CountyScore

Elmore County

Idaho · ID

#39 in Idaho
68.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Elmore County, Idaho

Elmore County exceeds national livability baseline

Elmore County's composite score of 68.9 outpaces the national median of 50.0 by nearly 40%, positioning it solidly above average for the nation. However, it ranks slightly below Idaho's state performance, indicating room for improvement.

Trails Idaho average by modest margin

At 68.9, Elmore County falls slightly below Idaho's state average of 72.5, ranking in the lower-to-middle tier of state counties. The gap suggests this county faces some headwinds compared to its strongest peers.

Highest income and solid tax efficiency

Elmore County leads all eight counties in income (21.9 score, $58,976 median household income) and maintains reasonable taxes at 0.604% effective rate. Health outcomes are respectable at 68.0, supporting community vitality.

Housing costs and risk present obstacles

Housing affordability is the weakest dimension at 74.4, with the highest median rent in this group at $1,111/month and home values of $278,300. Risk resilience at 48.0 also indicates moderate exposure to disruptions.

Best for working families with stable income

Elmore County suits working families and young professionals willing to accept higher housing costs in exchange for the state's highest median household income. It's a growth-oriented community for those prioritizing earning potential and employment opportunity.

Score breakdown

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

Tax85.3Cost74.4SafetyComing SoonHealth68SchoolsComing SoonIncome21.9Risk48WaterComing Soon
🏛85.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤68
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡48
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 Elmore County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Coffee County
Alabama
68.9
Median income: $64,672
Walker County
Alabama
68.9
Median income: $54,509
Arkansas County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $60,831
Jackson County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $41,215
Sevier County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $51,641

Deep Dives

Elmore County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Elmore County

via TaxByCounty

Elmore County taxes modest by national standards

At 0.604% effective rate, Elmore County's property taxes remain roughly one-quarter the national median of $2,690 annually. This places the county near the 40th percentile nationally—below the US average but moderate for rural Idaho.

Slightly above Idaho's average tax burden

Elmore County's 0.604% effective rate exceeds Idaho's 0.508% state average, ranking it in the upper-middle tier statewide. The county's median property tax of $1,680 surpasses the state median by $151 annually.

Among the region's higher-taxed counties

Elmore County's 0.604% rate nearly ties Clearwater County (0.601%) for the region's highest effective rate. Residents pay roughly $370 more annually than the state median property tax.

Annual tax bill on median home value

On a median home value of $278,300, Elmore County homeowners typically pay about $1,680 per year in property taxes. With mortgage-related levies included, annual costs rise to approximately $1,758.

Challenge your assessment if costs seem high

Many homeowners in higher-taxed counties are overassessed relative to comparable market values. Requesting a formal property assessment review can uncover errors and potentially reduce your annual tax liability.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Elmore County

via CostByCounty

Elmore's housing crunch strains household budgets

At 22.6%, Elmore County's rent-to-income ratio far exceeds the national average and nearly matches the highest-cost markets in America. The $1,111 median rent is Idaho's highest relative to household income of $58,976, signaling a genuine affordability crisis.

Elmore leads Idaho in housing unaffordability

Elmore County's 22.6% rent-to-income ratio stands out painfully above Idaho's 16.8% state average, making it the state's least affordable county for renters. At $1,111/month, its median rent exceeds the state average by $192, yet household incomes remain below regional peers.

Dramatically pricier than surrounding counties

Elmore County's $1,111 rent towers over neighbors Custer ($744), Clearwater ($847), and Fremont ($803), representing a 50% premium over Custer. This surge in rental costs without proportional income gains creates the region's steepest affordability penalty.

Housing consumes more than one-fifth of income

Renters commit 22.6% of income—nearly a quarter—to $1,111/month housing, a burden that dwarfs peers across Idaho and the nation. Homeowners face similar pressure, paying $906/month on median homes valued at $278,300.

