countyscore
54
County Score
Disaster Risk 91Property Tax 88Safety 60.8

County Report Card

About Lincoln County, Idaho

Better than the National Median

Lincoln County earns a composite score of 53.9, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high baseline of quality of life for its residents.

Competitive Idaho Ranking

The county’s score of 53.9 slightly outperforms the Idaho state average of 52.2. It maintains a strong position among Idaho's counties, particularly in terms of safety and taxes.

Resilient and Tax-Friendly

Lincoln County is highly resilient with a risk score of 91.0, protecting it from many natural hazards. Residents also enjoy a low tax burden, as evidenced by a tax score of 88.0.

School and Health Gaps

The county faces challenges in social infrastructure, with a school score of 26.4 and a health score of 43.1. These areas suggest that residents may look elsewhere for premium healthcare or education services.

Best for Secure, Quiet Living

Lincoln County suits residents who value a quiet life with minimal environmental risk and low taxes. It is a solid choice for those who are independent of local institutional rankings.

Score breakdown

Tax88Cost47.9Safety60.8Health43.1Schools26.4Income57Risk91Water35.8Weather34.1
🏛88
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠47.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼57
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡60.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤43.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓26.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡91
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧35.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱31.5
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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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Jerome County
Idaho
40.4
Minidoka County
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45.2
Gooding County
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47.5
Blaine County
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Twin Falls County
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Cassia County
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Deep Dives

Lincoln County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lincoln County

via TaxByCounty

Lincoln County: tax-friendly by national standards

Lincoln County's effective tax rate of 0.479% yields a median property tax of $991—63% below the national median of $2,690. The county ranks comfortably in the bottom third nationally for tax burden.

Just below Idaho's state average

At 0.479%, Lincoln County's effective rate sits marginally below Idaho's state average of 0.508%. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier among Idaho's 44 counties for overall tax burden.

Lower taxes than most regional peers

Lincoln County's 0.479% rate beats Jerome County (0.639%), Lewis County (0.666%), and Latah County (0.681%), though slightly higher than Lemhi County (0.393%). The county offers competitive tax rates for the region.

Median annual property tax: $991

With a median home value of $206,700, typical Lincoln County homeowners pay approximately $991 per year in property taxes. That's about $83 monthly—among the lowest recurring housing costs statewide.

Small savings compound over time

Even in a relatively tax-friendly county, a $100-200 annual overpayment adds up to thousands over a homeowner's lifetime. Take time to verify your assessment, especially if you've owned your home through recent market fluctuations.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lincoln County

via CostByCounty

Lincoln County delivers accessible affordability

Lincoln County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio beats both the national norm and Idaho's 16.8% state average, delivering genuine relief on rents of $860. The $66,038 median household income, though 12% below the national average, aligns well with housing costs to create one of the region's most livable affordability equations.

Best ratio among affordable counties

Lincoln County ranks among Idaho's most affordable at 15.6% rent-to-income, trailing only Jerome County (14.9%) and Idaho County (15.7%). The median rent of $860 sits near the state median of $919, suggesting balanced local housing markets that don't price out working families.

Rents and income balance smoothly

Lincoln County's $860 rent and $66,038 income create a ratio that sits right between lower-cost counties like Idaho ($797 rent) and pricier markets like Latah ($905). This middle-ground positioning makes Lincoln appealing for families seeking rural character without the affordability squeeze of higher-demand neighbors.

Ownership roughly equals renting cost

Renters pay $860 monthly while homeowners spend just $854 on the $206,700 median home value—nearly identical burdens. For the $66,038 median income, this near-parity is remarkable and suggests Lincoln offers excellent value for prospective homeowners seeking to build equity.

Lincoln County: balanced path to ownership

Lincoln County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio and nearly equal rent-versus-ownership costs ($860 vs. $854) make it ideal for renters ready to transition to homeownership. If you're earning near the county's $66,038 median and value affordability with stability, Lincoln delivers one of the region's most balanced housing markets.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lincoln County

via IncomeByCounty

Lincoln County moderately below U.S. median

The median household income of $66,038 falls about 12% short of the national median of $74,755. Lincoln County ranks near the 40th percentile nationally, placing it in the lower-middle income tier across America.

Slightly above Idaho's state average

At $66,038, Lincoln County edges past Idaho's state median of $65,770 by just $268, placing it near the state midpoint. The county ranks in the middle-to-upper third of Idaho's 44 counties.

Outperforms southern Idaho peers

Lincoln County's $66,038 exceeds both Lemhi ($52,057) and Lewis ($49,643) to the north, though it trails Jerome ($69,338) and Latah ($65,179). The income distribution reflects Lincoln's agricultural base balanced with limited urban employment options.

