countyscore
46.5
County Score
Property Tax 80.7Disaster Risk 80.1Cost of Living 50.3

County Report Card

About Benewah County, Idaho

Below the National Median

Benewah County posts a composite score of 46.5, trailing the national median of 50.0. The county faces some economic and infrastructure headwinds compared to the rest of the country.

Lagging Behind Idaho's Average

With a 46.5 score, Benewah sits below the state average of 52.2. While it offers some advantages, it does not match the performance of Idaho’s top-tier counties.

Low Tax Burden and High Safety

Strengths include a Tax Score of 80.7 and an impressive Risk Score of 80.1, indicating a very safe environment from natural hazards. Affordable housing is also a plus, with a Cost Score of 50.3.

Income and Infrastructure Hurdles

The county struggles with an Income Score of 28.9 and a Water Score of 27.4. Health and school scores also remain in the lower third, at 34.2 and 21.0 respectively.

A Choice for Independent Living

Benewah County is best for individuals who value low environmental risk and tax relief over high wages. It suits those with independent means who can navigate lower scores in public services.

Score breakdown

Tax80.7Cost50.3Safety45.9Health34.2Schools21Income28.9Risk80.1Water27.4Weather45.5
🏛80.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠50.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡45.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤34.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓21
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡80.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧27.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤45.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱38.1
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

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Shoshone County
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Deep Dives

Benewah County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Benewah County

via TaxByCounty

Benewah County taxes moderately above national

Benewah County's effective tax rate of 0.550% exceeds the national median of 0.49% by 12%, placing it in the upper-middle range of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,407 falls well below the national median of $2,690, thanks to Benewah's lower median home values.

Benewah exceeds Idaho's average rate

At 0.550%, Benewah County's effective tax rate surpasses Idaho's state average of 0.508% by 8%, ranking it in the upper half of state counties. The median tax of $1,407 is 8% below the state average of $1,529, suggesting a rate-value balance in the county.

Benewah's place in the north Idaho region

Benewah County's 0.550% rate sits between Bannock County (0.718%) to the southeast and Boise County (0.370%) to the west. Regionally, Benewah represents a moderate tax position for northern Idaho counties.

Benewah County homeowner tax estimates

On a median home valued at $255,800, Benewah County homeowners pay approximately $1,407 annually in property taxes. Notably, mortgage-holders and outright owners pay nearly identically ($1,410 vs. $1,401), indicating consistent assessment practices across ownership types.

Benewah appeal process worth exploring

Benewah County homeowners facing higher-than-expected tax bills should verify their assessed values against recent comparable sales. Even small assessment corrections can produce meaningful annual savings in a county with moderate tax rates.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Benewah County

via CostByCounty

Benewah rents strain lower-income households

Benewah County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.1% ranks above the national standard, with renters spending $853 monthly on a median household income of just $56,553. This county's lower earnings, paired with above-average rent burden, leaves households with less breathing room than the national typical.

Benewah faces above-average affordability pressure

Benewah County's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Idaho's state average of 16.8%, placing it among the state's least affordable markets. With the state's lowest median household income in this dataset at $56,553, renters here struggle more than most state peers.

Benewah rents high, incomes low—a tough combo

Benewah County's median rent of $853 exceeds Bear Lake County ($687) and approaches Bannock County ($879), while incomes fall well below all neighbors. This combination ranks Benewah among the state's most financially stressed markets for renters.

Rent consumes over one-fifth of lean budgets

Benewah County renters allocate $853 monthly to housing on a median income of $56,553, consuming 18.1% of earnings before other expenses. Homeowners fare slightly better at $835 monthly, but both paths strain household finances in this lower-income county.

Benewah offers low costs, but limited income potential

Relocating to Benewah County means affordable rents paired with economic constraints; it suits those with remote income or retirement savings. Without strong local job markets, newcomers should carefully assess whether the modest housing savings justify limited earning opportunities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Benewah County

via IncomeByCounty

Benewah County significantly lags U.S. earnings

At $56,553, Benewah County's median household income trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 24%—among the deepest shortfalls in the region. Limited employment diversity in this north-central Idaho county constrains household earning potential.

Idaho's second-lowest earning county

Benewah County's $56,553 median household income ranks among Idaho's lowest, falling $9,200 below the state average of $65,770. The county's small population and rural character limit economic opportunities and wage growth.

Benewah faces the steepest income challenges

At $56,553, Benewah County's median income trails all surveyed neighbors, including Bannock ($64,080) and Bear Lake ($67,304). The county's isolation and dependence on forestry and local services create persistent income constraints.

Housing costs consume significant income share

Benewah County's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the highest, indicating housing costs claim nearly one-fifth of median earnings. With median home values at $255,800, housing affordability pressures persist despite lower absolute prices.

