CountyScore

Custer County

Idaho · ID

#12 in Idaho
74.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Custer County, Idaho

Custer County significantly outperforms nation

Custer County's composite score of 74.5 is 49% higher than the national median of 50.0, placing it solidly in the upper tier of American counties. This strong performance reflects balanced livability across multiple dimensions.

Idaho's stronger mid-range performer

Custer County's score of 74.5 exceeds Idaho's state average of 72.5, positioning it among the state's better-performing counties. The county delivers consistent quality of life across most measurable categories.

Low taxes and solid housing values

Custer County boasts an exceptional tax score of 93.7 (0.305% effective rate) and maintains very affordable housing with median rent of $744/month. Health outcomes also score well at 71.4, supporting community wellness.

Income and risk resilience need strengthening

Income scores 20.6 with median household earnings of $56,957, limiting economic mobility for ambitious workers. Risk resilience at 47.6 indicates moderate vulnerability to external disruptions, the lowest among its dimensions.

Perfect for rural seekers valuing stability

Custer County suits families and retirees seeking a low-tax, affordable rural lifestyle with reliable health services and minimal disruption. It's ideal for those who prioritize simplicity and financial predictability over rapid career advancement.

Score breakdown

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

Tax93.7Cost82.7SafetyComing SoonHealth71.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome20.6Risk47.6WaterComing Soon
🏛93.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡47.6
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 Custer County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Cleburne County
Alabama
74.5
Median income: $53,319
Gilpin County
Colorado
74.5
Median income: $88,654
Lewis County
Idaho
74.5
Median income: $49,643
Franklin County
Indiana
74.5
Median income: $79,702
Posey County
Indiana
74.5
Median income: $79,124

Deep Dives

Custer County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Custer County

via HealthByCounty

Custer County outpaces national averages

At 78.7 years, Custer County residents live longer than Idaho's 77.5-year average and exceed the U.S. life expectancy of roughly 76 years. Just 15.4% report poor or fair health, better than both state and national norms.

Among Idaho's healthiest counties

Custer County ranks in Idaho's top tier with a life expectancy of 78.7 years and a poor/fair health rate of 15.4%. These metrics place the county above the state average on both measures.

Outperforms neighbors on health

Custer County's 78.7-year life expectancy bests Clearwater (75.9 years), Gem (75.9 years), and Gooding (76.4 years). Its 15.4% poor/fair health rate is the best among these neighbors, signaling stronger overall population health.

Reasonable insurance and mental health care

Custer County's 12.7% uninsured rate sits near Idaho's state average, and 88 mental health providers per 100,000 residents support residents' behavioral health needs. Primary care provider data is limited, but mental health accessibility appears adequate.

Ensure continuous coverage

While Custer County's uninsured rate is modest, 12.7% of residents still lack health insurance. Check healthcare.gov annually to maintain coverage and access the preventive care that supports the county's strong health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.