countyscore
55.6
County Score
Disaster Risk 96.9Cost of Living 72.1Property Tax 66.8

County Report Card

About Lewis County, Idaho

Solidly Above National Levels

Lewis County scores 55.5 on the composite index, clearly exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high degree of livability driven by safety and affordability.

A High-Ranking Idaho Gem

Exceeding the state average of 52.2, Lewis County's 55.5 score makes it a competitive choice within Idaho. It offers a unique balance of rural stability and low costs.

Unmatched Safety and Value

The county is remarkably resilient with a near-perfect risk score of 96.9. It also boasts great affordability, with a cost score of 72.1 and a median home value of just $202,400.

Economic and Utility Constraints

Lower household earnings are a reality here, reflected in an income score of 13.7. Additionally, a water score of 9.1 suggests that local water systems may need significant investment.

A Haven for Peace of Mind

Lewis County is ideal for people seeking one of the safest environments from natural disasters in the country. It is perfectly suited for those who prioritize low-cost homeownership in a secure setting.

Score breakdown

Tax66.8Cost72.1Safety64.6Health37.7Schools43.3Income13.7Risk96.9Water9.1Weather40.4
🏛66.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼13.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡64.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤37.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡96.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧9.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤40.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30
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

Nez Perce County
Idaho
40.3
Asotin County
Washington
45
Latah County
Idaho
52.6
Clearwater County
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Idaho County
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Wallowa County
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Whitman County
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Deep Dives

Lewis County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lewis County

via TaxByCounty

Lewis County's taxes exceed national average

Lewis County's effective tax rate of 0.666% is among the nation's highest, with a median property tax of $1,348—roughly half the national median of $2,690. However, the county's lower home values explain this rate difference.

Highest effective rate in Idaho

At 0.666%, Lewis County's effective tax rate is the second-highest in the state, significantly above Idaho's average of 0.508%. The county ranks among the most heavily taxed statewide.

One of the region's highest tax burdens

Lewis County's 0.666% rate trails only Latah County (0.681%) in the region, exceeding Jerome County (0.639%) and all other nearby counties. The county carries a notably heavy tax load despite lower-priced homes.

Annual taxes: $1,348 on median home

With a median home value of $202,400, Lewis County homeowners pay approximately $1,348 per year in property taxes. At roughly $112 monthly, this represents a substantial portion of housing costs given the county's lower property values.

Assessment accuracy critical in high-rate county

Lewis County's high effective rate means even modest overassessments translate into meaningful annual overpayments. Filing an appeal or requesting a professional assessment review is particularly worthwhile in a county with such elevated tax rates.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lewis County

via CostByCounty

Lewis County stretches lowest incomes furthest

Lewis County's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds the national norm, yet the median household income of $49,643 is the region's lowest—34% below the U.S. average. The county compensates with the state's lowest median rent of $708, allowing bare-subsistence households to make housing work.

Lowest income, lowest rents in Idaho region

Lewis County has the highest rent-to-income ratio (17.1%) of all eight counties and significantly exceeds Idaho's 16.8% state average, despite offering the absolute lowest median rent at $708. This reflects a fundamental challenge: very low incomes leave little margin, even with rock-bottom housing costs.

Rents tie lowest but incomes lag peers

Lewis County's $708 rent ties Lemhi County for the region's lowest, but at $49,643 median income—the absolute bottom—renters here have less financial flexibility than anywhere else in this analysis. This county serves the region's most economically vulnerable households.

Ownership barely possible on local income

Renters pay $708 monthly while homeowners face $764 on the $202,400 median home value—the lowest home values in the region. For the $49,643 median income, ownership is a financial stretch; renters capture real savings and maintain essential liquidity.

Lewis County: last-resort affordability option

Lewis County offers the region's lowest rents ($708) but also the lowest median income ($49,643), making it a genuine struggle for any household expense beyond housing. Only relocate here if employment opportunity improves your current income; otherwise, nearby Lemhi ($52,057 income) or Idaho County ($60,975) offer better financial positioning.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lewis County

via IncomeByCounty

Lewis County earns well below U.S. average

The median household income of $49,643 is 34% below the national median of $74,755, placing Lewis County in the bottom 10% of U.S. counties. This significant shortfall reflects limited employment options and economic challenges characteristic of remote rural areas.

Idaho's lowest household income

Lewis County ranks last among Idaho's 44 counties with a median household income of $49,643, trailing the state average of $65,770 by $16,127. The gap underscores severe economic pressures in this isolated region.

Struggles most in the region

At $49,643, Lewis County falls below all its peers, including Lemhi County ($52,057) and distant Lincoln County ($66,038). The income disadvantage reflects limited economic diversification and population outflow over recent decades.