Prioritize building an emergency fund

In Benewah County, financial resilience requires disciplined savings despite modest incomes and higher housing-cost burdens. Focus on establishing a three-month emergency reserve, then gradually build retirement contributions and explore low-cost index fund investing for long-term wealth growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Benewah County

via CrimeByCounty

Benewah County safety exceeds national norms

Benewah County maintains a solid safety score of 98.1. Its total crime rate of 1212.6 per 100,000 residents is roughly half the national average of 2,385.5. This data highlights a safe environment for families and businesses alike.

Aligning with Idaho safety averages

The county's safety score of 98.1 is very close to the Idaho state average of 98.4. Its total crime rate of 1212.6 is slightly higher than the state average of 1027.1. Three reporting agencies provide consistent data for the region.

Comparing safety in North Idaho

Benewah County’s crime rate of 1212.6 is comparable to Adams County's rate of 1209.7. Both counties maintain similar safety profiles that are safer than many out-of-state neighbors. Residents enjoy a more secure setting than most of the country.

Property crime vs violent crime

Property crime accounts for 924.9 incidents per 100,000 people, while violent crime is much lower at 287.7. While the violent crime rate slightly exceeds the state average of 252.9, it remains below the national average. Theft is the most likely issue residents might encounter.

Steps to keep Benewah County safe

Since property crimes are the most frequent reports, ensure your outbuildings and vehicles are locked. Installing motion-sensor lighting can deter unwanted visitors on your property. Small precautions go a long way in keeping local crime rates low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Benewah County

via HealthByCounty

Benewah County faces severe health crisis

At 73.9 years, Benewah County's life expectancy falls 2.2 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years—a significant gap signaling serious public health challenges. With 19.4% reporting poor or fair health, Benewah far exceeds the national 17.8% rate.

Idaho's most urgent health challenge

Benewah County's 73.9-year life expectancy ranks lowest in Idaho, trailing the state average of 77.5 years by 3.6 years. The county's 19.4% poor/fair health rate also represents one of Idaho's worst health outcomes.

Benewah lags all comparable counties

At 73.9 years, Benewah trails even Bingham County (75.1) and Bannock (75.2) by over a year, indicating concentrated health disparities. With only 30 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Benewah faces the second-worst provider shortage in this group.

High uninsured rates worsen Benewah crisis

Benewah's 13.9% uninsured rate tops Idaho's 11.7% average—nearly one in seven residents lack coverage when facing health emergencies. The county offers 280 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, yet the combination of poverty, lack of insurance, and limited primary care drives poor outcomes.

Benewah: health coverage is urgent now

With 13.9% uninsured and life expectancy nearly 2.2 years below the nation, Benewah residents cannot afford gaps in coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or contact Idaho's health department immediately to enroll and access preventive care that could extend and improve lives.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Benewah County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education in the Timber Country

Benewah County manages 8 public schools that serve a total of 1,310 students. The system is split between two districts and includes 3 elementary, 2 middle, and 3 high schools. No charter schools operate here, maintaining a focus on traditional district-led education.

Investment and Results in Benewah

The county invests $6,810 per student, which is higher than the Idaho state average but well below the national spending level. The graduation rate of 78.9% reflects a challenge in meeting the state benchmark of 83.6%. This investment and performance data result in a school score of 47.3.

Spotlight on St. Maries and Plummer-Worley

St. Maries Joint District is the larger provider, educating 953 students across five schools. The Plummer-Worley Joint District serves the remaining 357 students with three schools. Together, these two districts manage the entire educational pipeline for the county's youth.

Small Schools in a Forested Locale

Schooling in Benewah is largely rural, with 6 schools in rural areas and 2 in small town settings. Heyburn Elementary is the largest campus with 355 students, while the average school size across the county is just 164. This small-scale environment ensures that students and faculty are well-acquainted in every grade.

Relocating to Benewah's Quiet Districts

Families looking for a home in St. Maries or Plummer will find schools that are central to the local identity. The small school sizes are a significant draw for those wanting to avoid the crowds of urban districts. Keep these local campus stats in mind as you explore homes in this beautiful region of Northern Idaho.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Benewah County

via RiskByCounty

Benewah County ranks among America's safest

Benewah County's composite risk score of 19.88 sits well below the national average of 50, earning a 'very low' rating. This favorable position reflects moderate exposure across most hazard categories, with no single threat dominating the county's natural disaster profile.

Among Idaho's lowest-risk counties

Benewah County's score of 19.88 falls comfortably below Idaho's state average of 38.51, placing it in the state's safest tier. Only a handful of Idaho counties enjoy comparable safety levels.

Benewah is safer than most regional peers

Benewah County's 19.88 score is substantially lower than Ada County (87.75) and Boise County (48.92) in the central region, though similar to Bear Lake County's 6.58. This makes Benewah one of northern Idaho's safer communities.

