countyscore
59.8
County Score
Property Tax 98.1Water Quality 86Cost of Living 64.6

County Report Card

About Custer County, Idaho

High Livability in the Mountains

Custer County achieves a composite score of 59.8, nearly ten points higher than the national median of 50.0. It ranks in the upper tier of American counties for overall lifestyle quality.

Surpassing Idaho's Performance Average

The county's 59.8 score puts it well ahead of the Idaho state average of 52.2. It is a standout performer in the state's interior, offering high environmental and fiscal value.

Elite Tax Status and Water Quality

Custer County excels with a near-perfect tax score of 98.1 and a high water score of 86.0. Residents pay a low 0.305% effective tax rate while enjoying some of the state's best resource management.

Economic and Educational Limits

The local economy is modest, reflected by an income score of 30.2 and a median household income of $56,957. Additionally, the school score of 34.3 suggests that educational infrastructure is less developed than fiscal systems.

The Choice for Resource-Rich Living

Custer County is ideal for remote workers or independent retirees who want low taxes and clean water. The combination of high health scores and fiscal efficiency makes it a premier destination for self-sufficient residents.

2040608010098.164.6516434.330.247.68640.9Tax98.1Cost64.6Safety51Health64Schools34.3Income30.2Risk47.6Water86Weather40.959.8/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Custer County DNA

Foverall

How Custer County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Custer County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (98.1/100) but notably weak in Income (30.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
98.1+46.099999999999994
Cost
64.6+16.599999999999994
Safety
51
Health
64+14
Schools
34.3-19.700000000000003
Income
30.2-20.8
Risk
47.6
Water
86+28
Weather
40.9-15.100000000000001
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$295,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$744/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$295,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $56,957/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

45.3

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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
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Counties with similar scores

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Houston County
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Jones County
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Nearby counties

Camas County
Idaho
56.5
Lemhi County
Idaho
54.5
Blaine County
Idaho
59.1
Boise County
Idaho
57.3
Valley County
Idaho
54.3
Butte County
Idaho
63.2
Elmore County
Idaho
42.5
Beaverhead County
Montana
63

Deep Dives

Custer County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Custer County

via TaxByCounty

Custer County taxes rank well below national median

With a 0.305% effective tax rate, Custer County homeowners pay roughly one-ninth the national median property tax of $2,690 annually. This places the county in the bottom 15th percentile nationally—among America's most tax-friendly counties.

Among Idaho's lowest-taxed counties

Custer County's 0.305% rate ranks in the bottom quartile statewide, well under Idaho's 0.508% state average. The county's median property tax of $903 trails the state median by $626 annually.

One of the region's lowest-taxed jurisdictions

Custer County's 0.305% rate ranks second-lowest among its neighbors, with only Clark County (0.292%) taxing less heavily. Residents save roughly $627 annually compared to the state median property tax.

Annual tax bill on median home value

On a median home value of $295,600, Custer County homeowners typically pay about $903 per year in property taxes. With mortgage-related levies included, annual costs rise to approximately $1,242.

Challenge your assessment if costs seem high

Even in historically low-tax counties, assessment errors occur and can inflate your tax burden. Submitting a formal assessment appeal can verify your home's valuation and potentially lower your annual costs.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Custer County

via CostByCounty

Custer rents among America's most affordable

At just 15.7%, Custer County's rent-to-income ratio ranks below both the national and state averages, signaling strong housing affordability. The county's $744 median rent is strikingly low, though household income of $56,957 still trails the nation by $17,798.

Custer leads Idaho in rental affordability

Custer County's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio beats Idaho's 16.8% state average by a meaningful margin, ranking it among the most affordable counties in the state. Renters here pocket the lowest median rent in the state at $744/month, undercutting the state average by $175.

Rock-bottom rents versus surrounding counties

Custer County's $744 rent is the cheapest in the region—$103 less than Clearwater's $847 and $367 less than Elmore's $1,111. This rental bargain, paired with reasonable income levels, makes Custer a standout affordable outlier in central Idaho.

Renters thrive here; homebuyers face sticker shock

Renters spend only 15.7% of income on $744/month housing, a genuine comfort zone, while homeowners pay $816/month on much pricier properties worth $295,600. The gap reflects Custer's appeal to budget renters but cautions would-be buyers about elevated home prices.

Custer is a renter's paradise in Idaho

If you rent, Custer County offers some of the nation's best affordability at $744/month on moderate incomes. Buyers should note the steep home prices; renters should jump at the opportunity to compare this gem with nearby Clearwater and Fremont before deciding.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Custer County

via IncomeByCounty

Custer County earns well below U.S. median

Custer County's median household income of $56,957 represents about 76% of the national median of $74,755. This $17,798 shortfall is typical for small, rural mountain counties with limited job diversity.

