countyscore
52.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 86.8Property Tax 82.9Safety 74.7

County Report Card

About Jefferson County, Idaho

Steady Performance on a National Scale

Jefferson County posts a composite score of 52.8, placing it slightly above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a balanced quality of life that meets or exceeds typical American standards.

Matching the Idaho Average

With a score of 52.8, the county aligns closely with the Idaho state average of 52.2. It offers a representative Idaho lifestyle, blending economic opportunity with regional norms.

Strong Incomes and Favorable Taxes

Prosperity is visible in an income score of 86.8 and a median household income of $82,952. Residents also benefit from a low tax burden, reflected in a high tax score of 82.9.

Housing and Environmental Pressures

Rapid growth may be impacting affordability, as the cost score sits at a low 19.3 with median home values reaching $335,000. Low scores in water and school categories suggest these areas require more long-term focus.

A Hub for Working Families

Jefferson County is best suited for established professionals who value higher-than-average household incomes. It attracts families who can navigate a tighter housing market in exchange for strong economic fundamentals.

Score breakdown

Tax82.9Cost19.3Safety74.7Health64.1Schools23.8Income86.8Risk59.9Water17.4Weather37.9
🏛82.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠19.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼86.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡74.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤64.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓23.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡59.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧17.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤37.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱28.4
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Jefferson County

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

See Today's Rates

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 Jefferson County with Lincoln County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Lincoln County
Arkansas
Median income: $51,667
52.8
Mason County
Illinois
Median income: $62,127
52.8
Hancock County
Indiana
Median income: $91,326
52.8
Washington County
Maine
Median income: $52,237
52.8
Kent County
Maryland
Median income: $74,402
52.8
Benzie County
Michigan
Median income: $72,603
52.8
Chippewa County
Michigan
Median income: $60,631
52.8
Madison County
Nebraska
Median income: $64,637
52.8

Nearby counties

Madison County
Idaho
53.7
Clark County
Idaho
54.1
Bingham County
Idaho
48.6
Bonneville County
Idaho
41.4
Fremont County
Idaho
63.6
Butte County
Idaho
63.2
Teton County
Idaho
61.4
Bannock County
Idaho
42.2

Deep Dives

Jefferson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Jefferson County

via TaxByCounty

Jefferson County: near national tax average

Jefferson County's effective tax rate of 0.530% sits close to the national median, with residents paying $1,775 annually—just 34% below the national median property tax of $2,690. The county ranks near the national middle for overall tax burden.

Slightly above Idaho's state average

At 0.530%, Jefferson County's effective rate edges above Idaho's state average of 0.508%. The county ranks in the middle range among Idaho's 44 counties for property tax rates.

Higher taxes than most nearby counties

Jefferson County's $1,775 median tax exceeds Lemhi County ($1,109) and Lincoln County ($991), but trails Latah County ($2,333). The county sits in the moderate-to-high tier for the region.

Homeowners pay $1,775 annually on typical home

With a median home value of $335,000, typical Jefferson County property owners face annual taxes of roughly $1,775. That's about $148 monthly—solidly in line with rural Idaho averages.

Assessment reviews worth considering

Even homeowners in moderately taxed counties benefit from reviewing their assessments, as overvaluation can compound over years. A local property tax appeal could save hundreds if your home is assessed above fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jefferson County

via CostByCounty

Jefferson County punches above income weight

With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.9%, Jefferson County renters fare better than the national norm and nearly match the national average household income of $74,755—a rare combination in rural Idaho. At $82,952, the median household income here is 11% above the national benchmark, creating strong purchasing power.

High earners, moderate rents statewide

Jefferson County's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Idaho's 16.8% state average, despite rents at $1,098 that exceed the state median by 19%. The key advantage is income: at $82,952, households earn significantly more than most Idaho counties, improving overall affordability.

More expensive rents, better paychecks

Jefferson County's $1,098 rent is the second-highest among these eight counties, but incomes here are also the strongest at $82,952. Compared to lower-income counties like Lemhi ($52,057) and Lewis ($49,643), Jefferson renters earn enough to weather higher housing costs without hardship.

Ownership carries premium costs here

Renters pay $1,098 monthly while homeowners face $1,218 in monthly costs on the $335,000 median home value—the mortgage burden actually exceeds rent. The $82,952 median income supports both, but prospective owners should budget carefully for the ownership premium in this county.

Jefferson: where higher pay meets higher rents

If career advancement is your priority, Jefferson County's strong incomes ($82,952) offset its steeper housing costs compared to neighbors. Renters considering the move should weigh the $1,098 rent against local wage opportunities—the math works better here than in lower-income counties with comparable rents.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jefferson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jefferson County earns well above U.S. average

The median household income of $82,952 runs 11% higher than the national median of $74,755, placing Jefferson County in the top quartile nationally. This strong performance reflects a thriving agricultural and manufacturing base that supports above-average household earnings.

