countyscore
54.5
County Score
Property Tax 94.2Cost of Living 65Safety 63.6

County Report Card

About Lemhi County, Idaho

Stronger than National Average

Lemhi County’s composite score of 54.5 beats the national median of 50.0. This indicates that the county offers a quality of life that outpaces much of the country.

Outperforming the State Median

With a score of 54.5, Lemhi County sits above the Idaho average of 52.2. It provides a more favorable livability profile than many of its more urbanized Idaho counterparts.

Low Taxes and Housing Costs

The county features an impressive tax score of 94.2 and an effective rate of just 0.393%. Housing is also attainable, with a cost score of 65.0 and median rents at $721.

Limited Income and Schools

Economic opportunity is the primary challenge, as shown by a low income score of 18.7 and a median household income of $52,057. Schools and water infrastructure also score below 20.0, indicating room for growth.

Perfect for the Remote or Retired

Lemhi County is a dream for those who have fixed or remote incomes and want to maximize their purchasing power. It is ideal for residents who value low expenses over local career ladders.

Score breakdown

Tax94.2Cost65Safety63.6Health47.8Schools19.2Income18.7Risk58.6Water9.2Weather33.9
🏛94.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡63.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤47.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓19.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡58.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧9.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤33.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱24.9
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

Beaverhead County
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63
Custer County
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59.8
Ravalli County
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Deer Lodge County
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Silver Bow County
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Valley County
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Clark County
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Madison County
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Deep Dives

Lemhi County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lemhi County

via TaxByCounty

Lemhi County offers low national taxes

Lemhi County's effective tax rate of 0.393% produces a median property tax of just $1,109—59% below the national median of $2,690. The county ranks in the bottom quarter nationally for property tax burden.

Well below Idaho's state average

At 0.393%, Lemhi County's effective rate is substantially lower than Idaho's state average of 0.508%. The county ranks among the most tax-friendly in Idaho, placing it in the bottom tier statewide.

Among the lowest-taxed in the region

Lemhi County's 0.393% effective rate is surpassed only by Idaho County (0.342%) among nearby counties, with significantly lower taxes than Jerome County (0.639%) and Lewis County (0.666%). The county offers exceptional tax affordability.

Median tax payment: just $1,109 yearly

Lemhi County's median home value of $282,100 means typical homeowners pay approximately $1,109 annually in property taxes. That's roughly $92 monthly—one of the lowest monthly property tax obligations in Idaho.

Even low-tax counties benefit from appeals

While Lemhi County already offers favorable tax rates, assessment errors remain possible—and every dollar saved matters in a county with lower overall incomes. Review your assessment to ensure you're not overpaying, even in this tax-friendly area.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lemhi County

via CostByCounty

Lemhi County: affordable rents on rural income

Lemhi County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio is near the national norm, but achieved on a median household income of just $52,057—30% below the U.S. average of $74,755. This county squeezes affordability from limited earnings through consistently low housing costs.

Lowest income, reasonable rents statewide

Lemhi County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Idaho's 16.8% average, yet the median household income of $52,057 is the lowest in this region. The county achieves this balance through the state's lowest median rent of $721, demonstrating how rural markets adjust to local wage realities.

Rock-bottom rents support low-wage households

Lemhi's $721 median rent is the cheapest among all eight counties and 21% below the state median of $919, crucial for households earning just $52,057. Only Lewis County ($708) rents lower, and together these two counties serve as safety valves for Idaho's lowest-income working families.

Renters get a better deal than homeowners

Renters pay $721 monthly while homeowners spend $849 on the $282,100 median home value, a modest $128 gap. For the $52,057 median income, both are tight budgets, but renting provides slightly more financial breathing room and lower entry-to-housing cost.

Lemhi for renters prioritizing bare essentials

Lemhi County is Idaho's most affordable rental option at $721 per month, ideal for households earning below $55,000 who need maximum cost relief. Homeownership requires careful financial planning here; renters will stretch further on the county's limited median income of $52,057.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lemhi County

via IncomeByCounty

Lemhi County significantly below national average

The median household income of $52,057 runs 30% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing Lemhi County in the bottom quartile nationally. This substantial gap reflects limited employment diversity and geographic isolation in the Idaho wilderness region.

Third-lowest income in Idaho

Lemhi County's $52,057 trails the Idaho state average of $65,770 by $13,713, ranking second-lowest among the state's 44 counties. Only Lewis County ($49,643) earns less in this region.

Struggles against surrounding counties

At $52,057, Lemhi County falls behind all regional peers except Lewis County, including Latah ($65,179) and Lincoln ($66,038). The income disparity reflects Lemhi's distance from major employment centers and limited job opportunities.

Housing costs bite harder here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 16.6%, Lemhi households allocate one-sixth of median income to rent while facing a median home value of $282,100. The cost-to-income burden is steeper than in higher-earning counties, limiting savings for other priorities.

