countyscore
54.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 99.3Property Tax 98.6Schools 88.9

County Report Card

About Clark County, Idaho

A High Performer in Rural Idaho

Clark County earns a composite score of 54.1, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that exceeds the average American county, despite its remote location.

Outpacing the State Average

With a 54.1 overall rating, Clark County outperforms the Idaho state average of 52.2. It remains one of the state's more competitive options for residents seeking a balance of cost and safety.

Unmatched Tax Benefits and Safety

The county boasts an exceptional tax score of 98.6, driven by a remarkably low effective tax rate of 0.292%. Residents also benefit from a risk score of 99.3 and a strong school score of 88.9.

Navigating Healthcare and Resource Gaps

Infrastructure remains the primary challenge, with a water score of 8.7 and a health score of 12.8. Low income and safety scores, both under 19.0, suggest limitations in local services and economic variety.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Families

Clark County is a perfect fit for families prioritizing low taxes and quality education over urban amenities. The $771 median rent and high safety ratings make it a compelling choice for those seeking peace and affordability.

Score breakdown

Tax98.6Cost75.4Safety13.1Health12.8Schools88.9Income18.8Risk99.3Water8.7Weather39.8
🏛98.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡13.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤12.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓88.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡99.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧8.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤39.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱29
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Clark County

Whether buying or refinancing in Clark County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Clark County with Glades County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Glades County
Florida
Median income: $38,905
54.1
Jasper County
Iowa
Median income: $70,128
54.1
Blaine County
Montana
Median income: $65,050
54.1
Mineral County
Montana
Median income: $61,117
54.1
Hidalgo County
New Mexico
Median income: $49,076
54.1
Dewey County
South Dakota
Median income: $57,928
54.1
Benton County
Tennessee
Median income: $50,435
54.1
San Saba County
Texas
Median income: $54,855
54.1

Nearby counties

Jefferson County
Idaho
52.8
Fremont County
Idaho
63.6
Madison County
Idaho
53.7
Beaverhead County
Montana
63
Butte County
Idaho
63.2
Teton County
Idaho
61.4
Madison County
Montana
65.6
Bonneville County
Idaho
41.4

Deep Dives

Clark County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Clark County

via TaxByCounty

Clark County taxes rank far below US average

With an effective tax rate of 0.292%, Clark County homeowners pay roughly one-fifth the national median property tax of $2,690 annually. This places the county in the lowest 10th percentile nationally—among the lightest-taxed counties in America.

Among Idaho's cheapest property tax counties

Clark County's 0.292% rate ranks it in the bottom tier statewide, well below Idaho's 0.508% average effective rate. The county's median property tax of $592 is less than two-fifths of the state median of $1,529.

Significantly lower than surrounding counties

Clark County's 0.292% rate undercuts neighboring Custer County (0.305%) and rivals the state's most tax-friendly jurisdictions. Residents here pay roughly $311 less annually than the state median household.

Annual tax bill on median home value

On a median home value of $203,000, Clark County homeowners typically pay about $592 per year in property taxes. With mortgage-related levies included, annual costs rise to approximately $1,389.

Challenge your assessment if costs seem high

Even in low-tax counties, many homeowners are overassessed relative to market value. Requesting a formal property assessment review can uncover errors and potentially reduce your tax bill further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clark County

via CostByCounty

Clark County rents eat up less than average

At 17.8%, Clark County's rent-to-income ratio runs just slightly above the national norm, meaning renters here spend a modest share of their earnings on housing. The county's median household income of $52,083 lags the nation by $22,672, but modest rents of $771/month help keep affordability manageable compared to many U.S. communities.

Slightly strained, but still above state average

Clark County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio sits above Idaho's average of 16.8%, placing it in the middle tier of state affordability. While the county's median rent of $771 undercuts the state average of $919 by $148, weaker household incomes make the ratio slightly less favorable.

Rents pale against nearby Franklin County

Clark County renters pay $771/month versus Franklin County's $831 just next door—a modest $60 difference that reflects similar rural markets. However, Franklin County households earn notably more ($65,991 vs. $52,083), giving that county better affordability despite higher rents.

Modest rents, modest incomes tell the story

Renters here spend 17.8% of income on housing, while homeowners pay $621/month on a median home value of $203,000. Combined, Clark County's housing costs remain among Idaho's more affordable, though income growth could unlock greater financial stability.

Consider Clark for rural affordability

If you're seeking a low-cost Idaho rental market with genuine room in your monthly budget, Clark County delivers at $771/month. Compare this county's total package—modest rents, entry-level home prices, and tight-knit rural living—against busier neighboring counties before deciding.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clark County

via IncomeByCounty

Clark County trails national income average

Clark County's median household income of $52,083 lags the national median of $74,755 by nearly $23,000. This places Clark County in the lower income tier nationally, earning about 70% of what the typical U.S. household brings in.

