countyscore
47.5
County Score
Property Tax 83.1Disaster Risk 74.6Safety 57.9

County Report Card

About Gooding County, Idaho

Slightly Under the National Median

Gooding County has a composite score of 47.5, placing it just below the national median of 50.0. This indicates a slightly lower overall livability profile compared to the typical US county.

Trailing Idaho's State Performance

At 47.5, Gooding County sits below the Idaho state average of 52.2. It faces several social and infrastructure hurdles that its higher-scoring neighbors have overcome.

Fiscal Health and Low Disaster Risk

Gooding County’s strengths lie in its tax score of 83.1 and risk score of 74.6. Residents benefit from a low effective tax rate of 0.528% and a relatively stable environment against natural hazards.

Struggles in Schools and Healthcare

The county faces serious challenges in education and health, with scores of 7.8 and 33.1 respectively. These low marks suggest limited access to top-tier medical facilities and educational resources.

A Value Play for Independent Living

Gooding County suits residents who value low taxes and affordable $231,800 homes over public services. It is best for individuals or retirees who do not require frequent access to high-end schools or specialized healthcare.

Score breakdown

Tax83.1Cost50Safety57.9Health33.1Schools7.8Income46.2Risk74.6Water38.3Weather29.8
🏛83.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠50
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼46.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡57.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤33.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓7.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡74.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧38.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤29.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱27
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

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39.5
Jerome County
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Lincoln County
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Camas County
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Elmore County
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Owyhee County
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Deep Dives

Gooding County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Gooding County

via TaxByCounty

Gooding County taxes rank below national average

At 0.528% effective rate, Gooding County's property taxes run roughly one-fifth the national median of $2,690 annually. This places the county in approximately the 30th percentile nationally—well below the typical US county's burden.

Slightly above Idaho's statewide average

Gooding County's 0.528% effective rate slightly exceeds Idaho's 0.508% state average, ranking it in the middle-upper tier statewide. The county's median property tax of $1,223 trails the state median by $306 annually.

Moderate taxes for the regional landscape

Gooding County's 0.528% rate sits between lower-taxed Gem (0.393%) and higher-taxed Clearwater (0.601%) counties. Residents pay roughly $306 less annually than the state median property tax.

Annual tax bill on median home value

On a median home value of $231,800, Gooding County homeowners typically pay about $1,223 per year in property taxes. With mortgage-related levies included, annual costs rise to approximately $1,231.

Challenge your assessment if costs seem high

Assessment errors can occur in any county and inflate your annual tax obligations unnecessarily. Submitting a formal property assessment appeal can verify your home's valuation and potentially lower your tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gooding County

via CostByCounty

Gooding rents sit near the national sweet spot

At 16.5%, Gooding County's rent-to-income ratio lands just below the national average, with $859 rents supported by household income of $62,395. This balanced positioning makes Gooding a solid middle-ground choice for affordability-conscious Americans.

Gooding edges slightly below state average

Gooding County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Idaho's 16.8% state average, while its $859 median rent runs modestly above the state's $919 average. The county's moderate household income supports this lean affordability profile.

Balanced costs amid regional variation

Gooding County's $859 rent falls between Custer's bargain $744 and Elmore's pricey $1,111, reflecting its true middle-ground position in central Idaho. Household income of $62,395 also anchors Gooding near the regional median, making it reliably predictable.

Renters and buyers both find reasonable terms

Renters commit 16.5% of income to $859/month housing, leaving solid room for savings and discretionary spending. Homeowners pay $830/month on median properties worth $231,800, positioned between Custer's cheaper homes and the region's pricier markets.

Gooding offers Idaho's balanced middle ground

Gooding County delivers steady, predictable affordability without extremes—suitable for middle-income families seeking reliable Idaho living costs. Compare against Fremont's higher incomes and Elmore's cost burden to confirm Gooding's practical fit for your situation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gooding County

via IncomeByCounty

Gooding County trails national income average

Gooding County's median household income of $62,395 falls $12,360 short of the national median of $74,755, representing 83% of the U.S. norm. This gap reflects Gooding's agricultural and resource-based economic foundation.

Below Idaho average but competitive statewide

Gooding County's $62,395 median trails Idaho's state average of $65,770 by $3,375. Per capita income of $29,647 underperforms the state average of $32,503, suggesting income concentration in fewer households.