Housing costs strain tight budgets

Lewis County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% means households dedicate roughly one-sixth of median income to housing, with a median home value of $202,400. While home values are the lowest here, the ratio is among the highest, indicating income pressure.

Seek support and opportunity expansion

With median income at $49,643, Lewis County residents should explore assistance programs, remote work opportunities, and local economic development initiatives. Even modest savings of $50–100 per month in a high-yield savings account builds resilience against emergencies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lewis County

via CrimeByCounty

Lewis County maintains a secure profile

Lewis County records a safety score of 98.7, indicating a very secure environment compared to the rest of the country. Its crime rate of 826.4 per 100K is much lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A quiet corner of Idaho

With a crime rate of 826.4, Lewis County sits below the Idaho average of 1,027.1. It beats the state average safety score of 98.4, though these figures come from a single reporting agency.

Comparable to other rural counties

Lewis County maintains a lower crime rate than Latah or Jerome. Its statistics are comparable to Lemhi County, reflecting the quiet nature of north-central Idaho.

Property crime accounts for all reports

Remarkably, the county reports 0 violent crimes per 100K, though this single-agency data should be viewed carefully. All 826.4 recorded incidents per 100K fall under the category of property crime.

Locking doors prevents opportunistic theft

Given that all reported crimes are property-related, residents should prioritize home and vehicle security. Simple measures like locking doors can effectively deter opportunistic thieves in this quiet area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lewis County

via HealthByCounty

Lewis County has the lowest life expectancy

At 73.4 years, Lewis County's life expectancy is 3 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years—the worst among these eight counties. With 19.4% reporting poor or fair health, the county faces significant population health challenges.

Critical health disparity in Idaho

Lewis County's 73.4-year life expectancy is a stark 4.1 years below Idaho's 77.5-year average, marking it as the state's lowest in this group. Its 11.3% uninsured rate aligns with state average, but provider scarcity compounds access problems.

Worst outcomes in the region

Lewis County's 73.4-year life expectancy falls 5 years behind Idaho County and 2.1 years behind Lemhi County. Despite having 27 primary care providers per 100,000, it has fewer mental health providers (134) than most peers, signaling mental health gaps.

Severe provider shortage, mixed coverage

Lewis County has only 27 primary care providers and 134 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among Idaho's lowest. While 11.3% uninsured is near the state average, sparse providers mean residents struggle to get timely appointments even with coverage.

Lewis County needs urgent investment

Lewis County's low life expectancy demands action. Ensure your coverage is current at healthcare.gov, connect with telehealth options, and advocate for more local providers through your county commission and health board.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lewis County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small but Focused School Network

Lewis County maintains five public schools across three districts, serving 742 students in total. The infrastructure is streamlined, consisting of one elementary, one middle, and one high school, plus two PK-12 schools. No charter schools are currently active, with all students enrolled in traditional public districts.

High Investment and Competitive Scores

Lewis County spends a significant $8,754 per pupil, far exceeding the Idaho state average of $6,288. This high investment corresponds to a school score of 52.3, which is notably higher than the state average of 48.0. The graduation rate of 80.5% remains slightly below the state average but shows a strong commitment to individual student funding.

Spotlight on Kamiah and Highland Districts

Kamiah Joint District is the largest in the county, operating three schools for 393 students. Nezperce Joint and Highland Joint districts each manage a single PK-12 school, serving 180 and 169 students respectively. These districts provide a cohesive, small-town educational experience with no charter competition.

Rural Schools with Personalized Attention

All five schools in Lewis County are located in rural locales, reinforcing the county's remote, small-town character. With an average school size of 148 students, educators can offer significant personal attention to every child. The largest school is Nezperce, with 180 students, while Kamiah Elementary serves 126 children.

Rural Living with Strong School Support

Lewis County is ideal for buyers looking for a rural lifestyle backed by high per-pupil spending. Homes near the Kamiah or Nezperce schools offer the benefit of a small, dedicated educational community. Take a look at local listings to find your place in this high-investment school region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lewis County

via RiskByCounty

Lewis County ranks among the nation's safest

Lewis County's composite score of just 3.09 and "Very Low" rating represent exceptional protection from natural disaster exposure. The county faces minimal risk across nearly all hazard categories compared to national averages.

Lewis County is Idaho's second-safest county

At 3.09, Lewis County trails only Lincoln County (9.06) in statewide safety, sitting dramatically below the state average of 38.51. The county consistently experiences the lowest natural disaster risk in Idaho.

Lewis County leads northern Idaho in safety

Lewis County's 3.09 vastly outpaces neighboring Kootenai County (78.98) and Idaho County (78.37), making it far safer than surrounding areas. The county represents one of Idaho's most protected regions.

