countyscore
59.1
County Score
Property Tax 94.6Income & Jobs 88.1Health 70.4

County Report Card

About Blaine County, Idaho

Outpacing the National Median

Blaine County delivers a strong composite score of 59.1, significantly beating the national median of 50.0. It offers a premium living experience that stands out on the national stage.

A High Performer in Idaho

Blaine's score of 59.1 easily exceeds the Idaho state average of 52.2. It is one of the premier counties in the state for those seeking high-end amenities and community health.

Exceptional Income and Tax Environment

Blaine excels with a Tax Score of 94.6 and an Income Score of 88.1, supported by an $84,470 median household income. It also boasts high scores in health (70.4) and safety (69.0).

Expensive Housing and Water Limits

The Cost Score is a low 15.8, with median home values soaring to $663,800. Water quality and availability also present challenges, reflected in a low score of 18.1.

Tailored for Affluent Professionals

Blaine County is ideal for wealthy individuals and high-income families who can afford the high cost of housing. It rewards those who can pay for entry with incredible health, safety, and school metrics.

Score breakdown

Tax94.6Cost15.8Safety69Health70.4Schools65.8Income88.1Risk34.6Water18.1Weather39.7
🏛94.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠15.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼88.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡69
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤70.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓65.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡34.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧18.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤39.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱24.8
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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Deep Dives

Blaine County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Blaine County

via TaxByCounty

Blaine County has nation's lowest tax rate

Blaine County's effective tax rate of 0.386% ranks among the lowest in the United States, falling 21% below the national median of 0.49%. Despite this ultra-low rate, the median property tax of $2,563 approaches the national median of $2,690, reflecting Blaine County's exceptionally high median home value of $663,800.

Blaine County lowest-rate Idaho county

At 0.386%, Blaine County's effective tax rate is the lowest in Idaho, running 24% below the state average of 0.508%. Yet the median tax of $2,563 is 68% above Idaho's state average of $1,529, a paradox driven by Blaine County's luxury real estate market where homes average $663,800.

Blaine's ultra-low rate serves luxury market

Blaine County's 0.386% rate is substantially lower than all neighboring counties, including Boise County (0.370%) and Benewah County (0.550%). The exceptionally low rate reflects Blaine's unique position as Idaho's premier high-value real estate destination.

Blaine County property tax costs

On a median home valued at $663,800, Blaine County homeowners pay an estimated $2,563 annually in property taxes. Owners with mortgages pay less ($1,961), while those owning outright pay substantially more ($3,313), an unusual gap reflecting Blaine's complex exemption structure.

Blaine County assessment review essential

Blaine County's dynamic luxury market means property valuations shift frequently. High-value homeowners should regularly compare their assessed values to recent sales of comparable properties—even a 1% assessment correction translates to hundreds in annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Blaine County

via CostByCounty

Blaine rents are pricey, but income is strong

Blaine County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.3% sits above the national standard, with renters spending $1,217 monthly on a median household income of $84,470. Though housing costs are high, this county's above-average income—$9,715 above the national median—provides meaningful cushion.

Blaine ranks second among Idaho's priciest

Blaine County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Idaho's state average of 16.8%, second only to Ada County in rental expense burden. Median rent of $1,217 runs $298 above the statewide median, reflecting this county's mountain resort character.

Blaine costs match Ada, with different character

Blaine County's median rent of $1,217 trails only Ada County's $1,465 in Idaho, though homebuyers here see dramatically different values: Blaine's median home price of $663,800 reflects its exclusive mountain-resort positioning. Unlike Ada's urban sprawl, Blaine's high costs come with scenic amenities.

High earners sustain high housing costs

Blaine County renters spend $1,217 monthly while homeowners pay $1,230, both elevated on a median income of $84,470. At 17.3% of income dedicated to rent, residents retain solid earnings, though absolute costs rank among Idaho's highest.

Blaine suits affluent movers seeking mountain living

Relocating to Blaine County means high housing costs offset by premium income and mountain-resort lifestyle; it's for those who can afford the premium. Compare thoughtfully with Ada County—Blaine offers rural charm at comparable prices, while Ada provides urban amenities and job diversity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Blaine County

via IncomeByCounty

Blaine County's income ranks in top tier

At $84,470, Blaine County's median household income runs 13% above the U.S. median of $74,755. The Sun Valley-anchored economy draws high-earning professionals in hospitality, tourism, and real estate management.

Idaho's second-richest county by income

Blaine County's $84,470 median household income ranks second only to Ada County ($88,907) in Idaho, towering $18,700 above the state average of $65,770. The county's resort economy and seasonal wealth influx drive exceptional earning power.

Blaine County far exceeds adjacent areas

Blaine County's $84,470 income dramatically outpaces all surveyed neighbors, including Boise County ($77,349) and Bingham County ($76,842). The Sun Valley resort region commands a distinct economic advantage rooted in high-end tourism and real estate.

High incomes clash with housing costs

Despite strong household incomes, Blaine County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeds affordability thresholds, with median homes at $663,800—among the nation's highest. The county's wealth concentration means housing consumes a substantial income share even at the median.