Maximize modest income through discipline

Lemhi County households earning $52,057 should prioritize budgeting and automatic savings even in modest amounts—5% of income directed to emergency funds or retirement can compound significantly. Explore rural development grants, business opportunities, or skill-training programs to boost household earning potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lemhi County

via CrimeByCounty

High safety scores in Lemhi County

Lemhi County is exceptionally safe, posting a high safety score of 98.7. Its total crime rate of 845.5 per 100K is only a fraction of the 2,385.5 national average.

Lemhi outperforms Idaho state averages

The county outperforms the state average safety score of 98.4. Its total crime rate of 845.5 also remains lower than the Idaho statewide average of 1,027.1.

A secure mountain community

At 845.5 crimes per 100K, Lemhi is safer than Latah or Jerome but slightly more active than Idaho County. It maintains a solid reputation for security within the central mountains.

Low property crime, higher violent rate

Violent crime here is 323.3 per 100K, which is above the state average of 252.9. Conversely, property crime is much lower than the state norm, sitting at just 522.2 incidents.

Awareness is key for Lemhi residents

Since violent crime numbers are slightly elevated relative to the state, personal safety awareness is key. Keeping homes secure remains important to maintain the county's low property crime rate.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lemhi County

via HealthByCounty

Lemhi County trails national life expectancy

At 75.3 years, Lemhi County falls nearly 1 year behind the U.S. average of 76.4 years. With 17.2% reporting poor or fair health, the county faces meaningful wellness challenges that warrant community attention.

Second-lowest life expectancy in Idaho

Lemhi County's 75.3-year life expectancy ranks second-worst among these eight counties, sitting 2.2 years below Idaho's 77.5-year average. Its 12.6% uninsured rate also exceeds the state average of 11.7%, creating dual access barriers.

Struggling in a rural region

Lemhi County's 75.3-year life expectancy trails nearby Idaho County by 3.1 years and Lewis County by 2.1 years. Its 12.6% uninsured rate mirrors broader rural Idaho challenges, though it's better than Jerome County's 16.1%.

Limited providers and higher uninsured rate

Lemhi County has 61 primary care and 166 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—modest for rural Idaho. At 12.6% uninsured, one in eight residents lack coverage, creating gaps in preventive care and chronic disease management.

Lemhi County needs expanded coverage

With 12.6% uninsured and limited providers, Lemhi County residents should prioritize coverage enrollment. Contact your county health office or call 1-877-KIDS-NOW to explore Medicaid and marketplace options that fit your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lemhi County

via SchoolsByCounty

Lemhi County's Small-Scale School System

Lemhi County operates eight public schools across four districts, serving a total of 937 students. The system consists of three elementary, one middle, and two high schools, along with two schools designated for other grade ranges. Remarkably, 25% of the county's schools are charter institutions, providing significant variety for a small population.

Evaluating Results and Resource Allocation

The county's graduation rate stands at 72.0%, which is notably lower than the Idaho state average of 83.6%. However, the county invests $6,921 per student, which exceeds the state average of $6,288. The composite school score of 43.9 indicates there is room for growth compared to the state median of 48.0.

Salmon District and Charter Options

The Salmon District is the primary provider, educating 683 students across four schools. Charter schools play a large role here, with Fern-Waters and Upper Carmen serving over 10% of the county's total enrollment combined. This high percentage of charter schools offers families more specialized educational paths than many neighboring counties.

An Intimate, Remote Learning Environment

With an average school size of just 134 students, learning in Lemhi County is highly personalized. Schools are split evenly between rural and town locales, with Salmon Jr/Sr High being the largest campus at 395 students. The smallest schools, like Upper Carmen Charter, serve as few as 59 students, creating a truly close-knit atmosphere.

Settle Near Lemhi's Unique Schools

For families who value small class sizes and school choice, Lemhi County offers a unique mix of traditional and charter options. Exploring homes in the Salmon area provides the most convenient access to the county's educational hubs. Consider the local school character as you search for the perfect mountain-region property.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lemhi County

via RiskByCounty

Lemhi County carries very low national risk

Lemhi County's composite score of 41.44 and "Very Low" rating position it well below the national average for natural disaster exposure. The county's hazard profile remains relatively manageable overall.

Lemhi County slightly exceeds Idaho's average

At 41.44, Lemhi County scores just above the state average of 38.51, placing it in the middle range of Idaho's 44 counties. This positions the county as relatively typical for the state.

Lemhi County moderately outranks similar counties

Lemhi County's 41.44 exceeds Jerome County (21.47) and Lincoln County (9.06), but trails Idaho County (78.37) significantly. The county sits in Idaho's safer-than-average tier.

