CountyScore

Gem County

Idaho · ID

#14 in Idaho
74.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Gem County, Idaho

Gem County surpasses national livability standard

Gem County's composite score of 74.2 is 48% above the national median of 50.0, placing it comfortably in the upper half of American counties. This strong standing reflects balanced performance across housing, taxes, and health.

Above-average performer within Idaho

At 74.2, Gem County exceeds Idaho's state average of 72.5 and ranks among the state's stronger counties. The county delivers consistent, reliable livability for its residents.

Tax burden and income stability shine

Gem County offers the group's lowest tax burden relative to income, with a tax score of 91.2 (0.393% effective rate) and median household income of $66,245. Health outcomes at 70.5 support overall community wellness.

Housing costs highest in this group

Housing is Gem County's weakest dimension at 78.4, with the highest median home value of $367,300—reflecting significant appreciation in desirable areas. The $887/month median rent also ranks among the highest.

Best for established professionals seeking value

Gem County suits established professionals and empty nesters with substantial home equity or liquid assets seeking upscale Idaho living. It's ideal for those willing to pay premium prices for a prosperous, tax-efficient community.

Score breakdown

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

Tax91.2Cost78.4SafetyComing SoonHealth70.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.6Risk65.6WaterComing Soon
🏛91.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡65.6
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 Gem County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Fayette County
Alabama
74.2
Median income: $50,733
Fulton County
Indiana
74.2
Median income: $62,878
Pike County
Indiana
74.2
Median income: $66,250
Starke County
Indiana
74.2
Median income: $62,933
Bienville Parish
Louisiana
74.2
Median income: $34,992

Deep Dives

Gem County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Gem County

via HealthByCounty

Gem County matches state trends

Gem County's 75.9-year life expectancy falls below Idaho's 77.5-year state average and the U.S. average of roughly 76 years. With 15.6% reporting poor or fair health, the county sits near national norms despite lower longevity.

Below-average life expectancy

Gem County's 75.9-year life expectancy ranks near Idaho's lower tier, trailing the state average by 1.6 years. The county's 15.6% poor/fair health rate is competitive, but shorter lifespans signal underlying health challenges worth addressing.

Lower longevity than peers

Gem County's 75.9-year life expectancy ties with Clearwater County but trails Custer (78.7), Franklin (78.9), Fremont (77.7), and Gooding (76.4). Its 15.6% poor/fair health rate is competitive regionally, suggesting life expectancy gaps stem from specific chronic conditions.

Reasonable insurance, adequate mental health

Gem County's 11.1% uninsured rate sits just below Idaho's 11.7% state average, providing decent coverage access. With 61 primary care and 119 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, the county offers moderate healthcare capacity for a rural area.

Keep coverage current

Gem County's uninsured rate is near the state average, but 11.1% of residents still lack insurance—and gaps in coverage can worsen health outcomes. Visit healthcare.gov annually to maintain enrollment and access the preventive care that supports longer, healthier lives.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.