countyscore
63.3
County Score
Disaster Risk 93.4Property Tax 90.3Cost of Living 72.3

County Report Card

About Bear Lake County, Idaho

Exceeding National Standards Comfortably

Bear Lake County achieves a robust composite score of 63.3, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. It ranks among the top performers nationally for rural livability.

A Top Performer in Idaho

At 63.3, Bear Lake significantly outpaces the Idaho state average of 52.2. It is one of the more desirable rural locations in the state based on comprehensive data.

Outstanding Safety and Low Risk

The county shines with a Risk Score of 93.4 and a Tax Score of 90.3, driven by a low 0.453% tax rate. High marks in cost (72.3) and safety (69.5) make it an incredibly secure place to live.

Struggling School Systems

The most significant hurdle is the School Score, which sits at a low 8.0. Water quality also presents a minor challenge with a score of 48.5, slightly below the midpoint.

Perfect for Retirees and Remote Workers

Bear Lake County is ideal for those seeking maximum safety, low taxes, and affordable housing. It is a sanctuary for people who do not have school-aged children and prioritize peace of mind.

Score breakdown

Tax90.3Cost72.3Safety69.5Health71.4Schools8Income59.7Risk93.4Water48.5Weather42.2
🏛90.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼59.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡69.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤71.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡93.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧48.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱31.6
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

Franklin County
Idaho
59.6
Caribou County
Idaho
65.4
Lincoln County
Wyoming
65.1
Cache County
Utah
51.3
Bannock County
Idaho
42.2
Oneida County
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Rich County
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Weber County
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38.9

Deep Dives

Bear Lake County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Bear Lake County

via TaxByCounty

Bear Lake County taxes among nation's lowest

Bear Lake County's effective tax rate of 0.453% sits well below the national median of 0.49%, placing it in the lowest quartile of American counties. With a median property tax of just $1,061 versus the national median of $2,690, Bear Lake offers exceptional tax affordability.

Bear Lake ranks low within Idaho

At 0.453%, Bear Lake County's effective tax rate falls below Idaho's state average of 0.508% by 11%, making it one of the state's more affordable counties. The median tax of $1,061 is 31% below the state average of $1,529, offering genuine relief for property owners.

Bear Lake's competitive regional position

Bear Lake County's 0.453% rate is lower than Bannock County (0.718%) to the south and comparable to other rural northern Idaho counties. Among its immediate neighbors, Bear Lake offers some of the most tax-friendly conditions for homeownership.

Bear Lake County annual tax payment

On a median home valued at $234,200, Bear Lake County homeowners pay an estimated $1,061 per year in property taxes. Payments vary from $927 for outright owners to $1,237 for those with mortgages, reflecting assessment and exemption differences.

Even low-tax Bear Lake warrants review

Though Bear Lake's rates are already favorable, overassessments still happen in rural counties. Comparing your assessed value to recent comparable sales takes minimal time and could uncover unexpected savings worth challenging.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bear Lake County

via CostByCounty

Bear Lake shines as affordability leader

Bear Lake County's rent-to-income ratio of just 12.3% ranks among America's most affordable markets, with renters dedicating a modest $687 monthly to housing. Though median household income of $67,304 falls below the national median of $74,755, the county's exceptionally low rents create outsized affordability.

Idaho's most affordable rental market

Bear Lake County's 12.3% rent-to-income ratio crushes Idaho's state average of 16.8%, offering renters remarkable savings compared to peers statewide. At $687 monthly, median rent runs $232 below the state median of $919—the lowest in the state by this data.

Bear Lake undercuts all neighboring counties

Bear Lake County's median rent of $687 significantly undercuts Bannock County ($879), Bingham County ($845), and Benewah County ($853). This rural county's median home value of $234,200 also ranks among the state's lowest, making homeownership accessible.

Housing consumes just 12% of household income

Bear Lake County residents spend $687 monthly on rent and $787 on ownership costs, both remarkably low relative to the $67,304 median household income. This leaves ample room for savings, healthcare, and other essentials—a rare luxury in today's housing market.

Bear Lake: affordability's ultimate destination

If housing affordability is your paramount concern, Bear Lake County offers unmatched value in Idaho and competitive pricing nationally. Weigh the tradeoff: ultra-low costs come with rural isolation and limited job diversity, but the financial relief is substantial.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bear Lake County

via IncomeByCounty

Bear Lake County trails national income levels

At $67,304, Bear Lake County's median household income falls 10% short of the U.S. median of $74,755. The rural county's economy remains below the national standard despite stable employment in agriculture and small business.

Bear Lake slightly exceeds Idaho's average

Bear Lake County's $67,304 median household income edges above Idaho's state average of $65,770 by about $1,500. The county's agricultural heritage and stable employment patterns place it in the middle tier of Idaho counties.

Bear Lake outperforms most eastern neighbors

Bear Lake County's $67,304 income exceeds Bannock ($64,080) and Benewah ($56,553), reflecting a relatively diversified rural economy. The county's position in eastern Idaho's agricultural belt supports steady, if modest, household earnings.