Below Idaho's median across the board

At $52,083, Clark County's median household income ranks below Idaho's state average of $65,770. The county's per capita income of $22,917 also undershoots the state average of $32,503 by significant margins.

Among Idaho's lower-earning rural counties

Clark County earns less than all nearby counties in this dataset, with Clearwater County ($57,961) and Custer County ($56,957) both leading it. The gap widens considerably versus higher-earning neighbors like Franklin County ($65,991) and Fremont County ($72,767).

Housing costs remain manageable here

Clark County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% sits just above the national healthy threshold of 17%, meaning housing costs are affordable relative to earnings. A median home value of $203,000 represents one of the lowest in the region, supporting long-term homeownership.

Build financial security despite lower earnings

With relatively affordable housing, Clark County households have room to prioritize savings and retirement planning. Even modest investments in workplace 401(k)s or IRA accounts can compound significantly over time and bridge the income gap.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clark County

via CrimeByCounty

Above National Crime Averages

Clark County's total crime rate of 2513.3 per 100K sits slightly above the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the county maintains a solid safety score of 96.0.

Below the State Safety Average

Clark County ranks below the Idaho safety average of 98.4. While many Idaho counties boast near-perfect scores, Clark’s small population makes its 2513.3 crime rate more volatile.

Comparing Clark to Rural Neighbors

Compared to neighboring Fremont's 569.6 crime rate, Clark's figures appear significantly higher at 2513.3. However, with only one reporting agency, these statistics represent a very small sample size of local incidents.

High Violent Crime Concentration

Violent crime represents 1190.5 per 100K, while property crime stands at 1322.8 per 100K. These rates suggest that personal safety is a more frequent concern here than in much of the state.

Securing Your Property

Investing in modern alarm systems provides an essential layer of security for remote residents. Staying informed about local law enforcement updates helps maintain community safety in this vast landscape.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Clark County

via HealthByCounty

Clark County's health picture

Nearly one in four Clark County residents report poor or fair health, well above national norms. Data on life expectancy is limited, but the 23.0% poor/fair health rate signals significant health challenges compared to the U.S. average of roughly 15%.

Idaho's health challenge case

Clark County's 23.0% poor/fair health rate ranks among the lowest in Idaho, where the state average life expectancy is 77.5 years. This county needs targeted support to improve health outcomes and close gaps with healthier Idaho peers.

Struggling compared to neighbors

Clark County's poor/fair health rate of 23.0% significantly outpaces neighboring Custer County (15.4%) and Fremont County (16.4%). Limited provider data makes a full comparison difficult, but neighboring counties show better population health metrics.

Double the uninsured rate

Over one in five Clark County residents (21.6%) lack health insurance—nearly double Idaho's 11.7% rate. Provider data is unavailable, but this insurance gap likely strains access to the care these residents need most.

Find affordable coverage now

With 21.6% of residents uninsured, Clark County families should check Idaho's health insurance marketplace and Medicaid eligibility at healthcare.gov. Community health centers and local health departments can also help connect residents to affordable plans.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Clark County

via SchoolsByCounty

Personalized Learning in a Tiny Rural District

Clark County operates a streamlined educational infrastructure with just two public schools under a single district. Serving only 117 students total, the system consists of one elementary and one high school.

Small-Scale Investment in Student Success

The county spends $10,402 per pupil, which significantly exceeds the Idaho state average of $6,288. While the school score of 31.2 sits below the national median of 50.0, the high spending per student supports an exceptionally low teacher-to-student ratio.

A Single District Serving Every Student

Clark County District manages the entire local student population with no charter schools in the area. This unified structure ensures that resources are focused directly on the 117 residents enrolled in the public system.

A Truly Rural Educational Experience

Both schools in the county are classified as rural, reflecting the area's vast, open landscape. With an average school size of only 59 students, the 61-student Clark County Jr/Sr High is the largest campus in the county.

Find a Home Near Tight-Knit Schools

Families seeking a quiet life with unmatched individual attention for their children should explore homes in Clark County. The small community size makes school quality a central pillar of local residential life.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clark County

via RiskByCounty

Clark County's risk is exceptionally low

With a composite risk score of 0.76 and a Very Low rating, Clark County sits far below the national average for natural disaster exposure. This puts your community among the safest in the country for multiple hazard types.

Lowest-risk county in Idaho

Clark County's composite score of 0.76 dramatically outperforms Idaho's state average of 38.51, making it the safest county in the state by a wide margin. Your neighbors across Idaho face significantly higher hazard exposure.

