CountyScore

Kootenai County

Idaho · ID

#42 in Idaho
67
County Score

County Report Card

About Kootenai County, Idaho

Solid Performance, Below State Average

Kootenai County's score of 67.0 still exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking in the top 34% of U.S. counties. However, it underperforms relative to Idaho's state average of 72.5, reflecting higher housing costs and moderate income levels.

Trailing Idaho County Rankings

At 67.0, Kootenai County ranks below Idaho's state average of 72.5 by 5.5 points, placing it in the lower third of Idaho counties. This gap is driven primarily by elevated housing expenses rather than fundamental livability failures.

Excellent Health Outcomes and Low Taxes

Kootenai County leads with the state's strongest health score of 75.2, indicating access to quality healthcare and healthy communities. Its tax score of 89.0 and effective tax rate of 0.471% keep tax burdens competitive despite higher housing costs.

Housing Costs Far Above Regional Norms

The cost score of 64.1 and median home value of $467,400 represent the highest housing prices in this county group—nearly double Lewis County's median. At $1,330/month median gross rent, renters face significant affordability pressure compared to rural Idaho alternatives.

For Health-Conscious, Higher-Income Residents

Kootenai County suits affluent families and retirees prioritizing healthcare quality and low taxes over affordability. Its higher housing costs are justified for those with solid incomes and a strong preference for excellent medical services.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax89Cost64.1SafetyComing SoonHealth75.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome33.7Risk21WaterComing Soon
🏛89
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡21
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Kootenai County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Plumas County
California
67
Median income: $64,946
Schuyler County
Illinois
67
Median income: $66,059
Johnson County
Indiana
67
Median income: $87,227
Kearny County
Kansas
67
Median income: $74,135
Rush County
Kansas
67
Median income: $60,288

Deep Dives

Kootenai County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.