countyscore
48.6
County Score
Property Tax 82.1Income & Jobs 79.8Safety 50.8

County Report Card

About Bingham County, Idaho

Just Under the National Median

Bingham County earns a composite score of 48.6, nearly reaching the national median of 50.0. It provides a balanced lifestyle that mirrors much of the American heartland.

Below the State Baseline

Bingham’s score of 48.6 falls short of the Idaho state average of 52.2. While competitive, the county has room for growth to meet the state's highest living standards.

Strong Incomes and Low Taxes

The county performs well with a Tax Score of 82.1 and an Income Score of 79.8, fueled by a $76,842 median household income. Safety also holds steady with a respectable score of 50.8.

Water Quality and Education Gaps

Bingham faces significant challenges in water quality with a score of 25.9 and school performance at 16.6. Environmental risk is also a concern, as reflected in the score of 39.9.

Built for Middle-Income Families

This county is a solid fit for workers who want strong earning potential and low property taxes. It offers a fair deal for families who prioritize take-home pay over public infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax82.1Cost44.8Safety50.8Health48.2Schools16.6Income79.8Risk39.9Water25.9Weather36.7
🏛82.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠44.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼79.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡50.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤48.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓16.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡39.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧25.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱29.2
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

Jefferson County
Idaho
52.8
Bonneville County
Idaho
41.4
Power County
Idaho
48
Bannock County
Idaho
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Butte County
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Madison County
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Caribou County
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Minidoka County
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Deep Dives

Bingham County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Bingham County

via TaxByCounty

Bingham County taxes slightly above national

Bingham County's effective tax rate of 0.538% exceeds the national median of 0.49% by 10%, placing it in the upper-middle tier of American counties. With a median property tax of $1,389 compared to the national median of $2,690, Bingham's tax burden remains relatively modest despite the higher rate.

Bingham ranks above Idaho average

At 0.538%, Bingham County's effective tax rate surpasses Idaho's state average of 0.508% by 6%, positioning it in the upper-middle range of state counties. The median tax of $1,389 is 9% below the state average of $1,529, reflecting Bingham's moderate property values.

Bingham County's regional tax standing

Bingham County's 0.538% rate sits between Bannock County (0.718%) to the north and Bear Lake County (0.453%) to the northwest. In the southeastern Idaho region, Bingham represents a middle ground for tax burden.

Bingham County annual tax obligations

On a median home valued at $258,000, Bingham County homeowners pay an estimated $1,389 per year in property taxes. Mortgage holders pay slightly more ($1,467), while outright owners pay less ($1,255), reflecting exemption variations typical across Idaho.

Challenge your Bingham assessment

Bingham County homeowners should periodically verify their assessed values align with current market comparables. Filing an appeal is free and straightforward—even if your property was recently assessed, market shifts may justify a lower current value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bingham County

via CostByCounty

Bingham balances income and affordability well

Bingham County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.2% beats the national standard, with renters spending just $845 monthly on a median household income of $76,842. This county's slightly above-national income combined with below-average rents creates genuine housing affordability.

Bingham ranks among Idaho's most affordable

Bingham County's 13.2% rent-to-income ratio sits well below Idaho's state average of 16.8%, positioning it as one of the state's most affordable markets. At $845 monthly, median rent undercuts the state median of $919 while household incomes exceed the state typical.

Bingham offers good value in central Idaho

Bingham County's median rent of $845 competes favorably with neighboring Bannock County ($879) and Benewah County ($853), while incomes rank among the region's strongest. Home values of $258,000 provide accessible pathways to ownership.

Renters and owners enjoy genuine affordability

Bingham County renters spend $845 monthly while homeowners pay $934, both modest on a median income of $76,842 that exceeds the national average. Housing consumes just 13.2% of income, allowing households to invest in savings and long-term security.

Bingham: underrated affordability with real income

If you're seeking balanced housing costs and solid earning potential, Bingham County delivers both—above-average income paired with below-average housing burden. This makes it an appealing destination for those wanting affordability without sacrificing economic opportunity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bingham County

via IncomeByCounty

Bingham County nearly matches national earnings

At $76,842, Bingham County's median household income comes within 3% of the U.S. median of $74,755. The county's diverse economy—anchored by agriculture, energy, and services—supports near-national earning levels.

Bingham ranks above Idaho's average income

Bingham County's $76,842 median household income exceeds Idaho's state average of $65,770 by nearly $11,100. The county's economic diversity and role in regional commerce place it in Idaho's upper-income tier.

Bingham competitive with Boise County

Bingham County's $76,842 income closely rivals Boise County's $77,349, though both pale before Ada County's $88,907. The two counties share similar economic structures balancing resource extraction, services, and small manufacturing.

Strong housing affordability in Bingham

At 13.2%, Bingham County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's best, with median homes priced at $258,000. The combination of solid incomes and affordable housing creates favorable conditions for financial stability.

