A recent Blaine County housing study conducted by RRC Associates is bringing fresh data to the conversation around the economic, housing market, and regulatory impacts of short-term rentals (STRs) in the Sun Valley region. Presented to local government officials and the public at events hosted by the Sun Valley Board of Realtors (and covered in the Idaho Mountain Express), the study examines a wide range of housing market factors, combining primary research with extensive secondary data to provide a comprehensive look at current conditions.

Importantly, the Blaine County housing study indicates that STRs are not the primary driver of rising housing costs in the region. While they are one of many factors affecting housing availability and affordability, increased demand for second homes, population growth, and a slowdown in home construction are identified as more significant contributors to housing market pressures.

RRC’s research also includes an analysis of STR regulations, licensing practices, economic contributions, and community opinion. For example, STRs support over 1,200 local jobs, contributed more than $113 million to Blaine County’s 2024 GDP, and serve visitor needs by diversifying the bed base and complementing hotels. Yet despite making up more than half of the local lodging inventory, STRs account for just 7% of the local housing stock, the lowest percentage of any market RRC has studied to date.

The study’s findings provide a more nuanced understanding of how various factors, ranging from zoning to migration trends, interact to shape the housing landscape. At RRC, we’re proud to contribute independent, data-driven research to help communities like Blaine County balance housing needs with economic and community goals.

Check out our other work on short-term rental research to see how we’re helping communities navigate overlapping housing and tourism challenges.