Flood risk moderately elevated for Benewah

Benewah County's flood risk of 46.91 is its highest hazard score and moderately above state average, reflecting the county's proximity to water features and mountain terrain. Wildfire (74.78) and earthquake (26.43) risks are lower, while tornado risk is minimal at 5.09.

Flood insurance is your main coverage need

Benewah County residents should prioritize flood insurance, which is not covered by standard homeowners policies, especially if near waterways or flood-prone zones. Standard coverage should adequately protect against other hazards in this relatively safe county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Benewah County

via WeatherByCounty

Colder and wetter than national medians

At 47.2°F, the county is cooler than the national median but features much higher annual precipitation at 29.8 inches. This creates the lush, forested landscape characteristic of the Idaho Panhandle.

Warmer and wetter than state averages

Benewah is slightly warmer than the state average of 46.5°F but receives nearly 13 inches more precipitation. This moisture fuels the region's dense timber and agricultural lands.

A moist northern climate profile

The county is significantly wetter than Southern Idaho counties like Ada or Bingham. It also receives a robust 56.0 inches of snow, far exceeding the state's drier southern valleys.

High humidity and snowy winters

Winters are relatively mild for the north, averaging 30.8°F, but very snowy. Summer heat is manageable, with only 18 days per year exceeding the 90°F mark.

Prepare for moisture and mud

Quality rain gear and boots are necessary to handle the nearly 30 inches of annual precipitation. With 56 inches of snow, residents should ensure their roofs are rated for significant winter loads.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Benewah County

via SoilByCounty

Forest-Influenced Soil Identity

Benewah County lacks specific data on taxonomic order and pH levels in this survey. Soils in this northern region are typically influenced by evergreen forests and can be more acidic than the state average of 6.04. Knowing your pH is the first step toward optimizing your land for timber or crops.

Missing Composition Data

Records for sand, silt, and clay percentages are currently unavailable for this county. Texture determines how well your soil holds nutrients and water, which is vital for the region's diverse ecosystem. If your soil feels greasy when wet, it likely contains a significant amount of silt or clay.

Comparing Fertility Benchmarks

Organic matter data is not available to compare against the Idaho average of 27.53%. In forested counties, organic matter is often concentrated in the top few inches of the soil. Adding supplemental nutrients can help if you are converting forest land into garden space.

Drainage in the Panhandle

No specific drainage class or hydrologic group is recorded for Benewah County. Local hydrology is shaped by the St. Joe River and the area's rolling hills, creating a mix of wet and dry zones. Always evaluate the slope of your land to predict how water will move during the spring thaw.

Berry Success in Zone 6b

With a Hardiness Zone of 6b, Benewah County offers a hospitable environment for many berries and hardy herbs. The region's diverse landscape is perfect for small-scale gardening and forest-edge crops. Monitoring your local drainage patterns will help you choose the best spot for a new garden bed.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Benewah County

via LawnByCounty

Benewah Outperforms Most of Idaho

Benewah County earns a lawn difficulty score of 38.1, making it one of the more favorable spots in the state for growing grass. While this is still below the national average of 50.0, the Zone 6b climate offers more moisture than most of Idaho. Success here is often limited more by recent drought trends than by the natural climate baseline.

Rain-Rich Idaho Panhandle Weather

At 29.8 inches of annual precipitation, Benewah County is near the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy lawns. The climate is further tempered by having only 18 extreme heat days, which keeps the grass from scorching in the summer. A moderate 1,872 growing degree days provides a steady, manageable pace for mowing and maintenance.

Leveraging Natural Moisture and Soil

Soil data for Benewah is currently sparse, but the high annual rainfall suggests that drainage management is more important here than in drier counties. If your lawn feels soggy after rain, consider aerating to help water penetrate the soil profile. Checking your pH is still vital, as higher rainfall can sometimes lead to slightly more acidic conditions over time.

Severe Drought Challenges a Moist Baseline

Despite the high average rainfall, the county has suffered through 53 weeks of drought, with nearly 88% of the area in severe drought. This unusual trend makes water conservation critical, even in a region that usually gets 29.8 inches of rain. Prioritize keeping your grass dormant rather than over-watering if local restrictions are in place.

The May to October Growing Window

Take advantage of the post-frost window starting after May 11th to seed your Zone 6b lawn. Perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass thrive in these Panhandle conditions with their balanced summer heat. You have until the first frost around October 5th to ensure your lawn is well-established before winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Benewah County's county score?
Benewah County, Idaho has a composite county score of 46.5 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 Benewah County rank among counties in Idaho?
Benewah County ranks #34 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 Benewah County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Benewah County is $1,407, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Benewah County a tax score of 80.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Benewah County?
The median household income in Benewah County, Idaho is $56,553 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Benewah County earns an income score of 28.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Benewah County, Idaho a good place to live?
Benewah County scores 46.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #34 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Benewah 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 Benewah 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.