Wildfire is the only notable local hazard

Wildfire risk reaches 85.94, but all other hazards—flood (11.99), earthquake (23.44), and tornado (2.80)—remain exceptionally low. The county's overall vulnerability stems almost entirely from fire exposure.

Wildfire coverage protects your primary risk

Even in Idaho's safest county, wildfire at 85.94 warrants confirmed coverage in your homeowners policy. Verify your current insurance includes wildfire protection—it's your main line of defense here.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lewis County

via WeatherByCounty

A snowy, moderate northern climate

Lewis County averages 46.8°F, which is slightly cooler than the national median but mild for the Idaho panhandle. It receives 21.9 inches of annual precipitation, making it moderately wet.

Just above the Idaho state average

At 46.8°F, Lewis County is slightly warmer than the Idaho statewide average of 46.5°F. Its 21.9 inches of precipitation sits about 5 inches higher than the state average of 17.0 inches.

Warmer and wetter than Jefferson

Lewis County is two degrees warmer and twice as wet as Jefferson County. It also sees double the snowfall of Jefferson, with 42.2 inches compared to 20.4 inches.

High snowfall and consistent heat

The county averages 42.2 inches of snow per year, with January temperatures hovering around 30.1°F. Summers bring a July average of 66.2°F and 24 days of temperatures hitting 90°F or higher.

Manage moisture and winter snow

With over 40 inches of snow, residents need effective plowing solutions and sturdy roofing. The combination of 21.9 inches of rain and moderate summer heat makes moisture-resistant building materials a wise investment.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lewis County

via SoilByCounty

Lewis County Soil Overview

Specific taxonomic and pH data are currently not recorded for Lewis County. Without these figures, we cannot benchmark the soil against the national median pH of 6.5. This area requires more detailed mapping to fully understand its chemical profile.

Analyzing Soil Structure

The mix of sand, silt, and clay for Lewis County is not available in the current dataset. These percentages define how well a soil drains and how it responds to irrigation. Local farmers should perform their own tests to optimize their planting strategies.

Nutrient Potential and Water

No data is listed for organic matter or available water capacity (AWC) in this region. This makes it impossible to compare local fertility to the state average AWC of 0.269 in/in. Successful growing in Lewis County relies on localized soil management and observation.

Local Drainage Patterns

Official drainage classes and hydrologic groups for the county are not currently documented. This information is vital for sustainable farming and safe residential construction. It is recommended to consult local experts on water movement before beginning new projects.

Planting Roots in Zone 6b

Lewis County is in hardiness zone 6b, which offers a reliable climate for many fruits and vegetables. The moderate winters allow for a diverse selection of perennial plants. Dig in and start your garden to see what this land can provide.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lewis County

via LawnByCounty

Standard Idaho Lawn Challenges

Lewis County earns a difficulty score of 30.0, placing it slightly below the state average of 33.3. In Zone 6b, the local environment is suited for cool-season grasses, though recent weather patterns have made maintenance more intensive. Homeowners must stay active to overcome the high drought stress seen in the region.

Moderate Temperatures and Rainfall

The county averages 21.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is better than the state average but still requires supplemental watering. With 24 extreme heat days and 1800 growing degree days, the climate is relatively mild for Idaho. This allows for a steady growth rate as long as the moisture remains consistent.

Laying the Groundwork for Growth

Specific soil data is currently unavailable for Lewis County, but maintaining a healthy pH between 6.0 and 7.0 remains the golden rule. Without this balance, your grass cannot access the nitrogen and phosphorus it needs to stay green. Consider a professional analysis to see if your soil requires sand or clay amendments for better drainage.

Battling Severe Local Drought

Current data shows that nearly 70% of the county is in a severe drought, and dry conditions have persisted for 44 weeks. This high level of stress requires you to prioritize watering the most visible parts of your lawn or letting it go dormant to survive. Avoid any heavy foot traffic on dry, stressed grass to prevent permanent damage.

Seeding in the Lewis County Window

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescues are the best fit for this Zone 6b climate. Your primary growing season begins after the May 23 frost and continues until the first frost on September 25. Focus on building root depth during the spring so the lawn can withstand the severe summer drought periods.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lewis County's county score?
Lewis County, Idaho has a composite county score of 55.6 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 Lewis County rank among counties in Idaho?
Lewis County ranks #16 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 Lewis County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Lewis County is $1,348, with an effective tax rate of 0.67%. This earns Lewis County a tax score of 66.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lewis County?
The median household income in Lewis County, Idaho is $49,643 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lewis County earns an income score of 13.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lewis County, Idaho a good place to live?
Lewis County scores 55.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Lewis 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 Lewis 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.