Wildfire and flood are primary concerns

Wildfire risk reaches 93.19 and flood risk scores 59.76—the county's two most serious hazards. Earthquake exposure is moderate at 53.47, while tornado risk remains minimal at 3.15.

Wildfire and flood coverage are non-negotiable

With wildfire at 93.19 and flood risk at 59.76, homeowners must secure both wildfire and flood insurance policies. Standard homeowners coverage excludes both hazards, leaving gaps that must be filled.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lemhi County

via WeatherByCounty

A cold and arid mountain retreat

Lemhi County is one of the colder spots in the country, with an annual average temperature of just 43.2°F. It is extremely dry, receiving only 9.0 inches of annual precipitation.

Much colder than the state average

The county's 43.2°F average is over three degrees colder than the Idaho state average of 46.5°F. It is also one of the driest counties in the state, falling 8 inches below the state's 17-inch precipitation average.

Colder than Jefferson and Idaho counties

Lemhi County is notably colder than Jefferson and Idaho counties, which both average 44.8°F. It also receives the least precipitation among its regional peers, totaling only 9 inches annually.

Harsh winters and sharp summer spikes

January is frigid with an average of 20.0°F and 22 inches of annual snowfall. Despite the cold year-round average, the county still experiences 24 days above 90°F during the dry summer months.

Prepare for the deep freeze

Heavy-duty home insulation and reliable heating sources are critical to surviving the 20°F January average. Residents should also plan for dry conditions by utilizing moisture-retaining landscaping to manage the low rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lemhi County

via SoilByCounty

The Mystery of Lemhi's Soil

Lemhi County does not have recorded data for soil taxonomic order, texture, or pH levels. We cannot compare the local acidity to the national median of 6.5 or the state average of 6.04. This rugged interior region remains largely unmapped in the current soil database.

Undiscovered Soil Texture

Data regarding sand, silt, and clay percentages is missing for this county. Understanding these ratios is important for gauging drainage and how easily the land can be tilled. Gardeners should consider a home test kit to analyze their specific backyard soil.

Exploring Fertility Potential

There is no specific data for organic matter or available water capacity (AWC) in the Lemhi area. This prevents comparison with the state's average organic matter level of 27.53%. Local observations of plant health are currently the best guide for assessing soil vigor.

Hydrology in the Mountains

The dominant drainage class and hydrologic group for the county are currently unknown. This data is essential for managing runoff and building stable foundations in varied terrain. Always perform a site-specific survey before starting major earthworks.

Gardening in Zone 5b

Lemhi County is classified as hardiness zone 5b, necessitating a focus on cold-tolerant plant varieties. The cooler climate means a slightly shorter growing window, but many vegetables will still thrive. Plan your garden for the unique challenges of Idaho’s mountain valleys.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lemhi County

via LawnByCounty

Idaho's Toughest Lawn Territory

Lemhi County has a lawn difficulty score of 24.9, significantly lower than the Idaho state average. As a Zone 5b region, homeowners deal with a combination of high elevation, extreme cold, and very little natural moisture. It is an environment where every blade of grass is a victory.

The Challenge of Arid Winters

Lemhi is exceptionally dry, receiving just 9.0 inches of annual precipitation—roughly half the state average. You have a short growing season characterized by 1675 growing degree days and 24 days of extreme heat. Your irrigation system is the most important tool you own in this high-desert climate.

Working with High-Elevation Earth

While detailed soil metrics are not available, the arid climate often creates rocky or alkaline soil conditions. Lawns need a stable pH between 6.0 and 7.0 to absorb nutrients, so a soil test is essential before planting. Adding high-quality organic matter can help bridge the gap between native conditions and the needs of domestic turf.

Coping with Persistent Dryness

Lemhi has seen 44 weeks of drought over the past year, with nearly all area currently classified as abnormally dry. Water conservation isn't just a suggestion here; it is a necessity for maintaining any greenery. Focus on high-efficiency drip or rotary nozzles to ensure every drop of water reaches the roots without evaporating.

A Brief Season to Bloom

Select the most cold-hardy, drought-tolerant grasses available, such as Sheep Fescue or Buffalo Grass. You have a very narrow window for growth between the last frost on June 1 and the first frost on September 24. Plan your seeding carefully to ensure the roots can survive the long, cold winter ahead.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lemhi County's county score?
Lemhi County, Idaho has a composite county score of 54.5 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 Lemhi County rank among counties in Idaho?
Lemhi County ranks #19 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 Lemhi County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Lemhi County is $1,109, with an effective tax rate of 0.39%. This earns Lemhi County a tax score of 94.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lemhi County?
The median household income in Lemhi County, Idaho is $52,057 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lemhi County earns an income score of 18.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lemhi County, Idaho a good place to live?
Lemhi County scores 54.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Lemhi 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 Lemhi 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.