Slightly below Idaho's state baseline

Custer County trails Idaho's $65,770 state median by roughly $9,000, placing it in the lower-middle income band statewide. Per capita income of $29,993 sits about $2,500 below the state average of $32,503.

One of the lower earners in rural central Idaho

Custer County ($56,957) earns slightly less than Clearwater County ($57,961) but more than Clark County ($52,083). The county lags substantially behind its more prosperous neighbors Fremont ($72,767), Franklin ($65,991), and Gem ($66,245).

Outstanding rent-to-income ratio among the best

Custer County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio in this group at 15.7%, well below the healthy 17% threshold. Despite lower absolute income, residents benefit from minimal housing cost pressure, preserving earnings for other needs.

Affordable housing creates investment headroom

At 15.7% of income going to rent, Custer County households enjoy significant discretionary income to build savings accounts and investments. Starting small with automatic transfers to a high-yield savings account or low-cost brokerage account can kickstart long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Custer County

via CrimeByCounty

Safer than the National Average

Custer County boasts a high safety score of 98.3. Its total crime rate of 1104.9 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Close to Idaho Averages

While it ranks slightly below the Idaho average safety score of 98.4, it remains a secure rural area. Two reporting agencies provide the data for these local crime trends.

Tracking Regional Safety Trends

Custer’s crime rate of 1104.9 per 100K is slightly higher than the state average of 1027.1. It also sees more crime than neighboring Clearwater County, which reports only 522.1.

Property Crimes Predominate

Property crime is the primary concern here, occurring at a rate of 828.7 per 100K. Violent crime is much less common, recorded at 276.2 per 100K residents.

Safeguarding Rural Property

Safeguard your home by installing motion-activated lights and securing farm equipment. Visible security measures are effective deterrents against property crimes in rural settings.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Custer County

via SchoolsByCounty

High-Performing Schools in Central Idaho

Custer County hosts five public schools across two distinct districts, serving a total of 559 students. The infrastructure is composed of three elementary schools and two high schools, with no charter options currently available.

Strong Graduation Rates and Strategic Funding

Custer County achieves a graduation rate of 84.9%, outperforming the Idaho state average. Its school score of 51.4 also beats the state average of 48.0, supported by per-pupil spending of $7,237.

Challis and Mackay Joint Districts

The Challis Joint District is the largest provider with 328 students, followed by the Mackay Joint District with 231 students. These districts operate 100% of the local public schools, maintaining a traditional educational focus.

Small Schools in a Wilderness Setting

Every school in the county is classified as rural, with an intimate average school size of 112 students. Challis Elementary is the largest campus with 158 students, while the Stanley Elem/Jr High serves just 19 students in a remote mountain setting.

Your Future Home in Custer County

For families who value high graduation rates and small class sizes, Custer County offers a compelling case for relocation. Use our data to find homes within the high-performing Challis or Mackay school districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Custer County

via RiskByCounty

Custer County faces elevated national risk

With a composite risk score of 52.42 and a Relatively Low rating, Custer County exceeds the national average for natural disaster hazards. The county's mountainous terrain and remote location create multiple exposure points.

Among Idaho's higher-risk counties

Custer County's score of 52.42 ranks significantly above Idaho's state average of 38.51, placing it in the upper tier of state risk. Only a few Idaho counties experience comparable or greater cumulative hazard exposure.

Earthquake and wildfire define the region

Custer County's earthquake risk of 79.29 is the highest among regional neighbors, while its wildfire risk of 87.02 places it alongside other central Idaho counties. This combination reflects the county's position atop active seismic zones and extensive forests.

Earthquake and wildfire pose greatest threats

Custer County residents face earthquake risk of 79.29 and wildfire risk of 87.02, while flood (57.32) and tornado (2.99) pose secondary concerns. The county's mountain location amplifies both seismic and forest fire exposure.

Earthquakes require structural preparation

Beyond standard homeowners coverage, Custer County properties benefit from earthquake insurance and wildfire riders given the county's dual-hazard exposure. Foundation bolting and wildfire-resistant landscaping are also critical investments for long-term protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Custer County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Score for Drinking Water

Custer County earns a rare 'A' grade with zero health violations recorded over the last five years. This 0.0 violation rate stands in stark contrast to the Idaho state average of 207.0 per 100,000 residents.

Low Impairment Across Many Waters

Only 22.9% of the 694 assessed water bodies are impaired, nearly half the state average of 41.6%. Temperature and sedimentation are the main causes for the 159 streams that fail to meet 2022 federal standards.

