countyscore
60
County Score
Property Tax 96.6Safety 75.9Cost of Living 75.7

County Report Card

About Idaho County, Idaho

Well Above the National Median

Idaho County earns a strong composite score of 60.0, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score places the county in a favorable position compared to most jurisdictions across the United States.

A Top Performer in Idaho

Exceeding the state average of 52.2, Idaho County stands out as one of the more livable regions in the state. Its 60.0 composite score reflects a high standard of living relative to its Idaho neighbors.

Low Taxes and Affordable Living

The county boasts an exceptional tax score of 96.6, supported by a very low effective tax rate of 0.342%. Affordability is a major draw here, with median gross rents sitting at a modest $797 per month.

Room to Improve Schools and Safety

Investment in local infrastructure is a notable need, as evidenced by a school score of 18.4 and a water score of 3.7. Additionally, a risk score of 21.6 indicates a higher vulnerability to natural disasters compared to other regions.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Nature Lovers

Idaho County is a perfect fit for individuals seeking low tax burdens and a low cost of living. It suits retirees and remote workers who prioritize financial efficiency over high-ranking school districts.

Score breakdown

Tax96.6Cost75.7Safety75.9Health55.1Schools18.4Income41.9Risk21.6Water3.7Weather36.5
🏛96.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼41.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡75.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤55.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓18.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡21.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧3.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱33.3
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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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Clearwater County
Idaho
58.8
Lewis County
Idaho
55.6
Ravalli County
Montana
58.4
Nez Perce County
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Mineral County
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Latah County
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Asotin County
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Wallowa County
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63.9

Deep Dives

Idaho County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Idaho County

via TaxByCounty

Idaho County taxes rank low nationally

With an effective tax rate of 0.342%, Idaho County homeowners pay well below the national median property tax of $2,690. The county's median tax of just $974 places it in the bottom quartile nationwide for property tax burden.

One of Idaho's most tax-friendly counties

Idaho County's 0.342% effective rate is significantly below Idaho's state average of 0.508%. Among all Idaho counties, it ranks among the lowest tax burden counties in the state.

Lower taxes than most regional peers

Idaho County's median tax of $974 is lower than Latah County ($2,333) and Lewis County ($1,348), though slightly lower than Lemhi County ($1,109). The county offers one of the most favorable tax rates in central Idaho.

What your $284,600 home costs annually

The typical Idaho County homeowner with a median-valued property pays approximately $974 per year in property taxes. This translates to about $81 monthly—among the lowest recurring housing costs in the region.

Many homeowners could appeal assessments

Even in a tax-friendly county, assessment errors happen—and many property owners are overassessed relative to their peers. Consider reviewing your assessment or consulting a local property tax professional if your tax seems inconsistent with similar homes nearby.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Idaho County

via CostByCounty

Idaho County rents are affordable nationally

At 15.7%, Idaho County's rent-to-income ratio beats the national median and sits well below the threshold where housing becomes a financial burden. Renters here spend less of their paycheck on housing than the typical American household, even though median income is 18% lower than the national average of $74,755.

Best rents in Idaho for the money

Idaho County ranks among the most affordable in the state, with a rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% compared to Idaho's state average of 16.8%. The median rent of $797 is the lowest among this region's counties, making it an outlier for housing cost relief.

Rents are lowest here among peer counties

Idaho County's median rent of $797 significantly undercuts neighboring Jerome ($862) and Latah ($905) counties, and falls well below the state median of $919. For renters prioritizing affordability, Idaho County offers the clearest value in north-central Idaho.

Renters and owners split fairly

Renters pay $797 monthly while owners carry $568 in monthly costs, both as portions of the $60,975 median household income. The owner cost is notably lower than rent, reflecting the county's median home value of $284,600 and suggesting a buyer's advantage for those with down payment savings.

Consider Idaho County for lower rent

If you're weighing relocation within Idaho, Idaho County delivers the region's lowest rents without sacrificing community or services. Compare this county's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio to higher-burden areas like Kootenai (20.7%) and Latah (16.7%) to see your real savings potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Idaho County

via IncomeByCounty

Idaho County earns below the U.S. average

The median household income here is $60,975, roughly 18% below the U.S. median of $74,755. Idaho County ranks outside the top 1,000 counties nationally for household income, placing it in the lower-middle tier across America.

Below Idaho's typical household income

At $60,975, Idaho County's median income falls about $4,800 short of the state average of $65,770. The county ranks in the lower half of Idaho's 44 counties for household earnings.

Neighboring Latah County pulls ahead

Idaho County's $60,975 trails adjacent Latah County by $4,200, though it edges out southern neighbors Lemhi ($52,057) and Lewis ($49,643). The income gap reflects differences in employment sectors and population density across the region.

