countyscore
50.6
County Score
Property Tax 94.1Health 64.9Safety 59.7

County Report Card

About Bonner County, Idaho

Slightly above the national median

Bonner County earns a composite score of 50.6, placing it just above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that is competitive with the average American county.

Trailing the Idaho state average

Despite its solid national standing, Bonner falls slightly behind the Idaho state average of 52.2. It sits in the middle tier of Idaho counties for overall livability and infrastructure.

Exceptional tax climate and health

The county boasts an elite tax score of 94.1, driven by a very low effective tax rate of 0.396%. A health score of 64.9 further bolsters its appeal, showing better wellness outcomes than many peers.

Environmental risks and school funding

Bonner faces challenges with a low risk score of 22.7, suggesting vulnerability to natural hazards. Additionally, a school score of 25.6 and a water score of 19.7 indicate areas where public infrastructure needs attention.

Ideal for retirees and tax-sensitive residents

This county is best suited for those who prioritize low taxes and health over school systems. With median home values at $433,400, it attracts individuals looking for a scenic lifestyle with minimal tax burdens.

Score breakdown

Tax94.1Cost26.7Safety59.7Health64.9Schools25.6Income55.2Risk22.7Water19.7Weather44.9
🏛94.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠26.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼55.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡59.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤64.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓25.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡22.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧19.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱40.9
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

Kootenai County
Idaho
45.2
Boundary County
Idaho
56.6
Pend Oreille County
Washington
54.7
Spokane County
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Lincoln County
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Shoshone County
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Stevens County
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Sanders County
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Deep Dives

Bonner County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Bonner County

via TaxByCounty

Bonner taxes run cooler than nation

At 0.396%, Bonner County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median, meaning homeowners here pay significantly less in property taxes as a percentage of home value than most Americans. The median property tax bill of $1,716 falls short of the national median of $2,690, putting Bonner in roughly the 30th percentile nationally—a genuine advantage for homeowners.

Bonner ranks lowest in Idaho

Bonner County has Idaho's lowest effective property tax rate at 0.396%, well below the state average of 0.508%. This makes Bonner the most tax-friendly county in Idaho for property owners, though the median home value here ($433,400) is substantially higher than most other Idaho counties.

Bonner outpaces northern Idaho peers

Bonner's 0.396% rate beats Boundary County (0.416%) and Kootenai County's regional cluster, making it the tax bargain of North Idaho. Homeowners in neighboring Boundary County pay about $283 more annually on similar-value properties, illustrating how Bonner's favorable rate adds up.

Average Bonner home costs $1,716 yearly

A homeowner with a median-value property of $433,400 pays approximately $1,716 in annual property taxes. Factoring in mortgage-related assessments can push that to $1,869, though owners without mortgages typically pay closer to $1,513.

Consider appealing if overassessed

Even in Idaho's favorable tax environment, many homeowners discover their property is assessed above fair market value. If your property tax bill seems out of line with recent sales in your neighborhood, filing a simple appeal with the county assessor could significantly reduce your annual burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bonner County

via CostByCounty

Bonner rents strain incomes nationally

Bonner County renters spend 19.5% of their income on rent—well above the national sweet spot of roughly 15-18%. While the county's median income of $65,168 lags the national median of $74,755, housing costs here bite deeper than they do for typical American households.

Idaho's affordability gap grows here

At 19.5%, Bonner's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Idaho's state average of 16.8%, ranking the county among the least affordable in the state. Median rent of $1,059 also runs $140 above the state average, putting pressure on local renters.

Pricier than northern Idaho peers

Bonner's $1,059 rent outpaces both Boundary County ($867) and Caribou County ($800), making it the costliest among its rural northern neighbors. The higher rents reflect Bonner's proximity to recreational amenities and Coeur d'Alene's growing appeal as a relocation destination.

Nearly 20 cents of every dollar

Bonner renters spend $1,059 monthly while homeowners face $1,015, yet both eat into a median income of just $65,168. That 19.5% rental burden leaves households squeezed after paying for other essentials.

Consider Bonner carefully if renting

If you're relocating to north Idaho, compare Bonner's tight rental market to Boundary ($867) or Caribou ($800)—you could save $2,000–$3,000 annually in neighboring counties. Owner costs are moderate at $1,015/month, making home purchase the better long-term bet here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bonner County

via IncomeByCounty

Bonner trails national income average

Bonner County's median household income of $65,168 falls about 13% below the national median of $74,755. While this gap is notable, Bonner households earn considerably more than the poorest-performing counties nationwide, placing the county in the middle range nationally.

Just below Idaho's county median

Bonner's $65,168 median household income sits slightly below Idaho's state average of $65,770, ranking the county near the middle of Idaho's 44 counties. The county's per capita income of $37,755 substantially exceeds the state average of $32,503, suggesting strong earning potential among individual workers.

Competitive with northern Idaho peers

Bonner earns $2,730 more than neighboring Boundary County ($62,438) and $2,515 less than nearby Caribou County ($66,653). Among its regional cohort, Bonner performs solidly, ranking in the upper-middle tier for household income in northern Idaho.

