countyscore
40.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 78.6Property Tax 69.9Income & Jobs 64.9

County Report Card

About Jerome County, Idaho

Below the National Median Score

Jerome County's composite score of 40.4 trails the national median of 50.0. This suggests that the county faces significant headwinds across several key livability dimensions compared to the rest of the country.

Trailing the Idaho State Average

The county's overall score of 40.4 is notably lower than the Idaho state average of 52.2. Jerome County ranks among the more challenging environments in the state for public services and health outcomes.

High Environmental Resilience

A standout risk score of 78.6 indicates that Jerome County is relatively safe from natural disasters. The county also maintains a decent tax score of 69.9, providing some relief to its residents.

Critical Gaps in Education

The county struggles with a very low school score of 4.5 and a health score of 34.4. These figures point to a significant need for improvement in local public institutions and healthcare access.

Best for Self-Sufficient Households

Jerome County is most appropriate for those who are less dependent on public school systems and local health services. It offers a low-disaster-risk environment for residents who value stability over institutional rankings.

Score breakdown

Tax69.9Cost37Safety39.2Health34.4Schools4.5Income64.9Risk78.6Water47.6Weather35.4
🏛69.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠37
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼64.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡39.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤34.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓4.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡78.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧47.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30.3
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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Nearby counties

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54
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Minidoka County
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Gooding County
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Cassia County
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Deep Dives

Jerome County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Jerome County

via TaxByCounty

Jerome County's taxes beat national median

Jerome County's effective rate of 0.639% yields a median property tax of $1,623—roughly 40% lower than the national median of $2,690. The county ranks in the lower-to-middle tier nationally for tax burden.

Above state average, but not by much

Jerome County's 0.639% rate exceeds Idaho's state average of 0.508%, making it one of the state's higher-taxed counties. The county ranks in the upper third among Idaho's 44 counties.

Higher effective rate than most peers

Jerome County's 0.639% rate tops nearby Kootenai County (0.471%), Lincoln County (0.479%), and Lemhi County (0.393%). Only Lewis County (0.666%) and Latah County (0.681%) exceed Jerome's effective rate in the region.

Median home costs $1,623 annually in taxes

On Jerome County's median home value of $254,000, homeowners owe approximately $1,623 per year in property taxes. That's roughly $135 monthly—reflecting the county's above-average but still reasonable rate.

Assessment errors are worth investigating

With Jerome County's higher-than-average effective rate, it's especially important to verify your assessment is accurate and competitive. An appeal could yield meaningful savings if your property is overvalued relative to comparable homes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jerome County

via CostByCounty

Jerome County leads in housing affordability

Jerome County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio is among the nation's best, placing renters in a comfortable financial position despite a median income of $69,338 that's 7% below the national average. This county delivers genuine affordability without requiring above-average earnings.

Best affordability ratio in Idaho region

Jerome County ranks among the state's most affordable at 14.9% compared to Idaho's 16.8% average, with rents of $862 that align with the state median of $919. It represents an ideal middle ground: reasonable housing costs paired with access to job markets.

Sweet spot between rural and urban

Jerome's $862 rent falls between the bargain basements of Idaho County ($797) and the pricier markets of Kootenai ($1,330) and Jefferson ($1,098). At $69,338 income, Jerome households earn more than Latah and Lemhi counties while keeping rents manageable and well below state average.

Home ownership costs more than renting

Renters pay $862 monthly while homeowners spend $1,078 on their $254,000 median home value, creating a $216 monthly ownership premium. For the $69,338 median household income, this ratio remains affordable, but renters should understand that buying here carries a genuine cost bump.

Jerome County: affordable and practical

Jerome County offers the region's best rent-to-income ratio (14.9%) for households earning near $69,000, making it ideal for renters seeking stability without sacrifice. Compare this to Kootenai (20.7%) or Latah (16.7%) to see why Jerome works best for budget-conscious families and professionals.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jerome County

via IncomeByCounty

Jerome County moderately below U.S. median

The median household income of $69,338 falls about 7% short of the national median of $74,755. Jerome County ranks in the middle range of U.S. counties, placing it near the 50th percentile for household earnings nationwide.

Slightly above Idaho's state average

At $69,338, Jerome County exceeds Idaho's median household income of $65,770 by roughly $3,600. The county ranks in the upper third of Idaho's 44 counties, reflecting solid economic fundamentals.

Outpaces most southern Idaho peers

Jerome County's $69,338 surpasses Lincoln ($66,038), Lemhi ($52,057), and Lewis ($49,643), though it trails Jefferson County's leading $82,952. The regional income variation reflects differences in agricultural productivity and diversification.

