CountyScore

Blaine County

Idaho · ID

#31 in Idaho
70.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Blaine County, Idaho

Blaine County Ranks in Top Tier Nationally

Blaine County's composite score of 70.7 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties. This Idaho mountain county delivers strong livability despite its premium positioning.

Slightly Below Idaho's Average

Blaine County scores 70.7, just below Idaho's state average of 72.5, placing it in the upper-middle tier. Despite its mountain-resort character, it maintains competitive livability metrics statewide.

Exceptional Taxes and Healthcare Quality

Blaine County boasts the lowest effective tax rate in this entire group at 0.386%, with a tax score of 91.4. Health scores are strong at 77.2, and median household income of $84,470 suggests a prosperous resident base.

Housing Costs Far Above Peers

The cost score of 67.5 reflects Blaine's resort-economy premium: median home values soar to $663,800 and rent averages $1,217/month. Housing affordability is the county's most significant livability constraint for typical middle-income households.

For Affluent Mountain Lifestyle Seekers

Blaine County appeals to high-income professionals and retirees drawn to mountain recreation and world-class amenities. The county suits those for whom housing expense is secondary to lifestyle, natural environment, and tax efficiency.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax91.4Cost67.5SafetyComing SoonHealth77.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome38.5Risk34.6WaterComing Soon
🏛91.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼38.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡34.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Blaine County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Greene County
Georgia
70.7
Median income: $84,530
Jenkins County
Georgia
70.7
Median income: $36,906
Lincoln County
Georgia
70.7
Median income: $50,688
Wilkinson County
Georgia
70.7
Median income: $46,673
Owyhee County
Idaho
70.7
Median income: $59,773

Deep Dives

Blaine County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

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