Exceptional housing affordability advantage

Bear Lake County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio of the surveyed counties at just 12.3%, with median homes at $234,200. This strong affordability cushion gives residents substantial capacity to save and invest despite moderate incomes.

Leverage affordability for financial security

Bear Lake County's exceptional housing affordability creates a unique opportunity to build wealth through consistent savings and retirement investments. Residents should capitalize on low housing costs to fund emergency reserves, education savings, and long-term investment accounts.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bear Lake County

via CrimeByCounty

Bear Lake County is exceptionally safe

Bear Lake County boasts a total crime rate of only 714.7 per 100,000 people, roughly 30% of the national average. It earns a near-perfect safety score of 98.9. This makes it one of the safest regions in the entire United States.

A leader in Idaho safety

The county's safety score of 98.9 exceeds the Idaho state average of 98.4. Its total crime rate of 714.7 is much lower than the statewide average of 1027.1. Law enforcement across two agencies keeps crime levels very low for the community.

Outperforming neighboring crime statistics

Bear Lake County is significantly safer than Bannock County, which reports a crime rate of 1826.5. It also beats Bingham County’s rate of 1106.7. For residents, this means a much quieter and more secure environment than nearby areas.

Minimal violent crime in the county

Violent crime is extremely rare at just 93.2 per 100,000 residents, which is a fraction of the national 369.8. Property crime is also low at 621.5. These statistics paint a picture of a peaceful, low-risk community.

Maintaining a peaceful community

While crime is low, simple habits like locking doors and windows help maintain this high standard of safety. Neighbors watching out for each other is the best defense in such a small community. Keeping your property tidy and secure discourages any rare opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bear Lake County

via HealthByCounty

Bear Lake life expectancy near national average

At 77.9 years, Bear Lake County's life expectancy closely matches the U.S. average of 76.1 years, tracking 1.8 years above the baseline. However, 15.3% of Bear Lake residents report poor or fair health, approaching the national rate of 17.8%.

Bear Lake slightly above Idaho standard

Bear Lake County's 77.9-year life expectancy edges above Idaho's 77.5-year average by a modest 0.4 years. The county's 15.3% poor/fair health rate positions it near the middle of Idaho's county spectrum.

Bear Lake ranks middle of this group

At 77.9 years, Bear Lake sits between Benewah (73.9) and Adams (79.2), offering moderate health outcomes for its region. Its 76 primary care providers per 100,000 residents provide reasonable access, exceeding Benewah and Bingham but trailing Ada.

Good coverage, limited mental health options

Bear Lake's 8.8% uninsured rate beats Idaho's 11.7% average, indicating strong insurance penetration across the county. However, only 59 mental health providers per 100,000 residents serve behavioral health needs—among the lowest in this group.

Bear Lake residents: verify your status now

With 8.8% uninsured, one in eleven Bear Lake residents lacks health coverage and faces serious financial risk. Visit healthcare.gov today to confirm your coverage is current and find plans that include mental health and preventive services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bear Lake County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Single-District System of Bear Lake

Bear Lake County operates a streamlined system of 7 public schools all housed within a single school district. This network serves 1,424 students through four elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. There are currently no charter schools, keeping the educational focus centralized within the county district.

Academic Metrics in Southeast Idaho

The county's graduation rate stands at 82.0%, sitting just below the Idaho state average of 83.6%. Funding is tight, with per-pupil spending at $5,033 compared to the national average of $13,000. These factors contribute to a composite school score of 45.1.

The Bear Lake County District Focus

As the sole provider, the Bear Lake County District manages all 1,424 students across its 7 campuses. This unified approach means every student in the county benefits from the same administrative resources and curriculum. The district includes a unique on-line learning primary school that serves 222 students.

A Traditional Rural Education Experience

All 7 schools in Bear Lake County are classified as rural, reflecting the area's agricultural and lakeside character. Bear Lake High School is the largest campus with 352 students, while the average school size is a manageable 203. Attending school here feels personal and community-oriented, with most schools serving very small cohorts.

Living and Learning in Bear Lake

For those seeking a unified community where everyone attends the same local schools, Bear Lake County is an ideal fit. Homes in Montpelier or Paris provide proximity to these rural campuses and the local High School. Explore the available properties to find a home that keeps you connected to this tight-knit district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bear Lake County

via RiskByCounty

Bear Lake County has exceptionally low risk

Bear Lake County's composite risk score of just 6.58 places it among the safest counties in the nation, far below the national average of 50. This extraordinary safety profile reflects minimal exposure to most major natural hazards, making it one of America's lowest-risk jurisdictions.

Idaho's safest county by a wide margin

Bear Lake County's score of 6.58 is dramatically lower than Idaho's state average of 38.51—a 5.8x difference that makes it the state's clear safety leader. No other Idaho county comes close to matching this exceptionally low-risk profile.

Bear Lake far safer than regional peers

Bear Lake County's 6.58 score is a fraction of Bannock County's 66.89 and Bingham County's 60.15, positioning it as a remarkable outlier in southeastern Idaho. Its isolation and location provide natural protection from multiple hazard categories.