Middle-tier earner among regional counties

Gooding County ($62,395) outpaces Clark, Clearwater, and Custer counties but trails Franklin, Fremont, and Gem. Elmore County ($58,976) falls slightly below Gooding, rounding out the middle tier of this regional group.

Housing costs remain manageable overall

Gooding County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% sits well within the healthy 17% benchmark, allowing households to balance housing costs with other expenses. A median home value of $231,800 remains accessible given median household earnings.

Steady wealth building with disciplined saving

Gooding County residents benefit from manageable housing costs at 16.5% of income, freeing capital for systematic investment. Setting up automatic transfers to index funds or employer retirement plans can build substantial wealth even with moderate income growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gooding County

via CrimeByCounty

Excellent National Safety Score

Gooding County maintains a safety score of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 966.4 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Aligning with Idaho Standards

The county sits just above the Idaho average safety score of 98.4. Four reporting agencies contribute to this data, providing a comprehensive view of the local landscape.

Performing Better than Average

With 966.4 crimes per 100K, Gooding is safer than the state average of 1027.1. It also experiences less crime than Clark County, which reports a significantly higher rate.

Protecting Personal Possessions

The rate of 721.6 property crimes per 100K far outweighs the violent crime rate of 244.8. These statistics show that most law enforcement activity focuses on protecting possessions.

Lighting Up Your Property

Secure your residence by locking all windows and utilizing outdoor security cameras. Effective lighting and clear sightlines around your home serve as the best defense against theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Gooding County

via HealthByCounty

Gooding County faces health challenges

Gooding County's 76.4-year life expectancy falls below Idaho's 77.5-year state average and the U.S. average of roughly 76 years. At 21.9% reporting poor or fair health, the county exceeds both state and national norms—signaling significant population health struggles.

Idaho's health challenge county

Gooding County ranks among Idaho's lowest on health metrics, with a 76.4-year life expectancy and 21.9% poor/fair health rate well below the state average. These numbers indicate pressing health needs that demand local attention and support.

Worst health metrics in region

Gooding County's 21.9% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds all regional neighbors, including Custer (15.4%), Clearwater (16.8%), Fremont (16.4%), and Gem (15.6%). Its 76.4-year life expectancy trails most peers except Gem (75.9) and Clearwater (75.9).

High uninsured rate, limited providers

Gooding County's 18.0% uninsured rate stands among Idaho's highest—affecting nearly 1 in 5 residents—and nearly double the state average of 11.7%. With only 32 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, healthcare access barriers compound coverage gaps.

Urgent: get insured now

Gooding County's 18.0% uninsured rate is one of Idaho's worst, leaving thousands without access to the care they need. Visit healthcare.gov immediately, call 1-800-318-2596, or contact your local health department to find affordable coverage today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Gooding County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Multi-District Educational Landscape

Gooding County supports 12 public schools managed by six different districts, serving 3,160 students. This unique structure includes three elementary, two middle, and three high schools, along with four 'other' specialized campuses.

Developing Performance in Local Districts

The graduation rate of 78.3% and per-pupil spending of $5,664 both sit slightly below the state averages. However, with a school score of 44.5, the county remains competitive with other rural Idaho regions.

Diversity in District Leadership

The Gooding Joint District (1,244 students) and Wendell District (1,121 students) are the two largest providers. Families can also find one charter school, offering a specialized alternative within the county's diverse district mix.

Rural Charm with Local Hubs

Eight schools are rural while four are in town settings, reflecting the county’s agricultural roots. Gooding Elementary is the largest school with 519 students, while the average school size across the county is 263.

Settling in Gooding or Wendell

Gooding County offers many choices for families across its six school districts. Research homes in the Gooding or Wendell areas to find a community where your children can thrive in a local, rural environment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gooding County

via RiskByCounty

Gooding County's risk is well below average

With a composite risk score of 25.45 and a Very Low rating, Gooding County sits comfortably below the national average for natural disaster hazards. The county's location and landscape provide genuine protection from extreme exposure.

Safer than most Idaho counties

Gooding County's score of 25.45 ranks well below Idaho's state average of 38.51, placing it in the safer tier of state counties. Most neighboring counties face substantially higher cumulative risk.

A relative safe zone in south-central Idaho

Gooding County's 25.45 score is notably lower than nearby Elmore (51.97), Custer (52.42), and Fremont (38.26) counties. This safety advantage reflects both geographic position and landscape characteristics.

