Demographic Analysis & Growth Projections for the City of Post Falls
J.P. Stravens/Planning Associates, Inc Report - 2007
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Location

Post Falls is located four miles east of the Washington-Idaho border along Interstate 90 in Kootenai County and is bounded by Coeur d’Alene, Idaho to the east, the State of Washington to the west, the Spokane River to the south and the Rathdrum prairie to the north. Post Falls is 20 miles east of Spokane, Washington and approximately 100 miles south of the Canadian border.

Population

The City of Post Falls has grown from 7,350 residents in 1990 to an estimated 23,992 in 2007.  Growth is expected to continue at a rate of 3.5% with the population reaching nearly 65,000 in 2028.

Economic Conditions and Outlook

This influx of new residents has resulted in a strong construction industry, with total building permit valuations in the City exceeding $33,000,000 for the past eight years. Since 2002 the valuations have equaled $484,021,850.  Valuations of permits totaled $151,903,993 in 2005 and $90,456.182 in 2006. They are expected to continue at a high level for FY 07.   Total net taxable market value in Post Falls is $1,741,519,684.
Due to the proximity of numerous lakes, rivers and mountains, Post Falls, Idaho is an inviting place to live and visit. This fact is reflected in the tourism and retail sectors of the economy, with an increasing number of retail, dining and entertainment businesses locating in the City. Additionally, Post Falls has become a favored retirement community as well as a great place to raise a family.

Kootenai County traditionally has had a timber-based economy. That is changing gradually, as the manufacturing base has become more diverse. Manufacturing jobs are found primarily in electronics, lumber and furniture at the present. Jobs Plus, Inc., the local economic development organization has recruited a number of firms to the county. Post Falls was the chosen location for Flexcel, Inc., a major furniture manufacturer that relocated to north Idaho and employs a workforce of 440. This was done with the help of Jobs Plus and by creating an Urban Renewal District to help build infrastructure. This District closed out at the end of December 2001 and was the first urban renewal district in the state to complete approved projects and close. Jobs Plus, Inc. also helped bring Center Partners, a call center business (employing a workforce of 300), and Buck Knives who brought their manufacturing headquarters (workforce of 250) to the City. Also, Wal-Mart opened its new store in January of 2002, employing a workforce of 300. Construction of Northwest Specialty Hospital, a private surgical hospital, was completed in 2004 and North Idaho Advanced Care Rehabilitation Hospital is a recent addition to our city. Life Care is constructing a senior housing and care facility in 2007.  Sysco Food Services opened their distribution plant during 2005. This project was made possible by Jobs Plus, Urban Renewal, and the City working together. Biopol, a high tech medical research firm will also locate to Post Falls in 2007. They will research and create allergy vaccines in the Riverbend Commerce Park.  Also, a community development block grant for $500,000 was used to help fund a water tower (approximately $1,500,000 total cost) that was needed on the west side of town for development in that area. The West Post Falls Urban Renewal District will see the addition of Cabela’s and 800,000 sq. ft. of additional retail space developed in 2007.

General Information:

Nickname: Idaho's River City
Altitude:
2,150 Feet above sea level.
Climate:
Post Falls has four distinct seasons. Summer, Winter, Spring and Fall, with temperatures ranging in the 90's midsummer and low teens during the Winter.
Precipitation:
Post Falls averages 29 inches of rain and 49 inches of snow.
Transportation:
Post Falls is served by I-90, which extends east and west of the panhandle of Idaho through Post Falls. Post Falls is located approximately two miles east of the junction of State Highway 41, which extends approximately 8 miles to Rathdrum Idaho. Post Falls is approximately 7 miles west of State Highway 95 which extends the length of Idaho to Canada.
Amtrak passenger service is available in Spokane, Washington and Sandpoint, Idaho. Bus service and taxi service are available within the immediate area. Air passenger service is available with Spokane International Airport.
Historical Background:
Post Falls is named for Frederick Post, a German immigrant, who constructed a lumber mill along the Spokane River in 1871 on land he purchased from Andrew Seltice, Chief of the Coeur d’Alene tribe. The purchase of the land is preserved in a pictograph on a granite cliff in Treaty Rock park.