Earthquake is the only moderate concern

Bear Lake County's earthquake risk of 68.89 is its highest hazard score, though still below state average for this threat. Wildfire (78.37), flood (7.22), and tornado risks are all exceptionally low, making this county one of Idaho's true safe havens.

Earthquake coverage is your priority

While Bear Lake County enjoys exceptional overall safety, earthquake insurance should be your primary consideration given a 68.89 risk score in this category. Standard homeowners insurance is generally sufficient for other hazards in this remarkably low-risk county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bear Lake County

via WeatherByCounty

A cold-climate mountain outlier

With an average annual temperature of only 41.0°F, this county is significantly colder than the national median. It represents some of the most consistent cold-weather territory in the American West.

Among the coldest counties in Idaho

Bear Lake averages 5.5 degrees colder than the state norm of 46.5°F. Its high elevation keeps the climate crisp and prevents the intense heat found elsewhere in the state.

Heavier snow than western neighbors

The county receives 64.0 inches of snow, outpacing many neighboring regions in Southeast Idaho. Its average annual temperature is also roughly six degrees colder than Bannock County.

Deep winters and short summers

Winter dominates with an average temperature of 19.3°F and heavy snow. Summer is brief and mild, featuring only 11 days of extreme heat over 90°F all year.

Focus on insulation and winter storage

Homeowners must prioritize high-grade attic insulation to withstand the 17.9°F January lows. Snow tires and emergency car kits are essential for navigating the 64 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bear Lake County

via SoilByCounty

High Altitude Soil Profile

Bear Lake County currently has limited data regarding its dominant soil taxonomy and pH levels. Situated at high elevation, these soils are often influenced by local limestone and lake sediments. You should test your soil locally to see how it compares to the national 6.5 pH median.

Evaluating Soil Texture

Composition data for sand, silt, and clay is unavailable for this region. The lack of documented data means growers should pay close attention to how their soil behaves when wet. If it stays sticky, you likely have high clay; if it falls apart, you are working with sand.

Navigating Short-Season Fertility

Organic matter and available water capacity remain unrecorded for Bear Lake compared to the state's 27.53% organic average. Given the high-altitude climate, organic matter breaks down slowly, so manual additions are helpful. Focus on building a rich soil base to maximize the limited growing window.

Understanding Local Runoff

Drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently not listed for Bear Lake County. The proximity to the lake and steep mountains suggests that drainage can vary wildly from one acre to the next. Localized drainage assessment is critical for any new construction or large-scale agricultural project.

Cold-Tolerant Plants for Zone 5a

Bear Lake County's Hardiness Zone 5a means a shorter growing season that requires hardy, fast-maturing plant varieties. Focus on cold-tolerant crops like spinach and radishes, and consider using row covers to protect against late frosts. Even without detailed soil maps, building up your soil's organic matter will improve your gardening results.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bear Lake County

via LawnByCounty

Chilly Winters Define Bear Lake Lawns

Bear Lake County is a Zone 5a region with a lawn difficulty score of 31.6, reflecting a slightly easier path than the state average but a far cry from the national median. The cold climate and short growing season are the primary obstacles for local homeowners. Grasses here must be exceptionally cold-hardy to survive the frigid 17.9°F January average.

Short Seasons and Limited Heat

With only 1,467 growing degree days and 11 extreme heat days, the growing window is brief but relatively mild. Annual precipitation of 14.6 inches is low for turf, but the cooler 65.7°F July average helps reduce the evaporation rates seen elsewhere in Idaho. You must maximize every day of the short summer to ensure your grass stores enough energy for winter.

Focus on Foundations in Zone 5a

Detailed soil metrics for this county are limited, making home soil tests essential for a successful lawn foundation. High-altitude soils in this region can be alkaline or rocky, which impacts how well your grass absorbs nutrients. Adding compost or topsoil before seeding can help provide the buffer your lawn needs during the cold dormant months.

Persistent Dryness in a Cold Climate

The county experienced 35 weeks of drought over the last year and currently sits at 100% abnormally dry status. Even in this cooler climate, the 14.6 inches of rain is insufficient for traditional turf without supplemental watering. Focus on deep-root watering strategies in early summer to prepare for the dry spells that characterize the region.

Wait for the Late June Thaw

A late last frost on June 17th means you should wait until mid-summer to expect significant growth from new seeds. Choose cold-hardy varieties like fine fescue or Canada bluegrass that can handle the Zone 5a winter. Be prepared for a quick transition to dormancy, as the first fall frost often arrives by September 21st.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bear Lake County's county score?
Bear Lake County, Idaho has a composite county score of 63.3 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 Bear Lake County rank among counties in Idaho?
Bear Lake County ranks #3 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 Bear Lake County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Bear Lake County is $1,061, with an effective tax rate of 0.45%. This earns Bear Lake County a tax score of 90.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bear Lake County?
The median household income in Bear Lake County, Idaho is $67,304 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bear Lake County earns an income score of 59.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bear Lake County, Idaho a good place to live?
Bear Lake County scores 63.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Bear Lake 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 Bear Lake County with other counties side by side.

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