Housing remains affordable here

Bonner's rent-to-income ratio of 19.5% is well within the 30% affordability threshold recommended by housing experts, meaning renters spend roughly one-fifth of their income on housing. The median home value of $433,400 requires careful planning, but the county's strong per capita income of $37,755 suggests households have capacity to save.

Build savings with regional advantages

Bonner residents earning above the county median have opportunities to build wealth through homeownership and long-term investing. With affordable rent-to-income ratios and solid per capita earnings, now is the time to establish emergency funds and explore retirement accounts to maximize future financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bonner County

via CrimeByCounty

Bonner County Outshines National Safety Averages

Bonner County maintains an impressive safety score of 98.5 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 925.5 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Staying Ahead of the Idaho Average

The county's total crime rate of 925.5 per 100K sits comfortably below the Idaho state average of 1,027.1. Its safety score also edges out the state average of 98.4, marking it as one of the safer regions in Idaho.

Comparing Bonner to Its Northern Neighbors

Bonner County reports a higher crime rate at 925.5 per 100K compared to its northern neighbor, Boundary County, which sits at 737.8. However, both counties remain significantly safer than the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Property Crimes Dominate Local Statistics

Property crime accounts for 833.8 incidents per 100K, while violent crime remains very low at just 91.7. This means residents are nearly nine times more likely to experience a property-related incident than a violent one.

Securing Your North Idaho Home

With property crime as the primary local concern, home security systems remain a wise investment. Simple measures like motion-activated lighting can further deter potential intruders in this largely rural area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bonner County

via HealthByCounty

Bonner outpaces US on life expectancy

Bonner County residents live to 78.8 years on average, nearly a year longer than the US average of 78.9 years. The county's 16.4% poor or fair health rate sits below the national average, suggesting residents report better overall health status than many American communities.

Life expectancy tops Idaho average

At 78.8 years, Bonner County exceeds Idaho's state average of 77.5 years by 1.3 years. This ranks Bonner among the healthier counties in the state, outperforming most peers on this key longevity metric.

Healthier than most regional peers

Bonner's 78.8-year life expectancy beats neighboring Boundary County (78.1 years) and Spokane County's tier. The county's uninsured rate of 11.1% is actually better than Idaho's 11.7% average, putting it in a favorable position regionally.

Strong mental health care, tight primary care

Bonner has excellent mental health provider density at 249 per 100,000 residents, but primary care availability lags at 49 per 100,000. With 11.1% uninsured, most residents have coverage, though those without face long drives to primary care services.

Check your coverage options today

Even with strong statewide health, 11.1% of Bonner residents remain uninsured. Visit healthcare.gov or Idaho's state exchange to explore plans that fit your family's needs and budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bonner County

via SchoolsByCounty

A North Idaho Network of 19 Schools

Bonner County serves 5,230 students across 19 public schools, including 11 elementary and six high school locations. Three distinct districts manage this infrastructure, providing a mix of traditional and alternative learning environments for the region.

Graduation Rates Outperform State Benchmarks

The county boasts an 85.3% graduation rate, exceeding the Idaho average of 83.6% but trailing the national 87.0% mark. While per-pupil spending of $6,487 stays slightly above the state average, it remains significantly lower than the national benchmark of $13,000.

Lake Pend Oreille Leads Local Education

Lake Pend Oreille School District is the largest provider, educating 3,822 students across 13 different schools. Families also have access to public choice via the Sandpoint Charter School, which accounts for about 5% of the county's total school options.

From Town Centers to Rural Classrooms

The county's 19 schools are split nearly evenly between rural settings and town locales, with an average enrollment of 275 students. Sandpoint High School stands as the largest campus with 1,080 students, offering a stark contrast to the smaller primary schools scattered across the countryside.

Discover Homes Near Top Bonner Schools

School quality is a primary driver for property values in the Sandpoint and Priest River areas. Families moving to the region should explore available listings near these established districts to secure a home in a strong educational environment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bonner County

via RiskByCounty

Bonner's risk ranks relatively low nationally

Bonner County scores 77.29 on composite risk, placing it in the relatively low category compared to the national average. This score reflects above-average flood and wildfire exposure, but below-average tornado and earthquake threats.

Higher risk than most Idaho counties

At 77.29, Bonner's composite risk score sits well above Idaho's state average of 38.51, making it one of the state's higher-risk counties. The county faces significantly elevated hazard exposure compared to most of its peers.

More exposed than nearby counties

Bonner's score of 77.29 exceeds Boundary County's 26.08 and Kootenai County's typical profile, reflecting its unique geography in northern Idaho. Wildfire and flood risks drive this difference in the sparsely populated northern region.

Wildfires and floods threaten Bonner

Wildfire risk reaches 82.70 and flood risk 86.96 in Bonner County, the two dominant hazards shaping emergency preparedness here. Tornado risk remains very low at 10.31, while earthquake exposure is moderate at 55.76.

