countyscore
36.8
County Score
Property Tax 77.9Income & Jobs 72.1Lawn Care 53.2

County Report Card

About Canyon County, Idaho

Significant national performance gap

Canyon County's composite score of 36.8 is well below the national median of 50.0. This indicates that the county faces more systemic challenges than the average U.S. county.

Trailing the Idaho average significantly

With a score of 36.8, Canyon falls far short of Idaho's state average of 52.2. It currently ranks as one of the most challenged counties in the state for overall quality of life.

Strong income and tax scores

Economic strength is the county's primary asset, with an income score of 72.1 and a median household income of $72,355. A tax score of 77.9 also provides some relief for local wage earners.

Education and cost pressures

Education is a major weakness, with a school score of just 3.9. Additionally, high housing demand has pushed the cost score down to 15.4, as median rent reaches $1,259.

Best for career-focused commuters

Canyon is a destination for those who can tap into its $72,355 median income. It is less suited for families who require high-performing public schools or those looking for affordable housing.

Score breakdown

Tax77.9Cost15.4Safety33.1Health53.1Schools3.9Income72.1Risk28.3Water31.8Weather38.8
🏛77.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠15.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼72.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡33.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤53.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓3.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡28.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧31.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤38.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱53.2
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

Payette County
Idaho
49.3
Ada County
Idaho
45.3
Malheur County
Oregon
37.8
Gem County
Idaho
54.9
Washington County
Idaho
56.8
Owyhee County
Idaho
49.3
Boise County
Idaho
57.3
Elmore County
Idaho
42.5

Deep Dives

Canyon County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Canyon County

via TaxByCounty

Canyon taxes remain below national median

Canyon County's 0.570% effective tax rate runs above the national average, yet its median property tax of $1,996 still falls 26% short of the national median of $2,690. This moderate position places Canyon around the 40th percentile nationally—better than average, but not the state's lowest.

Canyon ranks above Idaho average

At 0.570%, Canyon County exceeds Idaho's 0.508% state average, placing it in the higher-tax portion of Idaho's 44 counties. The higher effective rate reflects Canyon's rapid growth and urban development patterns compared to more rural Idaho counties.

Canyon highest-taxed in region cluster

Canyon's 0.570% rate significantly exceeds neighboring Owyhee and Ada counties' regional patterns, making it the priciest option in southwestern Idaho. A Canyon homeowner pays roughly $355 more annually than a Camas County resident on a similar-value property.

Canyon median tax: $1,996 yearly

The typical Canyon County home valued at $350,300 incurs annual property taxes of $1,996—the highest among our eight surveyed counties. With or without mortgage assessments, Canyon homeowners pay roughly $1,994 to $2,005 annually.

Challenge assessments in growing areas

Rapidly developing counties like Canyon sometimes overshoot property valuations during boom cycles, inflating tax bills. If your assessment has spiked recently, gather comparable sales data and file an appeal—many assessors will adjust when presented with solid market evidence.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Canyon County

via CostByCounty

Canyon County's affordability crunch deepens

Canyon County renters spend 20.9% of income on housing—significantly above the national 15-18% comfort zone—despite median income of $72,355 tracking closely to the national median. The county's rapid growth has inflated rents faster than wage gains.

Idaho's second-costliest rental burden

At 20.9%, Canyon's rent-to-income ratio ranks second-worst in Idaho, trailing only Camas's 21.4% and topping the state average by 4.1 percentage points. Median rent of $1,259 is the state's highest, driven by the Nampa-Caldwell region's rapid urbanization.

Boise's suburbs command premium prices

Canyon's $1,259 rent dramatically outpaces neighboring Owyhee and Payette counties, positioning it as the Treasure Valley's most expensive rental market. This premium reflects proximity to Idaho's largest metro and relocation pressure from out-of-state arrivals.

Suburban growth strains paychecks

Canyon households earn $72,355 but surrender $1,259 monthly rent or $1,219 ownership—consuming over 20% of income before taxes. The tight squeeze reflects the Nampa-Caldwell area's status as Idaho's fastest-growing region, where housing demand outpaces supply and wage growth.

Rethink Canyon unless you earn premium wages

Canyon's 20.9% rent-to-income ratio makes it risky for average earners—compare to Bonneville (16.5%) or Boundary (16.7%) for genuine affordability gains. If your job requires the Nampa-Caldwell area, plan to earn well above median or buy rather than rent to escape the monthly squeeze.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Canyon County

via IncomeByCounty

Canyon nearly matches national income

Canyon County's median household income of $72,355 sits close to the national median of $74,755, falling short by less than 3.3%. This solid performance reflects a diversified regional economy with stable employment across multiple sectors.

Outearns Idaho's county average

Canyon's $72,355 household income exceeds Idaho's state average of $65,770 by approximately $6,585, ranking the county in the upper half of Idaho's 44 counties. However, per capita income of $30,761 slightly underperforms the state average of $32,503, suggesting more multi-earner households.