Affordable housing leaves room to save

Jerome County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.9% is the lowest among these eight counties, meaning households spend less than 15% of income on rent. The median home value of $254,000 is well-aligned with the county's median household earnings.

Low housing costs create savings opportunity

Because housing consumes just 14.9% of income, Jerome County households can redirect 10–12% toward investments, emergency funds, or retirement accounts. Take advantage of this favorable ratio by establishing automatic contributions to a 401(k), IRA, or brokerage account.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jerome County

via CrimeByCounty

Jerome County remains safer than national average

Jerome County carries a safety score of 97.8, which indicates it is safer than many jurisdictions across the country. Its total crime rate of 1,385.1 per 100K remains well below the national mark of 2,385.5.

Monitoring rates above state average

The county's total crime rate sits above the Idaho state average of 1,027.1 per 100K. This puts it in a more active category for local law enforcement compared to the state's most rural areas.

Higher activity than rural neighbors

Compared to nearby rural counties, Jerome sees a higher frequency of incidents per capita. It experiences 1,385.1 crimes per 100K, reflecting its position as a busier regional crossroads.

Property crime drives local statistics

Property crime reaching 1,066.4 incidents per 100K is the primary driver of the local crime rate. Violent crime sits at 318.7 per 100K, which is higher than the Idaho average of 252.9.

Strategic security for Jerome residents

Strengthening home security is a smart move given that property crime is the primary local concern. Installing visible cameras can help protect your assets and discourage opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Jerome County

via HealthByCounty

Jerome County lags behind national health

At 76.4 years, Jerome County life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years significantly. A concerning 22.1% report poor or fair health—the highest rate among Idaho counties surveyed—signaling systemic wellness challenges.

Idaho's lowest life expectancy

Jerome County's 76.4-year life expectancy is 1.1 years below Idaho's 77.5 average and the lowest among these eight counties. Its 16.1% uninsured rate is 4.4 percentage points above the state average, creating dual barriers to health.

Struggling compared to peers

Jerome County's 76.4-year life expectancy lags Jefferson (77.4) and Lincoln (77.5) by a full year. Its 16.1% uninsured rate nearly doubles that of neighboring Jefferson (9.2%), marking Jerome as a regional health equity challenge.

High uninsured rate, limited providers

With only 28 primary care and 31 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Jerome County has tight healthcare access. Combined with a 16.1% uninsured rate—the state's worst—many residents lack both insurance and nearby providers.

Jerome County needs action on coverage

At 16.1% uninsured, Jerome County faces a coverage crisis. Reach out to your county health department or call 1-800-MEDICARE to explore Medicaid expansion, tax credits, and community health center options immediately.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Jerome County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Infrastructure in Jerome County

Jerome County manages 10 public schools across three districts, educating a total of 4,850 students. The infrastructure includes four elementary, one middle, and three high schools, plus two alternative learning centers. This mix provides varied pathways for students within a relatively concentrated district footprint.

Jerome's Educational Outcomes and Funding

The county faces challenges with a graduation rate of 76.1%, which is below the state average of 83.6%. Per-pupil spending stands at $5,265, falling short of the state’s $6,288 average and the national $13,000 benchmark. The resulting composite school score of 42.5 reflects a need for continued investment in student success.

Jerome Joint District at a Glance

Jerome Joint District is the primary educator here, serving 4,164 students across seven schools. Heritage Academy Inc. provides a charter school alternative, representing 10% of the county's schools with 155 students. The Valley District also serves the area, managing two schools with 531 students.

Town-Centered Learning in Jerome

Unlike many neighboring counties, seven of Jerome's 10 schools are located in town settings rather than rural areas. The average school size is 485 students, led by Jerome High School which enrolls ,1215 pupils. This creates a centralized educational experience where most students attend schools in more populated locales.

Find Homes Near Central Schools

Home buyers in Jerome County often prioritize proximity to the main Jerome Joint District campuses. With a variety of town-based schools, the area offers convenience for families wanting a more urban educational feel. Explore local listings to find a home that fits your educational priorities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jerome County

via RiskByCounty

Jerome County ranks among the nation's safest

Jerome County's composite score of 21.47 and "Very Low" rating place it well below the national average for natural disaster risk. This county offers significantly lower exposure to most catastrophic hazards.

Jerome County is Idaho's safest county

At just 21.47, Jerome County dramatically outperforms the state average of 38.51—roughly half the statewide risk level. The county consistently ranks as one of Idaho's lowest-risk areas.

Jerome County leads its peer group by far

Jerome County's 21.47 beats Lincoln County (9.06) and Lewis County (3.09) in composite risk, though those two are actually even safer. Jerome sits in Idaho's lowest-risk tier compared to its regional neighbors.