Diversify beyond Sun Valley real estate

Blaine County's high earners should protect wealth by diversifying away from local real estate and tourism-dependent assets into broader investment portfolios. Work with a financial advisor to build exposure to stocks, bonds, and alternative investments to hedge against seasonal income volatility.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Blaine County

via CrimeByCounty

Blaine County is among the nation's safest

Blaine County enjoys a total crime rate of 725.9 per 100,000 residents, which is about 70% lower than the national average. Its safety score of 98.9 places it in the top tier of safe counties across America. Security is a defining feature of the local area.

Outperforming Idaho’s safety averages

Blaine County's safety score of 98.9 beats the Idaho state average of 98.4. Its total crime rate of 725.9 is also much lower than the state average of 1027.1. Five different reporting agencies contribute to this high level of community safety.

Leading the region in safety

Blaine County is safer than Ada County, which records a crime rate of 1172.2. Its statistics are very similar to Bear Lake County's low rate of 714.7. The area remains a benchmark for safety in central Idaho.

A look at property and violent crime

The property crime rate is very low at 511.4 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime stands at 214.5, which is also lower than the Idaho state average of 252.9. These numbers indicate that both people and property are very secure here.

Maintaining your peace of mind

Even in very safe areas, opportunistic theft can occur, so always lock your vehicles. Motion-sensor lights and alarm systems provide extra layers of security for your home. Community awareness keeps Blaine County one of the safest places to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Blaine County

via HealthByCounty

Blaine County enjoys exceptional longevity

At 85.3 years, Blaine County's life expectancy towers 9.2 years above the U.S. average of 76.1 years—among the highest in America. Only 13.1% report poor or fair health, outpacing the national 17.8% rate and suggesting a particularly healthy population.

Blaine County dominates Idaho health rankings

Blaine County's 85.3-year life expectancy sets it apart as Idaho's healthiest county, surpassing the state average of 77.5 years by 7.8 years. The county stands in a league of its own within Idaho for health outcomes.

Blaine vastly outpaces all peer counties

At 85.3 years, Blaine County's life expectancy exceeds Ada County (79.7) by 5.6 years and towers over every other county in this analysis. With 81 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Blaine offers solid access to support its aging, health-conscious population.

High wealth masks uninsured vulnerability

Despite Blaine's exceptional health outcomes, 14.5% of residents remain uninsured—the highest rate in this group and above Idaho's 11.7% average. The county provides 256 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, reflecting strong behavioral health infrastructure.

Blaine County: close the coverage gap

Even in Idaho's healthiest county, 14.5% of residents lack insurance—suggesting affordability barriers despite high incomes and wealth. Visit healthcare.gov to explore coverage options and ensure every Blaine resident has protection against unexpected health costs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Blaine County

via SchoolsByCounty

Blaine County’s High-Investment Schools

Blaine County operates 9 public schools serving 3,405 students through two districts. The school mix includes five elementary schools, one middle school, two high schools, and one specialized STEAM school. This small but focused network provides comprehensive coverage for the entire Wood River Valley.

Leading the Region in Scores and Funding

The county boasts a 61.6 school score, the highest in this group and well above the state average of 48.0. This performance is backed by a graduation rate of 88.0% and a high per-pupil expenditure of $11,244. This level of investment nearly doubles the spending of many neighboring counties, yielding clear academic benefits.

Blaine County District and Charter Options

The Blaine County District is the primary educator, overseeing 8 schools and 3,312 students. Syringa Mountain School Inc. provides a charter alternative, serving 93 students and representing 11% of the local school choices. The Wood River High School is the district's flagship, enrolling nearly 1,000 students.

A Focus on Town-Based Education

Most students attend school in town locales like Hailey or Ketchum, with 7 of the 9 schools classified as 'Town.' The average school size is 378 students, striking a balance between community intimacy and diverse programming. Specialized campuses like the Ernest Hemingway STEAM School offer unique curriculum focuses for primary students.

Invest in a Home Near Premier Schools

For families where education quality is the top priority, Blaine County stands out as a premier Idaho destination. The high graduation rates and significant per-pupil investment make homes in this district highly desirable. Use these strong school metrics to guide your real estate decisions in the Wood River Valley.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Blaine County

via RiskByCounty

Blaine County carries elevated disaster risk

Blaine County's composite risk score of 65.36 significantly exceeds the national average of 50, earning a 'relatively low' rating despite above-average exposure. The county faces substantial wildfire and flood threats, making it considerably more hazard-prone than typical U.S. counties.

Higher-risk among Idaho counties

Blaine County's score of 65.36 exceeds Idaho's state average of 38.51 by a significant margin, placing it in the higher-risk category statewide. Only Ada County and a few others face greater natural disaster exposure within Idaho.

Blaine rivals Bannock in risk exposure

Blaine County's 65.36 score closely mirrors Bannock County's 66.89 and exceeds Boise County's 48.92, positioning it as a moderate-to-high-risk zone in central Idaho. This elevated exposure distinguishes Blaine from most of its regional neighbors.