Strong performer among peers

Canyon's $72,355 household income exceeds nearby Cassia County ($67,042) by $5,313 and substantially outpaces Camas County ($55,536) by $16,819. The county ranks solidly within its regional group, benefiting from proximity to Boise's economic influence.

Housing costs require budget discipline

Canyon's rent-to-income ratio of 20.9% indicates renters spend just over one-fifth of income on housing, staying below the 30% affordability threshold. With a median home value of $350,300, homeownership remains feasible for households earning near or above the county median.

Build on regional economic strength

Canyon residents benefit from near-national-average income and should leverage this position to invest in long-term wealth. Exploring home equity, retirement accounts, and diversified investments allows households to capitalize on the county's stable economic foundation and growing employment sectors.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Canyon County

via CrimeByCounty

Canyon County Below the National Average

Canyon County maintains a safety score of 97.5. Its total crime rate of 1,569.3 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Urban Density Impacts Local Rankings

The total crime rate of 1,569.3 is higher than the Idaho state average of 1,027.1. Six reporting agencies contribute to this data, providing a comprehensive look at the county's public safety landscape.

Safer Than Other Major Idaho Hubs

Canyon County is slightly safer than Bonneville County, with 1,569.3 crimes per 100K compared to Bonneville's 1,611.4. It remains much more active than the rural counties like Caribou or Camas.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime sits at 372.3 per 100K, which is nearly identical to the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the most common issue, occurring at a rate of 1,197.0 per 100,000 residents.

Prioritizing Protection in Canyon County

With property crime as a consistent factor, homeowners should utilize alarms and well-lit entryways. Staying active in local neighborhood watches can also help reduce incident rates.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Canyon County

via HealthByCounty

Canyon matches US life expectancy

Canyon County residents live to 77.5 years, slightly below the US average of 78.9 years but still respectable. The county's 18.6% poor or fair health rate sits above national norms, indicating residents report more health challenges than average American communities.

Life expectancy exactly at state average

At 77.5 years, Canyon County's life expectancy matches Idaho's state average precisely, placing it in the middle tier of the eight counties profiled. The county shows no advantage or disadvantage relative to statewide longevity patterns.

Struggling with provider and uninsured rates

Canyon's 77.5-year life expectancy trails Bonner (78.8) and Boundary (78.1) counties but matches state baseline. However, its 11.9% uninsured rate exceeds state average, and primary care density of 31 per 100,000 is the lowest in the eight-county group.

Lowest primary care density in region

Canyon County's primary care provider rate of 31 per 100,000 is dramatically below regional peers like Cassia County (87) and Boundary County (56). Mental health care at 189 per 100,000 offers moderate support, but the primary care shortage creates barriers for preventive and routine healthcare.

Bridge the access gap with insurance

Nearly 12% of Canyon County residents lack health insurance, compounding the primary care shortage that affects the entire county. Visit healthcare.gov today to secure coverage and gain access to the providers who are available.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Canyon County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust System of 80 Schools

Canyon County supports a massive student population of 42,430 within 80 public schools. The region features 22 different school districts, offering a wide array of choices including 37 elementary and 19 high schools.

Challenges in Graduation and Funding

The county faces hurdles with a 76.2% graduation rate and a low per-pupil spend of $5,060. These figures are below the Idaho state averages and reflect the pressure of serving a large, diverse student population with limited resources.

Nampa and Vallivue Lead the Way

Nampa School District is the county’s largest, educating 13,398 students across 24 schools. Charter schools are also highly prevalent, with 13 institutions—including the large Idaho Arts Charter—serving over 16% of the county's student body.

Suburban Density Meets Growing Campuses

The majority of schools sit in suburban locales, with an average school size of 537 students. Large campuses like Ridgevue High School, which enrolls 1,578 students, define the educational experience for many local teenagers.

Find Your Home in the Treasure Valley

Canyon County’s school diversity, from large traditional districts to specialized charters, is a major draw for families. Researching specific school boundaries in Nampa or Caldwell is essential for any homebuyer in the Treasure Valley.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Canyon County

via RiskByCounty

Canyon faces relatively low national risk

Canyon County scores 71.72, placing it in the relatively low risk category despite some elevated wildfire exposure. The score reflects balanced threats across multiple hazard types.

Above-average risk for Idaho

At 71.72, Canyon's composite risk nearly doubles Idaho's state average of 38.51, making it one of the state's higher-exposure counties. Only a handful of Idaho counties exceed Canyon's hazard profile.

Riskier than much of southwestern Idaho

Canyon's 71.72 score exceeds Owyhee and Gem counties' typical profiles, reflecting its location along major flood corridors and wildfire zones. Adjacency to Bonneville (82.41) puts Canyon in a notably active hazard region.

Wildfires, earthquakes, and floods threaten Canyon

Wildfire risk scores an elevated 92.49, while earthquake exposure reaches 78.85 and flood risk is 80.31—making this a triple-threat county. Tornado risk of 20.77 is moderate compared to other Idaho counties.