Build wealth through strategic investing

Bingham County's competitive incomes and affordable housing position residents well for wealth building through 401(k)s, IRAs, and taxable investment accounts. Consider diversifying beyond home equity through regular stock market contributions to accelerate long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bingham County

via CrimeByCounty

Bingham County offers high national safety

Bingham County records a total crime rate of 1106.7 per 100,000 residents, far below the national average of 2,385.5. The county’s safety score of 98.3 indicates it is safer than the vast majority of U.S. counties. Physical and property security are strong here.

Consistent with Idaho’s high standards

Bingham County's safety score of 98.3 is nearly identical to the Idaho state average of 98.4. Its total crime rate of 1106.7 is just above the statewide average of 1027.1. Three reporting agencies coordinate to maintain this safe environment.

Safer than nearby urban centers

Bingham County is notably safer than Bannock County, which has a higher crime rate of 1826.5. However, it sees more activity than rural Bear Lake County, which sits at 714.7. This makes Bingham a safe middle ground in the region.

Low violent crime rates recorded

The violent crime rate is exceptionally low at 143.0 per 100,000 residents, well below the state average of 252.9. Property crime accounts for 963.7 incidents per 100,000 people. This suggests that while property theft happens, personal safety is very high.

Focus on protecting your property

With property crime making up most local reports, homeowners should secure garages and sheds. Consider using smart doorbells to monitor deliveries and visitors. These simple actions help keep Bingham County’s crime rates on a downward trend.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bingham County

via HealthByCounty

Bingham County trails national health marks

At 75.1 years, Bingham County's life expectancy falls 1.0 year below the U.S. average of 76.1 years. With 18.3% reporting poor or fair health—above the national 17.8% rate—the county faces notable health disparities.

Bingham below Idaho's health average

Bingham County's 75.1-year life expectancy ranks among Idaho's lower counties, trailing the state average of 77.5 years by 2.4 years. The county's 18.3% poor/fair health rate reflects statewide wellness gaps.

Bingham mirrors Bannock's health challenges

At 75.1 years, Bingham nearly matches Bannock County (75.2), both struggling compared to Ada (79.7) and Adams (79.2). With just 29 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Bingham ranks among the lowest in provider access across this group.

Low provider access compounds uninsured burden

Bingham's 10.6% uninsured rate sits below Idaho's 11.7% average, yet the county's critical shortage of primary care providers—just 29 per 100,000—limits even the insured population's access. With 143 mental health providers per 100,000, behavioral health capacity is modest but present.

Bingham families: secure coverage today

While Bingham's uninsured rate is slightly better than state average, 10.6% of residents still lack protection against medical debt. Visit healthcare.gov to confirm your coverage and seek out plans emphasizing preventive care—critical in a county with limited primary care options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bingham County

via SchoolsByCounty

Bingham County’s Expansive Rural Network

Bingham County supports 36 public schools, serving a large student population of 11,667 across eight districts. The infrastructure is diverse, featuring 16 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 10 high schools. This ensures that even in rural areas, students have accessible campuses nearby.

Strong Graduation Rates on a Budget

Bingham County achieves an impressive 86.9% graduation rate, beating the state average and nearly matching the national 87% benchmark. This success comes despite a low per-pupil expenditure of $5,053, which is significantly under the national average. The county maintains a school score of 47.7, showing efficient use of resources.

Blackfoot and Snake River District Leads

The Blackfoot District is the county's largest, managing 11 schools and 3,990 students. Snake River District also plays a major role with 9 schools and 2,888 students, including a large online learning program. Three charter schools provide additional variety, representing about 8% of the county's schools.

Town-Centered Learning Environments

The county features 20 schools in town settings and 16 in rural locales, creating a balanced educational feel. Blackfoot High School is the largest traditional campus with 1,286 students, though the county average is a more moderate 324. This mix provides families with the choice between centralized town schools and more remote rural options.

Buying Near Top-Performing Bingham Schools

With graduation rates near the national average, Bingham County is an excellent place for families to settle. Neighborhoods in Blackfoot and Shelley offer proximity to high schools that are delivering strong results for their students. Consider the high academic value and regional accessibility when searching for your next home here.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bingham County

via RiskByCounty

Bingham County faces moderate disaster risk

Bingham County's composite risk score of 60.15 exceeds the national average of 50, putting it in the 'relatively low' category. The county's exposure is driven by significant wildfire and earthquake risks, making it more hazard-prone than average American counties.

Above-average risk for an Idaho county

Bingham County's score of 60.15 sits well above Idaho's state average of 38.51, placing it in the higher-risk tier statewide. While it trails the highest-risk counties, Bingham still faces notably elevated natural disaster exposure compared to its state peers.

Bingham slightly safer than Bannock County

Bingham County's 60.15 score falls just below Bannock County's 66.89 but significantly exceeds Bear Lake County's 6.58, positioning it as a moderate-risk region in southeastern Idaho. This grouping reflects similar geographic and geological characteristics across the region.

