Jefferson County, Idaho Real Estate

Jefferson County Economy & Jobs

Agriculture has defined Jefferson County since its first settlements, which depended on canals drawing water from the Snake River. Today the county is part of the Idaho Falls metropolitan area, and many residents commute to jobs in Idaho Falls, including at Idaho National Laboratory, while farming, agricultural services and local businesses in Rigby support the rest of the economy.

History of Jefferson County

A stagecoach line between Salt Lake City and the Montana mining camps crossed the area in 1864, with stops at Market Lake (now Roberts), Sand Hole (Hamer) and Camas. The county's first post office opened at Market Lake in 1868, and the Utah and Northern Railway reached Camas in 1879. Settlement followed at Menan in 1879, Lewisville in 1882, Rigby in 1883 and Ririe in 1888, supported by canals such as the Long Island Canal (1880), the Butte-Market Lake Canal (1884) and the Great Feeder Canal (begun 1895). Jefferson County was created on February 18, 1913, and named for President Thomas Jefferson. Rigby is also known as the boyhood home of Philo Farnsworth, the inventor of electronic television.

Towns & Communities in Jefferson County

Jefferson County's towns are spread across the farmland north and west of Idaho Falls.

• Rigby — The county seat and largest city, about 20 minutes north of Idaho Falls on U.S. 20, with growing subdivisions and acreage just outside town.
• Ririe — A small town at the eastern edge of the county near the foothills, with a rural setting and access to the South Fork country.
• Menan — Founded in 1879 as Poole's Island, a farming town at the foot of the Menan Buttes near the Snake River.
• Roberts — The old Market Lake stage stop on the county's west side, near Interstate 15, with homes on larger parcels and open farm country.

Popular Subdivisions in Jefferson County

Neighborhoods in Jefferson County with several homes or lots on the market right now:

Schools in Jefferson County

Jefferson County Joint School District 251 serves Rigby and much of the county, including Rigby High School. Ririe Joint School District 252 serves the Ririe area, and West Jefferson School District 253 serves the western communities around Terreton, Mud Lake and Hamer. The College of Eastern Idaho in Idaho Falls is the nearest community college.

Commute & Getting Around

U.S. Highway 20 links Rigby to Idaho Falls in about 20 minutes and to Rexburg in about 15. Interstate 15 crosses the western part of the county near Roberts and Hamer. Idaho Falls Regional Airport is the nearest commercial airport.

Recreation & Outdoors in Jefferson County

Rigby Lake (Jefferson County Lake) is a local favorite for swimming, paddling and camping in summer. The Menan Buttes, volcanic cones rising above the Snake River, offer hiking and wide valley views. The Snake River runs along the county's eastern side, and the Camas National Wildlife Refuge near Hamer and the Mud Lake area draw birdwatchers and hunters.

Land, Acreage & Horse Property in Jefferson County

Acreage is the heart of the Jefferson County market. Canal-irrigated parcels, small farms and country homes on several acres are common, and the county's long history of irrigation means water rights and canal shares are a key part of any land purchase. Valorie's List only labels a listing as horse property when the MLS reports livestock permitted, so ask about zoning, fencing, outbuildings and water delivery before you buy.

Cost of Living & Home Prices in Jefferson County

Jefferson County grew from 26,140 residents in 2010 to 30,891 in 2020, and the Census Bureau estimated about 35,300 in 2025, reflecting strong demand from buyers looking for space near Idaho Falls. Rural acreage and newer homes around Rigby make up a large share of listings. See the market snapshot on this page for current figures from active Snake River MLS listings.