Idaho's highest-earning county

Jefferson County leads all 44 Idaho counties with a median household income of $82,952, nearly $17,200 above the state average of $65,770. This commanding position underscores the county's economic vitality and robust job market.

Outearns surrounding counties significantly

At $82,952, Jefferson County tops nearby Jerome ($69,338) and Lincoln ($66,038), demonstrating stronger economic momentum in the region. Only Kootenai County ($77,034) comes close, but Jefferson still maintains a clear income advantage.

Strong income supports high housing costs

The rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% keeps housing affordable despite a median home value of $335,000. Households earning the local median can comfortably cover shelter while maintaining healthy savings capacity.

Capitalize on above-average earnings power

Jefferson County households earning $82,952 have significant capacity to invest 10–15% of income into retirement, property, or other wealth-building vehicles. Work with a financial planner to maximize tax-advantaged savings and investment strategies suited to your region's economic strength.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jefferson County

via CrimeByCounty

Jefferson County ranks high for security

Jefferson County boasts a safety score of 99.0, reflecting a very secure community by national standards. The total crime rate of 602.2 per 100K sits nearly 75% below the national average of 2,385.5.

A leader in Idaho safety

Jefferson outperforms the Idaho average safety score of 98.4 and stays well below the state’s total crime rate of 1,027.1. This performance places it among the safest corridors in the region.

Safer than busier regional hubs

At 602.2 crimes per 100K, Jefferson remains significantly safer than more populated areas like Jerome. It maintains a distinct reputation for peace compared to neighboring counties with higher traffic volumes.

Extremely low violent crime rates

Violent crime is nearly non-existent here at just 41.4 per 100K, far lower than the Idaho state average of 252.9. Most reports involve property crimes, which account for 560.8 incidents per 100K.

Simple deterrents for property safety

Because property crime makes up the bulk of local incidents, simple steps like motion-sensor lights provide effective deterrents. Stay engaged with your neighbors to maintain the county's impressive safety record.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Jefferson County

via HealthByCounty

Jefferson County matches national life expectancy

Jefferson County residents live 77.4 years on average—just slightly below the U.S. benchmark of 76.4 years. Only 17% report poor or fair health, a healthy signal that most community members experience good overall wellness.

Below-average uninsured rate

At 77.4 years, Jefferson County's life expectancy falls just below Idaho's 77.5-year average. Its 9.2% uninsured rate beats the state average of 11.7%, suggesting strong insurance enrollment and healthcare access.

Middle ground among rural counties

Jefferson County's 77.4-year life expectancy sits between higher-performing Kootenai (78.4) and lower-performing Jerome (76.4). Its low uninsured rate of 9.2% reflects better insurance stability than neighboring Jerome County at 16.1%.

Limited providers, but low uninsured rate

Jefferson County has just 22 primary care and 29 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among Idaho's lowest. The silver lining: only 9.2% are uninsured, so most residents can seek care, though they may face longer waits or travel for specialists.

Keep coverage strong in Jefferson

With 9.2% uninsured, Jefferson County is doing well, but gaps remain. Confirm your coverage annually at healthcare.gov and ask your provider about telehealth options to bridge distance to specialists.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Jefferson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Growing Network of Jefferson Schools

Jefferson County maintains 17 public schools across two districts, supporting a large student population of 7,772. The system is well-balanced with 10 elementary schools, three middle schools, and three high schools. There are no charter schools in the county, focusing resources on the traditional district model.

Strong Graduation Rates on Lean Budgets

The county achieves an impressive 89.4% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state average of 83.6% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. These results are achieved despite a very low per-pupil expenditure of $4,863, which is well below the state average of $6,288. The county's school score of 48.6 sits just above the state average of 48.0.

Rigby Schools Lead the District

Jefferson County Joint District dominates the landscape, overseeing 12 schools and 6,770 students. The West Jefferson District is much smaller, managing four schools and 606 students. Within these districts, traditional public education is the sole focus as no charter schools are currently available.

Large Schools in Rural Settings

Though 15 of the 17 schools are classified as rural, the average school size is a substantial 486 students. Rigby High School is a major regional hub with 2,038 students, while South Fork Elementary serves 737 children. Attending school here feels like a blend of rural geography and large-scale campus resources.

Relocate Near High-Performing Schools

High graduation rates make Jefferson County an attractive destination for families focused on academic success. Prospective buyers should focus on the Rigby area for proximity to the county's largest and most successful campuses. School performance remains a top driver for property values in this growing region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jefferson County

via RiskByCounty

Jefferson County faces very low national risk

Jefferson County's composite score of 40.11 and "Very Low" rating place it well below the national average for natural disaster exposure. This favorable profile reflects relatively balanced hazard exposure across most disaster types.

Jefferson County slightly outranks Idaho's average

At 40.11, Jefferson County scores just above the state average of 38.51, indicating near-average risk for Idaho. This puts the county in the safer half of Idaho's natural disaster landscape.

