countyscore
63.2
County Score
Disaster Risk 95.6Cost of Living 91.6Property Tax 85.4

County Report Card

About Butte County, Idaho

A national leader in livability

Butte County’s composite score of 63.2 is far above the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a top-tier county nationally for overall risk management and affordability.

One of Idaho's top performers

Butte far exceeds the Idaho state average of 52.2, marking it as a premier destination within the state. It provides a superior livability profile compared to more urbanized Idaho counties.

Maximum safety and affordability

The county excels with a risk score of 95.6 and a cost score of 91.6. Median gross rent is exceptionally low at $525, making it one of the most affordable places to live in the country.

Low local income potential

Butte struggles with an income score of only 5.4, reflecting a low median household income of $43,281. While costs are low, local job markets may not offer high-paying opportunities.

Best for remote workers and retirees

This county is a dream for those with external income sources who want to maximize their purchasing power. Its high safety and low costs provide an unmatched value proposition for the budget-conscious.

Score breakdown

Tax85.4Cost91.6Safety72.6Health42.6Schools36.8Income5.4Risk95.6Water18.7Weather33.9
🏛85.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠91.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼5.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡72.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤42.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓36.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡95.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧18.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤33.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱25.1
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

Blaine County
Idaho
59.1
Bingham County
Idaho
48.6
Jefferson County
Idaho
52.8
Clark County
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Minidoka County
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Custer County
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Lincoln County
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Power County
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Deep Dives

Butte County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Butte County

via TaxByCounty

Butte offers exceptional tax affordability

Butte County's 0.504% effective tax rate sits comfortably below the national median, and its median property tax of $986 represents just 37% of the national median of $2,690. This ultra-low bill places Butte in roughly the 25th percentile nationally—one of America's most tax-friendly counties.

Butte ranks near Idaho's bottom tier

At 0.504%, Butte County sits just slightly below Idaho's 0.508% state average, ranking it among the lowest-tax counties statewide. The median home value of just $195,800—the lowest among our eight surveyed counties—drives down tax bills despite a moderate effective rate.

Butte stands out for affordability

Butte's $986 median tax bill dramatically undercuts neighboring Camas County ($1,050) and Cassia County ($1,141), despite comparable or slightly higher tax rates. The difference lies in Butte's significantly lower median home values, making it an exceptional choice for budget-conscious homeowners.

Butte median tax just $986 yearly

The typical Butte County property valued at $195,800 carries an annual tax burden of only $986—the lowest among our surveyed counties. Even with mortgage-related assessments, Butte bills average $1,141, and free-and-clear owners pay closer to $902.

Don't skip appeals in rural areas

Rural counties like Butte sometimes struggle with outdated or scattered comparable data, potentially inflating assessments. If your property tax seems misaligned with the local market, file an appeal—even modest savings compound significantly on tight budgets.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Butte County

via CostByCounty

Idaho's most affordable county overall

Butte County renters spend just 14.6% of income on rent—well below the national affordability target—though median income of $43,281 trails the national median by $31,474. This rural mountain county offers genuine affordability for those prioritizing low housing costs.

Butte leads Idaho's affordability rankings

At 14.6%, Butte's rent-to-income ratio beats Idaho's 16.8% average by over 2 percentage points, the best ratio in the state. Median rent of just $525 runs less than 60% of the state average, making Butte Idaho's undisputed housing bargain.

The region's rent rock bottom

Butte's $525 monthly rent dramatically undercuts every peer: Camas ($992), Bonneville ($1,054), and even lower-cost Boundary ($867). This isolated county's minimal housing supply keeps costs remarkably low—a genuine outlier in the state.

Trade wages for housing relief

Butte households earn $43,281 annually while paying just $525 rent or $594 ownership—the state's most favorable rent-to-income math. At 14.6% of income, renters enjoy cushion unmatched anywhere else in Idaho, though overall income is the state's lowest.

Butte County: affordability above all else

If housing cost is your absolute priority, Butte delivers—$525 rent and $594 owner costs are unbeatable in Idaho or regionally. Just understand the tradeoff: median incomes run significantly lower here, and job opportunities remain limited in this remote mountain setting.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Butte County

via IncomeByCounty

Butte faces significant income gap

Butte County's median household income of $43,281 falls dramatically short of the national median of $74,755—a shortfall of 42%. This represents one of the lowest household income levels in the nation, reflecting severe economic challenges in this rural county.

Idaho's lowest-earning county

Butte's $43,281 median household income ranks at the bottom of Idaho's 44 counties, trailing the state average of $65,770 by over $22,000. Per capita income of $25,940 is the lowest in Idaho and significantly below the state average of $32,503, indicating systemic wage challenges.

