countyscore
56.6
County Score
Property Tax 92.8Disaster Risk 73.9Safety 68.6

County Report Card

About Boundary County, Idaho

Outperforming the national median

Boundary County achieves a composite score of 56.6, significantly outpacing the national median of 50.0. This makes it a standout choice for residents seeking a higher-than-average quality of life.

Exceeding the Idaho state average

With its 56.6 score, Boundary surpasses the Idaho average of 52.2. It establishes itself as one of the more desirable northern counties for overall stability and cost balance.

Low taxes and high safety

A tax score of 92.8 and a safety score of 68.6 are the county's primary strengths. Residents enjoy a low effective tax rate of 0.416% and a sense of security that is rare in many other regions.

Critical water infrastructure needs

The most pressing challenge is a water score of 3.1, indicating significant issues with water quality or access. A school score of 19.9 also suggests that educational investment is not meeting modern demands.

Perfect for safety-conscious privacy seekers

Boundary is an excellent fit for those who value public safety and low taxes above all else. While water infrastructure is a concern, the low median rent of $867 offers an affordable gateway to North Idaho.

Score breakdown

Tax92.8Cost53.2Safety68.6Health57.5Schools19.9Income46.3Risk73.9Water3.1Weather44
🏛92.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠53.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼46.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡68.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤57.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓19.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡73.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧3.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱37.7
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

Pend Oreille County
Washington
54.7
Bonner County
Idaho
50.6
Stevens County
Washington
55.1
Lincoln County
Montana
57.7
Kootenai County
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Spokane County
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Ferry County
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Sanders County
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Deep Dives

Boundary County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Boundary County

via TaxByCounty

Boundary holds low tax rates nationally

Boundary County's 0.416% effective tax rate ranks favorably against the nation, with median taxes of $1,433 representing just 53% of the national median of $2,690. This positions Boundary in roughly the 32nd percentile nationally—a solid tax advantage for homeowners.

Boundary ranks second-lowest in state

At 0.416%, Boundary County trails only Bonner County (0.396%) among Idaho's 44 counties, sitting notably below the state average of 0.508%. Boundary homeowners enjoy one of Idaho's most favorable tax climates.

Boundary beats Bonner on values

While Bonner County has a slightly lower rate (0.396%), Boundary's median home value of $344,100 is about $89,000 cheaper, making Boundary attractive for buyers seeking both low rates and affordability. The $283 annual tax difference between the two counties remains modest given their similar regional position.

Boundary median tax: $1,433 yearly

A typical Boundary County property valued at $344,100 incurs annual taxes of $1,433. With mortgage assessments factored in, the bill rises to $1,632, while outright owners typically pay around $1,326.

Challenge inflated assessments here

Even low-tax counties see assessment errors—especially in rural areas where comparables may be sparse. Boundary homeowners should verify their assessed value against recent arm's-length sales and consider filing a protest if the assessment seems high.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Boundary County

via CostByCounty

Boundary offers genuine affordability nationally

Boundary County renters spend just 16.7% of income on rent, virtually matching the national affordability target despite earning $62,438—$12,317 below the national median. This remote panhandle county delivers rare housing relief for budget-conscious households.

Idaho's quietly affordable frontier

Boundary's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio nearly matches Idaho's state average of 16.8%, while its median rent of $867 runs $52 below state average. The county achieves affordability through lower costs rather than higher incomes—a true bargain for rural Idaho.

The panhandle's rent bargain

Boundary's $867 rent undercuts Bonner ($1,059), Camas ($992), and Caribou ($800), making it one of the region's most accessible rental markets. Neighboring Bonner charges 22% more for housing, despite similar isolation and employment.

Low costs, modest but stable income

Boundary households earn $62,438 and pay $867 in rent or $766 for ownership—a healthy balance that requires just 16.7% of income for rent. Owner costs run just $766 monthly on a $344,100 median home value, signaling strong equity potential.

Budget movers should explore Boundary

Boundary County delivers the panhandle's lowest rental costs at $867/month while keeping ownership affordable at $766—rare combination in today's Idaho. If you prioritize affordability over urban amenities, this remote county rewards relocation with real housing peace of mind.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Boundary County

via IncomeByCounty

Boundary income falls short nationally

Boundary County's median household income of $62,438 lags the national median of $74,755 by roughly 16.5%, placing it in the lower-middle range of American counties. The gap reflects economic challenges common to rural northwestern counties facing limited job diversification.

Below-average earner in Idaho

Boundary's $62,438 median household income trails Idaho's state average of $65,770 by over $3,300, positioning the county in the lower half of Idaho's 44 counties. Per capita income of $29,672 also falls meaningfully below the state average of $32,503.

