countyscore
45.2
County Score
Property Tax 88.7Income & Jobs 80.2Health 73.5

County Report Card

About Kootenai County, Idaho

Falling Just Short of Median

With a composite score of 45.2, Kootenai County sits just below the national median of 50.0. While it excels in some areas, high costs drag down its overall national standing.

Below the Idaho Benchmark

Kootenai's 45.2 score is lower than the Idaho state average of 52.2. This ranking is largely influenced by the intense housing market pressures common in the northern panhandle.

Wealth and Wellness Lead

The county shines in health and income, with scores of 73.5 and 80.2 respectively. Household earnings are strong, with a median income of $77,034 supporting a high quality of personal life.

Significant Housing Affordability Barriers

A very low cost score of 12.4 highlights the county's primary challenge, with median home values soaring to $467,400. Low scores in risk and school dimensions also present hurdles for long-term community planning.

The Choice for High Earners

Kootenai County is a premier destination for those with the income to support higher housing costs. It is ideal for active individuals who prioritize personal health and professional opportunities over affordability.

Score breakdown

Tax88.7Cost12.4Safety45.4Health73.5Schools12.8Income80.2Risk21Water35.5Weather47.9
🏛88.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠12.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼80.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡45.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤73.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓12.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡21
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧35.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱35
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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Benewah County
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46.5
Bonner County
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Shoshone County
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Latah County
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Deep Dives

Kootenai County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Kootenai County

via TaxByCounty

Kootenai County: moderate national standing

Kootenai County's effective tax rate of 0.471% produces a median property tax of $2,203—still 18% below the national median of $2,690. The county ranks slightly below the national average in overall tax burden.

Slightly below Idaho's state average

At 0.471%, Kootenai County's effective rate falls marginally below Idaho's state average of 0.508%. The county ranks comfortably in the lower-middle tier among Idaho's 44 counties.

Mid-range taxes within the region

Kootenai County's 0.471% rate sits between Lemhi County (0.393%) and Jerome County (0.639%), making it moderate for north-central Idaho. The county's median tax of $2,203 is higher than most neighbors, reflecting its pricier median home values.

Median property tax: $2,203 annually

Kootenai County's median home value of $467,400 translates to roughly $2,203 in annual property taxes. At approximately $184 monthly, homeowners here pay more than most other Idaho counties, though their homes are significantly more valuable.

Higher-value homes warrant assessment review

With more expensive properties in Kootenai County, even small overassessment errors compound into substantial tax overpayments. Consulting a property tax professional or filing an appeal could save hundreds annually if your home is valued above comparable sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Kootenai County

via CostByCounty

Kootenai County is Idaho's affordability outlier

At 20.7%, Kootenai County's rent-to-income ratio is the highest in this region and well above both the national norm and Idaho's 16.8% state average. Renters here dedicate a significantly larger share of income to housing than peers across the state, a premium tied to the county's popular amenities and scenic location.

Highest rents in the region, uneven income

Kootenai County leads with $1,330 monthly rents—45% above the state median of $919—while median income of $77,034 lags its housing costs. The resulting 20.7% rent-to-income ratio signals tight housing markets and strong demand competing for limited inventory.

Rents soar beyond neighboring counties

At $1,330, Kootenai's median rent exceeds every neighboring county in this analysis by a wide margin: 54% above Jerome ($862), 47% above Latah ($905), and 21% above Jefferson ($1,098). The premium reflects Kootenai's status as an in-demand market but strains affordability for working families.

Ownership and renting cost nearly the same

Renters and homeowners face nearly identical monthly burdens: $1,330 rent versus $1,313 ownership costs on the $467,400 median home value. For the $77,034 median household income, both paths consume over 20% of gross earnings, marking Kootenai as the region's most housing-cost-intensive county.

Budget carefully before relocating here

Kootenai County's 20.7% rent-to-income ratio means housing will claim a larger slice of your paycheck than almost anywhere else in Idaho. If you're relocating here, prioritize jobs paying well above the $77,034 median, or consider renting just outside the county to capture affordable alternatives in adjacent areas.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Kootenai County

via IncomeByCounty

Kootenai County surpasses national income levels

The median household income of $77,034 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by about 3%, placing Kootenai in the top third of American counties. The county's strong position reflects a diverse economy and strategic location in North Idaho.

Second-highest income in Idaho

At $77,034, Kootenai County ranks second only to Jefferson County ($82,952) among Idaho's 44 counties and runs $11,300 above the state average. This leadership position reflects robust employment in healthcare, retail, and tourism sectors.

Leads other northern and central Idaho counties

Kootenai County's $77,034 substantially exceeds Idaho County ($60,975) and Latah County ($65,179), demonstrating stronger labor market dynamics in the far north. The income gap reflects Kootenai's larger population and diversified economic base.

