countyscore
56.4
County Score
Property Tax 95.4Water Quality 86Health 64.5

County Report Card

About Adams County, Idaho

Outperforming the National Median

Adams County secures a composite score of 54.8, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This ranking highlights the county's success in providing a stable and affordable quality of life.

Beating the Idaho State Average

The county's overall score of 54.8 is higher than the Idaho state average of 52.2. It stands out as a strong performer among Idaho’s rural jurisdictions.

Low Taxes and Excellent Water

Adams County boasts a near-perfect Tax Score of 93.1 thanks to a very low effective tax rate of 0.413%. A Water Score of 86.0 and a Cost Score of 55.1 further enhance its livability profile.

Limited Income and School Options

The county struggles with an Income Score of 36.7, reflecting a median household income of $59,286. School performance also remains a challenge with a score of 21.8.

A Haven for Budget-Conscious Nature Lovers

This county is a perfect fit for individuals or families who value environmental quality and low taxes over high-stakes career growth. It offers a peaceful lifestyle for those who find wealth in their surroundings rather than their paychecks.

2040608010095.460.745.964.521.839.160.58628.8Tax95.4Cost60.7Safety45.9Health64.5Schools21.8Income39.1Risk60.5Water86Weather28.856.4/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Adams County DNA

Foverall

How Adams County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Adams County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (95.4/100) but notably weak in Schools (21.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
95.4+43.400000000000006
Cost
60.7+12.700000000000003
Safety
45.9-9.100000000000001
Health
64.5+14.5
Schools
21.8-32.2
Income
39.1-11.899999999999999
Risk
60.5+13.5
Water
86+28
Weather
28.8-27.2
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$376,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$830/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$376,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum6.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,808/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

108.7

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Washington County
Idaho
58.7
Valley County
Idaho
55
Gem County
Idaho
53.4
Baker County
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36.9
Wallowa County
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Payette County
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Boise County
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Union County
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Deep Dives

Adams County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Adams County

via TaxByCounty

Adams County taxes well below national level

Adams County's effective tax rate of 0.413% ranks significantly below the national median of 0.49%, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties. With a median property tax of just $1,351 compared to the national median of $2,690, Adams County offers one of the most affordable tax burdens in the country.

One of Idaho's lowest tax counties

At 0.413%, Adams County's effective tax rate falls below Idaho's state average of 0.508% by 19%, ranking it among the state's most tax-friendly counties. The median tax payment of $1,351 is 12% below the state average of $1,529, making it a relative bargain within Idaho.

Adams rates low in the region

Adams County's 0.413% rate is among the lowest in its region, significantly below Bannock County (0.718%) to the southeast and only slightly higher than Boise County (0.370%) to the southwest. For homeowners seeking low tax burden, Adams represents an attractive regional option.

Adams County annual tax estimate

On a median home valued at $327,300, Adams County homeowners pay an estimated $1,351 per year in property taxes. Those with mortgages pay slightly more ($1,672), while outright owners pay less ($1,063), reflecting variations in assessment and exemption eligibility.

Review your Adams assessment anyway

Even in low-tax Adams County, some homeowners may still be overassessed. Taking 30 minutes to compare your assessed value against recent comparable sales could uncover assessment errors worth challenging with the county assessor.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Adams County

via IncomeByCounty

Adams County lags far behind national earnings

At $59,286, Adams County's median household income trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly $15,500. This 21% shortfall places the county well below national norms, reflecting limited economic opportunities in this rural region.

Among Idaho's lowest-earning counties

Adams County's $59,286 median falls more than $6,400 below Idaho's state average of $65,770. The county ranks near the bottom of Idaho's income ladder, constrained by its small population and agricultural base.

Adams trails neighboring Gem and Valley

Adams County's median income of $59,286 underperforms nearby counties with more diverse economies. The rural character and limited employment diversity create earning challenges for households across the region.

Housing remains affordable in Adams

At 16.7%, Adams County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 15% affordability threshold. With median home values around $327,300, housing remains one of the few economic bright spots for residents managing limited incomes.

Maximize savings despite modest earnings

Lower housing costs in Adams County create an opportunity to prioritize emergency savings and retirement contributions. Even on modest incomes, building consistent savings habits and exploring employer retirement plans can compound into meaningful wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Adams County

via CrimeByCounty

Adams County scores high on national safety scales

Adams County achieves a high safety score of 98.1, far exceeding the national baseline for security. Its total crime rate of 1209.7 per 100,000 residents is much lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5. Life here is statistically much safer than in the average American county.

Tracking slightly above the Idaho average

The county's total crime rate of 1209.7 is higher than the Idaho state average of 1027.1. Because a single agency provides all data, these figures offer a concentrated look at local law enforcement activity. The safety score of 98.1 remains competitive with the statewide average of 98.4.

Comparing safety in central Idaho

Adams County has a higher total crime rate than neighboring Boise County, which sits at 883.6. Its violent crime rate of 313.6 also exceeds the state average of 252.9. These variations are common in rural areas with smaller population bases.