Standing alone in safety

Clark County's 0.76 score is nearly 45 times lower than Clearwater County's 46.91 and 68 times lower than Custer County's 52.42, its nearest regional neighbors. This exceptional advantage reflects both geography and relatively sparse development patterns.

Wildfire and earthquake are top concerns

Even in Clark County, wildfire risk registers at 64.66 and earthquake risk at 30.95—higher than flood (2.13) or tornado risk (1.49). These two hazards deserve your preparedness attention despite the county's overall low-risk profile.

Focus insurance on forest fire exposure

While Clark County's overall risk is minimal, properties in or near forested areas should carry robust wildfire coverage and maintain defensible space. Standard homeowners policies may exclude wildfire damage, so review your coverage with an agent now.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Clark County

via WeatherByCounty

A High-Altitude Cool Spot in the West

Clark County maintains a crisp annual average temperature of 45.3°F, notably cooler than the national median. This high-plateau climate sits in stark contrast to warmer southern regions of the country.

Cooler Than the Average Idaho County

With its 45.3°F average, Clark County runs roughly 1.2 degrees colder than the Idaho state average of 46.5°F. This makes it one of the more temperate but cooler jurisdictions in the Gem State.

Dry Skies Compared to Mountain Neighbors

The county receives just 12.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is significantly drier than the state average of 17.0 inches. While nearby Fremont County sees over 21 inches of moisture, Clark remains a semi-arid landscape.

Deep Freezes and Pleasant Summer Afternoons

Winters are biting with a January average of 22.2°F and 47.3 inches of annual snowfall. Summers stay mild with a July average of 70.7°F, though residents still face 20 days of heat over 90°F.

Prepare for Snow and Arid Air

Homeowners should prioritize high-quality insulation to handle the 23.4°F average winter temperatures. Because of the low 12.2-inch precipitation rate, drought-resistant landscaping is essential for local yards.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clark County

via SoilByCounty

Awaiting Local Soil Taxonomic Data

Clark County's specific soil taxonomic data is not currently recorded in this dataset. While local pH levels are unknown, they exist within a state where the average pH is 6.04, slightly lower than the national 6.5 median.

Analyzing Sand, Silt, and Clay Ratios

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay remain unavailable for this county. Without these recorded ratios, local growers should perform manual tests to determine drainage and workability.

Measuring Fertility Against Idaho Averages

Organic matter data is missing here, but Idaho as a whole averages an impressive 27.53%. This state-wide benchmark suggests high potential compared to the 2.0% national organic matter average.

Understanding Drainage and Hydrologic Movement

The dominant drainage class for Clark County is currently unlisted. Understanding these hydrologic groups is essential for preventing runoff and planning stable infrastructure projects.

Gardening in Cold-Hardy Zone 5b

Clark County is located in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. Gardeners can successfully grow cool-season vegetables like kale and radishes in this high-altitude climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clark County

via LawnByCounty

High Altitude Hurdles for Clark County Lawns

Maintaining a lawn in Clark County is a significant challenge, with a lawn difficulty score of just 29.0 out of 100. This is well below the national median of 50.0 and even trails the Idaho state average. Located in Hardiness Zone 5b, homeowners here face a cold, dry environment that limits the types of turf that can thrive.

Arid Conditions and Moderate Heat

The county receives just 12.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is less than a third of the 30-50 inches lawns ideally require. With 2158 growing degree days and 20 days of extreme heat over 90°F, irrigation is essential to keep grass from going dormant during the summer months. The growing season is truncated by late spring frosts occurring through mid-May.

Evaluating the Local Ground Truth

Specific local data for soil pH and texture is currently limited for this area. Residents should conduct a local soil test to determine if their ground meets the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH range for turfgrass. Adding organic matter is a standard practice to improve water retention in Idaho's typically lean soils.

Coping with Constant Dry Spells

Clark County has spent all 53 weeks of the past year in drought conditions, with 100% of the county currently classified as abnormally dry. Water conservation is critical, so residents should prioritize deep, infrequent watering early in the morning. This practice encourages deeper root systems that are more resilient to the lack of natural rainfall.

Best Grass Choices for Clark County

Hardy cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescue are best suited for Zone 5b. Plan to seed or sod after the final spring frost on May 18th to give your lawn the best start. With careful water management and cold-hardy varieties, a green space is possible even in this challenging climate.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clark County's county score?
Clark County, Idaho has a composite county score of 54.1 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 Clark County rank among counties in Idaho?
Clark County ranks #21 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 Clark County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Clark County is $592, with an effective tax rate of 0.29%. This earns Clark County a tax score of 98.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clark County?
The median household income in Clark County, Idaho is $52,083 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clark County earns an income score of 18.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clark County, Idaho a good place to live?
Clark County scores 54.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Clark 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 Clark 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.