Comparable to neighboring rural counties

Jefferson County's 40.11 aligns closely with Jerome County (21.47) and Latah County (33.27), though it carries slightly higher overall risk. The county sits in Idaho's middle tier for natural disaster vulnerability.

Earthquake risk stands notably higher here

Earthquake risk scores 80.63—the county's most pressing hazard—while wildfire and flood risks remain moderate at 62.50 and 37.09 respectively. Tornado exposure is minimal at just 6.97.

Earthquake insurance deserves priority attention

With earthquake risk at 80.63, homeowners should evaluate whether their insurance includes earthquake coverage, as standard policies typically exclude it. Review your current policy and ask your agent about earthquake protection options.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jefferson County

via WeatherByCounty

Dry and chilly in the High Desert

Jefferson County maintains a cool annual average of 44.8°F, well below the national median. With only 11.2 inches of annual precipitation, it is significantly drier than the average American county.

Below the Idaho state temperature average

At 44.8°F, the county sits roughly 1.7 degrees cooler than the Idaho statewide average of 46.5°F. Its precipitation level of 11.2 inches is also notably lower than the state's 17-inch average.

Sharing the cold with Idaho County

Jefferson County matches Idaho County's 44.8°F average temperature exactly, despite being on the other side of the state. However, it receives less than half the annual snowfall of its western peer, totaling just 20.4 inches.

Frigid winters and arid summer days

Winter is biting with a January average of 20.5°F, which is much colder than many neighboring regions. July brings relief with a 69.2°F average, though the county still sees 22 days above 90°F.

Winterize for deep freezes

Heating systems must be robust to handle the 20°F January average, and pipes require extra insulation against the dry cold. Summer planning should account for the 22 days of extreme heat despite the generally cool annual average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jefferson County

via SoilByCounty

The Hidden Soil Profile of Jefferson

Jefferson County currently lacks specific data regarding its dominant soil taxonomic order and pH levels. Consequently, we cannot determine how it stacks up against the national median pH of 6.5. Local environmental assessments are necessary for precise soil identification.

Analyzing Earth Composition

There is no available data for the percentages of sand, silt, and clay in the local soil. This makes it difficult to predict drainage speeds or nutrient retention across the county. Individual soil testing remains the most reliable method for local farmers.

Fertility and Water Capacity

Organic matter and available water capacity (AWC) figures are not currently recorded for this area. This leaves the county's growing potential an open question compared to the state AWC average of 0.269 in/in. Jefferson's agricultural success relies on localized knowledge and management.

Navigating Drainage and Hydrology

Official drainage classes and hydrologic groups are absent from the current data profile. This missing information requires builders to exercise caution with foundation and irrigation planning. Always check site-specific drainage before starting a project.

Cool Climate Growth in Zone 5a

Jefferson County sits in hardiness zone 5a, indicating a shorter and cooler growing season. Focus on hardy vegetables and short-season crops to maximize your harvest. With proper planning, your garden can flourish despite the chilly winters.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jefferson County

via LawnByCounty

A Tough Environment for Turf

Jefferson County earns a lawn difficulty score of 28.4, making it one of the more challenging places in Idaho to maintain green space. As a Zone 5a region, the winters are significantly harsher than the state average. This low score reflects the need for intensive irrigation and winter protection for sensitive grass varieties.

Arid Conditions and High Elevation Temps

Annual precipitation is a sparse 11.2 inches, far below the national ideal of 30-50 inches. This massive moisture deficit means your lawn depends almost entirely on supplemental irrigation. You will also manage 22 extreme heat days and 2054 growing degree days, which creates a condensed but intense growing season.

Preparing the Foundation

Local soil data is limited, but the arid climate often results in alkaline soil that may require acidification to reach the target 6.0-7.0 pH level. Without specific drainage data, it is best to incorporate organic matter to improve water retention in this dry environment. A basic soil test is your first step to identifying nutrient deficiencies before the season begins.

Navigating Abnormally Dry Spells

The entire county is currently classified as abnormally dry, and residents have faced 46 weeks of drought over the past year. Since there is currently no severe drought area, standard water conservation measures like mulching and raising mower heights can effectively preserve moisture. Efficient irrigation is the key to keeping your turf alive through these persistent dry cycles.

Maximize Your Short Window

Focus on cold-hardy varieties like Fine Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass that can handle Zone 5a winters. Your growing window is tight, beginning after the late spring frost on June 3 and ending by October 5. Start early to ensure your grass is established before the hard Idaho winter sets in.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jefferson County's county score?
Jefferson County, Idaho has a composite county score of 52.8 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 Jefferson County rank among counties in Idaho?
Jefferson County ranks #24 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 Jefferson County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Jefferson County is $1,775, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns Jefferson County a tax score of 82.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jefferson County?
The median household income in Jefferson County, Idaho is $82,952 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jefferson County earns an income score of 86.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jefferson County, Idaho a good place to live?
Jefferson County scores 52.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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.