countyscore
42.5
County Score
Property Tax 74.1Safety 61Health 51.9

County Report Card

About Elmore County, Idaho

Below National Performance Levels

Elmore County registers a composite score of 42.5, which falls short of the national median of 50.0. This suggests there are significant trade-offs to living in this region compared to the average US county.

Lagging Behind State Averages

With a score of 42.5, Elmore County trails the Idaho state average of 52.2. It faces more development challenges than many of its neighboring counties.

Stable Safety and Moderate Taxes

The county’s strongest suits are its safety score of 61.0 and a tax score of 74.1. The effective tax rate of 0.604% keeps the fiscal burden manageable for the average household.

Critical Gaps in Schools and Cost

Education is a major concern with a school score of just 0.9, the lowest in this group. High median rent of $1,111 also contributes to a low cost score of 30.0, impacting overall affordability.

Best for Mobile Professionals

Elmore County is most suitable for childless professionals or military families who prioritize safety and tax stability over local school quality. The relatively high housing costs require a steady income to navigate comfortably.

Score breakdown

Tax74.1Cost30Safety61Health51.9Schools0.9Income35.5Risk48Water14.8Weather36.8
🏛74.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠30
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡61
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤51.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓0.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡48
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧14.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱32.9
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

Boise County
Idaho
57.3
Camas County
Idaho
56.5
Ada County
Idaho
45.3
Gooding County
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Owyhee County
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Canyon County
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Gem County
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Blaine County
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Deep Dives

Elmore County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Elmore County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong National Safety Standing

Elmore County earns a safety score of 98.6. Its total crime rate of 897.3 per 100K is much lower than the national benchmark of 2,385.5.

Exceeding Idaho Safety Marks

The county ranks better than the Idaho average safety score of 98.4. Local law enforcement maintains a total crime rate that is lower than the state average of 1027.1.

Lower Crime than Neighboring Counties

Elmore’s 897.3 crime rate is lower than neighboring Gooding County’s 966.4. It represents a safe middle ground compared to more urban Idaho counties.

Low Risk of Violent Crime

Property crime sits at 643.4 per 100K, while violent crime is recorded at 253.9. These numbers indicate that three out of four crimes in the county involve property rather than people.

Keep Your Entryways Secure

Keep your home secure by using smart locks and ensuring all entryways are well-lit. Community awareness and basic security hardware go a long way in preventing local theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Elmore County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Network of Learning Options

Elmore County features a robust system of 17 public schools, including eight elementary and six high schools, serving 4,652 students. Four districts manage this diverse landscape, offering families a wide range of educational paths.

Educational Challenges and Resource Allocation

The county's graduation rate of 65.3% and per-pupil expenditure of $4,883 both fall below state and national averages. Local leaders continue to work toward improving the 36.0 composite school score to better align with the state average of 48.0.

Mountain Home Leads with Choice

The Mountain Home District is the largest by far, serving 3,757 students across 10 schools. Notably, four charter schools operate in the county, representing 23.5% of all schools and providing significant alternative options for families.

Town-Centered Schools with Rural Reach

With 11 schools in town settings and 6 in rural areas, the county offers a balanced mix of environments. Mountain Home Sr High is the largest campus with 960 students, nearly triple the county average school size of 291.

Discover Homes in Elmore County

Proximity to the major schools in Mountain Home is a major driver for local real estate. Whether you prefer a town setting or a rural homestead, Elmore County has diverse housing options near various public and charter schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Elmore County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and Drier Than National Norms

Elmore County features an annual average temperature of 52.6°F, which is much closer to the national median than most Idaho counties. Its climate is classified by long, hot summers and relatively mild winters.

One of the Warmest Spots in Idaho

With an annual average of 52.6°F, Elmore County is significantly warmer than the state average of 46.5°F. It is also quite dry, receiving only 10.6 inches of precipitation annually compared to the state's 17.0-inch average.

Beating the Heat of the Snake River Plain

Elmore is warmer than neighboring Gem County, which averages 49.7°F. It also experiences far more extreme heat days than northern neighbors like Clearwater.

Hot Summers and Mild Desert Winters

July is hot with an average of 77.1°F, contributing to a staggering 66 days per year of temperatures over 90°F. While snowfall data is limited, winters are relatively mild with a January average of 31.8°F.

Prepare for Intense Summer Heat

Reliable air conditioning is a must for the 66 days of extreme heat each year. Residents should also focus on water conservation given the low 10.6-inch annual precipitation rate.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Elmore County

via SoilByCounty

Exploring Elmore's Soil Characteristics

Elmore County's primary soil texture and taxonomic order are not currently documented in our database. Most Idaho soils average a pH of 6.04, which is slightly more acidic than the 6.5 national benchmark.

Composition Patterns for Local Growers

Missing sand, silt, and clay data means drainage must be assessed through individual soil tests. These ratios determine if a garden will drain quickly or hold water for longer periods.

Fertility Trends Across the State

Local organic matter levels are unknown, but Idaho's state average is 27.53%, significantly higher than the 2.0% national average. The state's water capacity average of 0.269 in/in provides a baseline for local potential.

Drainage Logic for Desert Landscapes

Drainage and hydrologic data is not yet available for this specific county. Proper drainage classification is critical for successful large-scale farming and home gardening alike.

Warm Summer Growth in Zone 7a

Elmore County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, offering a generous growing window. This climate is excellent for tomatoes, peppers, and other heat-loving summer vegetables.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Elmore County

via LawnByCounty

Heat and Aridity in Elmore County

With a difficulty score of 32.9, Elmore County is on par with the Idaho state average but trails the national median significantly. The 7a Hardiness Zone provides some flexibility, but the intense summer heat makes turf management a constant battle. Success requires a dedicated focus on irrigation and heat-tolerant grass varieties.

High Heat and Very Low Rainfall

Elmore County is exceptionally dry, receiving only 10.6 inches of rain annually. It faces 66 days of extreme heat over 90°F, more than double the Idaho average of 30 days. This combination of 3197 growing degree days and low moisture creates a high demand for supplemental watering to prevent grass from scorching.

Prepping Arid Soil for Success

Local data for soil texture and pH is unavailable, but arid Idaho soils frequently require amendments to lower pH and increase water retention. Without these adjustments, the 10.6 inches of annual rain will quickly drain away from thirsty roots. Testing for clay or sand content can help you tailor your watering schedule more effectively.

Managing 100% Abnormally Dry Conditions

The entire county is currently classified as abnormally dry, and residents have faced 38 weeks of drought over the past year. In this high-heat environment, water conservation through smart irrigation controllers is a game changer. Watering deeply and less frequently helps grass develop the deep roots necessary to survive 66 days of extreme heat.

Strategic Planting for a Hot Climate

Tall Fescue is a top recommendation for Elmore County because of its deep root system and heat tolerance in Zone 7a. The window for seeding opens after the last spring frost on May 1st, giving the lawn time to establish before the July heat peaks. Aim to have your grass well-rooted before the first fall frost arrives around October 8th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Elmore County's county score?
Elmore County, Idaho has a composite county score of 42.5 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 Elmore County rank among counties in Idaho?
Elmore County ranks #38 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 Elmore County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Elmore County is $1,680, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Elmore County a tax score of 74.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Elmore County?
The median household income in Elmore County, Idaho is $58,976 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Elmore County earns an income score of 35.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Elmore County, Idaho a good place to live?
Elmore County scores 42.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #38 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Elmore 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 Elmore 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.