Rising home values strain affordability

Despite above-average household income, Kootenai's rent-to-income ratio of 20.7% is the highest among these eight counties, driven by a median home value of $467,400. Households earning the median must allocate roughly one-fifth of income to housing, reducing savings capacity.

Plan strategically around housing pressure

Kootenai County's elevated housing costs require disciplined financial planning to preserve wealth-building opportunities. Explore first-time homebuyer programs, refinancing strategies, or geographic arbitrage to maximize your discretionary income and investment potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Kootenai County

via CrimeByCounty

Kootenai County outstrips national safety norms

Kootenai County maintains a high safety score of 98.1, showing strong security compared to the rest of the U.S. Its total crime rate of 1,220.3 per 100K is roughly half the national average of 2,385.5.

Managing safety in a growing hub

Kootenai's crime rate is higher than the state average of 1,027.1 per 100K. Five separate reporting agencies work together to manage safety across this active and growing population center.

Consistent with regional activity levels

Kootenai's crime rate of 1,220.3 per 100K is very similar to Latah County's rate of 1,203.8. Both counties show higher activity than more isolated neighbors like Idaho County.

Property crime is the main focus

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local incidents at 975.2 per 100K. The violent crime rate of 245.1 is actually lower than the Idaho state average of 252.9.

Securing entries in busy areas

Since property crimes are more common than violent ones, residents should focus on securing home entry points. Smart doorbells and locked garages remain effective tools for residents in this community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Kootenai County

via HealthByCounty

Kootenai County exceeds national health

At 78.4 years, Kootenai County residents live nearly 2 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Only 14.4% report poor or fair health—the second-lowest rate among these eight counties—reflecting strong community wellness.

Among Idaho's healthiest counties

Kootenai County's 78.4-year life expectancy tops Idaho's 77.5-year average by 0.9 years. Its 9.3% uninsured rate bests the state average of 11.7%, pairing good health outcomes with strong insurance coverage.

Regional health champion

Kootenai County matches Idaho County's 78.4-year life expectancy and surpasses every other neighbor in the region. With 242 mental health providers per 100,000—the highest by far—it offers unparalleled mental healthcare access.

Excellent provider access and coverage

Kootenai County boasts 80 primary care providers and a remarkable 242 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. Only 9.3% are uninsured, meaning residents enjoy both robust insurance enrollment and exceptional access to mental health care.

Maintain Kootenai's coverage success

Kootenai County's 9.3% uninsured rate shows strong enrollment, but staying vigilant matters. Review your coverage annually at healthcare.gov to lock in savings and access to Kootenai's extensive provider network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Kootenai County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Vast Educational Network in Kootenai

Kootenai County features a robust system of 53 public schools across 11 districts, serving 23,371 students. This large-scale infrastructure includes 28 elementary, 8 middle, and 12 high schools. The county also offers a diverse range of choices, including six alternative schools and two special education facilities.

Matching State Averages in Performance

The county's 83.6% graduation rate perfectly matches the Idaho state average, though it remains below the 87.0% national benchmark. Spending per pupil is $5,621, which is lower than the state average of $6,288. Despite lean funding, the county maintains a school score of 47.2, nearly on par with the state average of 48.0.

Spotlight on Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls

Coeur d'Alene District is the largest, managing 20 schools and 10,107 students. Post Falls and Lakeland districts also play major roles, together serving over 10,000 additional students. Charter schools are a significant part of the landscape, with five campuses representing nearly 10% of all schools.

Diverse Locales and Large Campuses

The county offers a diverse mix of settings, with 19 schools in cities and 14 in suburban areas alongside rural options. Campuses are large, averaging 449 students, with Post Falls High and Coeur d'Alene High each enrolling over 1,500 students. This variety ensures that families can find an environment ranging from urban centers to quiet rural towns.

Explore Real Estate Near Top Districts

With over 50 schools to choose from, Kootenai County is a premier destination for families in Northern Idaho. Whether you prefer the suburban feel of Post Falls or the city life of Coeur d'Alene, there are quality homes near every campus. Research local school scores to find the perfect neighborhood for your family.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kootenai County

via RiskByCounty

Kootenai County faces moderate national hazard exposure

With a composite score of 78.98 and "Relatively Low" rating, Kootenai County sits at the higher end of moderate risk nationally. The county's diverse hazard profile—flood, wildfire, earthquake, and tornado—creates layered vulnerability.

Kootenai County ranks as Idaho's highest-risk area

At 78.98, Kootenai County nearly doubles the state average of 38.51, positioning it as the single highest-risk county in Idaho. This elevation reflects the county's geographic exposure across multiple disaster types.

Kootenai County far exceeds nearby counties

Kootenai County's 78.98 vastly outpaces Latah County (33.27) and Lewis County (3.09), making it a clear outlier in northern Idaho. The county's unique risk profile distinguishes it significantly from surrounding areas.