Severely behind all regional peers

Butte's $43,281 income trails Camas County ($55,536) by $12,255 and lags Bonneville County ($76,646) by $33,365. The county faces a stark income disadvantage compared to every neighboring county, suggesting limited local employment opportunities in higher-wage sectors.

Low rent burden masks affordability crisis

While Butte's rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% appears favorable, the metric masks a deeper affordability crisis: households earning only $43,281 cannot comfortably cover essentials like healthcare, food, and transportation after paying rent. The median home value of $195,800 remains out of reach for most residents without significant down-payment assistance.

Focus on stability, then growth

Butte residents should prioritize financial stability through budgeting and debt reduction before attempting investment strategies. Exploring vocational training, remote work opportunities, and relocation resources can create pathways to higher earnings, while local nonprofits and government programs may offer financial counseling to stretch limited household budgets.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Butte County

via CrimeByCounty

Butte County Boasts Low Incident Rates

Butte County enjoys a safety score of 99.0, reflecting a very low prevalence of crime. Its total crime rate of 652.6 per 100K is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

A High Rank in Idaho Safety

The county's safety score of 99.0 is well above the Idaho average of 98.4. However, these figures come from a single reporting agency and should be interpreted with some caution.

Safe Even Among Rural Peers

Butte County’s rate of 652.6 is nearly identical to Caribou County's 651.7. It offers a much quieter profile than more populous areas like Bonneville County, which sees over twice as much crime per capita.

Understanding the Butte County Breakdown

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 153.6 per 100K, while property crime is reported at 499.0. These numbers indicate that most law enforcement activity revolves around theft or property disputes rather than physical violence.

Simple Steps for a Secure Home

In small communities like Butte, knowing your neighbors is often the best security measure. Supplement local vigilance with secure window locks to keep your property safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Butte County

via HealthByCounty

Butte faces significant longevity gap

Butte County residents live to just 74.3 years, a stark 4.6 years below the US average of 78.9 years. The county's 20.0% poor or fair health rate far exceeds national averages, placing Butte among America's most challenged health communities.

Lowest life expectancy in Idaho

At 74.3 years, Butte County's life expectancy is 3.2 years below Idaho's state average of 77.5 years, making it the lowest among the eight counties profiled. This dramatic shortfall signals urgent public health needs requiring immediate attention and resources.

Struggling far behind regional peers

Butte's 74.3-year life expectancy trails every neighboring county, falling 3.8 years behind Bonner County and 2.6 years behind Boundary County. The county's 20% poor or fair health rate—highest in the region—reflects deep underlying health challenges distinct from its neighbors.

Healthcare infrastructure severely limited

Primary care provider data remains unavailable for Butte County, but the 36 mental health providers per 100,000 residents ranks among the region's lowest. Despite a manageable 10.0% uninsured rate, residents struggle with sheer lack of healthcare infrastructure to serve those with coverage.

Ensure your family has coverage

Even though Butte's uninsured rate is relatively low at 10%, the county's severe healthcare infrastructure gaps mean every covered resident must have access to the few available providers. Visit healthcare.gov to lock in coverage and secure your place in the system.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Butte County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Education in a Rural Setting

Butte County operates just three public schools to serve its total enrollment of 414 students. A single school district manages this small network, which consists of two elementary schools and one combined middle/high school.

Top-Tier Graduation Rates and School Scores

The county achieves an impressive 90.0% graduation rate, far exceeding both the state average and the national benchmark of 87.0%. With a school score of 52.1, Butte County demonstrates strong academic results while spending $6,349 per pupil.

Butte County Joint District Leads

The Butte County Joint District is the sole educational authority, managing all 414 students with no charter schools present. This central management allows for a cohesive academic path from kindergarten through graduation for local residents.

Exclusively Rural and Intimate Classrooms

All three schools are located in rural locales, creating a small-town atmosphere where the average school size is only 138 students. While the high school serves 214 students, Howe Elementary offers one of the most unique settings in Idaho with just 8 enrolled students.

Find a Home in an Academic High-Performer

For families seeking small class sizes and high graduation rates, Butte County is a hidden gem. Homes in the Arco area provide direct access to this high-performing, close-knit school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Butte County

via RiskByCounty

Butte is Idaho's lowest-risk county

Butte County scores just 4.42, ranking among the nation's lowest composite risk counties. This exceptionally low score reflects minimal flood, tornado, and wildfire threats.

Safest county in all of Idaho

At 4.42, Butte's composite risk is 89% below Idaho's state average of 38.51, making it the safest county in the state by a substantial margin. Few counties nationwide achieve such low hazard exposure.

Dramatically safer than nearby counties

Butte's 4.42 score is a fraction of Camas County's 5.98 and vastly lower than Bonneville's 82.41 across the state. Its remote, high-elevation location in central Idaho isolates it from major hazard corridors.

