countyscore
54.9
County Score
Property Tax 94.3Safety 65.9Disaster Risk 65.6

County Report Card

About Gem County, Idaho

Solid Performance Above the Median

Gem County earns a 54.9 composite score, keeping it comfortably ahead of the 50.0 national median. It offers a reliable, above-average American living experience.

Beating the Idaho Average

Gem County's score of 54.9 surpasses the Idaho state average of 52.2. It serves as a strong middle-ground option for those moving within the Gem State.

Low Taxes and Steady Safety

The county features an impressive tax score of 94.3, supported by an effective tax rate of 0.393%. Safety remains a priority with a score of 65.9 and a resilient risk score of 65.6.

School Quality and Rising Costs

Gem County faces a low school score of 18.0, and rising property values are reflected in a $367,300 median home value. This pushes the cost score down to 40.9, making it less affordable than some neighbors.

Best for Tax-Savvy Homeowners

Gem County is a great choice for homeowners looking to minimize their tax bill while living in a safe, low-risk environment. It is particularly well-suited for those without school-aged children who can navigate higher home prices.

2040608010094.340.965.9581857.565.651.232.3Tax94.3Cost40.9Safety65.9Health58Schools18Income57.5Risk65.6Water51.2Weather32.354.9/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Gem County DNA

Foverall

How Gem County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Gem County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (94.3/100) but notably weak in Schools (18/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
94.3+42.3
Cost
40.9
Safety
65.9+10.900000000000006
Health
58+8
Schools
18-36
Income
57.5
Risk
65.6+18.599999999999994
Water
51.2
Weather
32.3-23.700000000000003
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Compare mortgage rates in Gem County

Whether buying or refinancing in Gem County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$367,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$887/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$367,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,245/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.1

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
Compare Gem County with Dooly County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Payette County
Idaho
49.3
Washington County
Idaho
56.8
Canyon County
Idaho
36.8
Boise County
Idaho
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Ada County
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Adams County
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Valley County
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Elmore County
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Deep Dives

Gem County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Gem County

via TaxByCounty

Gem County taxes rank below the national median

At 0.393% effective rate, Gem County's property taxes run roughly one-seventh the national median of $2,690 annually. This places the county in approximately the 15th percentile nationally—among the most tax-friendly counties in America.

Well below Idaho's statewide average

Gem County's 0.393% effective rate sits considerably below Idaho's 0.508% state average, ranking it in the bottom quartile statewide. The county's median property tax of $1,443 trails the state median by $86 annually.

Among the region's lowest-taxed counties

Gem County's 0.393% rate ranks among the region's most favorable, surpassed only by Clark (0.292%) and Custer (0.305%). Residents save roughly $86 annually compared to the state median property tax.

Annual tax bill on median home value

On a median home value of $367,300, Gem County homeowners typically pay about $1,443 per year in property taxes. With mortgage-related levies included, annual costs rise to approximately $1,561.

Challenge your assessment if costs seem high

Even in low-tax counties, assessment errors can occur and boost your annual tax bill unnecessarily. Requesting a formal property assessment review can verify your home's valuation and potentially reduce your costs.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gem County

via CostByCounty

Gem County balances high homes and solid income

At 16.1%, Gem County's rent-to-income ratio sits just below the national average, but the story is told by its highest median home value in the region at $367,300. Strong household income of $66,245 supports both these elevated housing costs and reasonable rental affordability.

Gem anchors Idaho's middle affordability tier

Gem County's 16.1% rent-to-income ratio falls within Idaho's 16.8% state average, positioning it as a moderate-affordability county statewide. The $887 median rent exceeds the state average by $10, yet household incomes above state norms help balance the equation.

Pricier homes, comparable rents to the region

Gem County's $887 rent resembles neighbors Clearwater ($847) and Fremont ($803), but its $367,300 median home value stands dramatically higher than all peers, suggesting gentrification or premium acreage. This home-price premium separates Gem as a buyer's market with residential appeal.

Homeownership carries premium in Gem County

Renters spend 16.1% of income on $887/month housing, managing moderate affordability, while homeowners commit $924/month to properties worth $367,300. The elevated home values suggest desirable neighborhoods or rural properties that command Idaho's highest valuations.

Gem County suits established homebuyers

If you have solid income and seek premium Idaho real estate and rural charm, Gem County's elevated home prices reward buyers seeking land and lifestyle. Renters should compare the $887 rent against more affordable Fremont and Franklin before committing to this pricier market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gem County

via IncomeByCounty

Gem County approaches the national income baseline

Gem County's median household income of $66,245 reaches 89% of the national median of $74,755, a gap of $8,510. This positions Gem as a solid performer relative to typical U.S. counties.

