countyscore
41.4
County Score
Property Tax 80Income & Jobs 79.6Health 65.5

County Report Card

About Bonneville County, Idaho

Below the national quality median

Bonneville County posts a composite score of 41.4, which sits below the national median of 50.0. This indicates significant room for improvement across several infrastructure and safety metrics.

Underperforming compared to Idaho peers

The county's 41.4 score is well below the Idaho state average of 52.2. Bonneville ranks in the lower quartile of the state, struggling to keep pace with the livability of its neighbors.

High incomes and strong health

Economic opportunity is a bright spot, as the county earns an income score of 79.6 with a median household income of $76,646. A health score of 65.5 also suggests a robust local medical landscape.

Struggling schools and safety concerns

Education is a primary concern, reflected in a school score of just 11.1. Safety also lags with a score of 31.8, while an environmental risk score of 17.6 highlights potential hazards.

A choice for high-earning professionals

Bonneville suits career-focused individuals who can leverage the high median income to offset local challenges. It is less ideal for families who are heavily dependent on top-tier public school systems.

Score breakdown

Tax80Cost21.7Safety31.8Health65.5Schools11.1Income79.6Risk17.6Water44.7Weather38.5
🏛80
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠21.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼79.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡31.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤65.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓11.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡17.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧44.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤38.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱27.6
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

Madison County
Idaho
53.7
Teton County
Idaho
61.4
Jefferson County
Idaho
52.8
Bingham County
Idaho
48.6
Caribou County
Idaho
65.4
Bannock County
Idaho
42.2
Fremont County
Idaho
63.6
Teton County
Wyoming
62.4

Deep Dives

Bonneville County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Bonneville County

via TaxByCounty

Bonneville taxes stay below national norm

At 0.554%, Bonneville County's effective tax rate undercuts the national average, though it rises above many Idaho peers. The median property tax of $1,811 remains roughly 33% lower than the national median of $2,690, placing Bonneville around the 35th percentile nationally.

Bonneville ranks above state average

Bonneville's 0.554% effective rate exceeds Idaho's 0.508% average, placing it in the middle-to-upper range among the state's 44 counties. Despite higher median home values ($327,000), Bonneville residents pay closer to the state median tax ($1,529) than you'd expect.

Bonneville moderately priced in region

Bonneville's rate of 0.554% sits between Butte County (0.504%) and Camas County (0.422%), making it a moderate option in the southeastern Idaho cluster. A homeowner here pays roughly $360 more annually than in Camas County on a similar property.

Median Bonneville tax bill: $1,811 yearly

The typical Bonneville home valued at $327,000 generates a property tax bill of $1,811 per year. With mortgage-related assessments, bills can reach $1,852, while those who own free and clear average around $1,724.

Review your assessed value annually

Property assessments in Bonneville County can drift above actual market value, especially during market shifts. Homeowners should compare their assessed value to recent comparable sales in their area and file an appeal if they believe they're being overcharged.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bonneville County

via CostByCounty

Bonneville stays near the national sweet spot

Bonneville County renters spend 16.5% of income on rent, tracking just below the national affordability threshold and outearning the national median by $1,891. This southeastern Idaho county offers one of the more balanced housing-to-income ratios in the state.

Bonneville ranks affordably for Idaho

At 16.5%, Bonneville's rent-to-income ratio sits just below Idaho's 16.8% average, placing it squarely in the state's sweet spot for renters. The county's higher median income of $76,646 gives households more breathing room than most Idaho peers.

Pricier rents, stronger incomes nearby

Bonneville's $1,054 rent runs higher than Cassia County's $920 and Butte County's $525, but Bonneville's higher income cushions the burden. The county's economy—anchored by Idaho Falls—supports earnings that outpace rural neighbors.

Earnings power keeps pace with costs

Bonneville households earn $76,646 annually while splitting their housing between $1,054 rent and $1,172 owner costs—a relatively healthy income-to-housing ratio. Just 16.5% of income goes to rent, leaving households room for savings and other expenses.

Bonneville offers balanced relocation math

If you're eyeing southeastern Idaho, Bonneville delivers solid affordability without sacrificing income potential—rents are reasonable and jobs are plentiful. Compare to lower-cost but lower-wage neighbors like Butte County before deciding where economic opportunity meets housing peace of mind.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bonneville County

via IncomeByCounty

Bonneville surpasses national income benchmark

Bonneville County's median household income of $76,646 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by about 2.5%, placing it in the upper tier of American counties. This strong performance reflects a robust local economy and workforce earning capacity above the typical U.S. household.

Idaho's second-strongest income county

Bonneville's $76,646 median household income ranks among Idaho's highest, outpacing the state average of $65,770 by nearly $11,000. The county consistently demonstrates economic strength, with its per capita income of $34,508 also exceeding the state average of $32,503.

Clear income leader in eastern Idaho

Bonneville's $76,646 household income substantially outpaces nearby Caribou County ($66,653) by $9,993 and Cassia County ($67,042) by nearly $9,600. The county stands as the income powerhouse of the eastern Idaho region, reflecting stronger employment opportunities and wage growth.