Prioritize flood and wildfire coverage

Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes flood and wildfire damage, so Bonner residents should secure separate policies for these high-risk scenarios. Given your county's 86.96 flood score and 82.70 wildfire score, these coverages are essential investments.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bonner County

via WeatherByCounty

A Damp and Cool Northern Idaho Climate

Bonner County averages 45.7°F annually, which is significantly cooler than the national median temperature. With 32.4 inches of precipitation, it is one of the wettest environments in the Intermountain West.

Surpassing Idaho's Average Annual Precipitation

While Idaho's average annual precipitation is 17.0 inches, Bonner County receives nearly double that amount at 32.4 inches. Its annual temperature sits just below the state average of 46.5°F.

Wetter and Snowier Than Regional Neighbors

Compared to nearby Boundary County's 21.3 inches of rain, Bonner County is much wetter with 32.4 inches. It also sees 68.0 inches of snow annually, outpacing the 53.8 inches found in the northern neighbor.

Heavy Snow and Temperate Summers

Winter brings an average of 68.0 inches of snow and a chilly December-February average of 28.9°F. Summers remain mild with a July average of 66.1°F and only 14 days topping 90°F.

Prepare for Snow Removal and Humidity

Residents need high-capacity snow blowers to manage the 68.0 inches of annual snowfall. Due to the high precipitation levels, ensuring proper basement drainage and roof maintenance is essential.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bonner County

via SoilByCounty

A Northern Idaho Soil Profile

While specific taxonomic data for Bonner County is currently limited, the regional pH often aligns with Idaho's average of 6.04. This makes the soil slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, requiring careful management for acid-sensitive crops. Local growers should test their specific plots to confirm their unique soil identity.

Managing Texture and Workability

Detailed percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not available for this area, but these factors determine how easily you can work the earth. In Idaho's varied terrain, the mix of particles dictates whether your soil stays compact or remains crumbly and aerated. Understanding your texture is the first step toward improving drainage.

Rich Potential in Idaho Soils

Bonner County lacks specific organic matter data, yet it sits within a state boasting a staggering 27.53% average organic content. This is significantly higher than the national average of 2.0%, suggesting immense biological potential. Combined with the state average water capacity of 0.269 in/in, the region offers a strong foundation for plant life.

Understanding Water Movement

Dominant drainage classes are not currently recorded for this county, making on-site observation critical for farmers and builders alike. Proper hydrology ensures that water moves away from structures while remaining accessible to deep-rooted plants. Without specific data, observing how your land reacts to heavy rain is your best guide.

Gardening in Zone 6b

Bonner County falls into hardiness zone 6b, which is perfect for growing hearty berries, garlic, and leafy greens. The soil and climate combination supports a diverse range of cool-weather crops and ornamental shrubs. Grab a shovel and start your garden to make the most of the northern Idaho growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bonner County

via LawnByCounty

Bonner County's Lawn Care Landscape

Bonner County earns a lawn difficulty score of 40.9, which is significantly higher than the Idaho state average of 33.3. While this 6b hardiness zone is more hospitable than many neighboring areas, it still trails the national median score of 50.0. Maintaining a lush green space here requires more effort than the national average but offers a slight advantage over the rest of the state.

Abundant Water and Cool Summers

With 32.4 inches of annual precipitation, Bonner County sits comfortably within the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawn health. The region sees only 14 extreme heat days per year, which is less than half the state average of 30 days. This cooler climate combined with 1,656 growing degree days means your mowing schedule is less intense during the peak of summer.

Understanding Local Soil Conditions

While specific county-level soil measurements are currently unavailable for this dataset, local gardeners often navigate the region's mountain-influenced terrain. Residents should focus on local soil testing to determine pH levels and drainage capacity. Without precise local data, observing how quickly water absorbs after a heavy rain is the best way to gauge your lawn's drainage needs.

Persistent Dry Spells

The county spent all 53 weeks of the past year under some level of drought, with 100% of the area currently classified as abnormally dry. Even with higher-than-average precipitation for Idaho, consistent water conservation is essential to keep turf resilient. Focus on deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to minimize evaporation loss.

Start Your Bonner County Lawn

Fine fescues and Kentucky bluegrass are excellent choices for this 6b zone and its relatively wet climate. Aim to seed or sod shortly after the last spring frost around May 9 to take advantage of the growing season before the first frost hits in late September. This timing allows your grass to establish strong roots during the moderate summer months.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bonner County's county score?
Bonner County, Idaho has a composite county score of 50.6 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 Bonner County rank among counties in Idaho?
Bonner County ranks #26 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 Bonner County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Bonner County is $1,716, with an effective tax rate of 0.40%. This earns Bonner County a tax score of 94.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bonner County?
The median household income in Bonner County, Idaho is $65,168 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bonner County earns an income score of 55.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bonner County, Idaho a good place to live?
Bonner County scores 50.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Bonner 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 Bonner 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.