countyscore
57.3
County Score
Property Tax 95.5Income & Jobs 80.5Health 74.6

County Report Card

About Boise County, Idaho

Stronger Than the National Median

Boise County achieves a composite score of 57.3, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score highlights the county's success in balancing income potential with low taxes.

Beating the State Average

Boise County’s score of 57.3 is higher than the Idaho state average of 52.2. It ranks as a desirable alternative to the more congested neighboring urban areas.

Top-Tier Tax and Income Scores

Boise County features an elite Tax Score of 95.5 and a strong Income Score of 80.5. Its Health Score of 74.6 further solidifies its position as a high-quality place to reside.

Critical Water and School Issues

The county faces a very low Water Score of 5.7, suggesting significant infrastructure or quality issues. School performance is also a concern, with a score of 26.3.

Best for Self-Sufficient Earners

Boise County is perfect for high-earners who want to keep more of their paycheck and live in a healthy environment. It is best suited for those who can manage their own water needs and prioritize privacy.

Score breakdown

Tax95.5Cost41.8Safety61.7Health74.6Schools26.3Income80.5Risk51.1Water5.7Weather31.3
🏛95.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠41.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼80.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡61.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤74.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓26.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡51.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧5.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤31.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱39
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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42.5
Gem County
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54.9
Valley County
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54.3
Ada County
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Deep Dives

Boise County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Boise County

via TaxByCounty

Boise County among nation's lowest tax rates

Boise County's effective tax rate of 0.370% ranks among America's lowest, falling 24% below the national median of 0.49%. The median property tax of $1,571 sits well below the national median of $2,690, despite Boise County's median home value of $424,100 being 50% above the national median.

Boise County Idaho's second-lowest rate

At 0.370%, Boise County's effective tax rate ranks second-lowest in Idaho, running 27% below the state average of 0.508%. The median tax of $1,571 remains below the state average of $1,529, making Boise County exceptionally affordable for property owners.

Boise County's competitive regional position

Boise County's 0.370% rate rivals Blaine County (0.386%) as the region's lowest and undercuts Benewah County (0.550%) significantly. In southwestern Idaho, Boise County offers some of the most favorable tax conditions for homeowners.

Boise County annual tax estimate

On a median home valued at $424,100, Boise County homeowners pay an estimated $1,571 per year in property taxes. Mortgage holders pay slightly less ($1,460), while outright owners pay more ($1,769), reflecting typical exemption patterns across the county.

Verify your Boise County assessment

Even with Boise County's already-low tax rates, homeowners should confirm their assessed values match current market conditions. Given the county's appreciating real estate market, reassessments may lag behind actual property values, potentially creating appeal opportunities.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Boise County

via CostByCounty

Boise County combines low rent with solid income

Boise County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.3% beats the national standard, with renters spending just $854 monthly on a median household income of $77,349. This county's above-national income paired with below-average housing costs creates genuine affordability for renters and homebuyers alike.

Boise County ranks among Idaho's most affordable

Boise County's 13.3% rent-to-income ratio sits well below Idaho's state average of 16.8%, positioning it as one of the state's best affordability markets. At $854 monthly, median rent undercuts the state median of $919 while household incomes exceed state norms by $467.

Boise County offers mountain living at moderate cost

Boise County's median rent of $854 aligns with Bingham County ($845) and undercuts Ada County ($1,465) by over $600 monthly. Though home values of $424,100 reflect mountain-area premiums, they remain accessible compared to Blaine County's $663,800 or Ada's $476,000.

Renters and owners both achieve balance

Boise County renters spend $854 monthly while homeowners pay $973, both moderate on a median income of $77,349 that exceeds national norms. Housing consumes just 13.3% of income, leaving substantial earnings for savings, healthcare, and discretionary spending.

Boise County: affordability meets mountain character

If you want mountain living without Ada County's price tag or Blaine County's exclusivity, Boise County delivers solid income potential and genuine housing affordability. This underrated county offers genuine value for those balancing cost and lifestyle in Idaho's scenic interior.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Boise County

via IncomeByCounty

Boise County matches national income norms

At $77,349, Boise County's median household income runs 3% above the U.S. median of $74,755. The county's rural but economically stable character supports earning levels comparable to national averages.

Boise County third among Idaho earners

Boise County's $77,349 median household income ranks third in Idaho, trailing only Ada ($88,907) and Blaine ($84,470), and exceeding the state average of $65,770 by $11,600. The county's timber, mining heritage, and outdoor recreation support solid regional earnings.

Boise County leads its immediate region

Boise County's $77,349 income exceeds Bingham County's $76,842 and maintains healthy distance from more rural eastern counties. The county's proximity to Boise metro influences and access to regional services bolster relative earning power.

Excellent housing affordability in Boise County

At 13.3%, Boise County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among Idaho's best, with median homes at $424,100. The combination of solid incomes and reasonable housing costs creates strong conditions for financial security.