Breakdown of local safety incidents

Property crimes make up 896.1 incidents per 100,000 residents, while violent crimes stand at 313.6. While the violent crime rate is higher than the state average, it remains lower than the national average of 369.8. Most reports involve non-violent property issues.

Stay vigilant in rural Idaho

Protecting your property is essential since theft accounts for most local crime reports. Consider joining a neighborhood watch or installing smart cameras to monitor your residence. Small preventative actions keep Adams County safe for everyone.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Adams County

via WeatherByCounty

A cooler high-elevation climate profile

At 45.3°F, Adams County averages nearly eight degrees cooler than the national median temperature. This reflects its position within the rugged transitions of the West Central Mountains.

Trailing the Idaho temperature average

The county sits slightly below the state average annual temperature of 46.5°F. It experiences a more traditional mountain climate compared to the warmer valleys to the south.

Higher precipitation than valley neighbors

Adams County receives 23.4 inches of annual precipitation, making it significantly wetter than Ada County. Its summer average of 65.7°F offers a much cooler escape than the nearby Treasure Valley.

Brisk winters and pleasant summers

Winter temperatures dip to a chilly average of 22.7°F in January. While local snowfall data is limited, the county still sees 39 days of heat above 90°F during the peak summer months.

Prepare for wet and variable weather

Reliable four-wheel drive and heavy winter gear are vital for the 24.9°F average winter lows. Property owners should manage drainage carefully to handle the 23.4 inches of annual rain and snowmelt.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Adams County

via SoilByCounty

A Rugged Mountain Soil Profile

Soil survey data for Adams County is currently limited, as the region transitions between rugged forest and river valley profiles. We lack specific pH and taxonomic data, though neighboring regions typically range from acidic to neutral. Local testing is the best way to determine your specific soil identity.

Unknown Mineral Ratios

Detailed records for sand, silt, and clay percentages are not currently available for this specific area. These ratios are critical for determining drainage and nutrient retention, so observing your soil's texture at home is a great first step. Sandy soils will feel gritty, while silty soils feel like flour.

Amending for Growing Success

Specific organic matter and water capacity metrics remain undocumented compared to the state's 27.53% organic average. Improving local garden beds with organic amendments ensures better success regardless of the baseline fertility. Adding compost helps bridge the gap between unknown native levels and the state benchmarks.

Observing Local Water Movement

Drainage classes and hydrologic groups have not been recorded for this county at this time. To understand your land's hydrology, observe how water moves on your specific plot after a rainstorm or heavy snowmelt. Quick-drying areas likely have high sand content, while pooling indicates higher clay or bedrock.

Hardy Crops for Zone 6a

Adams County sits in Hardiness Zone 6a, where cold-hardy vegetables and short-season fruits thrive. Focus on planting crops like kale, peas, and berries that can handle the cooler mountain temperatures. Utilizing raised beds can help you manage soil quality while the native terrain remains unmapped.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Adams County

via LawnByCounty

High-Altitude Challenges in Adams County

Adams County presents a tough environment with a lawn difficulty score of 29.7, falling below both the state and national averages. This Zone 6a region requires active management to overcome a harsh climate and limited growing resources. Success here depends on selecting hardy species that can survive cold winters and short summers.

Higher Rainfall Mitigates Summer Heat

Adams County receives 23.4 inches of annual precipitation, which is significantly higher than the Idaho average of 17.0 inches. However, 39 extreme heat days still stress turf, and a relatively low 1,981 growing degree days indicates a shorter window for grass to establish. While specific frost dates vary across the rugged terrain, the cool July average of 69.3°F favors cool-season grasses.

Preparing Your Land Without Detailed Data

Specific soil survey data for pH and texture is currently limited for this area, necessitating a private soil test before you plant. Understanding whether you have the rocky slopes or silty valleys typical of the region will determine your fertilization needs. Start with a baseline test to ensure you aren't fighting against unknown nutrient deficiencies or acidity.

Managing Long-Term Drought Stress

The county endured 38 weeks of drought over the last year, and 100% of the area remains abnormally dry. To protect your investment, prioritize drought-tolerant varieties that can survive on the 23.4 inches of natural rain. Implementing a cycle-and-soak irrigation method prevents runoff on sloped landscapes while ensuring deep root penetration.

Select Hardy Grasses for Zone 6a

Fine fescues and perennial ryegrass are excellent choices for the cooler temperatures and variable terrain of Adams County. Because specific local frost dates are unavailable due to elevation changes, monitor soil temperatures closely to time your spring seeding. Aim to plant when the soil consistently stays above 50°F to ensure high germination rates.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Adams County's county score?
Adams County, Idaho has a composite county score of 56.4 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Adams County rank among counties in Idaho?
Adams County ranks #17 among all counties in Idaho on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Adams County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Adams County is $1,359, with an effective tax rate of 0.36%. This earns Adams County a tax score of 95.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Adams County?
The median household income in Adams County, Idaho is $61,808 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Adams County earns an income score of 39.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Adams County, Idaho a good place to live?
Adams County scores 56.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Adams County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Adams County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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