Bundle flood, wildfire, and earthquake coverage

Canyon County's 92.49 wildfire score, 80.31 flood score, and 78.85 earthquake score demand comprehensive protection beyond standard homeowners insurance. Secure separate policies for all three hazards to ensure full household protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Canyon County

via WeatherByCounty

Hot Summers and Low Annual Precipitation

Canyon County averages 52.0°F annually, which is closer to the national median than its neighbors. However, its 10.3 inches of precipitation makes it one of the driest inhabited areas in the United States.

Warmer and Drier Than the Idaho Average

Canyon County is one of the state's warmest spots, with an annual average 5.5 degrees higher than the state mean. It is also significantly drier, receiving 10.3 inches of moisture vs the state's 17.0.

The Heat Leader in Southern Idaho

Canyon County far exceeds the heat found in Cassia County, recording 52 extreme heat days compared to Cassia's 33. It is also much less snowy, with only 10.6 inches annually.

A Long and Hot Summer Season

July averages a warm 74.9°F, but the real story is the 52 days of heat exceeding 90°F. Winters are the mildest in the region, with an average of 33.0°F and only 10.6 inches of snow.

Investment in Cooling and Irrigation

High-efficiency HVAC systems are a priority for the nearly two months of 90°F heat. With only 10.3 inches of rain, underground irrigation is vital for any landscaping or gardening.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Canyon County

via SoilByCounty

Agriculture at the Heart

Canyon County's specific soil pH is not provided, but it likely aligns with Idaho's slightly acidic state average of 6.04. This is lower than the national median of 6.5, which is typical for many productive Idaho farmlands. Knowing this chemical baseline helps local commercial growers optimize their crop yields.

Defining Soil Structure

The percentages of sand, silt, and clay are currently unmapped for this region's fertile valleys. These elements define soil workability and the speed at which irrigation water moves through the root zone. Testing your soil texture is crucial in this highly productive agricultural corridor.

Exceptional Organic Potential

While local organic matter levels are not recorded, the Idaho state average of 27.53% is impressively higher than the 2.0% national average. This suggests that with the right management, Canyon County soils can be incredibly fertile. The state's 0.269 in/in water capacity average supports the intensive farming this area is known for.

Irrigation and Drainage

Local drainage and hydrologic data are not specifically listed, making individual field assessments vital for the county's many farmers. Managing how water enters and leaves the soil is essential for preventing salinity issues and ensuring crop health. Proper drainage keeps the Treasure Valley's agriculture sustainable for the future.

Abundance in Zone 7a

Canyon County enjoys the warmth of hardiness zone 7a, the mildest in this group, allowing for a long list of crops like grapes, corn, and tomatoes. The longer growing season and rich agricultural heritage make this a gardener's paradise. It is the perfect place to start an ambitious home orchard or vegetable plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Canyon County

via LawnByCounty

Canyon County Leads the State

Canyon County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 53.2, the highest among these counties and better than the national median of 50.0. While it is in a warmer 7a hardiness zone, the conditions here are much more favorable than the Idaho average of 33.3. This makes it one of the most promising locations in the state for a beautiful home lawn.

Long Growing Season and High Heat

Residents enjoy 2,954 growing degree days, providing an exceptionally long season for turf to thrive. However, with 52 extreme heat days and only 10.3 inches of rain, the summer sun is intense and natural moisture is very low. You will need to prioritize regular irrigation to keep your grass from going dormant during the hot July and August stretches.

Optimize Your Ground Potential

Although specific soil data is missing for this county, the high growing degree days suggest a productive environment if the soil is properly managed. Testing for pH is crucial as arid soils in southern Idaho tend toward alkalinity. Focus on adding nitrogen-rich fertilizers to keep up with the fast growth rates during the long season.

High Heat, Low Natural Rain

Despite zero weeks in official drought over the past year, the county remains 100% abnormally dry and receives very little rainfall. The 52 days of heat over 90°F mean your lawn will lose moisture rapidly through transpiration. Watering during the evening or early morning is essential to maximize every gallon used.

Taking Advantage of Zone 7a

Canyon County's long season allows for a wide variety of grasses, including tall fescues which handle heat better than many other cool-season types. The last spring frost typically hits April 27, and the first fall frost isn't until October 13, giving you a massive head start on growth. Planting in late April offers the best chance for your lawn to establish before the peak summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Canyon County's county score?
Canyon County, Idaho has a composite county score of 36.8 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 Canyon County rank among counties in Idaho?
Canyon County ranks #44 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 Canyon County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Canyon County is $1,996, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Canyon County a tax score of 77.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Canyon County?
The median household income in Canyon County, Idaho is $72,355 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Canyon County earns an income score of 72.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Canyon County, Idaho a good place to live?
Canyon County scores 36.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #44 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Canyon 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 Canyon 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.