CountyScore

Clearwater County

Idaho · ID

#22 in Idaho
72.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Clearwater County, Idaho

Clearwater County beats national livability median

Clearwater County's composite score of 72.9 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking in the top half of American counties. This above-average standing reflects solid performance across housing, taxes, and health dimensions.

Matches Idaho's state average precisely

At 72.9, Clearwater County performs just above Idaho's state average of 72.5, making it a representative example of livability across the state. The county occupies middle-to-upper ground among Idaho's 44 counties.

Health and housing lead the way

Clearwater County excels in health outcomes (70.9 score) and maintains affordable housing with a median rent of $847/month and median home value of $240,800. Tax burden is also reasonable at 0.601% effective rate.

Risk management and income need attention

Risk resilience scores only 53.1, suggesting vulnerability to environmental or economic disruptions compared to top-performing counties. Income also lags at 21.2, with a median household income of $57,961 below several peer counties.

Best for health-conscious moderate earners

Clearwater County appeals to families and individuals prioritizing good health infrastructure and community stability over maximum income potential. It's a well-balanced choice for those seeking reliable, mid-range livability in a small Idaho setting.

Score breakdown

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

Tax85.4Cost82.9SafetyComing SoonHealth70.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome21.2Risk53.1WaterComing Soon
🏛85.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡53.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Clearwater County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Henry County
Alabama
72.9
Median income: $60,135
Jackson County
Colorado
72.9
Median income: $41,809
Kit Carson County
Colorado
72.9
Median income: $59,810
Baker County
Georgia
72.9
Median income: $44,405
Fremont County
Iowa
72.9
Median income: $73,750

Deep Dives

Clearwater County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Clearwater County

via TaxByCounty

Clearwater County taxes modest by national standards

At 0.601% effective rate, Clearwater County's property taxes remain roughly one-quarter the national median of $2,690 annually. This places the county in approximately the 35th percentile nationally—below the US average but higher than many rural peers.

Above-average taxes for Idaho standards

Clearwater County's 0.601% effective rate slightly exceeds Idaho's 0.508% state average, ranking it in the upper-middle tier statewide. The county's median property tax of $1,447 exceeds the state median by $82 annually.

Among the region's higher-taxed counties

Clearwater County's 0.601% rate ranks above most neighboring counties, comparable only to Elmore County (0.604%). Residents pay roughly $350 more annually than the state median property tax.

Annual tax bill on median home value

On a median home value of $240,800, Clearwater County homeowners typically pay about $1,447 per year in property taxes. With mortgage-related levies included, annual costs rise to approximately $1,580.

Challenge your assessment if costs seem high

Many homeowners in higher-tax counties are overassessed relative to comparable properties. Filing a formal assessment appeal can identify valuation errors and reduce your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clearwater County

via CostByCounty

Clearwater renters fare better than most

Clearwater County's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably near the national trend, with residents spending less than one-fifth of earnings on rent. The median household income of $57,961 trails the nation by $16,794, but the county's $847 monthly rent keeps the overall cost-to-income relationship competitive.

Edges above Idaho's affordability benchmark

At 17.5%, Clearwater County ranks slightly above Idaho's 16.8% state average, positioning it in the middle of state affordability. The county's $847 median rent runs well below the state's $919 average, offset by moderately lower household incomes.

Split the difference on rents with neighbors

Clearwater County's $847 rent sits between Custer County's bargain $744 and Elmore County's pricier $1,111. Household incomes here ($57,961) place it squarely between those same neighbors, making Clearwater a true middle ground in the region.

Balanced housing costs at middling incomes

Renters spend 17.5% of income on $847/month housing, while homeowners commit $672/month to median homes worth $240,800. This dual affordability—reasonable across both rental and ownership—reflects stable, if modest, economic conditions.

Clearwater works for budget-conscious renters

With rents under $850 and a balanced cost-of-living profile, Clearwater County suits remote workers and retirees prioritizing affordability. Scout the neighboring Custer and Elmore counties for comparison before committing to this rural Idaho gem.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clearwater County

via IncomeByCounty

Clearwater's income trails national norm

Clearwater County's median household income of $57,961 falls short of the national median of $74,755 by $16,794. The county earns roughly 77% of what typical U.S. households make, reflecting a gap common in rural Northern Idaho.

Below state average, middle of the pack locally

Clearwater County ranks in the lower-middle tier statewide, with income trailing Idaho's $65,770 average by nearly $8,000. Per capita income of $31,608 nearly matches the state figure, suggesting more even income distribution within households.

Middle ground among comparable Idaho counties

Clearwater County ($57,961) sits between Clark County ($52,083) and Custer County ($56,957), emerging as a slightly stronger earner in the rural north. It remains well below Franklin ($65,991) and Fremont ($72,767), which show stronger economic momentum.

Excellent housing affordability ratio here

Clearwater County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.5% ranks among the healthiest in this group, signaling that housing remains truly affordable. A median home value of $240,800 paired with moderate household incomes makes homeownership realistic for working families.

Leverage low housing costs for wealth building

With housing consuming just 17.5% of income, Clearwater County residents can redirect savings toward emergency funds and long-term investments. Even consistent, small contributions to index funds or local community development investments compound into meaningful wealth over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Clearwater County

via HealthByCounty

Clearwater County leads on life expectancy

Clearwater County residents live to an average of 75.9 years, slightly below Idaho's 77.5-year state average but competitive on national health metrics. Just 16.8% report poor or fair health, outperforming the U.S. average of roughly 15%.

Idaho's healthier counties

Clearwater County ranks solidly among Idaho's healthier counties with a 16.8% poor/fair health rate near the middle of the state. While life expectancy falls just short of the state average, the county maintains reasonable population health.

Competitive with surrounding areas

Clearwater County's 16.8% poor/fair health rate matches closely with Custer County (15.4%) and Fremont County (16.4%). With 135 primary care providers and 141 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Clearwater ranks among the better-resourced rural Idaho counties.

Good access, low uninsured rate

Only 9.4% of Clearwater County residents lack health insurance—well below Idaho's 11.7% average. Strong provider density (135 primary care, 141 mental health per 100K) makes getting routine care and mental health support relatively accessible.

Keep your coverage strong

Clearwater County's low uninsured rate reflects good enrollment efforts, but 9.4% of residents still need coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or your local health department to confirm your plan remains current and meets your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clearwater County

via RiskByCounty

Clearwater County faces above-average risk

With a composite risk score of 46.91 and a Relatively Low rating, Clearwater County exceeds the national average for natural disaster exposure. The county's position reflects significant wildfire and flood vulnerability in a mountainous, forested landscape.

Ranking higher risk than most Idaho counties

Clearwater County's score of 46.91 sits well above Idaho's state average of 38.51, placing it in the higher-risk tier for the state. Only a handful of Idaho counties face comparable or greater hazard exposure.

Wildfire risk unites the region

Clearwater County's wildfire risk of 96.41 aligns with nearby Elmore (97.65) and Gem (96.50) counties, reflecting the region's shared forest fire exposure. All three counties face extreme wildfire pressure despite differences in other hazard types.

Wildfire and flood dominate the hazard profile

Wildfire risk at 96.41 and flood risk at 55.73 are Clearwater County's primary concerns, with earthquake (22.96) and tornado (3.44) playing minor roles. This combination reflects the county's mountain terrain and river valleys.

Wildfire and flood insurance are essential

Clearwater County residents should secure comprehensive homeowners coverage that includes wildfire (often a separate rider) and flood insurance through NFIP or private insurers. Properties near waterways or forested slopes face compounded risk and deserve immediate policy review.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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