Struggling against nearby counties

Boundary earns $2,730 less than neighboring Bonner County ($65,168) and $4,215 less than Caribou County ($66,653). The county faces notable income headwinds compared to its regional peers, suggesting economic opportunities differ significantly within this part of northern Idaho.

Rents manageable despite lower incomes

Boundary's rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% is favorable, meaning renters devote less than one-sixth of income to housing costs. However, the relatively lower household income means less discretionary income remains after covering rent and other essential expenses.

Prioritize savings in tighter times

Boundary residents should focus on building emergency reserves before investing aggressively, given the county's below-state-average income. Starting with automatic paycheck deductions into savings accounts and exploring employer retirement benefits can help residents weather economic volatility and build long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Boundary County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Levels in Boundary County

Boundary County achieves a high safety score of 98.8, making it one of the more secure areas in the country. Its total crime rate of 737.8 per 100K is roughly one-third of the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming State Safety Norms

With a safety score of 98.8, the county is safer than the typical Idaho jurisdiction. Its total crime rate of 737.8 is also significantly lower than the statewide average of 1,027.1.

The Safest Option in North Idaho

Boundary County is safer than its southern neighbor, Bonner County, by nearly 200 incidents per 100K. The area maintains a peaceful environment even compared to other rural parts of the state.

A Shift Toward Property Security

The county records 308.1 violent crimes and 429.7 property crimes per 100,000 people. While the violent crime rate is higher than some neighbors, the overall low property crime rate contributes to its superior safety score.

Peace of Mind with Basic Precautions

While Boundary County is exceptionally safe, protecting your property remains a smart habit. Standard deadbolts and outdoor lighting are usually sufficient to maintain home security in this community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Boundary County

via HealthByCounty

Boundary matches national life expectancy

Boundary County residents live to 78.1 years, nearly matching the US average of 78.9 years. The county's 16.5% poor or fair health rate sits slightly above national norms, signaling health challenges on par with many US communities.

Life expectancy slightly above state

At 78.1 years, Boundary exceeds Idaho's state average of 77.5 years by 0.6 years. The county ranks in the upper tier of Idaho's health outcomes, performing better than most state peers on longevity.

Stronger health, but higher uninsured rate

Boundary's 78.1-year life expectancy rivals Bonner County (78.8 years) but significantly exceeds Canyon County (77.5 years). However, Boundary's 13.6% uninsured rate is the highest among neighboring counties, creating a care access challenge despite good longevity.

Good primary care, uneven mental health

Boundary offers above-average primary care density at 56 per 100,000 residents, but mental health provider access is thinner at 184 per 100,000. The county's elevated 13.6% uninsured rate means many lack the resources to access even these available services.

1 in 7 are uninsured—get help now

Boundary County's 13.6% uninsured rate is among Idaho's highest, leaving thousands vulnerable to medical debt. Visit healthcare.gov or contact Idaho's insurance program to find affordable coverage and secure access to the primary care your county offers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Boundary County

via SchoolsByCounty

One District Serving the Northern Border

Boundary County operates a focused system of five public schools, all managed by a single county-wide district. This infrastructure supports 1,441 students through three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

Meeting the National Graduation Standard

The county hits the national graduation rate benchmark of 87.0%, notably outpacing the Idaho state average. This achievement comes even as spending remains at $5,599 per student, which is nearly $700 below the state average.

Unified Under the Boundary County District

The Boundary County District manages every public school in the county, ensuring a consistent educational approach for all 1,441 students. There are currently no charter schools in the area, making the public district the central pillar of local education.

A Close-Knit Town and Rural Feel

Education here is centered in Bonners Ferry and surrounding rural areas, with an average school size of 288 students. Bonners Ferry High School serves 436 students, while smaller schools like Naples Elementary provide a more intimate learning environment with just 96 students.

Settle Near Bonners Ferry Schools

Homebuyers looking for a tight-knit community often prioritize proximity to the high school or Valley View Elementary. Boundary County offers a stable educational landscape for those seeking a rural lifestyle with proven academic results.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Boundary County

via RiskByCounty

Boundary's risk profile remains very low

Boundary County scores just 26.08, placing it well below the national average and in the very low risk category. Despite some wildfire exposure at 80.66, other hazards are minimal.

Below-average risk compared to Idaho

At 26.08, Boundary's composite risk falls 32% below Idaho's state average of 38.51, making it one of the safer counties in the state. Only a handful of Idaho counties present lower overall hazard exposure.

Safest county in the northern panhandle

Boundary's 26.08 score sits substantially lower than Bonner's 77.29, reflecting less flood exposure despite sharing similar wildfire geography. The county's remote location and sparse development contribute to its lower composite risk.

Wildfire dominates Boundary's hazard profile

Wildfire risk reaches 80.66, the clear hazard of concern in Boundary County, while flood risk of 45.80 is moderate and earthquakes score just 25.38. Tornado threat is negligible at 3.53.