Wildfire is the only elevated hazard here

Wildfire risk reaches 90.24, but flood (31.14), earthquake (58.72), and especially tornado (8.97) all remain well-controlled. Residents should prepare primarily for wildfire, though overall risk remains very manageable.

Wildfire coverage is your key priority

Even in this low-risk county, wildfire exposure at 90.24 warrants confirmed coverage in your homeowners policy. Review your policy's wildfire exclusions and consider additional protection if living in a fire-prone area.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jerome County

via WeatherByCounty

A warm pocket in the Intermountain West

Jerome County's 49.6°F average temperature is closer to the national median than many of its Idaho neighbors. The climate is distinctly arid, receiving only 10.4 inches of annual precipitation.

One of Idaho's warmer regions

The county is significantly warmer than the state average, topping 46.5°F by more than three degrees. It is also much drier, falling nearly 7 inches short of the Idaho average annual precipitation.

Warmer and drier than the North

Jerome is nearly 3 degrees warmer annually than Kootenai County and significantly drier than most northern Idaho regions. It shares a similar high-heat profile with neighboring Lincoln County.

High heat and dry winters

Summer is intense here, featuring 43 days of temperatures at or above 90°F and a July average of 73.8°F. While specific snowfall data is limited, the winter average sits at a relatively mild 30.0°F.

Prioritize cooling and water conservation

With 43 extreme heat days, efficient air conditioning is a primary necessity for Jerome County residents. Xeriscaping and water-wise landscaping are also recommended due to the low 10.4-inch annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jerome County

via SoilByCounty

Defining Jerome's Underground Identity

Specific data on soil texture, pH, and taxonomic order is currently missing for Jerome County. This leaves its acidity levels unquantified compared to the national median of 6.5. Local growers should seek out extension service tests for better clarity.

Unknown Mineral Makeup

Detailed measurements for sand, silt, and clay are not listed in the current soil records. These proportions are vital for understanding how easily soil can be worked or how well it drains. Without this data, the county’s physical soil traits remain a mystery.

Measuring Potential in the Soil

No current data exists for organic matter or available water capacity (AWC) in Jerome. We cannot yet compare these levels to the state averages of 27.53% organic matter or 0.269 in/in AWC. High-performance agriculture here depends on site-level soil analysis.

Planning for Water and Drainage

There is no recorded information on the dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for this region. This data gap makes it harder to predict flood risks or irrigation needs for large-scale farming. Homeowners and developers should conduct their own hydrologic assessments.

Start Planting in Zone 6b

Jerome County is located in hardiness zone 6b, offering a moderate window for gardening. This zone is ideal for many common vegetables and ornamental shrubs. Embrace the local climate and start your backyard garden project this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jerome County

via LawnByCounty

High-Heat Lawn Management

Jerome County's lawn difficulty score of 30.3 is slightly more favorable than some neighbors but still sits below the state average of 33.3. Sitting in Zone 6b, the area experiences significant temperature swings that test the resilience of any turfgrass. Success here requires a strategy focused on heat tolerance and water efficiency.

Intense Summer Heat and Dry Air

With 43 days per year reaching 90°F or higher, Jerome County is significantly hotter than the Idaho average of 30 days. This heat, combined with just 10.4 inches of annual rain, makes irrigation mandatory for survival. The high growing degree day count of 2650 means your lawn will grow aggressively if properly watered and fed.

Building Healthy Soil

Specific soil metrics are not currently available, but the high heat and low rainfall often lead to mineral buildup in local soils. It is critical to test your pH levels, as lawns perform best when kept between 6.0 and 7.0. Adding compost or peat moss can help the soil hold onto the precious water you apply during the hot summer months.

Staying Green in Dry Times

Jerome has endured 37 weeks of drought in the past year, and the entire county remains abnormally dry today. To save water, allow your grass to grow to 3 or 4 inches, which shades the soil and reduces evaporation. This practice helps the lawn survive even when the 43 days of extreme heat arrive.

Planting for Success in Zone 6b

Heat-tolerant blends of Kentucky Bluegrass or Turf-Type Tall Fescue are excellent choices for this climate. Your spring window opens after May 2, providing a long season before the first fall frost on October 14. Take advantage of the 2650 growing degree days to establish a deep, resilient root system early in the season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jerome County's county score?
Jerome County, Idaho has a composite county score of 40.4 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 Jerome County rank among counties in Idaho?
Jerome County ranks #41 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 Jerome County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Jerome County is $1,623, with an effective tax rate of 0.64%. This earns Jerome County a tax score of 69.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jerome County?
The median household income in Jerome County, Idaho is $69,338 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jerome County earns an income score of 64.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jerome County, Idaho a good place to live?
Jerome County scores 40.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #41 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Jerome 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 Jerome County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.