Flood, wildfire, and earthquake all threaten residents

Flood risk reaches 86.32, wildfire hits 79.52, and earthquake exposure stands at 79.17—all substantially elevated. Tornado risk is also notably higher at 22.01 compared to most Idaho counties.

Comprehensive coverage is essential for safety

Homeowners should carry flood insurance, wildfire coverage, and earthquake protection given Kootenai County's multiple hazard exposures. Standard policies cover none of these; work with an agent to close all gaps before disaster strikes.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Kootenai County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate temperatures with northern moisture

Kootenai County averages 46.9°F annually, trending cooler than the national average but warmer than many mountain counties. It is relatively wet for the region, seeing 25.0 inches of precipitation per year.

Mirroring the Idaho state average

The county’s 46.9°F average temperature almost perfectly aligns with the Idaho state average of 46.5°F. However, its 25.0 inches of precipitation is significantly higher than the statewide average of 17.0 inches.

Similar to Latah but drier

Kootenai shares a nearly identical temperature profile with Latah County, but it receives about 20 fewer inches of snow annually. At 27.2 inches of snowfall, it is easier to navigate in winter than the deeper mountain counties.

Balanced seasons and mild summers

The region enjoys mild summers with only 14 days over 90°F and a July average of 67.5°F. Winters are manageable, with January averages staying just below freezing at 29.9°F.

Gear up for a rainy, mild climate

With 25 inches of rain and moderate snow, high-quality outdoor rain gear is a must for year-round activity. Residents benefit from lower cooling costs since extreme heat days are rare compared to southern Idaho.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Kootenai County

via SoilByCounty

Kootenai's Undocumented Soil Profile

Current datasets do not provide specific pH or taxonomic order information for Kootenai County. This prevents a comparison to Idaho's average pH of 6.04 or the national median of 6.5. The county's diverse geography suggests a complex soil story yet to be fully mapped.

Predicting Soil Workability

Sand, silt, and clay percentages are not recorded, leaving the soil’s texture unclassified in this data. This missing information affects how residents plan for drainage and nutrient management. Local testing is the best way to determine your soil's physical properties.

Organic Matter and Water Retention

Information on organic matter and available water capacity (AWC) remains unavailable for this county. We lack the numbers to compare Kootenai to the state AWC average of 0.269 in/in. Despite this, the region's lush greenery points toward high fertility in many areas.

Water Management in the Panhandle

Dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not listed for Kootenai County. This makes on-site evaluation critical for any construction or agricultural irrigation planning. Understanding how water moves is vital in this lake-rich region.

Cultivating Success in Zone 6b

Kootenai County resides in hardiness zone 6b, allowing for a wide range of gardening possibilities. The climate supports everything from hardy perennials to mid-season vegetables. Get your hands dirty and explore the growing potential of the North Idaho panhandle.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Kootenai County

via LawnByCounty

A North Idaho Advantage

Kootenai County enjoys a lawn difficulty score of 35.0, making it one of the easier places in Idaho to maintain a lawn. While this is better than the state average, it still trails the national median of 50.0. The Zone 6b climate provides a relatively balanced environment for traditional cool-season grasses.

Mild Summers and Solid Rainfall

With only 14 extreme heat days per year, your lawn faces much less stress than the state average of 30 days. The county receives 25 inches of annual precipitation, which is significantly higher than many other Idaho regions. This combination of moderate heat and better rainfall allows for a more relaxed watering schedule.

Understanding Your Northern Soil

While specific soil data is unavailable, the regional geology often features well-draining forest soils that may be naturally acidic. Lawns thrive in a pH range of 6.0-7.0, so checking your levels is vital before adding fertilizer. Regular aeration is recommended to ensure that the 25 inches of rain can reach the root zone effectively.

Managing Persistent Dry Spells

Despite better rainfall, Kootenai has spent 53 weeks in drought over the last year, with 16.3% of the county in severe drought. This means you must still be diligent with irrigation during the dry summer peak. Using smart controllers and checking for leaks can help you manage your lawn during these extended dry periods.

The Best Window for Planting

Standard cool-season mixes like Perennial Ryegrass and Bluegrass flourish in this Zone 6b environment. Plan to seed after the last frost on May 22, and ensure your lawn is prepped for winter before October 18. The mild summer highs make this an ideal place to establish a lush, green carpet.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kootenai County's county score?
Kootenai County, Idaho has a composite county score of 45.2 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 Kootenai County rank among counties in Idaho?
Kootenai County ranks #36 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 Kootenai County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Kootenai County is $2,203, with an effective tax rate of 0.47%. This earns Kootenai County a tax score of 88.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kootenai County?
The median household income in Kootenai County, Idaho is $77,034 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kootenai County earns an income score of 80.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kootenai County, Idaho a good place to live?
Kootenai County scores 45.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Kootenai 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 Kootenai 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.