countyscore
52.6
County Score
Health 86.1Soil Quality 74.5Disaster Risk 66.8

County Report Card

About Latah County, Idaho

Above National Performance Levels

Latah County earns a composite score of 52.6, nudging past the national median of 50.0. This indicates a solid baseline of livability for residents compared to the typical American county.

Right in Line with Idaho

The county's score of 52.6 is nearly identical to the Idaho state average of 52.2. It represents a balanced middle ground in the state’s socio-economic landscape.

Top-Tier Health and Resilience

Latah County excels with a health score of 86.1, among the highest in the region. It also offers safety from natural hazards, reflected in a strong risk score of 66.8.

Infrastructure and Cost Hurdles

A water score of 16.2 and a cost score of 31.7 suggest that utility infrastructure and housing prices are areas for concern. The median home value of $342,500 can be a barrier for new residents.

A Sanctuary for Wellness

Latah County is an excellent fit for health-conscious individuals and those seeking a stable, low-risk environment. It suits families who prioritize physical well-being and are prepared for moderate housing costs.

Score breakdown

Tax65.2Cost31.7Safety46.3Health86.1Schools47.1Income55.3Risk66.8Water16.2Weather42.6
🏛65.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠31.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼55.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡46.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤86.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡66.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧16.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨74.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30.6
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 Latah County

Whether buying or refinancing in Latah 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 Latah County with Bullock County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Bullock County
Alabama
Median income: $36,723
52.6
Walton County
Florida
Median income: $79,281
52.6
Cook County
Georgia
Median income: $50,133
52.6
Gray County
Kansas
Median income: $77,885
52.6
Stevens County
Kansas
Median income: $61,909
52.6
Kanabec County
Minnesota
Median income: $71,915
52.6
Macon County
Missouri
Median income: $58,318
52.6
Glacier County
Montana
Median income: $45,129
52.6

Nearby counties

Benewah County
Idaho
46.5
Nez Perce County
Idaho
40.3
Lewis County
Idaho
55.6
Whitman County
Washington
49.8
Asotin County
Washington
45
Garfield County
Washington
54.4
Clearwater County
Idaho
58.8
Kootenai County
Idaho
45.2

Deep Dives

Latah County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Latah County

via TaxByCounty

Latah County ranks among highest-taxed

Latah County's effective tax rate of 0.681% is nearly one-third above the national median, yielding a median property tax of $2,333. The county ranks in roughly the top 30% nationally for property tax burden.

Well above Idaho's state average

At 0.681%, Latah County's effective rate significantly exceeds Idaho's state average of 0.508%. The county ranks among the highest-taxed in Idaho, placing it in the top tier statewide.

Highest taxes among regional peers

Latah County's 0.681% rate exceeds all nearby counties, including Lewis County (0.666%), Jerome County (0.639%), and Kootenai County (0.471%). The county bears the heaviest tax burden in its region.

Homeowners pay $2,333 annually in taxes

With a median home value of $342,500, typical Latah County residents face annual property taxes of approximately $2,333. That's roughly $194 monthly—the highest tax obligation among neighboring counties.

Appeal potential is significant here

In Latah County's high-tax environment, an assessment error or overvaluation can cost hundreds of dollars annually—making a professional review worthwhile. Many homeowners find their properties assessed above comparable recent sales and successfully appeal for substantial refunds.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Latah County

via CostByCounty

Latah County rents match national affordability

Latah County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio aligns almost exactly with Idaho's state average of 16.8%, placing renters near the national norm despite a median income of $65,179 that's 13% below the U.S. benchmark. The county delivers average affordability without average income pressure.

Near-average affordability with college income

Latah County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Idaho's 16.8% average, with median rents of $905 tracking close to the state median of $919. The presence of the University of Idaho creates income diversity and moderates housing cost pressure across the county.

Mid-range rents, lower incomes than peers

At $905, Latah's median rent ranks third-highest among these eight counties, but the $65,179 median income is below Jefferson ($82,952), Kootenai ($77,034), and Jerome ($69,338). This mismatch pushes Latah's rent-to-income ratio slightly above the state average despite moderate rents.

Ownership carries substantial monthly premium

Renters pay $905 monthly while homeowners spend $1,118 on the $342,500 median home value, a $213 monthly gap for the $65,179 median household income. The home value is the county's second-highest, reflecting university-adjacent demand that inflates ownership costs without boosting renter income equally.

Latah works best for income-stable renters

Latah County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio is manageable for renters with $65,000+ incomes, but prospective homebuyers should plan carefully for the $1,118 monthly ownership cost. If you're considering relocation with a career at the University of Idaho or related institutions, Latah delivers university-town amenities at near-state-average costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Latah County

via IncomeByCounty

Latah County earns near the U.S. median

The median household income of $65,179 runs about 13% below the national median of $74,755. Latah County ranks near the middle of U.S. counties, influenced by its college-town economy and regional university presence.