Wildfire and flooding are primary threats

Blaine County faces a wildfire risk of 93.83 and flood risk of 70.52, both substantially above state averages and representing severe hazards for the county. Earthquake risk (73.70) is also moderately elevated, while tornado risk remains very low at 7.70.

Wildfire and flood coverage are critical

Blaine County residents should prioritize wildfire and flood insurance, neither included in standard homeowners policies, given the county's significant exposure to both hazards. Earthquake insurance should also be evaluated based on property location and risk tolerance, as this threat is notably elevated.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Blaine County

via WeatherByCounty

A high-altitude, cold-weather destination

Blaine County's 41.3°F average temperature is over 10 degrees colder than the national median. This reflects its rugged mountain geography and famous high-elevation resorts.

Much colder than the Idaho norm

At five degrees below the state average of 46.5°F, Blaine is one of Idaho's chillier regions. The county is defined by its long, cold winters rather than its short summers.

Snowier than the southern valleys

With 73.8 inches of annual snow, Blaine is much snowier than neighboring Bingham County. It also stays significantly cooler during the summer, with far fewer 90-degree days.

Heavy snow and limited heat

Winter is the dominant season, bringing an average of 19.5°F in January and nearly 74 inches of snow. Summers are very mild, with only 13 days of extreme heat over 90°F.

Top-tier winter readiness is required

Residents need heavy-duty snow removal equipment and specialized winter tires to manage 73.8 inches of snow. Home heating systems must be reliable enough to handle winter averages of 21.0°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Blaine County

via SoilByCounty

High Desert and Mountain Mix

Blaine County lacks specific pH and taxonomic data in the current soil survey. The varying elevation from the Wood River Valley to the surrounding peaks creates a complex and diverse soil map. Most regional soils trend toward neutral, staying close to the 6.5 national median.

Determining Soil Workability

Data for sand, silt, and clay percentages is missing for this county. Texture impacts how much effort it takes to till and how well the ground supports heavy equipment. To check your workability, see if the soil forms a ball that crumbles easily, indicating a good mix for gardening.

Maintaining Nutrient Levels

We do not have organic matter or water capacity figures to compare with Idaho's 27.53% average. In high-altitude environments, nutrients can be scarce and soil can be thin. Regularly adding mulch and compost is the best way to ensure your plants have enough water and food to survive.

Hydrologic Diversity in Blaine

No specific drainage class or hydrologic group is recorded in this dataset. The steep slopes of the county mean that runoff is a major factor during the spring melt. Proper landscaping can help manage this water and prevent erosion on your property.

Short-Season Crops for Zone 5b

In Hardiness Zone 5b, Blaine County's high-elevation climate favors short-season crops and resilient native plants. Home gardeners should prioritize frost-resistant varieties and consider greenhouse starts for warm-weather favorites like peppers. Improving your soil structure with local mulch will help protect roots during temperature swings.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Blaine County

via LawnByCounty

Blaine County's Tough Growing Environment

Blaine County presents the toughest lawn conditions in this group with a low difficulty score of 24.8. This Zone 5b area struggles with a combination of high elevation, cold winters, and limited growing degree days. Homeowners here should expect a slower-growing, more demanding lawn than those in the warmer valleys.

Low Heat and Minimal Rain

A mere 1,360 growing degree days makes for a very short window of active turf growth each year. While 15.2 inches of annual precipitation is near the state average, it is only half of what a traditional lawn needs to stay green. The mild July average of 64.5°F is a rare benefit, preventing the extreme heat stress seen in lower elevations.

Testing Rocky Mountain Soils

With no detailed soil data currently available for the county, a professional test is your best tool for success. Mountain soils can vary wildly from sandy washes to heavy clay, each requiring different fertilization and aeration strategies. Focus on building a healthy root zone to help your grass survive the long, dormant winter months.

Navigating 46 Weeks of Drought

Blaine County has faced 46 weeks of drought over the last year, leaving 86.8% of the area abnormally dry. Water conservation is not just a suggestion here; it is a necessity for maintaining a viable lawn on 15.2 inches of rain. Implementing xeriscaping or reducing turf area can help focus your limited water on the most visible parts of your landscape.

Pick Rugged Varieties for High Altitude

Zone 5b requires incredibly hardy grass types like fine fescue or native grass mixes that can handle cold and drought. Because frost dates vary significantly by elevation in Blaine County, monitor your local microclimate before spring planting. Aim for a late summer seeding to allow roots to establish during the mildest part of the year.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Blaine County's county score?
Blaine County, Idaho has a composite county score of 59.1 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 Blaine County rank among counties in Idaho?
Blaine County ranks #10 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 Blaine County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Blaine County is $2,563, with an effective tax rate of 0.39%. This earns Blaine County a tax score of 94.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Blaine County?
The median household income in Blaine County, Idaho is $84,470 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Blaine County earns an income score of 88.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Blaine County, Idaho a good place to live?
Blaine County scores 59.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Blaine 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 Blaine 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.