countyscore
42.2
County Score
Property Tax 61.2Health 60.5Water Quality 53.8

County Report Card

About Bannock County, Idaho

Trailing National Livability Norms

Bannock County earns a composite score of 42.2, which falls below the national median of 50.0. This indicates several areas where the county lags behind the typical American living experience.

Below the Idaho State Benchmark

With a score of 42.2, Bannock County ranks significantly lower than the Idaho state average of 52.2. It faces more demographic and environmental hurdles than many surrounding counties.

Strong Health and Tax Ratings

The county's primary strengths are its Tax Score of 61.2 and Health Score of 60.5. These scores are supported by a moderate effective tax rate of 0.718% and accessible healthcare services.

Safety and Education Concerns

Safety is a primary area for improvement with a score of 25.6, while schools also rank low at 28.9. Environmental risk remains a factor, with the county scoring only 33.1 in that dimension.

Best for Pragmatic Healthcare Workers

Bannock County suits residents who value health infrastructure and moderate living costs above all else. It is a functional choice for those willing to trade top-tier safety and schools for lower taxes.

Score breakdown

Tax61.2Cost39.8Safety25.6Health60.5Schools28.9Income50.9Risk33.1Water53.8Weather35
🏛61.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠39.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼50.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡25.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤60.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓28.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡33.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧53.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱29.1
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Power County
Idaho
48
Oneida County
Idaho
59.3
Caribou County
Idaho
65.4
Franklin County
Idaho
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Bingham County
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Bear Lake County
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Bonneville County
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Cache County
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Deep Dives

Bannock County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Bannock County

via TaxByCounty

Bannock County has highest regional tax rate

Bannock County's effective tax rate of 0.718% significantly exceeds the national median of 0.49%, placing it in the highest quartile of U.S. counties. Though its median property tax of $1,918 sits below the national median of $2,690, Bannock's rate is proportionally much steeper than most American counties.

Bannock leads Idaho counties in tax rate

At 0.718%, Bannock County's effective tax rate is 41% higher than Idaho's state average of 0.508%, making it the highest-rate county in the state. The median tax of $1,918 exceeds the state average by 25%, reflecting Bannock's distinctly aggressive tax structure.

Bannock taxes far exceed nearby counties

Bannock County's 0.718% rate towers above Bear Lake County (0.453%) to the north and Bingham County (0.538%) to the south. Homeowners in Bannock pay significantly more as a percentage of property value than their neighbors in surrounding counties.

Bannock County property tax burden

On a median home valued at $267,200, Bannock County homeowners pay approximately $1,918 annually in property taxes. Mortgage holders pay slightly more ($1,987), while outright owners pay $1,788, a gap larger than most Idaho counties.

Bannock assessment appeals may pay off

With Bannock's notably high tax rate, even modest assessment reductions can yield meaningful savings for homeowners. If your property appears overvalued relative to recent sales in your area, filing an appeal with the assessor is worth the effort.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bannock County

via CostByCounty

Bannock rents slightly below national baseline

Bannock County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% sits modestly below the national standard, with renters spending $879 monthly on a median household income of $64,080. This county underperforms the national median income by $10,675, yet maintains solid affordability through measured housing costs.

Bannock tracks closely to Idaho norms

Bannock County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks slightly better than Idaho's average of 16.8%, despite earning $12,762 below the statewide median. With median rent at $879—just below the state median of $919—the county offers balanced affordability.

Bannock sits in the middle of regional costs

Bannock County's median rent of $879 falls between Bingham County's lower-cost $845 and Bear Lake County's $687, reflecting its mid-size economic position. Home values of $267,200 position it as among Idaho's most affordable homebuying markets.

Renters and owners share balanced burden

Bannock County renters spend $879 monthly while homeowners pay $962, both reasonable on a median income of $64,080. At 16.5% of income dedicated to rent, residents retain meaningful earnings for other necessities and discretionary spending.

Bannock balances affordability with opportunity

Relocating to Bannock County means modest housing costs paired with moderate incomes—ideal for those seeking rural living without sacrificing economic balance. The county's stable affordability metrics make long-term budgeting predictable for newcomers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bannock County

via IncomeByCounty

Bannock County falls short of U.S. earnings

At $64,080, Bannock County's median household income runs 14% below the national median of $74,755. The county's economy, anchored by Pocatello and regional education and manufacturing, lags national earning power.

Bannock's income ranks slightly above state average

Bannock County's $64,080 median household income sits just below Idaho's state average of $65,770. The county's role as an education and regional services hub keeps it closer to state norms than many rural neighbors.

Mixed performance among regional peers

Bannock County's $64,080 income positions it below Bear Lake ($67,304) but above Benewah ($56,553). The county's urban core in Pocatello supports modest income growth relative to more isolated rural regions.

Housing costs remain manageable here

At 16.5%, Bannock County's rent-to-income ratio remains within the affordable range, with median homes valued at $267,200. Lower housing costs relative to income provide residents breathing room for savings and other living expenses.