Above state average, second-strongest regionally

Gem County exceeds Idaho's state median of $65,770 by $475, placing it near the top tier statewide. Per capita income of $34,695 surpasses the state average of $32,503, reflecting more evenly distributed wealth.

Second-best earner after Fremont County

Gem County ($66,245) trails only Fremont County ($72,767) and matches Franklin County ($65,991) in this group, handily outpacing Clark, Clearwater, Custer, Elmore, and Gooding. The county demonstrates strong economic momentum in central Idaho.

Solid housing affordability despite high home values

Gem County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.1% sits comfortably in the healthy range below 17%, despite the region's highest median home value of $367,300. Strong incomes make homeownership accessible even at premium valuations.

Build diverse investment portfolio here

With housing affordability secured at 16.1% of income and above-state-average earnings, Gem County households can pursue diversified wealth strategies. Consider combining home equity investments with broader stock market exposure and tax-advantaged retirement accounts to compound growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gem County

via CrimeByCounty

Well Below National Benchmarks

Gem County earns a strong safety score of 98.7. Its total crime rate of 800.0 per 100K remains well below the national figure of 2,385.5.

Better than State Averages

While Gem sits above the state average safety score of 98.4, its total crime rate is lower than the Idaho average of 1027.1. It ranks as a secure community within the region.

Competitive Regional Safety Rates

Gem’s crime rate of 800.0 per 100K is lower than Gooding County’s 966.4. However, it is higher than the more rural Franklin County, which sees only 389.6 crimes per 100K.

Awareness of Violent Crime

Property crime is the most common issue at 477.9 per 100K, though the violent crime rate of 322.1 is slightly above the state average. This suggests a need for awareness regarding personal safety.

Proactive Home Defense

Protect your property by joining local neighborhood watch programs and securing outbuildings. Simple visibility improvements around your home can effectively deter property crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Gem County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Schooling in Gem County

Gem County operates nine public schools under one district, serving a total of 2,608 students. The system is well-distributed with five elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools.

Consistent Results and Balanced Scores

The graduation rate stands at 87.0%, exactly matching the national average and surpassing the state average of 83.6%. The county’s school score of 48.1 is almost identical to the Idaho state average.

Emmett Independent District Authority

The Emmett Independent District manages all 2,608 students in the county across its nine campuses. One of these is a charter school, providing 11.1% of the local school options for families seeking alternative curricula.

Town-Centered Life in Emmett

Six schools are located within town limits, making Gem County feel more suburban than its neighbors. Emmett High School is the largest facility with 737 students, significantly larger than the county average size of 326.

Find Your Place in Gem County

Families often look to the Emmett area for its reliable school performance and strong community identity. Check out available properties to find a home that fits your lifestyle within this solid school district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gem County

via RiskByCounty

Gem County's risk slightly trails national average

With a composite risk score of 34.45 and a Very Low rating, Gem County sits slightly below the national average for natural disaster exposure. The county's profile is shaped primarily by wildfire and earthquake risks.

Below-average risk for Idaho

Gem County's score of 34.45 falls below Idaho's state average of 38.51, placing it in the safer half of Idaho counties. Most neighboring counties experience comparable or higher cumulative hazard exposure.

Wildfire threat unites western Idaho

Gem County's wildfire risk of 96.50 mirrors Elmore (97.65) and Clearwater (96.41) counties, reflecting the shared forest fire exposure across this region. Earthquake risk (51.02) is moderate compared to more remote mountain counties.

Wildfire dominates the hazard landscape

Wildfire risk at 96.50 is Gem County's paramount concern, followed by earthquake (51.02), flood (35.69), and tornado (5.85). The county's terrain and vegetation patterns create extreme fire exposure.

Wildfire insurance is essential coverage

Gem County homeowners must verify wildfire coverage on their policies—standard homeowners policies often exclude it. Create and maintain defensible space around structures, trim overhanging branches, and keep gutters clear of debris to reduce fire risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Gem County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Earns Passing Grade

Gem County receives a 'C' grade for drinking water, with only one health violation recorded in the last five years. Its violation rate of 14.5 per 100,000 residents is far superior to the state average of 207.0.

E. Coli Impacts Local Waterways

About 29.3% of 157 assessed water bodies are impaired, which is significantly better than the Idaho average of 41.6%. The top causes for these impairments include sedimentation, temperature, and E. coli presence.