Slightly below Idaho's average income

At $65,179, Latah County trails Idaho's state median of $65,770 by just $591, placing it near the state average. The county ranks in the middle tier of Idaho's 44 counties.

Moderate earnings in north-central region

Latah County's $65,179 exceeds Idaho County ($60,975) and both Lewis ($49,643) and Lemhi ($52,057) counties to the south. The income reflects Moscow's role as an education and cultural hub balancing lower university wages with professional services.

Higher housing relative to income

With a rent-to-income ratio of 16.7%, Latah County households spend about one-sixth of median income on rent, near the affordability threshold. The median home value of $342,500 represents about 5 years of gross median household income.

Build wealth despite moderate income

Latah County households can allocate 8–10% of income to savings and investments after covering housing and essentials. Consider employer retirement benefits, state education savings plans, or low-cost index funds to compound wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Latah County

via CrimeByCounty

Latah County is safer than typical counties

Latah County earns a safety score of 98.1, reflecting a community much safer than the average American county. The total crime rate of 1,203.8 per 100K is significantly lower than the national figure of 2,385.5.

Slightly above Idaho’s crime average

Latah's total crime rate slightly exceeds the Idaho state average of 1,027.1 per 100K. Despite this, its safety score remains competitive with the statewide average of 98.4.

Activity levels mirror Kootenai County

Latah’s crime rate of 1,203.8 mirrors Kootenai County, suggesting similar urban-rural dynamics. It remains busier than Lemhi or Idaho counties, which report fewer incidents per capita.

Violent crime below state norms

The data shows a low violent crime rate of 130.4, nearly half the Idaho average of 252.9. Property crime is the primary driver here, totaling 1,073.4 incidents per 100K residents.

Peace of mind through security

With property crime as the main concern, home security systems provide significant peace of mind. Regular maintenance of lighting and locks can effectively reduce the risk of becoming a statistic.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Latah County

via HealthByCounty

Latah County leads the nation in longevity

At 80.8 years, Latah County has the highest life expectancy among these counties and exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years by over 4 years. Only 13.5% report poor or fair health—the best rate in this group—indicating exceptional population health.

Idaho's healthiest county by far

Latah County's 80.8-year life expectancy surpasses Idaho's 77.5-year average by 3.3 years—the largest gap among these eight counties. At 7.3% uninsured, it beats the state average of 11.7% significantly, showing both health and coverage stability.

Clear regional health leader

Latah County's 80.8-year life expectancy outpaces all neighbors, including high performers Idaho and Kootenai counties. Its 7.3% uninsured rate is the lowest in the region, reflecting not only better health but more equitable coverage access.

Strong providers, lowest uninsured rate

Latah County has 72 primary care and 211 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—excellent by rural standards. Only 7.3% lack insurance, enabling nearly all residents to access preventive care, mental health services, and specialists.

Latah County sets the coverage model

With just 7.3% uninsured, Latah County shows what's possible when residents get covered. If you're uninsured, visit healthcare.gov or your local health department to join this success story and access Latah's robust provider network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Latah County

via SchoolsByCounty

Latah County's Diverse School System

Latah County supports 18 public schools across seven districts, educating a total of 4,212 students. The network includes 10 elementary schools and five high schools, but features only one dedicated middle school. Two charter schools operate here, offering specialized alternatives to the traditional public system.

High Performance and Strong Investment

Latah County excels academically with an 88.3% graduation rate, surpassing both the state and national averages. This success is backed by a per-pupil expenditure of $7,546, which is significantly higher than the Idaho state average of $6,288. The county's school score of 53.8 also beats the state average of 48.0 and the national median.

Moscow District Leads the Region

The Moscow District is the largest in the county, managing eight schools and 2,397 students. Other notable districts include Troy and Whitepine, though they are much smaller with fewer than 350 students each. Charter schools represent 11.1% of the county's educational options, providing additional choice for local families.

Balanced Town and Rural Learning

The county is evenly split with nine schools in rural areas and nine in town settings. Schools are generally small and personal, with an average size of 234 students. While Moscow High is the largest at 769 students, many others, like Potlatch Elementary, offer an intimate learning environment with fewer than 300 pupils.

Find Your Home Near Top Schools

High graduation rates and strong per-pupil spending make Latah County a top choice for education-focused home buyers. Focus your search in Moscow for access to the county's largest district and its most diverse school options. A home here puts your family in one of the state's highest-performing educational regions.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Latah County

via RiskByCounty

Latah County presents very low national risk

Latah County's composite score of 33.27 and "Very Low" rating place it well below the national average for natural disaster exposure. The county's risk profile remains manageable across most hazard categories.

Latah County sits just below Idaho's average

At 33.27, Latah County scores slightly below the state average of 38.51, ranking it among Idaho's safer counties. The county benefits from relatively balanced hazard exposure with no single dominant threat.