Wildfire and earthquake warrant preparation

Wildfire risk at 95.29 and earthquake risk at 58.49 are Gooding County's primary concerns, while flood (25.92) and tornado (9.57) pose much lower threats. Despite overall low county risk, these two hazards deserve attention.

Wildfire and earthquake insurance coverage needed

Gooding County homeowners should add wildfire coverage to standard policies and consider earthquake insurance, given the county's exposure to both hazards. Basic preparedness—including 30+ feet of defensible space and foundation bolting—provides cost-effective protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Gooding County

via WeatherByCounty

A Sunny and Arid Western Climate

Gooding County averages 50.6°F annually, falling just below the national median temperature. Its climate is defined by extreme aridity and a high number of sunny, hot days.

One of Idaho's Warmest and Driest

Gooding is significantly warmer than the Idaho state average of 46.5°F. With only 9.8 inches of annual precipitation, it is one of the driest counties in a state that averages 17.0 inches.

Drier Than the Western Idaho Valleys

Gooding receives nearly half the annual precipitation of Gem County, making it a true high-desert environment. Its 69 days of extreme heat also make it one of the hottest counties in the region.

Frequent Heat Waves and Dry Winters

Summer is dominated by 69 days over 90°F and a July average of 73.9°F. Winters are relatively mild for Idaho, with a January average of 30.2°F, though official snowfall data is limited.

Prioritize Heat Protection and Water

Residents must plan for 69 days of extreme heat with robust HVAC systems and heat-safety measures. Given the sub-10-inch precipitation, xeriscaping and efficient irrigation are critical for any outdoor planning.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Gooding County

via SoilByCounty

Soil Identity in Gooding County

Gooding County lacks specific taxonomic and pH data in current records. Most Idaho soils average a pH of 6.04, which is slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5.

Analyzing Soil Workability and Texture

Data for sand, silt, and clay is currently unavailable for this area. These physical properties are what define how well the soil drains and its overall ease of cultivation.

Available Water and Fertility

Local organic matter levels are not recorded, though the Idaho state average is 27.53%. This high value compared to the 2.0% national average shows the potential for rich growing conditions.

Drainage Patterns and Hydrology

Specific drainage classifications are not yet assigned to Gooding County. Proper understanding of these groups is necessary to manage irrigation water efficiently on local farms.

Sustainable Gardening in Zone 6b

Gooding County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. This moderate climate supports a wide variety of vegetables, from peppers to pumpkins, throughout the sunny summer months.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gooding County

via LawnByCounty

The Arid Challenge of Gooding County

Gooding County presents a tough environment for lawn care, scoring a low 27.0 on the difficulty scale. This is well below the national median and even trails the Idaho state average. The combination of its 6b Hardiness Zone and extreme dryness makes it a high-maintenance area for turf enthusiasts.

Scorching Heat and Minimum Rainfall

Gooding is one of the driest counties in the region, receiving only 9.8 inches of annual precipitation. It also endures 69 days of extreme heat—the highest in this group—and 2709 growing degree days. This extreme combination makes consistent and heavy irrigation a non-negotiable part of lawn care.

Testing Arid Soils for Nutrient Balance

While specific data for soil pH and texture is missing, the extreme aridity of Gooding County often results in alkaline soils. It is vital to test your soil to ensure it isn't too far from the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH range. Amending with sulfur or organic compost can help improve the growing environment in these parched conditions.

Surviving 100% Abnormally Dry Cycles

The entire county is currently abnormally dry, and residents have managed 37 weeks of drought in the past year. In an area with only 9.8 inches of rain, using xeriscaping techniques or ultra-drought-tolerant grasses is highly advisable. Always water during the coolest parts of the day to ensure every gallon reaches the roots.

Best Grass Choices for Intense Heat

In Zone 6b, focus on drought-resistant varieties like Tall Fescue or even specialized heat-tolerant Kentucky Bluegrass. The window for planting begins after the last frost on May 3rd, giving you a head start before the summer heat hits. Be sure your irrigation system is fully functional before the first fall frost on October 1st.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gooding County's county score?
Gooding County, Idaho has a composite county score of 47.5 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 Gooding County rank among counties in Idaho?
Gooding County ranks #32 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 Gooding County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Gooding County is $1,223, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns Gooding County a tax score of 83.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gooding County?
The median household income in Gooding County, Idaho is $62,395 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gooding County earns an income score of 46.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gooding County, Idaho a good place to live?
Gooding County scores 47.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #32 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Gooding 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 Gooding 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.