Idaho County's composite score of 72.6 significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 45% of U.S. counties. This means residents enjoy livability conditions better than nearly half the nation, driven by exceptionally low taxes and affordable housing.
2 / 5
Right at Idaho's Sweet Spot
Idaho County scores nearly identical to the state average of 72.5, ranking it solidly in the middle of Idaho's county performance. This balanced position reflects a county that neither excels nor lags compared to its statewide neighbors.
3 / 5
Tax Benefits and Housing Affordability
Idaho County shines with a tax score of 92.6 and an effective tax rate of just 0.342%—among the lowest in the state. Coupled with a cost score of 85.5 and a median home value of $284,600, the county offers excellent financial breathing room for homeowners and renters alike.
4 / 5
Income Growth Lags Behind
The county's income score of 23.2 and median household income of $60,975 reveal a significant weak point in earning potential. Risk exposure scores at 21.6, indicating limited hazard resilience, also merit attention as the county develops its long-term livability strategy.
5 / 5
A Tax Haven for Budget-Conscious Families
Idaho County suits retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing affordability and low tax burdens over high-wage opportunities. Its strong fundamentals in housing costs and tax policy make it ideal for those seeking a lower cost of living in a stable Idaho community.
Idaho County's composite score of 72.6 significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 45% of U.S. counties. This means residents enjoy livability conditions better than nearly half the nation, driven by exceptionally low taxes and affordable housing.
Right at Idaho's Sweet Spot
Idaho County scores nearly identical to the state average of 72.5, ranking it solidly in the middle of Idaho's county performance. This balanced position reflects a county that neither excels nor lags compared to its statewide neighbors.
Tax Benefits and Housing Affordability
Idaho County shines with a tax score of 92.6 and an effective tax rate of just 0.342%—among the lowest in the state. Coupled with a cost score of 85.5 and a median home value of $284,600, the county offers excellent financial breathing room for homeowners and renters alike.
Income Growth Lags Behind
The county's income score of 23.2 and median household income of $60,975 reveal a significant weak point in earning potential. Risk exposure scores at 21.6, indicating limited hazard resilience, also merit attention as the county develops its long-term livability strategy.
A Tax Haven for Budget-Conscious Families
Idaho County suits retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing affordability and low tax burdens over high-wage opportunities. Its strong fundamentals in housing costs and tax policy make it ideal for those seeking a lower cost of living in a stable Idaho community.
Score breakdown
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🏛92.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.