Housing costs remain manageable here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.7%, Idaho County households spend well under the 30% affordability threshold, leaving money for other necessities. The median home value of $284,600 is reachable for households earning the local median.

Build savings with tight budgeting

At $60,975, the median household has room to redirect 5–10% of income into retirement or investment accounts after housing costs. Consider meeting with a financial advisor to develop a plan that matches your county's income realities and long-term goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Idaho County

via CrimeByCounty

Idaho County exceeds national safety norms

Idaho County earns an elite safety score of 99.1, significantly outperforming the national average. Its total crime rate of 577.8 per 100K is less than a quarter of the national rate of 2,385.5.

Beating the Idaho state average

The county exceeds the Idaho state average safety score of 98.4 with its exceptionally low incident counts. It maintains a secure profile even within a state already known for high public safety standards.

Peaceful compared to regional neighbors

The county's crime rate of 577.8 remains notably lower than the state average of 1,027.1. It offers a much quieter environment than the busier regional hubs found in nearby jurisdictions.

A balanced look at local crime

The landscape features 285.9 violent crimes and 291.9 property crimes per 100K. While the violent crime rate slightly exceeds the state average of 252.9, the property crime rate is remarkably low compared to the state.

Securing your rural Idaho property

Low crime rates do not eliminate the need for vigilance in rural stretches. Residents should focus on securing outdoor equipment and gear to keep property crime numbers among the lowest in the state.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Idaho County

via HealthByCounty

Idaho County lives longer than average

At 78.4 years, Idaho County residents live nearly a year longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Just 19.3% report poor or fair health, below the national median, suggesting a county where most people enjoy robust health through middle age and beyond.

One of Idaho's healthiest counties

Idaho County ranks among the state's top performers for life expectancy at 78.4 years—0.9 years above Idaho's 77.5-year average. Its uninsured rate of 11.4% nearly matches the state average of 11.7%, meaning healthcare access isn't a major barrier here.

A regional health leader

Idaho County outpaces nearby Lemhi County (75.3 years) and Lewis County (73.4 years) by 3 to 5 years in life expectancy. With 82 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, it has robust physician access compared to most rural Idaho peers.

Strong provider presence, good coverage

Idaho County boasts 82 primary care providers and 84 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—well above rural Idaho norms. An 11.4% uninsured rate means most residents have insurance pathways, enabling consistent preventive and urgent care.

Ensure your family stays covered

With 11.4% of Idaho County uninsured, there's still room to close coverage gaps. Visit healthcare.gov or your local health department to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, and employer options that fit your budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Idaho County

via SchoolsByCounty

Idaho County's Rural Educational Infrastructure

The county operates nine public schools across three districts, serving a total of 1,690 students. This infrastructure includes five elementary and four high schools, but notably lacks standalone middle schools. The educational footprint is entirely traditional, with no charter schools currently operating in the area.

Evaluating Performance and Educational Investment

Idaho County reports a graduation rate of 78.8%, which trails both the state average of 83.6% and the national mark of 87.0%. Despite a lower composite school score of 46.8, the county invests $6,608 per pupil, exceeding the state average of $6,288. This suggests a commitment to funding even as academic outcomes remain below regional benchmarks.

Mountain View Leads Local Districts

The Mountain View School District is the largest provider in the county, managing five schools and 1,109 students. Other local options include the Cottonwood Joint District, which serves 441 students, and the Salmon River Joint School District with 140 students. None of these districts currently offer charter school alternatives.

A Landscape of Small Rural Schools

Education here is defined by rural settings, with seven of the nine schools located in remote areas. Schools are intimate, averaging just 188 students each, ranging from the 554-student Grangeville Elem/Middle School to smaller high schools like Clearwater Valley Jr/Sr. This environment ensures that most students learn in small-town or rural classrooms.

Find a Home in Idaho County

Families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle should explore homes near the Mountain View or Cottonwood school districts. With school quality and student-teacher ratios being major home-buying factors, these small districts offer a unique local feel. Start your search today to find a property near these close-knit school communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Idaho County

via RiskByCounty

Idaho County's composite risk ranks relatively low nationally

With a composite risk score of 78.37, Idaho County faces moderate natural disaster exposure compared to the nation's average. This "Relatively Low" rating means residents should remain prepared, particularly for the hazards most prevalent in this region.

Among Idaho counties, risk here is notably elevated

Idaho County scores 78.37—more than double the state average of 38.51—making it one of Idaho's higher-risk counties. This elevation is driven primarily by exceptionally high wildfire and flood exposure.

Idaho County stands out among nearby peers

Neighbors like Latah County (33.27) and Lemhi County (41.44) carry substantially lower composite scores, putting Idaho County at significantly elevated risk. The county's 78.37 score reflects unique geographic vulnerabilities in this region of central Idaho.