Wildfire coverage is your priority

While Boundary has lower overall risk than most Idaho counties, wildfire insurance is still essential given your 80.66 exposure score. Standard homeowners policies exclude wildfire, so secure a separate policy to protect against this localized threat.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Boundary County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Temperatures on the Canadian Border

Boundary County averages 47.5°F annually, which is surprisingly mild for its northern latitude compared to the national median. It receives 21.3 inches of precipitation, making it more humid than the typical Western interior.

Above Idaho's Average Annual Temperature

The county's annual average of 47.5°F is higher than the Idaho state average of 46.5°F. It also receives 4.3 inches more precipitation than the typical Idaho county.

Drier and Warmer Than Bonner County

Boundary County is notably drier than its neighbor Bonner, receiving 21.3 inches of precipitation compared to Bonner's 32.4. It also enjoys a warmer July average of 68.9°F versus Bonner's 66.1°F.

Crisp Winters and Brief Heat Waves

The county sees 53.8 inches of snow annually, with winter temperatures averaging 29.4°F. Summer peaks in July at 68.9°F, and residents should expect about 20 days per year over 90°F.

Year-Round Outdoor Planning Essentials

While snowfall is moderate for Idaho at 53.8 inches, residents should still prioritize reliable heating systems. The 20 extreme heat days mean that while summers are mild, cooling solutions are becoming increasingly relevant.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Boundary County

via SoilByCounty

The Character of Boundary Soils

Boundary County's soil identity remains largely unmapped, but the state's average pH of 6.04 provides a useful baseline. This is more acidic than the national median of 6.5, which typically requires lime applications for certain garden vegetables. Knowing your pH is the key to unlocking hidden soil nutrients.

Evaluating Soil Texture

Data regarding the sand, silt, and clay content for this county is currently missing from the record. This mix is what determines whether your land is heavy clay or easy-to-drain sand. Identifying your texture helps you decide which soil amendments will best improve your land's drainage.

Fertility in the Far North

Specific fertility markers for Boundary County aren't available, but Idaho's average organic matter of 27.53% suggests a rich regional heritage. This dwarfs the national average of 2.0%, indicating significant potential for healthy plant growth. The state's average water capacity of 0.269 in/in further supports the ability to sustain crops through dry spells.

Planning for Water Flow

Because drainage and hydrologic groups are not specified locally, growers should observe how water pools or flows during spring snowmelt. Effective drainage is the difference between a thriving field and a waterlogged mess. Testing your land's infiltration rate is a smart move for any new agricultural project.

Thriving in Zone 6b

Boundary County's zone 6b status allows for a surprising variety of apples, berries, and cool-season vegetables. The northern climate is perfect for perennials that need a cold dormant period to thrive. Consider starting your seeds indoors now to get a jump on the next growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Boundary County

via LawnByCounty

Boundary County's Green Potential

Boundary County scores a 37.7 on the lawn difficulty scale, outperforming the state average of 33.3. This 6b hardiness zone offers a more manageable environment than many other parts of Idaho, though it remains below the national median of 50.0. For residents here, the environment is moderately favorable for maintaining a healthy, functional lawn.

Moderate Temperatures and Rainfall

The county receives 21.3 inches of precipitation annually, which is higher than the state average but still requires supplemental watering. With only 20 extreme heat days and 2,048 growing degree days, the summer heat is less punishing than in southern Idaho. These factors create a steady growing environment that doesn't overwhelm the grass with heat stress.

Navigating Unknown Soils

Specific data on soil pH and texture is currently limited for this area, so gardeners should perform their own localized checks. Because this region is influenced by diverse mountain geography, your yard could vary significantly from your neighbor's. Focus on adding compost to improve soil structure regardless of your specific baseline texture.

Watching the Water Levels

Boundary County faced 30 weeks of drought in the last year, and 100% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry. While this is better than some Idaho neighbors, water conservation remains a priority. Use mulch in garden beds surrounding your lawn to help maintain overall moisture levels in the landscape.

Planting for the 6b Zone

The optimal time to seed in Boundary County is early May, just after the last expected spring frost on May 4. Cold-tolerant grasses like perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass thrive here. With the first frost not expected until October 4, you have a solid five-month window to establish and enjoy your turf.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Boundary County's county score?
Boundary County, Idaho has a composite county score of 56.6 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 Boundary County rank among counties in Idaho?
Boundary County ranks #14 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 Boundary County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Boundary County is $1,433, with an effective tax rate of 0.42%. This earns Boundary County a tax score of 92.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Boundary County?
The median household income in Boundary County, Idaho is $62,438 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Boundary County earns an income score of 46.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Boundary County, Idaho a good place to live?
Boundary County scores 56.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Boundary 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 Boundary 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.