Latah County moderately outperforms peers

Latah County's 33.27 beats Idaho County (78.37) significantly, placing it in a lower-risk category than its northern neighbors. The county ranks closer to Jerome County (21.47) in overall safety.

Wildfire dominates; flooding poses secondary threat

Wildfire risk scores a high 92.08, while flood risk reaches 50.41—making these the county's primary concerns. Earthquake (43.61) and tornado (9.45) risks remain comparatively low.

Wildfire insurance should be your first step

With wildfire risk near 92, homeowners must verify that their policy includes wildfire coverage or add it immediately. Consider also reviewing flood insurance if your home sits near waterways or flood-prone areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Latah County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool, snowy, and moisture-rich

Latah County averages 46.6°F, placing it squarely in the cooler tier of American counties. It receives a generous 26.1 inches of annual precipitation, making it much greener than the national median for the West.

A typical Gem State climate

Latah County's 46.6°F annual average is nearly identical to the Idaho state average of 46.5°F. Its 26.1 inches of precipitation, however, is nearly 10 inches higher than the state's typical 17-inch mark.

Snowier than its northern neighbor

While temperature-matched with Kootenai County, Latah receives significantly more snow at 46.1 inches per year. This makes the county more prone to winter travel disruptions than its neighbors to the north.

Deep snow and temperate summers

Winters are defined by 46.1 inches of snow and a January average of 30.6°F. Summers are comfortable, with a July average of 65.2°F and 20 days reaching the 90°F threshold.

Invest in winter snow tires

The 46.1-inch annual snowfall requires reliable winter tires and home heating systems that can handle long freezes. Summer cooling needs are moderate, as the county enjoys cooler July averages than southern Idaho.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Latah County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Rated Acidic Soils

Latah County boasts a strong soil score of 74.5, well above the state average of 67.8. The soil is quite acidic with a pH of 5.26, significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This acidity often requires specific management for certain crops.

Silty Soils of the Palouse

The earth here is 53.4% silt, 28.4% sand, and 14.1% clay. This silty composition creates a fine-textured soil that is typically very easy to work. It provides a stable foundation for the region's world-famous agricultural productivity.

Exceptional Organic Wealth

Organic matter levels reach a remarkable 51.03%, nearly doubling the state average of 27.53%. The available water capacity is also high at 0.376 in/in, ensuring plants have better access to moisture than the state average of 0.269.

Managing Palouse Hydrology

While official drainage classes are not provided in this set, the high silt and organic content suggest efficient moisture handling. Builders and farmers should still monitor runoff to prevent erosion in these productive hills. Proper water management is the key to maintaining this fertile land.

Garden Gold in Zone 6b

Latah County is in hardiness zone 6b, a perfect match for its high-quality soils. The combination of high organic matter and moisture retention makes this a gardener's paradise. Start your garden today and take advantage of some of Idaho's best soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Latah County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions on the Palouse

Latah County carries a lawn difficulty score of 30.6, reflecting the tough agricultural landscape of the Idaho Panhandle. The Zone 6b climate is manageable, but current environmental stressors make maintenance more difficult than the national average. Success here requires a data-driven approach to soil and water management.

Low Heat and Moderate Moisture

The county receives 26.1 inches of annual precipitation, which provides a helpful baseline for turf growth compared to the state's 17-inch average. Extreme heat is relatively rare, with only 20 days per year hitting 90°F. This lower heat stress helps maintain grass health during the peak growing season.

Managing Acidic Palouse Soils

Uniquely, Latah County has a very acidic soil pH of 5.26, which is well below the ideal lawn range of 6.0-7.0. Your soil contains 14.1% clay and 28.4% sand, indicating a mix that may hold moisture but needs pH correction. Applying lime is likely necessary to unlock nutrients and prevent turf yellowing.

Facing Severe Drought Conditions

The entire county is currently experiencing severe drought, a condition that has persisted for 53 weeks. This makes water conservation critical; you should prioritize keeping the crown of the grass alive rather than forcing a lush green look. Avoid heavy fertilizing during this period, as it can increase the lawn's water demand and lead to salt burn.

Seeding for Long-Term Success

Because your soil is acidic, look for grass varieties like Fine Fescues that tolerate lower pH better than others. While local frost dates vary, late spring is typically the best time to start new projects. Focus on soil amendments first, and you will see much better results when the rains return.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Latah County's county score?
Latah County, Idaho has a composite county score of 52.6 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 Latah County rank among counties in Idaho?
Latah County ranks #25 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 Latah County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Latah County is $2,333, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Latah County a tax score of 65.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Latah County?
The median household income in Latah County, Idaho is $65,179 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Latah County earns an income score of 55.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Latah County, Idaho a good place to live?
Latah County scores 52.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #25 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Latah 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 Latah 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.