With a composite score of 75.1, Boundary County ranks in the 75th percentile nationally, significantly exceeding the national median of 50.0. This places the county among the top-quartile regions for livability across the United States.
2 / 5
Outperforms Idaho's statewide average
Boundary County scores 75.1 against Idaho's state average of 72.5, ranking above the median and among the state's stronger-performing counties. This makes it one of Idaho's most livable communities by composite measure.
3 / 5
Affordability and low taxes lead the way
Boundary County excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 81.1 and the lowest median rent among peer counties at just $867 per month, alongside an effective tax rate of 0.416%. These twin advantages make it one of the most fiscally friendly counties in the region.
4 / 5
Income levels and health need attention
The county's income score of 24.1 reflects a median household income of just $62,438, trailing most peer counties significantly. Health outcomes, while adequate at 69.0, represent the lowest health score in this group and suggest room for improvement in healthcare access or wellness indicators.
5 / 5
Perfect for budget-conscious rural seekers
Boundary County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and families seeking minimal cost of living and maximal tax efficiency in a rural setting. The combination of exceptional housing affordability and low taxes makes it one of the most economical Idaho counties, despite modest income levels.
With a composite score of 75.1, Boundary County ranks in the 75th percentile nationally, significantly exceeding the national median of 50.0. This places the county among the top-quartile regions for livability across the United States.
Outperforms Idaho's statewide average
Boundary County scores 75.1 against Idaho's state average of 72.5, ranking above the median and among the state's stronger-performing counties. This makes it one of Idaho's most livable communities by composite measure.
Affordability and low taxes lead the way
Boundary County excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 81.1 and the lowest median rent among peer counties at just $867 per month, alongside an effective tax rate of 0.416%. These twin advantages make it one of the most fiscally friendly counties in the region.
Income levels and health need attention
The county's income score of 24.1 reflects a median household income of just $62,438, trailing most peer counties significantly. Health outcomes, while adequate at 69.0, represent the lowest health score in this group and suggest room for improvement in healthcare access or wellness indicators.
Perfect for budget-conscious rural seekers
Boundary County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and families seeking minimal cost of living and maximal tax efficiency in a rural setting. The combination of exceptional housing affordability and low taxes makes it one of the most economical Idaho counties, despite modest income levels.
Score breakdown
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🏛90.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.