Broad Chemical and Metal Monitoring

Monitoring sites in Gem County have produced 4,292 measurements over five years across 27 sites. Data collection is diverse, covering organics, metals, and physical characteristics to ensure comprehensive water oversight.

Payette River Flowing at 282%

The Payette River near Letha is discharging 7,040 cfs, representing 282% of its long-term average flow. This high-flow condition impacts the 2,760 square mile drainage area and can alter water quality.

Monitor for E. Coli Risks

While drinking water compliance is strong, the presence of E. coli in 29.3% of local water bodies warrants caution for recreational users. High river flows can also wash pollutants into the supply, making routine monitoring advisable.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Gem County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild Winters and Hot Desert Summers

Gem County’s annual average of 49.7°F is slightly cooler than the national median but mild for the region. It is characterized by relatively low snowfall and hot, dry summer months.

Warmer Than the Typical Idaho County

At 49.7°F, Gem County is over 3 degrees warmer than the Idaho state average of 46.5°F. It receives 17.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is very close to the statewide average of 17.0 inches.

Less Snow Than Northern Mountain Peers

Gem County receives only 7.4 inches of snow, a fraction of the 83.3 inches seen in Clearwater County. It also enjoys warmer July temperatures than the state's more mountainous eastern counties.

Hot Summers with Minimal Winter Snow

Summer heat is intense with 52 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 73.1°F. Winters are manageable, featuring a January average of 28.7°F and very little accumulation.

Focus on Summer Cooling Systems

With nearly two months of 90-degree weather, high-efficiency cooling is the top priority for local homes. Winter maintenance is simpler here, as the 7.4 inches of snow requires minimal specialized equipment.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Gem County

via SoilByCounty

Gem County's Soil Characteristics

Taxonomic order and pH data for Gem County are not currently available in this dataset. However, the state average pH is 6.04, which sits below the national median of 6.5.

Clay and Sand Proportions

The specific textural mix of sand, silt, and clay is undocumented for this county. Knowing these ratios is vital for maintaining the legendary orchards found throughout this fertile valley.

Rich Organic Matter Averages

While local organic matter is not listed, Idaho's state average of 27.53% is significantly higher than the 2.0% national average. This high organic content supports vigorous plant growth and water retention.

Hydrologic Efficiency in Gem

Detailed drainage class data for Gem County remains unrecorded. Identifying the local hydrologic group helps farmers and builders understand how water moves through the landscape.

The Orchard Bounty of Zone 7a

Gem County is located in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. This mild climate is famous for fruit production, making it an ideal spot for planting cherry, peach, and apple trees.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gem County

via LawnByCounty

Balancing Growth in Gem County

Gem County offers a slightly more hospitable environment for lawns with a difficulty score of 38.1. This is better than the Idaho state average of 33.3, though still more challenging than the national median. The 7a Hardiness Zone allows for a robust selection of grass varieties if managed correctly.

High Heat and Moderate Precipitation

Homeowners must manage 52 days of extreme heat, which is significantly higher than the state average. The county receives 17.9 inches of annual precipitation, requiring careful irrigation to offset the 2572 growing degree days. These conditions favor grasses that can withstand long, hot summer afternoons.

Addressing Soil Needs in Zone 7a

Specific soil characteristics like pH and drainage class are not currently documented for this area. To ensure your lawn thrives, test your soil to see if it falls within the preferred 6.0-7.0 pH range for grass. High-heat areas like Gem County often benefit from adding organic matter to help soil retain every drop of moisture.

Shorter Drought Durations in Gem

Gem County has experienced 20 weeks of drought over the past year, which is relatively low compared to its neighbors. However, 100% of the county is still considered abnormally dry today. Smart watering, such as using drip lines for lawn borders or early morning cycles, helps mitigate the impact of the 52 extreme heat days.

Starting Your Lawn in Late Spring

For Zone 7a, heat-tolerant blends of Tall Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass are recommended. While the last spring frost isn't until May 31st, the season extends well into the fall with the first frost not arriving until October 17th. This long window gives new lawns plenty of time to establish themselves before winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gem County's county score?
Gem County, Idaho has a composite county score of 54.9 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 Gem County rank among counties in Idaho?
Gem County ranks #17 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 Gem County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Gem County is $1,443, with an effective tax rate of 0.39%. This earns Gem County a tax score of 94.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gem County?
The median household income in Gem County, Idaho is $66,245 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gem County earns an income score of 57.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gem County, Idaho a good place to live?
Gem County scores 54.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Gem 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 Gem 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.