Housing costs remain manageable

Bonneville's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% is significantly below the 30% affordability threshold, indicating renters spend just over one-sixth of income on housing. With a median home value of $327,000 and household income of $76,646, homeownership remains within reach for most county residents.

Strategic wealth-building in strong economy

Bonneville's above-national-average income creates ideal conditions for investing beyond basic homeownership. Households should prioritize building investment portfolios, funding college savings plans, and exploring diverse financial instruments to capitalize on this county's economic momentum.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bonneville County

via CrimeByCounty

Bonneville County Remains Safer Than US Average

Despite its urban center, Bonneville County earns a safety score of 97.5. Its total crime rate of 1,611.4 per 100K is significantly lower than the national total crime rate of 2,385.5.

Higher Crime Density Than Idaho Average

Bonneville's total crime rate of 1,611.4 exceeds the state average of 1,027.1. Its safety score of 97.5 also falls slightly behind the state average of 98.4, reflecting its status as a regional hub.

Leading Nearby Counties in Reported Incidents

Bonneville reports a total crime rate of 1,611.4 per 100K, which is higher than Canyon County’s 1,569.3. It remains much more active than rural Butte County, which reports only 652.6 crimes per 100K.

Focusing on Violent and Property Trends

The county sees 290 violent crimes and 1,321.4 property crimes per 100,000 residents. While the violent crime rate is below the national average of 369.8, property crime is the most frequent challenge for local law enforcement.

Stay Vigilant in Bonneville County

Higher property crime rates mean homeowners should prioritize locking all entry points and using smart surveillance. Community watch programs are especially effective in urbanized neighborhoods like Idaho Falls.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bonneville County

via HealthByCounty

Bonneville slightly below US life expectancy

Bonneville County residents average 76.9 years of life, about two years below the US average of 78.9 years. The county's 16.0% poor or fair health rate aligns closely with national patterns, indicating health outcomes on par with many American communities.

Life expectancy trails state average

At 76.9 years, Bonneville falls 0.6 years short of Idaho's 77.5-year state average. The county ranks in the middle tier of Idaho's health outcomes, with room for improvement on this longevity measure.

Mixed outcomes among nearby counties

Bonneville's 76.9-year life expectancy trails Bonner County (78.8 years) but exceeds Butte County (74.3 years). Its uninsured rate of 9.1% is notably better than state average, suggesting stronger insurance enrollment relative to regional peers.

Abundant mental health care, limited primary

Bonneville leads the region with 347 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, the highest among these eight counties. However, primary care access remains constrained at 38 per 100,000, leaving some residents dependent on specialists for basic care needs.

Nearly 1 in 10 remain without coverage

Bonneville's 9.1% uninsured rate means roughly 4,000 residents lack health insurance. Explore your options at healthcare.gov or talk to a local navigator—coverage protects your family and connects you to those abundant mental health resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bonneville County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Education Hub in Eastern Idaho

Bonneville County maintains a large-scale system of 56 public schools serving 26,942 total students. Ten school districts oversee this extensive network, which includes 31 elementary schools and 14 high schools.

Managing Performance with Lean Budgets

Local schools achieve an 84.1% graduation rate despite a low per-pupil expenditure of $4,827, which is well below both the state and national averages. The county's school score of 45.7 reflects the challenges of balancing rapid enrollment growth with limited funding.

Major Districts and Diverse Charter Options

Bonneville Joint District and Idaho Falls District dominate the landscape, together educating over 24,000 students. Six charter schools operate here, representing over 10% of the county's total schools and providing significant alternative options for local families.

Urban High Schools and Suburban Settings

Most students attend schools in city or suburban locales, with an average school size of 490 students. Thunder Ridge High School is the largest in the county with ,1708 students, serving as a cornerstone for the community's newest residential developments.

Invest in Idaho Falls and Bonneville Neighborhoods

The proximity to high-performing schools like Thunder Ridge or Idaho Falls Senior High often anchors local real estate demand. Prospective buyers should research district boundaries carefully to find the right academic fit for their families.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bonneville County

via RiskByCounty

Bonneville ranks moderately risky nationally

Bonneville County scores 82.41, placing it in the relatively moderate risk category compared to national averages. This score reflects particularly high wildfire and earthquake exposure, with significant flood risk as well.

Idaho's second-highest composite risk

At 82.41, Bonneville is among Idaho's highest-risk counties, more than double the state average of 38.51. The county's proximity to the Teton Range and its geologic setting create outsized earthquake hazards.

Significantly riskier than surrounding areas

Bonneville's 82.41 score far exceeds Butte County's 4.42 and Caribou County's 7.22, reflecting its exposure to major earthquake faults and active fire zones. Madison and Teton counties face similar seismic and wildfire pressures.