Take advantage of rural stability to save

Boise County's balanced incomes and affordable housing create opportunity for consistent retirement and investment savings. Residents should maximize employer retirement plans and consider supplemental IRAs to compound the region's income advantage over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Boise County

via CrimeByCounty

Boise County safety score is remarkably high

Boise County earns a high safety score of 98.6, well above the national average. Its total crime rate of 883.6 per 100,000 residents is far below the U.S. average of 2,385.5. Residents experience a level of security that is rare in many other states.

Safer than the Idaho average

Boise County’s total crime rate of 883.6 is lower than the Idaho state average of 1027.1. Its safety score of 98.6 also exceeds the state average of 98.4. Two local agencies work together to provide effective law enforcement for the community.

Comparing safety with the capital region

Boise County is significantly safer than its neighbor, Ada County, which has a crime rate of 1172.2. It also maintains a lower rate than Adams County (1209.7). The county provides a much quieter alternative to the nearby urban bustle.

Low property crime but higher violent rates

Boise County has a very low property crime rate of 397.0 per 100,000 residents. Interestingly, the violent crime rate of 486.6 is higher than the state average of 252.9. While violent incidents are more frequent per capita, property theft is quite rare.

Keeping your Boise County home secure

Low property crime rates are a community strength, but standard security habits still matter. Ensure your home is well-lit and consider a security system for added peace of mind. Staying connected with your neighbors helps maintain this safe rural environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Boise County

via HealthByCounty

Boise County matches national health trends

At 79.1 years, Boise County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.1 years by 3.0 years, indicating above-average longevity. With 14.5% reporting poor or fair health—below the national 17.8% rate—the county demonstrates solid health outcomes overall.

Boise County leads Idaho's middle tier

Boise County's 79.1-year life expectancy ranks third in Idaho, beating the state average of 77.5 years by 1.6 years. The county's 14.5% poor/fair health rate positions it solidly in the upper half of Idaho counties.

Boise rivals Ada and Adams in longevity

At 79.1 years, Boise County nearly matches Ada (79.7) and Adams (79.2), forming a strong health corridor in this region. However, Boise's 12 primary care providers per 100,000 residents rank lowest in this group, representing a critical access gap.

Good coverage obscures provider shortage crisis

Boise County's 9.5% uninsured rate beats Idaho's 11.7% average, yet the severe shortage of primary care providers—just 12 per 100,000—undermines care access despite insurance coverage. With 129 mental health providers per 100,000, behavioral health services are limited.

Boise County: protect your health coverage

With 9.5% uninsured, most Boise residents have coverage, but given the county's critical shortage of primary care providers, continuity matters. Visit healthcare.gov to verify your coverage and explore telehealth options that can bridge Boise's provider access gap.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Boise County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education in the Mountains of Boise County

Boise County manages a compact system of 6 public schools serving 837 students across three districts. The landscape includes 3 elementary schools, 2 high schools, and 1 combined PK-12 facility. There are currently no charter schools, keeping the focus on local district community hubs.

Rural Investment Above State Averages

The county spends $7,207 per student, notably higher than the Idaho state average of $6,288. However, the graduation rate currently sits at 78.7%, which is lower than the state benchmark of 83.6%. These metrics combine for a composite school score of 48.0, matching the state average.

Basin, Garden Valley, and Horseshoe Bend

The Basin School District is the largest of the three, serving 336 students across two schools. Garden Valley District and Horseshoe Bend School District manage the remaining student population, with Garden Valley's K-12 school being the largest single campus. Each district functions as a vital center for its respective mountain community.

Exclusively Rural Learning Environments

Every single school in Boise County is located in a rural setting, offering students a true small-town educational experience. Garden Valley School is the largest campus with 272 students, while the countywide average school size is a very intimate 140. This environment allows for highly personalized attention and a quiet learning atmosphere.

Find Your Home in a Quiet District

Families seeking to escape the bustle of the city will find Boise County’s rural schools incredibly peaceful. Homes in Idaho City, Garden Valley, or Horseshoe Bend offer close proximity to these small-scale, community-focused campuses. Consider the unique benefits of a 140-student average school size when planning your move.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Boise County

via RiskByCounty

Boise County faces moderate disaster risk

Boise County's composite risk score of 48.92 sits just below the national average of 50, earning a 'relatively low' rating. While the county faces meaningful exposure to wildfire and moderate flood risks, its overall hazard profile is slightly more favorable than the typical American county.

Near-average risk for Idaho

Boise County's score of 48.92 slightly exceeds Idaho's state average of 38.51, placing it just above the midpoint of statewide risk. This near-average position reflects balanced exposure across multiple hazard categories without extreme concentrations in any single threat.

Boise safer than Ada, less risky than Blaine

Boise County's 48.92 score sits well below Ada County's 87.75 and modestly below Blaine County's 65.36, positioning it as the safer central Idaho option. Its risk level is comparable to or slightly above most other rural Idaho counties.

