Clark County

Idaho · ID

#8 in Idaho
75.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Clark County, Idaho

Clark County outpaces nation on livability

Clark County's composite score of 75.1 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 50% of U.S. counties. This means residents enjoy above-average livability across multiple dimensions compared to the typical American county.

Above average among Idaho peers

With a score of 75.1, Clark County ranks above Idaho's state average of 72.5 and positions itself among the state's stronger performers. The county stands out as a reliable choice within Idaho's county landscape.

Tax efficiency and disaster resilience shine

Clark County's strongest dimensions are its exceptionally low tax burden (94.1 score, 0.292% effective tax rate) and outstanding risk resilience (99.3 score). The county also offers affordable housing with a median home value of $203,000 and median rent of $771/month.

Income growth lags behind peers

Income represents Clark County's weakest dimension at 17.4, with a median household income of just $52,083—well below state and national averages. Health outcomes at 53.9 also trail most peer counties and suggest room for improvement in medical services and wellness infrastructure.

Ideal for retirees and cost-conscious families

Clark County suits families and retirees who prioritize affordability, low taxes, and economic stability over high wage growth. This is a quiet, financially manageable community for those seeking rural Idaho living without big-city income expectations.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax94.1Cost85.1SafetyComing SoonHealth53.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome17.4Risk99.3WaterComing Soon
🏛94.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠85.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼17.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
53.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
99.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Clark County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.