countyscore
58.8
County Score
Safety 78Property Tax 74.4Cost of Living 63

County Report Card

About Clearwater County, Idaho

Strong National Standing in North Idaho

Clearwater County scores a 58.8, significantly outperforming the national median score of 50.0. This high ranking places it among the more desirable rural counties in the United States.

Leading the Idaho Pack

Clearwater’s composite score of 58.8 sits well above the Idaho state average of 52.2. It represents a high-tier option within the state for those seeking stable, rural living.

Safe Streets and Manageable Taxes

Safety is a primary draw here with a score of 78.0, paired with a respectable tax score of 74.4. Homeowners enjoy an affordable median home value of $240,800 and an effective tax rate of 0.601%.

Strengthening Schools and Water Quality

Educational resources and water quality are areas for improvement, with scores of 35.6 and 15.9 respectively. An income score of 32.7 also reflects a local economy with lower median earnings of $57,961.

A Haven for Secure Rural Living

This county suits retirees or outdoor enthusiasts who value physical safety and low property costs. While schools are a weaker point, the high health and safety scores provide a solid foundation for a quiet life.

Score breakdown

Tax74.4Cost63Safety78Health58.1Schools35.6Income32.7Risk53.1Water15.9Weather39.3
🏛74.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡78
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤58.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓35.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡53.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧15.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤39.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱44.2
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

Mineral County
Montana
54.1
Idaho County
Idaho
60
Lewis County
Idaho
55.6
Latah County
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Shoshone County
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Nez Perce County
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Benewah County
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Missoula County
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Deep Dives

Clearwater County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Clearwater County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in Clearwater

Clearwater County is one of the safest in the nation with a safety score of 99.2. Its total crime rate of 522.1 per 100K is a fraction of the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Surpassing Idaho Safety Standards

Ranking high within the state, Clearwater’s crime rate is about half the Idaho average of 1027.1. It consistently outperforms the state’s safety score of 98.4.

Stronger Safety than Neighbors

Compared to neighboring Custer County’s 1104.9 crime rate, Clearwater is significantly safer at 522.1. This makes it a standout for security in North Central Idaho.

Balanced and Low Incident Rates

Property crime and violent crime are nearly equal here, at 272.4 and 249.7 per 100K respectively. Both rates are very low, indicating that serious incidents are infrequent for residents.

Maintain Your Home Security

Ensure your home stays safe by installing deadbolts and keeping valuables out of sight. Even in high-safety areas, preventative habits keep burglary rates at these enviable lows.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Clearwater County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Clearwater Educational Framework

Clearwater County supports seven public schools, including three elementary campuses and four high schools, all managed by one district. This network serves 1,099 students across a mix of rural and town settings.

Evaluating Performance and Funding

The county reports a graduation rate of 52.0%, trailing both the state average of 83.6% and the national mark of 87.0%. Despite this, spending remains robust at $8,458 per pupil, well above the Idaho average of $6,288.

Orofino Joint District Leads the Way

Orofino Joint District is the sole provider of education here, managing 1,131 students across its facilities. There are currently no charter schools in the county, making the traditional public district the primary choice for families.

Classroom Diversity from Town to Trail

Five schools are located in rural areas while two serve town locales, creating a varied educational environment. Orofino Elementary is the largest school with 376 students, providing a contrast to the smaller 90-student Timberline Elementary.

Relocating for Clearwater Schools

If you are researching properties in northern Idaho, the central role of the Orofino Joint District is a key factor for home value. Explore available homes to find a residence near your preferred elementary or high school campus.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Clearwater County

via WeatherByCounty

A Wet and Temperate Northern Haven

Clearwater County averages 45.7°F annually, falling below the national median temperature for the United States. Its damp climate sets it apart from the drier high deserts typical of the American West.

Lower Temperatures but Higher Moisture

The county's 45.7°F annual average is slightly cooler than Idaho's state average of 46.5°F. However, its 37.3 inches of annual precipitation more than doubles the state average of 17.0 inches.

The Precipitation Powerhouse of the Region

While neighboring counties struggle with aridity, Clearwater’s 37.3 inches of rain and snow make it one of the wettest spots in Idaho. It receives nearly three times the moisture of nearby Clark County.

Heavy Snowfall and Mild Summer Days

Winter is defined by a massive 83.3 inches of average annual snowfall and a 29.5°F winter mean. Summers are exceptionally comfortable, with a July average of 65.8°F and only 22 days of extreme heat.

Gear Up for Significant Snow Management

With over 83 inches of snow falling annually, residents need heavy-duty clearing equipment and reliable winter tires. Proper roof maintenance is also critical to handle the heavy moisture loads throughout the year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clearwater County

via SoilByCounty

Clearwater's Unique Soil Profile

Regional soil surveys haven't yet classified the dominant texture or pH for Clearwater County. In context, Idaho's average soil pH of 6.04 is more acidic than the 6.5 national median.

Determining Local Soil Workability

Detailed percentages of sand and clay are currently undocumented, leaving drainage characteristics to be determined by on-site observation. Local growers must investigate their specific plots to understand water retention.

Idaho's Robust Organic Matter Standards

While county data is limited, Idaho maintains a state average organic matter of 27.53%, far exceeding the 2.0% national average. The state's average available water capacity is a solid 0.269 in/in.

Managing Water and Infrastructure

Documentation for the county's dominant drainage class and hydrologic group is not available. These factors are essential for managing local runoff and choosing the best building sites.

Diverse Potential in Zone 7a

Clearwater County enjoys a milder climate in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. This allows for a longer growing season where fruit trees and diverse garden crops can flourish.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clearwater County

via LawnByCounty

A More Manageable Climate in Clearwater

Clearwater County earns a lawn difficulty score of 44.2, making it much easier to maintain turf here than in other parts of Idaho. This score sits comfortably above the state average of 33.3 and approaches the national median. The county benefits from being in Hardiness Zone 7a, which allows for a wider variety of plant life.

Exceptional Rainfall Fuels Green Growth

With 37.3 inches of annual precipitation, Clearwater County hits the sweet spot for the 30-50 inches required by ideal lawns. The climate is relatively mild with only 22 extreme heat days and 1668 growing degree days. This natural moisture significantly reduces the need for supplemental irrigation compared to neighboring counties.

Identifying Your Soil Composition

While comprehensive soil data is not available for this region, the high rainfall suggests a potential for more organic matter than Idaho's more arid zones. Homeowners are encouraged to test their soil pH to ensure it falls within the 6.0-7.0 range for optimal grass health. Proper drainage remains important to prevent root rot during wet spring months.

Managing Pockets of Severe Dryness

Despite high annual rainfall, 38.4% of the county is currently experiencing severe drought, and the region has faced 53 weeks of dry conditions over the last year. It is important to monitor local water restrictions even when the season feels wet. Mulching around lawn edges can help retain the moisture provided by Clearwater's natural precipitation.

Seizing the 7a Growing Season

The Zone 7a climate supports resilient grasses like Tall Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass blends. Aim to start your lawn after the last spring frost on June 3rd for the best results. The extended fall season, with frosts not arriving until October 20th, provides a generous window for lawn establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clearwater County's county score?
Clearwater County, Idaho has a composite county score of 58.8 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 Clearwater County rank among counties in Idaho?
Clearwater County ranks #11 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 Clearwater County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Clearwater County is $1,447, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Clearwater County a tax score of 74.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clearwater County?
The median household income in Clearwater County, Idaho is $57,961 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clearwater County earns an income score of 32.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clearwater County, Idaho a good place to live?
Clearwater County scores 58.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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.