Wildfire is your dominant natural hazard

Boise County faces an exceptional wildfire risk of 97.23, among the highest in Idaho and ranking as the county's primary threat by far. Flood risk (42.94) and earthquake risk (40.04) are moderate and below state averages, while tornado risk is minimal.

Wildfire insurance is your top priority

Given Boise County's 97.23 wildfire risk score, securing dedicated wildfire insurance should be your immediate action. While earthquake and flood risks are lower, reviewing coverage options for these hazards remains prudent, and maintaining defensible space around your home is essential.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Boise County

via WeatherByCounty

High precipitation and cool temperatures

Boise County's 45.0°F average annual temperature is cooler than the national median. However, its 25.3 inches of annual precipitation is higher than many Western interior counties.

Slightly cooler and wetter than average

The county sits just below the Idaho average of 46.5°F but is much wetter than the state average of 17.0 inches. This results in heavy mountain snowpacks that feed the state's river systems.

The snow capital of the region

Boise County averages a massive 93.1 inches of snow, nearly triple that of neighboring Ada County. It also receives nearly twice the annual precipitation of its valley neighbors.

Extreme snowfall and moderate heat

The county is defined by its 93.1 inches of annual snow and a chilly January average of 25.2°F. Despite the snow, it still sees 33 days of heat over 90°F in the summer canyon depths.

Prepare for serious winter accumulation

Metal roofing and snow rakes are common needs for handling over 90 inches of annual snow. Residents should keep emergency supplies for potential winter road isolation when temperatures hit 26.6°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Boise County

via SoilByCounty

Rugged Mountain Soil Identity

Boise County's soil taxonomic and pH data are currently unavailable in this survey. The county is dominated by mountainous terrain, which often results in shallower, more rocky soil than the state average. Local testing can help you determine if your specific site needs lime to adjust the pH.

Texture and Drainage

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay have not been recorded for Boise County. Knowing your texture is critical for managing the steep slopes common in this area. Soils with more sand will drain faster on hillsides, while clay-heavy soils might be prone to sliding when saturated.

Building Mountain Fertility

Organic matter and water capacity data is missing for Boise County, making comparisons to the state's 27.53% average difficult. Because mountain soils can be low in nutrients, gardeners often rely on raised beds filled with imported soil. This allows for better control over fertility in a challenging landscape.

Hydrology in the Foothills

Drainage and hydrologic classifications are not currently listed for Boise County. The rugged geography makes water management a primary concern for any land development. Observing your site's natural drainage ways will help you avoid issues with erosion and basement flooding.

Fruit and Hardy Veg in Zone 6b

Boise County falls into Hardiness Zone 6b, providing a solid foundation for many garden staples and fruit shrubs. The rugged terrain means microclimates vary, so observe your specific site's sun and wind exposure. While formal soil data is missing, the area's natural beauty suggests great potential for those who amend their soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Boise County

via LawnByCounty

Boise County's Mountainous Grasslands

Boise County offers a lawn difficulty score of 39.0, which is slightly better than the Idaho state average. In this Zone 6b region, the higher precipitation levels provide a bit of a cushion compared to the drier Snake River Plain. However, maintaining a lawn still requires work to balance the needs of the mountain environment.

Strong Rain but Sharp Temperature Swings

The county receives 25.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is better than the state average but still requires some supplemental watering. You will face 33 extreme heat days, often followed by cool nights, which can create a challenging cycle for some grass types. With only 1,692 growing degree days, your lawn won't grow as aggressively as it might in Ada County.

Navigating Unknown Soil Profiles

Because specific soil data for pH and texture is missing for Boise County, you should perform a DIY jar test to determine your sand-to-clay ratio. Knowing your soil type will help you manage the 25.3 inches of annual rain without causing drainage issues. Well-draining soil is particularly important to prevent ice damage during the cold winters.

Managing 23 Weeks of Drought

Boise County saw 23 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the area is currently abnormally dry. While more resilient than some neighbors, your lawn still needs smart watering to survive the 33 days of 90°F heat. Focus on evening or early morning irrigation to maximize every drop of the county's 25.3 inches of rain.

A Focused Growing Season in Zone 6b

Wait until after the last frost on June 6th to begin your spring planting in this mountainous county. You have a relatively short window before the first fall frost hits on September 5th, so speed is essential for establishment. Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass blends work well if you can provide the necessary summer care.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Boise County's county score?
Boise County, Idaho has a composite county score of 57.3 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 Boise County rank among counties in Idaho?
Boise County ranks #12 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 Boise County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Boise County is $1,571, with an effective tax rate of 0.37%. This earns Boise County a tax score of 95.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Boise County?
The median household income in Boise County, Idaho is $77,349 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Boise County earns an income score of 80.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Boise County, Idaho a good place to live?
Boise County scores 57.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #12 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Boise 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 Boise 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.