US cities. The city was founded in 1883 as a Sand Creek irrigated agricultural settlement and renamed Iona later in the decade. Today its appeal centers on a ~10-minute commute to downtown Idaho Falls, newer housing stock built during the city's expansion, and the annual Iona Days civic festival every July.
Key Statistics
Data sourced from census records, school district reports, and local transit authorities.
Commute Times
School Districts
Bonneville Joint School District #93
B~13,646 students across the district
- Iona Elementary School (K-5) — located within Iona city limits
- Rocky Mountain Middle School (grades 6-8, Ammon/Iona area)
- Hillcrest High School (Ammon, 9-12) — 'Home of the Knights', typical attendance zone for Iona residents
- District-wide: 13,646 students across 26 schools (2024), serving Ammon, Iona, Ucon, and parts of Idaho Falls and the Lincoln CDP
FAQ — Iona
How far is Iona from Idaho Falls?
Approximately 5 miles northeast via E 49th N and Iona Road — about 10 minutes off-peak and 14 minutes in rush hour. Iona is one of the closest bedroom communities to downtown Idaho Falls and is within the Idaho Falls/Ammon commercial shed.
What schools serve Iona?
Bonneville Joint School District #93 — 13,646 students across 26 schools (2024). Iona Elementary School (K-5) is located within Iona city limits, Rocky Mountain Middle School serves grades 6-8, and Hillcrest High School in Ammon serves 9-12. Verify enrollment eligibility by address; Bonneville 93 boundaries with Idaho Falls District #91 are complex.
What is the housing market like in Iona?
Realtytrac's 2025 data shows a median estimated home value of approximately $501,299, with a median list price around $579,000 across 43 active listings. Iona's housing stock skews newer than Idaho Falls core due to rapid growth — the city has expanded +152.8% since the 2000 Census.
What is the history of Iona?
Iona was first settled in 1883 as an irrigated agricultural community called Sand Creek, located about five miles northeast of present-day Idaho Falls. The settlement was renamed Iona later in the decade — a tribute to early pioneer efforts on the Upper Snake River Plain. The city today hosts the Iona Days civic festival each July.
What is Iona Days?
Iona Days is the city's largest annual event, held each July (July 18-19 in 2025). The weekend features a parade, car show, 5K and 10K fun runs, kids' strider bike races, a cornhole tournament, food and craft vendors, and wraps up with a 25-minute fireworks show synced to music.
What parks and outdoor recreation are in Iona?
Pioneer Park is a 1.8-acre park with walking paths, a splash pad, and picnic areas (open 6 a.m.-11 p.m.), and Iona Park is a 5.7-acre park with a playground and baseball fields. The Snake River Greenbelt paved multi-use trail is about 15 minutes southwest in downtown Idaho Falls, and Heise Hot Springs is about 25 minutes northeast in Ririe.
How does Idaho's tax structure affect Iona residents?
Idaho has a 5.3% flat state income tax (reduced from 5.69% effective January 1, 2025) applied on income above the standard deduction. State sales tax is 6% with no local option in Bonneville County. Bonneville County's 2025 overall average effective property tax rate is approximately 0.702% (urban ~0.857%, rural ~0.393%) per Idaho State Tax Commission data.
Compare Communities
Other communities in North Valley.