Invest in Pocatello's growing opportunities

As the hub for regional education and services, Bannock County offers pathways to income growth through professional development and certification. Residents should prioritize building skills and credentials while taking advantage of stable housing costs to invest in retirement and education funds.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bannock County

via CrimeByCounty

Bannock County beats national crime benchmarks

Bannock County maintains a total crime rate of 1826.5 per 100,000 residents, notably lower than the national rate of 2,385.5. The county's safety score of 97.1 indicates a secure community. Local residents benefit from rates that are lower than many urban areas across the country.

Safety levels below the state average

With a total crime rate of 1826.5, Bannock County exceeds the Idaho state average of 1027.1. Its safety score of 97.1 is also lower than the state average of 98.4. Three reporting agencies work to manage these higher-than-average local figures.

Safety comparisons in southeast Idaho

Bannock County sees more crime than its neighbor, Bingham County, which has a rate of 1106.7. Bear Lake County is also significantly safer with a rate of 714.7. These differences reflect the urban challenges found in Pocatello compared to neighboring rural districts.

Analyzing violent and property crime

Property crime is the primary concern here, occurring at a rate of 1480.0 per 100,000 people. Violent crime sits at 346.5, which is higher than the Idaho average of 252.9 but still below the national 369.8. Most interactions with law enforcement involve theft or property disputes.

Enhance security for your property

Since property crime is the most common issue, home security systems are a wise investment. Ensure your yard is well-lit and keep valuables out of sight in vehicles. Proactive measures help lower the risks of theft in the neighborhood.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bannock County

via HealthByCounty

Bannock County lags national health trends

At 75.2 years, Bannock County's life expectancy falls 0.9 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years. With 16.8% of residents reporting poor or fair health—just below the national 17.8%—the county faces meaningful health challenges.

Bannock ranks lower than Idaho average

Bannock County's 75.2-year life expectancy trails Idaho's 77.5-year average by 2.3 years, placing it among the state's lower-performing counties. The 16.8% poor/fair health rate reflects statewide wellness concerns concentrated in this region.

Bannock struggles against peer counties

At 75.2 years, Bannock County lags Bingham County (75.1 years) by just 0.1 years, but trails Benewah (73.9) in a concerning way. With 74 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Bannock offers modest access compared to Ada's 89.

Good insurance access masks care gaps

Bannock's 7.8% uninsured rate beats Idaho's 11.7% average, yet 16.8% report poor health—suggesting access alone doesn't ensure quality care. The county's 470 mental health providers per 100,000 residents represent exceptional mental health capacity, but primary care remains constrained.

Ensure continuous coverage in Bannock

Though Bannock's uninsured rate is below state average, every uninsured resident faces health risk during medical emergencies. Visit healthcare.gov to review your coverage and explore plans that include preventive care to address Bannock's health disparities.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bannock County

via SchoolsByCounty

Bannock County’s Diverse School Network

Bannock County hosts a robust system of 34 public schools educating nearly 15,000 students across six districts. The infrastructure includes 21 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, and 5 high schools. This variety ensures comprehensive coverage for families from early childhood through graduation.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

Bannock County excels academically with a 90.6% graduation rate, surpassing both the state average of 83.6% and the national average of 87%. Remarkably, these results are achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,210, which is over $1,000 less than the state average. This efficiency earns the county a solid school score of 50.0.

Pocatello District and Charter Choices

The Pocatello District dominates the landscape, managing 24 schools and serving 12,259 students. Families also have significant choice with four charter schools, including The Academy Inc. which enrolls 545 students. Charters represent nearly 12% of the total school options in the county.

A Blend of City and Rural Learning

With 21 schools in city settings and 9 in rural areas, the county offers a diverse range of educational environments. Large campuses like Highland High School host 1,589 students, while the average school size across the county is 454. This mix allows families to choose between bustling urban schools and smaller, quiet rural settings.

Top-Tier Schools for Bannock Families

With graduation rates outperforming national benchmarks, Bannock County is an attractive destination for families. Homes in the Pocatello District offer access to high-performing secondary schools and a variety of specialized charter options. Consider these strong academic outcomes as a key factor in your local real estate search.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bannock County

via RiskByCounty

Bannock County carries moderate disaster risk

Bannock County's composite risk score of 66.89 exceeds the national average of 50 and earns a 'relatively low' rating. The county faces meaningful exposure to multiple hazards, particularly wildfire and earthquake, though overall risk remains below Ada County's elevated levels.

Above-average risk for Idaho counties

With a score of 66.89, Bannock County ranks above Idaho's state average of 38.51, placing it in the higher-risk tier statewide. The county's exposure is driven primarily by elevated wildfire and earthquake risks, though it remains safer than several other Idaho regions.

Bannock faces higher risk than nearby counties

Bannock County's 66.89 score substantially exceeds Bingham County (60.15) and significantly surpasses Bear Lake County (6.58) to the north. This positions Bannock in the moderate-risk category among its southeastern Idaho peers.