Wildfire and flood dominate local hazards

Wildfire risk scores an extreme 98.73, and flood risk reaches 72.90—both far above state averages. Tornado risk remains minimal at 6.08, so preparedness efforts should focus on fire and water-related threats.

Secure wildfire and flood coverage now

Given wildfire risk near 99 and substantial flood exposure, homeowners should verify comprehensive coverage including wildfire and flood insurance. Standard homeowners policies typically exclude both—a critical gap in a county with Idaho County's hazard profile.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Idaho County

via WeatherByCounty

A vast, cool, and wet mountain landscape

Idaho County averages a cool 44.8°F, placing it significantly below the national median temperature. While much of the interior West is arid, this county receives a robust 28.8 inches of annual precipitation.

Cooler than the Gem State average

The county's 44.8°F annual average is nearly two degrees cooler than the Idaho state average of 46.5°F. This temperature gap reflects the high-elevation, rugged terrain that defines much of its 8,500 square miles.

Wetter than its Eastern neighbors

Compared to Jefferson County's 11.2 inches of rain, Idaho County is a regional anomaly with 28.8 inches of annual precipitation. It shares a similar average temperature with Jefferson but experiences a much more humid environment.

Deep snow and moderate summers

Winters are defined by a substantial 52.4 inches of annual snowfall and January averages of 27.2°F. Summers remain mild with a July average of 65.8°F, though residents still face 24 days of heat over 90°F annually.

Prepare for snow and mountain rain

Residents should invest in heavy-duty snow removal equipment to manage the 50-plus inches of annual accumulation. High-quality waterproof gear and reliable home insulation are essential for the damp, cool climate.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Idaho County

via SoilByCounty

The Rugged Soils of Idaho County

Official records currently lack specific taxonomic and pH data for this expansive region. Without these metrics, we cannot compare the local acidity to the national median pH of 6.5. This vast landscape remains a frontier for soil classification.

A Landscape of Diverse Textures

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not available in current datasets. Local variations in the mountainous terrain likely dictate a wide range of drainage and workability. Growers must rely on site-specific tests to determine their soil's unique mix.

Fertility in the Wilderness

No recorded data exists for organic matter or available water capacity (AWC) in this county. This prevents a direct comparison to the state's average AWC of 0.269 in/in. Despite the data gap, the region's dense forests suggest pockets of natural vigor.

Mountain Hydrology and Drainage

Dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not officially documented for the county. This lack of data makes it critical for builders and farmers to perform percolation tests. Understanding water flow is essential in such varied topography.

Gardening in Zone 6b

Idaho County falls within hardiness zone 6b, which supports a variety of cold-hardy crops and perennials. The climate allows for a productive growing season if you select the right varieties. Start your garden today and discover what this wild soil can produce.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Idaho County

via LawnByCounty

Idaho County's Lawn Care Landscape

With a lawn difficulty score of 33.3, Idaho County matches the state average but sits well below the national median of 50.0. Maintaining a lawn in this Zone 6b region requires significant effort compared to more temperate parts of the country. Residents face a unique mix of high-elevation challenges and specific climate demands.

Wet Winters and Moderate Summer Heat

The county receives 28.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is high for Idaho but still falls short of the 30-50 inches ideal for most turfgrass. You can expect about 24 extreme heat days above 90°F, necessitating a careful watering schedule to prevent summer dormancy. With 1670 growing degree days, the season is relatively short, requiring efficient spring maintenance.

Evaluating Your Ground's Potential

While specific county-wide soil data is limited, the diverse topography of Idaho County suggests varied drainage and pH levels. Homeowners should perform a professional soil test to determine if they need lime or sulfur to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH range. Proper aeration is likely necessary to overcome potential compaction in native mountain soils.

Managing a Year of Constant Drought

This county has spent all 53 weeks of the past year in drought, with nearly 10% of the area facing severe conditions. Water conservation is paramount, and deep, infrequent watering is the best way to encourage deep root growth. Focus on evening or early morning irrigation to minimize evaporation during the dry months.

Winning the Growing Season

Hardy cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Tall Fescue thrive best in Zone 6b. Aim to start your lawn after the last spring frost on May 9, or seed in late summer before the first frost on October 20. With consistent care, your lawn can thrive despite the challenging local score.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Idaho County's county score?
Idaho County, Idaho has a composite county score of 60 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 Idaho County rank among counties in Idaho?
Idaho County ranks #6 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 Idaho County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Idaho County is $974, with an effective tax rate of 0.34%. This earns Idaho County a tax score of 96.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Idaho County?
The median household income in Idaho County, Idaho is $60,975 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Idaho County earns an income score of 41.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Idaho County, Idaho a good place to live?
Idaho County scores 60/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Idaho 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 Idaho 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.