CountyScore

Ada County

Idaho · ID

#43 in Idaho
66.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Ada County, Idaho

Ada County Outpaces National Average

Ada County's composite score of 66.1 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper third of U.S. counties. This means residents here experience above-average livability across measured dimensions like taxes, health, and cost.

Slightly Below Idaho's Average

Ada County ranks in the middle tier of Idaho's 44 counties with a score of 66.1, compared to the state average of 72.5. Despite this gap, the county remains solidly above the national median, indicating competitive livability within the state.

Tax Benefits and Strong Healthcare

Ada County excels in tax efficiency with a score of 86.7 and an effective tax rate of just 0.555%—among the state's lowest. The county also shines in health outcomes with a score of 79.7, suggesting robust healthcare access and quality in the region.

Income Growth and Housing Affordability Lag

Income scores are notably low at 41.4, with a median household income of $88,907 that doesn't keep pace with housing costs. The cost score of 60.2 reflects relatively high median home values ($476,000) and rents ($1,465/month), making housing the county's most constrained dimension.

For Tax-Conscious Professionals

Ada County suits established professionals and families with above-average incomes who prioritize low taxes and access to quality healthcare. The trade-off: expect premium housing prices and a competitive income landscape that rewards specialized skills.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax86.7Cost60.2SafetyComing SoonHealth79.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome41.4Risk12.2WaterComing Soon
🏛86.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠60.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼41.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤79.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡12.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Ada County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Terrell County
Georgia
66.1
Median income: $43,812
Edwards County
Kansas
66.1
Median income: $53,792
Harvey County
Kansas
66.1
Median income: $73,269
Ascension Parish
Louisiana
66.1
Median income: $92,266
Oktibbeha County
Mississippi
66.1
Median income: $43,482

Deep Dives

Ada County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Ada County

via TaxByCounty

Ada County taxes above national average

Ada County's effective tax rate of 0.555% sits well above the national median of 0.49%, placing it in the higher half of counties nationwide. The median property tax of $2,643 nearly matches the national median of $2,690, despite Ada County's median home value of $476,000 being 69% higher than the national median of $281,900.

Higher than most Idaho counties

At 0.555%, Ada County's effective tax rate exceeds Idaho's state average of 0.508% by 9%, ranking it above average among the state's 44 counties. The median tax bill of $2,643 is 73% higher than Idaho's statewide median of $1,529, reflecting both higher rates and Ada County's elevated property values.

Ada's tax burden in regional context

Ada County's 0.555% rate falls between Bannock County (0.718%) to the southeast and Bear Lake County (0.453%) to the north, representing a middle ground in the region. Among similar population centers in Idaho, Ada's effective rate and median tax bill are notably higher, driven by both rate and the county's strong real estate market.

What Ada County homeowners pay yearly

On a median home valued at $476,000, Ada County homeowners pay approximately $2,643 annually in property taxes. Owners with mortgages pay slightly less ($2,607), while those owning outright face $2,725—a difference reflecting assessment practices and exemption variations.

Consider appealing your Ada assessment

Many Ada County homeowners pay more than they should due to inflated assessments. If your property tax bill seems high relative to recent sales in your neighborhood, filing an appeal with the county assessor's office is free and can result in significant savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ada County

via CostByCounty

Ada rents climb above national norm

Ada County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.8% exceeds the national benchmark, meaning renters here dedicate nearly a fifth of their earnings to housing. With a median household income of $88,907—well above the national median of $74,755—residents still feel the pinch of a tight rental market where median gross rent reaches $1,465 monthly.

Idaho's priciest county for renters

Ada County ranks as Idaho's most expensive rental market, with renters spending 19.8% of income on rent versus the state average of 16.8%. The median monthly rent of $1,465 significantly outpaces the statewide median of $919, reflecting the county's position as Idaho's economic hub.

Ada towers over surrounding counties

Ada County's median rent of $1,465 dwarfs neighboring Boise County ($854) and Bingham County ($845), a gap of over $600 monthly. Homebuyers face similar disparity: Ada's median home value of $476,000 stands roughly $50,000 higher than nearby Boise County's $424,100.