Substantial Physical and Biological Data

The county maintains 104 monitoring sites that have provided 12,521 measurements in the past five years. Monitoring efforts prioritize physical attributes and biological fish surveys to ensure the continued health of the ecosystem.

Salmon River Flows Far Above Normal

The Salmon River near Clayton is discharging 4,560 cfs, which is 415% of its long-term typical flow. This high-volume event affects a drainage area covering 1,200 square miles.

Sustain Clean Water Success

While drinking water compliance is excellent, residents should be aware that 22.9% of watersheds still face temperature and sediment issues. Monitoring these factors is crucial during high-flow periods when runoff can impact even the cleanest systems.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Custer County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the Nation's Coldest Corridors

Custer County is significantly colder than the national median, posting a chilly annual average of 40.8°F. This mountain climate experiences some of the lowest average temperatures in the lower 48 states.

Well Below the Idaho Temperature Average

Averaging 40.8°F, Custer County is nearly 6 degrees colder than the Idaho state average of 46.5°F. It ranks among the state's coldest regions, characterized by long winters and short growing seasons.

Chillier Than Its Southern Neighbors

Custer County is much colder than nearby Elmore County, which averages 52.6°F. It also receives just 12.8 inches of precipitation, making it as dry as the high deserts to its south.

Frigid Winters and Brief Summer Heat

January temperatures average a freezing 18.5°F, while winter as a whole averages just 20.0°F. Summer provides a quick reprieve with a July average of 64.0°F and only 12 days topping 90°F.

Winterize for Extreme Mountain Cold

Extreme cold dominates the plan here, requiring high-efficiency heating systems and cold-weather survival kits for travel. Despite the cold, the 29.5 inches of snow is manageable compared to the state's wetter northern counties.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Custer County

via SoilByCounty

Rugged Terrain Awaits Detailed Mapping

Custer County's dominant soil taxonomic order and pH level are currently unrecorded. Local soils exist within a state average pH of 6.04, which is lower than the national median of 6.5.

Assessing Texture for High Altitudes

This county currently lacks specific data for sand, silt, and clay composition. These metrics typically define how well the ground holds nutrients and how easily it can be tilled.

Water Capacity and Nutrient Potential

Custer lacks local fertility data, though the state's average soil score is 67.8 out of 100. Idaho's high average organic matter of 27.53% suggests the region has great potential for enrichment.

Hydrologic Groups and Land Use

The dominant drainage class is not yet assigned for this territory. Identifying these classes is vital for preventing erosion and managing irrigation in the local valleys.

Selecting Plants for Zone 5b

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, Custer County supports hardy crops. Gardeners should focus on short-season varieties like peas and root vegetables that tolerate cooler nights.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Custer County

via LawnByCounty

The Rugged Challenge of Custer Lawns

Custer County presents one of the most difficult lawn environments in the state with a score of just 25.8. This low score reflects the harsh reality of maintaining turf in a cold, high-altitude setting. Homeowners in Hardiness Zone 5b must be prepared for a short growing season and frequent environmental stress.

Short Seasons and Limited Heat

The county sees only 12 days of extreme heat and 1325 growing degree days, meaning grass grows slowly here. Annual precipitation is sparse at 12.8 inches, far below the ideal 30-50 inches needed for lush turf. Frosts can linger until mid-June, leaving a very narrow window for lawn maintenance.

Building a Better Soil Base

Specific data on soil pH and drainage is not currently available for Custer County. In these rocky, high-altitude regions, soil is often thin and requires significant amendment with compost to hold moisture. A professional soil test is the best first step to see if your land can support a traditional lawn.

Navigating Moderate Water Shortages

Custer County has experienced 44 weeks of drought over the past year, with 35.1% of the area currently abnormally dry. While less severe than some neighbors, the low precipitation makes water conservation vital. Utilizing drought-tolerant seed mixes can help reduce the pressure on local water resources.

Timing Your Planting for Success

In Zone 5b, cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue or Buffalo grass are the most reliable choices for durability. Wait until after the June 14th frost to plant, as the growing season ends early with frosts returning by September 25th. Focus on species that can handle the cold winters and limited summer moisture.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Custer County's county score?
Custer County, Idaho has a composite county score of 59.8 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 Custer County rank among counties in Idaho?
Custer County ranks #7 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 Custer County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Custer County is $903, with an effective tax rate of 0.31%. This earns Custer County a tax score of 98.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Custer County?
The median household income in Custer County, Idaho is $56,957 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Custer County earns an income score of 30.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Custer County, Idaho a good place to live?
Custer County scores 59.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Custer 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 Custer County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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