Elmore demands careful budget planning

Elmore County's high housing costs make it unsuitable for tight-budget renters, though higher earners may find the amenities worth it. Before relocating, compare rents in Fremont and Custer, which offer dramatically lower costs in similar Idaho settings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Elmore County

via IncomeByCounty

Elmore County income lags national average

Elmore County's median household income of $58,976 falls $15,779 short of the national median of $74,755, earning about 79% of the U.S. norm. This reflects Elmore's position as a rural agricultural and resource-based economy.

Below Idaho average, middle-tier statewide

Elmore County's $58,976 median trails Idaho's state average of $65,770 by approximately $6,800. Per capita income of $30,146 slightly undershoot the state per capita average of $32,503.

Competitive with regional rural counties

Elmore County ($58,976) ranks above Clark ($52,083) and Clearwater ($57,961) but below Custer ($56,957) and most higher-income neighbors. Franklin ($65,991) and Fremont ($72,767) significantly outpace Elmore economically.

Housing affordability concern in Elmore County

Elmore County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.6% exceeds the healthy 17% benchmark, indicating housing costs consume a larger share of household earnings. The median home value of $278,300 is rising relative to income, potentially challenging first-time homebuyers.

Prioritize debt reduction before investing

With housing costs at 22.6% of income, Elmore County residents should focus first on paying down high-interest debt and building emergency reserves. Once housing-related obligations stabilize, even $50–100 monthly contributions to retirement accounts create meaningful long-term gains.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Elmore County

via HealthByCounty

Elmore County matches state health trends

Elmore County's 77.4-year life expectancy nearly equals Idaho's 77.5-year state average and exceeds the U.S. average of roughly 76 years. With 19.3% reporting poor or fair health, the county sits above national norms but reflects typical rural Idaho patterns.

Middle of the Idaho health pack

Elmore County's 77.4-year life expectancy and 19.3% poor/fair health rate place it near Idaho's middle range. The county maintains solid population health without the standout metrics of top-tier Idaho counties.

Solid health profile regionally

Elmore County's 19.3% poor/fair health rate exceeds Custer (15.4%) and Clearwater (16.8%) but ranks better than Gooding (21.9%). Its 77.4-year life expectancy falls short of Custer (78.7) and Franklin (78.9) but outpaces Gooding (76.4).

Strong mental health, limited primary care

Elmore County offers 185 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among the densest in rural Idaho—but only 56 primary care providers per 100,000. An 11.6% uninsured rate sits near Idaho's state average, meaning most residents have insurance access to these providers.

Check your insurance this year

Elmore County's 11.6% uninsured rate is close to the state average—still leaving 1 in 10 residents without coverage. Visit healthcare.gov to explore marketplace plans, Medicaid eligibility, or contact your employer's benefits office to ensure you're covered.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Elmore County

via RiskByCounty

Elmore County exceeds national risk average

With a composite risk score of 51.97 and a Relatively Low rating, Elmore County's hazard exposure surpasses the national average. The county's risk profile reflects significant wildfire vulnerability and moderate seismic activity.

Upper-tier risk ranking in Idaho

Elmore County's score of 51.97 sits well above Idaho's state average of 38.51, placing it among the state's higher-risk counties. This elevated position reflects the county's geography and land cover patterns.

Wildfire threat dominates the subregion

Elmore County's wildfire risk of 97.65 is the highest in its immediate region, surpassing Clearwater (96.41) and Gem (96.50) counties. This extreme exposure reflects dense forest coverage and extended dry seasons.

Wildfire is the paramount concern

Wildfire risk at 97.65 towers over all other hazards in Elmore County, with earthquake (41.95), flood (30.06), and tornado (7.06) presenting far lower threats. Fire preparedness and defensible space management should be top priorities for all residents.

Wildfire coverage is non-negotiable

Elmore County homeowners must confirm their policies include wildfire coverage—most standard homeowners policies exclude it. Combine insurance with annual defensible space maintenance: clear vegetation 30+ feet from structures and trim tree branches 10+ feet above roofs.

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.