Earthquakes and wildfires drive Bingham risk

Bingham County faces an earthquake risk of 88.30 and wildfire risk of 83.56, both well above state averages and representing the county's primary threats. Flood risk (58.78) is also moderately elevated, while tornado risk remains very low at 8.21.

Earthquake and wildfire coverage essential

Bingham County residents must secure both earthquake and wildfire insurance, as standard homeowners policies exclude these hazards. Given your county's elevated exposure, obtaining robust coverage in both categories should be your immediate priority, with flood insurance as a secondary consideration.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bingham County

via WeatherByCounty

Dry and cooler than national norms

Bingham County's average temperature of 46.0°F is well below the national median. Its extremely low annual precipitation of 10.7 inches places it among the drier regions in the country.

Aligns closely with Idaho averages

The county's 46.0°F average is almost identical to the Idaho state average of 46.5°F. It serves as a representative sample of the state's high-desert agricultural climate.

Drier than the surrounding counties

With only 10.7 inches of rain, Bingham is drier than neighboring Bannock County. It also sees less snow than its neighbors, averaging only 22.7 inches annually.

Arid summers and freezing winters

The county experiences 27 days of extreme heat above 90°F during its dry summers. January is cold, with an average temperature of 23.6°F and light but frequent snowfall.

Focus on irrigation and dust control

Effective irrigation systems are vital given the low 10.7-inch annual precipitation. Residents should also prepare for cold winter winds that accompany the 25.2°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bingham County

via SoilByCounty

Volcanic and Alluvial Roots

Bingham County's soil taxonomy and pH data are not currently available in this dataset. The region is famous for its agricultural output, which usually implies a balanced pH near the 6.5 national median. Understanding your soil's chemical makeup is the key to maintaining its high productivity.

The Mystery of Texture

We lack specific sand, silt, and clay percentages for Bingham County. Because texture dictates how easily roots can penetrate the earth, it is a primary factor in the county's farming success. Local growers often work with loamy soils that offer a perfect balance of drainage and retention.

Fertility Beyond the Data

Specific organic matter levels are not documented here, so comparison to the 27.53% state average is difficult. High-yield farming in the area often relies on careful management of what organic matter is present. Testing your water capacity can help you refine irrigation for better water efficiency.

Hydrology in the Snake River Plain

The drainage class and hydrologic group for Bingham County remain unlisted. Given its location in the Snake River Plain, the hydrology is heavily influenced by large-scale irrigation and volcanic geology. Knowing how your specific acreage drains is essential for protecting your crops from overwatering.

Potatoes and More in Zone 5b

Bingham County gardeners work within Hardiness Zone 5b, making it ideal for potatoes, grains, and cool-weather greens. The local climate requires plants that can withstand chilly nights and a moderate growing window. Since specific soil stats are limited, performing a simple home pH test can help you tailor your fertilizer choices.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bingham County

via LawnByCounty

Arid Challenges on the Snake River Plain

Bingham County is a difficult environment for lawns, scoring just 29.2 on the difficulty scale. This Zone 5b region is significantly more challenging than the national average, primarily due to its extremely dry climate. Growing a lush lawn here requires a serious commitment to irrigation and soil health.

Idaho's Driest Conditions for Grass

With only 10.7 inches of annual precipitation, Bingham County is one of the driest areas in the state for lawn care. The 2,087 growing degree days and 27 extreme heat days mean the grass grows fast when watered, but it will brown quickly without help. Homeowners should plan for a rigorous watering schedule to combat the low rainfall.

Building Soil for Water Retention

Specific soil data is limited, but in such an arid climate, increasing organic matter is the best way to hold onto the 10.7 inches of rain you receive. Most local soils are likely to be alkaline, so a soil test can help you decide if you need sulfur to lower the pH. Adding top-dressing like peat moss or compost can significantly improve your lawn's survival during dry spells.

Persistent Drought in a Semi-Desert

Bingham County endured 37 weeks of drought over the past year and remains 100% abnormally dry. Because natural rainfall is so low, your lawn relies almost entirely on your irrigation system to survive. To save water, mow at higher settings to shade the ground and reduce the need for frequent watering cycles.

A Concise Summer Growing Season

Your primary growing window opens after the last frost on May 20th and closes quickly with the first fall frost on September 20th. For Zone 5b, choose drought-resistant fescues or specialized wheatgrass blends that can handle the low moisture. Early fall is often the best time to seed, provided you can keep the new sprouts moist.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bingham County's county score?
Bingham County, Idaho has a composite county score of 48.6 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 Bingham County rank among counties in Idaho?
Bingham County ranks #29 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 Bingham County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Bingham County is $1,389, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns Bingham County a tax score of 82.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bingham County?
The median household income in Bingham County, Idaho is $76,842 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bingham County earns an income score of 79.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bingham County, Idaho a good place to live?
Bingham County scores 48.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #29 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Bingham 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 Bingham 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.