Wildfire and earthquakes threaten Bannock

Bannock County faces a wildfire risk of 96.91 and earthquake risk of 82.79, both well above state averages and representing the county's most pressing natural hazards. Flood risk (51.88) is moderate, but wildfire and seismic activity pose the greatest threat to homes and infrastructure.

Dual coverage essential for Bannock homes

Bannock County residents need both wildfire and earthquake insurance, neither of which are included in standard policies. Begin by obtaining standalone wildfire and earthquake coverage, then evaluate flood insurance options based on your property's location relative to flood zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bannock County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate but cooler than national norms

Bannock County's 47.5°F average annual temperature sits roughly six degrees below the national median. This reflects its high-altitude steppe environment in Southeast Idaho.

Slightly warmer than the state average

Despite its high elevation, the county is one degree warmer than the Idaho average of 46.5°F. This makes it a relatively comfortable hub for the region's commerce and education.

Wetter and snowier than Bingham County

Bannock receives 15.0 inches of precipitation, which is more than its neighbor Bingham to the north. It also sees double the snowfall of some nearby valley counties with 46.0 inches annually.

Thirty-five days of summer heat

Summers are warm with 35 days reaching over 90°F and a July average of 71.7°F. Winters are consistently cold, averaging 25.7°F in January with significant snow accumulation.

Invest in versatile winter equipment

A heavy-duty snow blower is a wise investment to manage the 46 inches of annual snowfall. Residents should also winterize pipes early as winter averages hover around 27.1°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bannock County

via SoilByCounty

High Desert Soil Heritage

Bannock County lacks specific taxonomic and pH data in the current soil survey records. Regionally, these soils often reflect the high desert environment with neutral to slightly alkaline characteristics. Without a specific pH score, gardeners should assume a baseline near the national median of 6.5.

Texture Data Unavailable

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not documented for this county. Understanding your texture is vital for watering schedules, as sandy soils drain fast while clay retains water. You can perform a simple 'ribbon test' at home to estimate your soil's clay content.

Building Fertile Ground

Data for organic matter and water capacity is missing, leaving the county's standing vs. the 27.53% state organic average unknown. Regardless of the baseline, adding organic matter is the most effective way to improve plant health. This practice increases nutrient availability and helps the soil hold onto moisture in the Idaho heat.

Managing Your Water Table

There is no formal drainage class or hydrologic group data available for Bannock County in this dataset. Local hydrology is often influenced by the Portneuf River and surrounding mountains, creating diverse conditions for growers. Always check for low spots on your property where water might collect before building structures.

Perennials Thrive in Zone 6b

In Hardiness Zone 6b, the Bannock County climate supports a wide range of perennials and mid-season vegetables. You can find success with apple trees and root vegetables that enjoy the region's distinct seasons. Since local soil data is sparse, starting a backyard compost pile is the best way to ensure your garden has the nutrients it needs.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bannock County

via LawnByCounty

Steep Competition for Green Grass

Bannock County faces significant hurdles with a lawn difficulty score of 29.1, placing it well below the national average of 50.0. The Zone 6b environment is more challenging than the state average, requiring diligent care and consistent irrigation. Growers must work harder here to maintain the lush look common in more temperate regions.

Low Moisture and Moderate Heat

The county receives just 15.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is less than half of what many lawn grasses prefer. With 35 extreme heat days and 2,346 growing degree days, the summer sun dries out soil quickly. You will need to manage your mowing schedule carefully to avoid stressing turf during the peak July heat of 71.7°F.

Adapting to Local Soil Conditions

While specific clay and sand percentages are not available in the current dataset, local mountain soils often require significant organic amendments. Testing your soil is a critical first step to determine if you need to adjust pH or improve drainage for your specific plot. Most regional lawns benefit from annual aeration to combat soil compaction in these dry conditions.

Surviving 37 Weeks of Drought

Bannock County spent most of the last year—37 weeks—in drought conditions, and the entire area is currently abnormally dry. Water conservation is paramount, so consider keeping your grass at a height of 3 inches to shade the soil. This practice reduces evaporation and helps your lawn make the most of the limited 15.0 inches of annual rain.

Plant for Success in Late May

The last spring frost typically occurs around May 21st, marking the start of the primary growing window for Zone 6b grasses like Kentucky bluegrass. You must establish strong roots quickly before the first fall frost arrives on October 2nd. Using a starter fertilizer can help your new lawn compete against weeds during this relatively short growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bannock County's county score?
Bannock County, Idaho has a composite county score of 42.2 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 Bannock County rank among counties in Idaho?
Bannock County ranks #39 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 Bannock County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Bannock County is $1,918, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Bannock County a tax score of 61.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bannock County?
The median household income in Bannock County, Idaho is $64,080 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bannock County earns an income score of 50.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bannock County, Idaho a good place to live?
Bannock County scores 42.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #39 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Bannock 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 Bannock County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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