Low housing costs aid affordability

With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.6%, Lincoln County households spend less than 16% of median income on rent, well below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $206,700 is the second-lowest among these eight counties, enhancing homeownership accessibility.

Leverage affordable housing advantage

Lincoln County's low housing burden leaves room for 8–10% of household income to flow toward savings, retirement, or investments. Build a financial foundation by automating deposits to emergency savings, then shift surpluses to tax-advantaged retirement accounts.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lincoln County

via CrimeByCounty

Lincoln County provides national-level safety

Lincoln County’s safety score of 98.6 highlights its status as a safe place to live by national standards. The total crime rate of 903.3 per 100K is far lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding Idaho’s high safety standards

The county’s safety score exceeds the Idaho state average of 98.4. Its total crime rate of 903.3 also stays below the Idaho state average of 1,027.1.

Safer than busier neighbor Jerome

Lincoln is safer than neighbors like Jerome, which sees 1,385.1 crimes per 100K. It reports slightly more activity than Lewis County but remains a low-crime jurisdiction overall.

Monitoring property and violent rates

The local data shows 326.7 violent crimes per 100K, which is above the state average of 252.9. Property crime accounts for 576.6 incidents, which is well below the national average of 2,015.7.

Remaining vigilant in Lincoln County

With violent crime rates slightly higher than the Idaho average, staying aware of your surroundings is vital. Maintaining a secure home perimeter helps keep the local property crime rate in check.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lincoln County

via HealthByCounty

Lincoln County matches state average

At 77.5 years, Lincoln County's life expectancy matches Idaho's state average and slightly exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years. However, 21.1% report poor or fair health—higher than most peers—suggesting uneven wellness outcomes.

Average health, above-average uninsured

Lincoln County's 77.5-year life expectancy matches Idaho's state average exactly, but its 14% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 11.7% by 2.3 percentage points. This coverage gap likely contributes to the relatively high poor/fair health rate.

Mid-tier performer with coverage gaps

Lincoln County's 77.5-year life expectancy ties the state average but lags Idaho and Kootenai counties by a full year. Its 14% uninsured rate is higher than most neighbors except Jerome (16.1%), suggesting systemic enrollment challenges.

Moderate providers, high uninsured rate

Lincoln County has 38 primary care and just 18 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—minimal mental health capacity. With 14% uninsured, one in seven residents lack insurance, and those with coverage face sparse mental health resources.

Lincoln County must expand coverage

At 14% uninsured with minimal mental health providers, Lincoln County faces dual challenges. Visit healthcare.gov immediately to explore Medicaid and marketplace options, and ask providers about telehealth mental health services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lincoln County

via SchoolsByCounty

Lincoln County's Rural Education Hub

Lincoln County features six public schools across three districts, educating a total of 916 students. The system is distributed across one elementary, one middle, and two high schools, along with two combined-grade schools. There are no charter schools, focusing all local resources on the three primary school districts.

Academic Success in Lincoln County

The county boasts an 84.3% graduation rate, which sits comfortably above the Idaho state average of 83.6%. Local schools are well-funded with a $6,727 per-pupil expenditure, higher than the state average of $6,288. The resulting school score of 49.9 is also slightly better than the statewide average of 48.0.

Shoshone Joint District Leads the Way

Shoshone Joint District is the largest provider, managing four schools and 525 students. The remaining students are served by the Dietrich and Richfield districts, which each operate a single PK-12 school. This district structure ensures that every corner of the county has localized access to education.

Intimate Schools in a Rural Setting

Every school in Lincoln County is classified as rural, creating a consistent and quiet learning environment. The average school size is 153 students, ranging from Shoshone Elementary’s 240 students to the small 120-student Shoshone High. This small-scale setting allows for a very personal educational experience for all students.

Find Your Home in Lincoln County

With graduation rates exceeding the state average, Lincoln County is a solid choice for families. Homes in the Shoshone or Dietrich areas provide access to these well-performing, rural school districts. Begin your real estate journey today by exploring properties near these dedicated local schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lincoln County

via RiskByCounty

Lincoln County ranks among America's safest

Lincoln County's composite score of 9.06 and "Very Low" rating place it far below the national average for natural disaster risk. The county enjoys exceptional protection across virtually all major hazard types.

Lincoln County is Idaho's absolute safest county

At 9.06, Lincoln County holds the lowest composite risk score in Idaho—dramatically below the state average of 38.51. The county represents the gold standard for natural disaster safety in the state.

Lincoln County far exceeds surrounding areas

Lincoln County's 9.06 dramatically beats Jerome County (21.47) and Lewis County (3.09)—actually, Lewis is slightly safer—but Lincoln still ranks among Idaho's safest. The county sits in the state's very lowest risk tier.