Renters and owners both feel the squeeze

Ada County renters spend $1,465 monthly while homeowners pay $1,401—nearly identical burdens on a median household income of $88,907. Combined with other expenses, housing consumes roughly 19.8% of renter income, leaving less room for savings and other necessities.

Relocating? Ada offers job growth, but consider costs

Ada County attracts newcomers with strong incomes and opportunity, but housing costs demand serious budget planning. If affordability is your priority, exploring nearby Boise or Bingham counties could yield significant savings without sacrificing access to Ada's economic benefits.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ada County

via IncomeByCounty

Ada County earns well above the nation

At $88,907, Ada County's median household income runs 19% higher than the U.S. median of $74,755. This performance ranks Ada among the stronger-earning counties nationwide, driven largely by the Boise metro area's tech and professional services boom.

Idaho's income leader by a wide margin

Ada County's $88,907 median household income towers over Idaho's state average of $65,770—a gap of $23,137. No other Idaho county comes close to Ada's earning power, reflecting the region's economic dominance and job diversity.

Ada outpaces Boise and Bingham combined

Ada County's median income of $88,907 significantly exceeds neighboring Boise County ($77,349) and Bingham County ($76,842). The wealth concentration in the Boise metro area creates a stark contrast with surrounding rural counties.

Incomes stretch thin despite relative wealth

Ada County's 19.8% rent-to-income ratio suggests housing costs demand nearly one-fifth of median household earnings—above the 15% affordability threshold. With median homes priced at $476,000, the county's relative income advantage erodes quickly when housing is factored in.

Build on Boise's economic momentum

With strong household earnings and diverse employment opportunities, Ada County residents are well-positioned to invest in retirement accounts, education funds, and real estate diversification. Consider consulting a financial advisor to leverage the region's economic strength for long-term wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Ada County

via HealthByCounty

Ada County lives longer than most

At 79.7 years, Ada County's life expectancy outpaces the U.S. average of 76.1 years by nearly four years. Only 12.9% of Ada residents report poor or fair health, well below the national rate of 17.8%, signaling stronger overall health outcomes across the county.

Idaho's healthiest county lives here

Ada County leads Idaho in life expectancy, beating the state average of 77.5 years by 2.2 years. The county's 12.9% poor/fair health rate ranks among the best in Idaho, reflecting above-average wellness across the region.

Ada outperforms every neighboring county

Ada's 79.7-year life expectancy far exceeds Boise County (79.1), Adams County (79.2), and Bear Lake County (77.9). With 89 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the highest in this comparison group—Ada residents enjoy superior access to frontline medical care.

Healthcare access supports Ada's health

Ada's uninsured rate of 7.1% beats Idaho's 11.7% average, meaning more residents have coverage when they need care. With 414 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Ada leads the region in behavioral health resources, supporting both prevention and treatment.

Keep Ada healthy—verify your coverage

Even though Ada leads Idaho in insurance rates, 7.1% of residents remain uninsured and vulnerable to medical debt. Visit healthcare.gov or Idaho's state marketplace to confirm your coverage and explore plans that fit your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ada County

via RiskByCounty

Ada County faces well above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 87.75, Ada County ranks in the relatively moderate category—significantly higher than the national average of 50. This elevated score reflects the county's exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly wildfire and earthquake risks that far exceed typical American counties.

The riskiest county in Idaho by far

Ada County's composite risk score of 87.75 towers above Idaho's state average of 38.51, making it the most disaster-prone county in the state. This 2.3x multiplier over the state baseline reflects Ada's unique geography and its role as Idaho's urban and economic hub.

Ada far exceeds risk in surrounding counties

Ada County's score of 87.75 dwarfs neighboring Boise County (48.92) and Adams County (39.57), which sit near or below the state average. The dramatic difference underscores Ada's distinct exposure profile compared to its more rural neighbors.

Wildfires and earthquakes dominate your risk

Ada County faces a wildfire risk score of 98.25 and an earthquake risk of 88.23—both among the highest in the nation. Floods also pose serious concern with a risk score of 89.82, making multi-hazard preparedness essential for Ada County residents and businesses.

Comprehensive coverage is critical for Ada

Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes wildfire and earthquake damage—coverage gaps that can be financially devastating in Ada County. Residents should urgently explore wildfire, earthquake, and flood insurance options, and ensure emergency preparedness plans address all three major hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.