Minimal natural disaster exposure here

Butte County faces negligible tornado risk (3.02) and minimal flood risk (9.13), with wildfire at 45.50 being the only moderate concern. Earthquake exposure of 45.90 is the highest relative hazard, though still below national norms.

Standard insurance typically sufficient

Butte's exceptional risk profile means standard homeowners insurance provides solid protection for most residents. However, those in forested areas should still confirm wildfire coverage given your 45.50 wildfire exposure score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Butte County

via WeatherByCounty

An Arid and High-Desert Climate

Butte County is significantly colder and drier than the national average, with an annual temp of 42.5°F and only 10.9 inches of rain. This environment reflects a harsh, high-desert ecosystem.

Colder and Drier than Idaho Averages

Butte County averages four degrees colder than the state average of 46.5°F. Its 10.9 inches of annual precipitation is far below the state average of 17.0 inches, marking it as a dry region.

Extreme Cold Compared to Southern Cassia

Butte's winter average of 19.7°F is much harsher than Cassia County's 30.0°F. While both are dry, Butte receives 35.0 inches of snow, nearly double Cassia's 18.5 inches.

Harsh Winters and Hot Summer Days

The county experiences extreme seasonal shifts, from a bitter 18.0°F average in January to 23 days of heat over 90°F. Winter is defined by 35.0 inches of snow and a low December-February average of 19.7°F.

Water Conservation and Winter Insulation

Given the low 10.9 inches of precipitation, xeriscaping and water conservation are practical for local homeowners. High-efficiency furnaces are critical for surviving the sub-20°F winter averages.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Butte County

via SoilByCounty

High Desert Soil Identity

Butte County's soil pH is currently unrecorded, but Idaho's average of 6.04 suggests a slightly acidic environment compared to the 6.5 national median. This chemical makeup influences which minerals are available to plants in this high-elevation landscape. Understanding these levels is essential for successful desert gardening.

Texture and Survival

The specific blend of sand, silt, and clay in Butte County has not been formally cataloged in the current dataset. In dry environments, this texture determines how long the soil can hold onto precious moisture after a rain event. Digging a small test pit can reveal whether your soil is gritty, silky, or sticky.

Building Fertile Ground

Though specific local data is missing, the state's average organic matter of 27.53% is vastly higher than the 2.0% national benchmark. This implies that Idaho soils have the potential to be incredibly nutrient-dense. Utilizing the state's average water capacity of 0.269 in/in helps plants survive the arid conditions of Butte County.

Managing Water in Butte

Drainage classifications for this county are not yet available, which makes water management a top priority for residents. Knowing how your soil handles water is vital for both irrigation efficiency and protecting building foundations. Monitoring your land during the spring thaw will provide the best clues for drainage needs.

Resilience in Zone 5a

Butte County sits in hardiness zone 5a, meaning local plants must be extremely cold-tolerant. Short-season crops like radishes, spinach, and certain types of squash perform well here if planted after the last frost. Embrace the challenge of high-altitude gardening and start your cold-hardy beds today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Butte County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Growing in Butte County

Butte County presents one of the most challenging lawn environments in Idaho with a difficulty score of 25.1. This score is significantly lower than the state average of 33.3 and half of the national median of 50.0. Gardeners in this 5a hardiness zone must contend with extreme cold and very dry conditions.

Extreme Aridity and Short Seasons

With only 10.9 inches of annual precipitation, lawns here receive just a fraction of the water they need naturally. The region experiences 23 extreme heat days and 1,802 growing degree days, creating a climate that dries out soil quickly. Success depends entirely on a robust and efficient irrigation system to compensate for the lack of rain.

Foundation for Your Lawn

There is currently no specific soil data available for Butte County in this dataset, necessitating home soil tests for pH and nutrient levels. Arid regions like this often have alkaline soils that may require specific amendments to support turf. Adding organic matter is a universal best practice here to help the ground hold onto every drop of water.

Operating Under Constant Drought

The county has spent all 53 weeks of the past year in drought conditions, with nearly 94% of the area currently abnormally dry. Water conservation is not just a suggestion here; it is a necessity for survival. Consider drought-resistant grass blends or xeriscaping portions of your yard to manage water usage effectively.

A Narrow Window to Grow

In the 5a hardiness zone, you must choose the hardiest cool-season grasses like sheep fescue or buffalo grass. The growing window is tight, with the last frost on May 24 and the first fall frost arriving early on September 14. Plan your planting for late May to ensure the young grass has enough time to harden before the autumn freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Butte County's county score?
Butte County, Idaho has a composite county score of 63.2 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 Butte County rank among counties in Idaho?
Butte County ranks #4 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 Butte County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Butte County is $986, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns Butte County a tax score of 85.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Butte County?
The median household income in Butte County, Idaho is $43,281 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Butte County earns an income score of 5.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Butte County, Idaho a good place to live?
Butte County scores 63.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Butte 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 Butte 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.