Wildfire is the sole meaningful local hazard

Wildfire risk scores 92.05, while flood (14.41), earthquake (32.16), and tornado (3.91) all remain exceptionally low. The county's entire risk profile centers on fire exposure.

Wildfire insurance covers your only real threat

With wildfire at 92.05 but all other hazards minimal, homeowners should ensure wildfire coverage is in place. This single addition protects against Lincoln County's most serious natural disaster risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lincoln County

via WeatherByCounty

Arid warmth on the Snake River Plain

Lincoln County is relatively warm for Idaho, with an annual average of 49.4°F. It is very dry, with only 10.5 inches of annual precipitation, typical of a high-desert environment.

Warmest among the local counties

The county's average temperature of 49.4°F is nearly 3 degrees higher than the Idaho state average of 46.5°F. It is also one of the driest counties, receiving 6.5 inches less rain than the state average.

Comparable to nearby Jerome County

Lincoln County closely mirrors Jerome County’s 49.6°F average and 10.4-inch precipitation level. Both counties face much higher summer heat risks than their neighbors in the northern part of the state.

Scorching summers and dry winters

Summer is the dominant season here, with a July average of 74.5°F and a significant 45 days over 90°F. Winters are dry with 28.6 inches of snow and a January average of 26.5°F.

Focus on high-capacity cooling

With 45 days of extreme heat, high-efficiency HVAC systems are the most important investment for homeowners. Drought-tolerant landscaping is also essential given the sparse 10.5 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lincoln County

via SoilByCounty

Lincoln's Uncharted Soil Terrain

Records for Lincoln County's soil taxonomic order and pH are currently unavailable. We cannot determine if the soil is more or less acidic than the national median of 6.5. This data gap highlights the need for site-specific testing in the region.

Composition and Texture Gaps

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not provided for the soils in this county. These factors determine how much water the soil holds and how easy it is to plow. Residents should test their own soil to better understand its unique physical makeup.

Fertility and Moisture Availability

Data on organic matter and available water capacity (AWC) is missing from the county records. We cannot compare these levels to the state averages of 27.53% organic matter or 0.269 in/in AWC. Local gardeners must build their own soil health through composting and careful irrigation.

Water and Drainage Planning

Dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups remain unlisted for Lincoln County. This data is critical for understanding how the land handles rainfall and snowmelt. Builders and farmers should prioritize on-site drainage assessments for any new developments.

Cultivate in Zone 6a

Lincoln County sits in hardiness zone 6a, which is suitable for many resilient plant varieties. With a moderate growing season, you can successfully raise a wide array of garden favorites. Start your planting journey and help green the local landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lincoln County

via LawnByCounty

The High-Heat Desert Lawn

Lincoln County's lawn difficulty score of 31.5 is nearly identical to the state average, but it remains a challenging Zone 6a environment. The combination of arid air and intense summer heat creates a significant hurdle for traditional lawns. To succeed here, you must be a master of irrigation and heat management.

Scorching Summers and Low Rainfall

Lincoln County faces 45 days of extreme heat above 90°F, far exceeding the state average of 30 days. This intense heat is coupled with a mere 10.5 inches of annual rain, making natural lawn survival impossible. However, the high count of 2789 growing degree days means that if you provide water, your grass will grow very quickly.

Analyzing Your Arid Soil

While detailed local soil stats are not provided, desert soils in this region are often alkaline and low in organic matter. You should aim for a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 by using soil amendments like sulfur or organic compost. This helps the soil retain water longer and makes fertilizers much more effective during the hot summer.

Smart Water Use in Dry Times

Lincoln has faced 37 weeks of drought over the past year, and the entire county is currently abnormally dry. To combat the 45 days of extreme heat, use mulch in flower beds and keep grass blades long to preserve soil moisture. Watering deeply and less frequently is the best strategy to keep your lawn resilient during these dry spells.

Harnessing the Long Growing Season

Choose heat-resistant varieties like Turf-Type Tall Fescue that can handle the intense Lincoln County summers. Your season begins after the frost on May 24 and lasts until October 16, providing ample time for establishment. With 2789 growing degree days, your lawn has plenty of energy to thrive if you manage the heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lincoln County's county score?
Lincoln County, Idaho has a composite county score of 54 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 Lincoln County rank among counties in Idaho?
Lincoln County ranks #22 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 Lincoln County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Lincoln County is $991, with an effective tax rate of 0.48%. This earns Lincoln County a tax score of 88/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lincoln County?
The median household income in Lincoln County, Idaho is $66,038 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lincoln County earns an income score of 57/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lincoln County, Idaho a good place to live?
Lincoln County scores 54/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Lincoln 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 Lincoln 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.