Earthquakes and wildfires dominate exposure

Earthquake risk scores 94.18—the highest in the state—while wildfire risk reaches 90.33, making these the defining hazards for Bonneville residents. Flood risk of 78.59 adds a third significant concern, particularly in river-adjacent areas.

Earthquake and wildfire insurance essential

Bonneville's extreme earthquake score of 94.18 makes earthquake coverage critical; many insurers offer it as an add-on to homeowners policies. Wildfire and flood coverage are equally urgent given your county's 90.33 wildfire and 78.59 flood scores.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bonneville County

via WeatherByCounty

High Altitude and Cold Average Temperatures

Bonneville County maintains an average annual temperature of 43.8°F, placing it well below the national median. This reflects its high-elevation position within the Rocky Mountains.

One of Idaho's Colder Inhabited Counties

The county's average temperature of 43.8°F is nearly three degrees colder than the Idaho state average of 46.5°F. Annual precipitation is 15.2 inches, slightly drier than the 17.0-inch state mark.

Similar to Southern Neighbors in Precipitation

Bonneville County shares a similar arid profile with Caribou County, receiving 15.2 inches of moisture compared to Caribou's 15.4 inches. However, Bonneville sees more extreme snow with 65.7 inches annually.

Freezing Winters and Moderate Heat

Winter is intense here, with an average winter temperature of 23.1°F and over 65 inches of snow. July highs average 67.3°F, though the county experiences 18 days of heat above 90°F annually.

Winter Gear and Moderate Cooling Needs

With 65.7 inches of snow, heavy-duty winter tires and high-quality insulation are non-negotiable for residents. The 18 extreme heat days suggest that central air or efficient window units are necessary for summer comfort.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bonneville County

via SoilByCounty

Eastern Idaho Soil Dynamics

Bonneville County's specific pH data is not currently available, but it likely mirrors the state average of 6.04. This places the soil below the national median of 6.5, indicating a slightly acidic profile that impacts nutrient uptake. These conditions define the unique chemical environment for local agriculture.

The Mystery of Soil Mix

The exact proportions of sand, silt, and clay for this county remain unmapped in the current dataset. These three components are essential for determining how well your soil drains and how much labor is required to till it. Local testing is the best way to determine your specific soil's workability.

High Organic Matter Potential

While local organic matter levels are not recorded, Idaho's average of 27.53% is nearly fourteen times the national average of 2.0%. This high state-wide fertility provides a promising outlook for Bonneville County growers. With the state's average water capacity of 0.269 in/in, the soil has the potential to support robust crop cycles.

Navigating Local Hydrology

Without specific drainage class data, land users in Bonneville County must rely on site-specific assessments. Understanding the hydrologic group is vital for preventing erosion and managing runoff in both suburban and rural areas. Proper water management ensures that the soil remains productive and stable throughout the year.

Planting for Zone 5b

In hardiness zone 5b, Bonneville County is well-suited for hardy vegetables like potatoes, peas, and root crops. The shorter growing season rewards those who use greenhouses or row covers to extend their harvest. It is a great time to plan your garden and embrace the high-altitude growing environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bonneville County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Bonneville

Bonneville County faces a tough lawn difficulty score of 27.6, placing it well below both the state average of 33.3 and the national median of 50.0. This 5b hardiness zone requires dedicated maintenance to overcome a shorter growing season and colder winters. Homeowners here must be proactive to keep turf thriving in these rigorous high-desert conditions.

Dry Climate Demands Smart Irrigation

Annual precipitation is just 15.2 inches, which is roughly half of the 30 inches required for ideal lawn growth without irrigation. There are 18 extreme heat days per year, and with 1,758 growing degree days, the climate is relatively arid. You will need a consistent watering plan to supplement the low rainfall and sustain healthy grass.

Preparing Your Ground

Detailed soil data for Bonneville County is not available in this dataset, making individual soil testing even more critical for success. Local lawns typically require amendments to improve organic matter and water retention in this dry environment. Before planting, ensure your site is cleared of debris and leveled to prevent water pooling in the low precipitation months.

Managing Year-Round Dryness

The county experienced 43 weeks of drought over the past year, and the entire area currently remains abnormally dry. To conserve water, consider letting your grass grow slightly taller to shade the soil and reduce evaporation. This practice helps the lawn survive through the long stretches where natural moisture is scarce.

Seeding for Success

In zone 5b, cold-hardy varieties like Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescues are your best bet for survival. The window for planting is narrow, as the last spring frost typically lingers until June 9 and the first fall frost arrives by October 1. Start your project in late spring once the ground thaws to maximize the limited growing window.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bonneville County's county score?
Bonneville County, Idaho has a composite county score of 41.4 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 Bonneville County rank among counties in Idaho?
Bonneville County ranks #40 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 Bonneville County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Bonneville County is $1,811, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Bonneville County a tax score of 80/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bonneville County?
The median household income in Bonneville County, Idaho is $76,646 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bonneville County earns an income score of 79.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bonneville County, Idaho a good place to live?
Bonneville County scores 41.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #40 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Bonneville 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 Bonneville 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.