Brigham Young University Idaho and it's Impact on Rexburg

BYU-Idaho, which is located in Rexburg, Idaho, has a significant impact on the city's economy, housing, and other aspects of the community. It's true that agriculture has a significant impact on the city of Rexburg, but the Eastern Idaho university has massive impact that provides many resources that would not be available to a small town. 

Rexburg's Economy is positively impacted by BYUI

Economically, BYUI is one of the largest employers in the area and provides jobs for many residents. These jobs include professors, administrators, an ever expanding need for Information Technology workers, and all of the support services including food services, the bookstore, groundskeeping and more.  The presence of the university also attracts businesses to the area, providing additional economic opportunities and contributing to the overall growth of the city. It goes without saying that the city probably wouldn't have its Super Walmart or many of the other stores that can only be sustained by a larger population. And the number of small businesses the university brings in is significant. These small businesses are run by long time residents as well as students who have a thriving entrepreneurial community. The university also brings in students from outside the area, which drives tourism and contributes to the local economy through spending on housing, food, and other goods and services.

Housing Impacts

In terms of housing, the large student population at BYU-Idaho creates a high demand for rental properties in the area. This has a positive effect on the types of housing residents have access to. However, in a recent winter 2023 report, the university estimates 19,000 of the 22,247 campus based students live in Rexburg. The report identifies 11,469 male students and 11,002 female students.  If building doesn't keep up, lack of inventory drives up the cost of rent and makes it more difficult for non-student residents to find affordable housing. So it can be a plus and a minus.

Although the university and surrounding community have made efforts to address these challenges and provide affordable housing options for students and other residents, finding affordable housing can difficult when considering wages in the area. There is no doubt that the 2021 and 2022 school years show significant increases in rental costs and increase in utilities and food that have put a strain on many people. One only need look at some of the more popular Facebook groups for Rexburg to see that people are struggling. Overall, the university has a positive impact when local investors and builders keep up with demand.

Employees at BYUI have a big affect on the local economy. Most of them purchase homes when they come to provide housing for their family. These families provide work for builders, tradesmen, home care providers, and all of the other professions serving the housing market. You can see the current Rexburg real estate market by viewing current listings.

BYUI's Cultural Impact on Rexburg

The university also has a significant impact on other aspects of the community, such as cultural events and recreational opportunities. The university hosts a variety of events and activities that are open to the public and can enrich the cultural and social life of the city. These include concerts, recitals, fitness classes, and other events that can be looked up on the Campus Events Ticket office where Center Stage and Performing arts tickets are available. Additionally, the university provides athletic and recreational facilities for students and residents to use, which can promote physical activity and overall health and well-being. These resources would not be available without the presence of the university. Students and residents of Rexburg can visit the BYUI Outdoor Resource Center for more information.

BYU-Idaho has a profound impact on the city of Rexburg, affecting the local economy, housing market, and other aspects of the community in both positive and negative ways. However, the university and surrounding community have been working together to address challenges and ma