Minidoka County far exceeds national livability standards
Minidoka's composite score of 72.4 sits 45 points above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 72nd percentile nationally. This puts the county in the top tier for overall livability across the United States.
2 / 5
Right at Idaho's state average
With a score of 72.4 versus Idaho's state average of 72.5, Minidoka County performs virtually identically to the state baseline. It ranks solidly in the middle-to-upper range of Idaho counties.
3 / 5
Risk management and affordability lead the way
Minidoka's standout risk score of 79.5 indicates strong resilience to natural hazards and economic disruptions. The county also delivers excellent housing value with a median home price of $235,300 and a cost score of 77.0, making it one of Idaho's most affordable counties.
4 / 5
Health outcomes and income require focus
The county's health score of 63.1 lags behind stronger-performing Idaho communities, suggesting room for improvement in healthcare access or health metrics. While median household income of $70,060 is respectable, it ranks below the highest-earning counties in the state.
5 / 5
Ideal for risk-conscious, value-minded residents
Minidoka County appeals to families seeking affordable housing in a naturally stable region with manageable exposure to disaster risk. The strong risk resilience combined with low housing costs makes it particularly attractive to those prioritizing security and financial sustainability over maximizing income.
Minidoka County far exceeds national livability standards
Minidoka's composite score of 72.4 sits 45 points above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 72nd percentile nationally. This puts the county in the top tier for overall livability across the United States.
Right at Idaho's state average
With a score of 72.4 versus Idaho's state average of 72.5, Minidoka County performs virtually identically to the state baseline. It ranks solidly in the middle-to-upper range of Idaho counties.
Risk management and affordability lead the way
Minidoka's standout risk score of 79.5 indicates strong resilience to natural hazards and economic disruptions. The county also delivers excellent housing value with a median home price of $235,300 and a cost score of 77.0, making it one of Idaho's most affordable counties.
Health outcomes and income require focus
The county's health score of 63.1 lags behind stronger-performing Idaho communities, suggesting room for improvement in healthcare access or health metrics. While median household income of $70,060 is respectable, it ranks below the highest-earning counties in the state.
Ideal for risk-conscious, value-minded residents
Minidoka County appeals to families seeking affordable housing in a naturally stable region with manageable exposure to disaster risk. The strong risk resilience combined with low housing costs makes it particularly attractive to those prioritizing security and financial sustainability over maximizing income.
Score breakdown
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🏛87.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Minidoka County's effective tax rate of 0.518% ranks in the bottom 25% nationally, far below the U.S. median of 0.71%. The median property tax of $1,218 is less than half the national median of $2,690—a substantial $1,472 annual advantage.
Mid-range Idaho county for tax rates
At 0.518%, Minidoka County's effective rate barely exceeds Idaho's statewide average of 0.508%, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's 44 counties. The median tax of $1,218 is $311 below Idaho's state median of $1,529.
Competitive with Oneida and Owyhee rates
Minidoka's 0.518% rate aligns closely with nearby Oneida County (0.513%) and Owyhee County (0.481%), making the region generally tax-friendly. All three counties significantly undercut the statewide average and offer substantially lower taxes than Nez Perce County's 0.868%.
Median home taxed at just $1,218 yearly
On Minidoka County's median home value of $235,300, homeowners pay approximately $1,218 in annual property taxes. Mortgaged properties average $1,337 in taxes; non-mortgaged homes drop to $1,053.
Appeal if your assessment feels too high
Minidoka County homeowners, like those everywhere, should verify their property assessments aren't inflated. An appeal challenging overvaluation could recoup hundreds in annual tax savings.
Minidoka County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio beats the national average and aligns closely with healthy housing affordability standards. Renters here spend $909 monthly on housing—well below the $965 Madison County benchmark—while earning $70,060 median income, nearly matching the $74,755 national figure.
Minidoka ranks among Idaho's most affordable
With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.6%, Minidoka County outperforms the Idaho state average of 16.8%, placing it in the upper tier of affordability across the state. This favorable position reflects lower rents and more balanced income-to-housing ratios than most neighboring Idaho counties.
Competitive rents in southwest Idaho
Minidoka's $909 median rent is slightly below the state average of $919 and significantly cheaper than Madison County at $965. Compared to similarly-sized Owyhee County, Minidoka rents run $138 higher but offer comparable affordability when income is factored in.
Housing costs stay manageable here
Renters spend $909 monthly while homeowners pay $989, with median home values near $235,300. Against a median income of $70,060, housing accounts for roughly 15-17% of household income—a sustainable level that leaves room for other expenses.
Minidoka balances affordability and opportunity
If you're seeking a county where housing won't dominate your budget, Minidoka delivers solid value. With median income near the national average and rents below state average, it's an attractive landing spot for cost-conscious movers.
Minidoka County's median household income of $70,060 sits 6.3% below the national median of $74,755, placing it solidly in the middle-income band. The county performs better than most rural Idaho peers.
Above average in Idaho rankings
At $70,060, Minidoka exceeds Idaho's state average of $65,770 by $4,290, ranking in the upper-middle tier of Idaho's 44 counties. This reflects a stronger local economy anchored by agriculture and small manufacturing.
Outpaces southern Idaho neighbors
Minidoka's $70,060 median income exceeds Power County's $59,760 by $10,300 and Owyhee County's $59,773 by over $10,287. The county stands as an income leader in southern Idaho.
Affordable rental market supports families
At just 15.6% rent-to-income ratio, Minidoka households enjoy well-balanced housing costs relative to earnings. Combined with a median home value of $235,300, the county offers solid affordability for both renters and first-time buyers.
Minidoka earners can invest aggressively
With $70,060 in median income and low housing costs, Minidoka families have breathing room to invest 10–15% of income toward retirement and wealth-building. Consider 529 plans for education savings and tax-advantaged investment accounts.
At 77.0 years, Minidoka County's life expectancy falls 0.5 years below the U.S. average of 77.5 years. With 21.5% reporting poor or fair health, the county faces higher wellness challenges than the nation overall.
Below-average life expectancy within Idaho
Minidoka County's 77.0-year life expectancy trails Idaho's state average of 77.5 years by half a year. At 14.2% uninsured, the county significantly exceeds the state average of 11.7%, suggesting access barriers.
Neighboring counties show better health trends
Minidoka County's 77.0-year life expectancy lags Madison County (79.1 years) by 2.1 years and Oneida County (78.6 years) by 1.6 years. Mental health provider availability is particularly sparse at 49 per 100K versus Oneida's 162 per 100K.
Limited providers, high uninsured rate strain access
Minidoka County's 14.2% uninsured rate exceeds the state average by 2.5 percentage points, with just 27 primary care providers per 100K. Mental health resources are critically thin at 49 providers per 100K, limiting care for residents seeking behavioral health support.
Minidoka residents: prioritize health insurance enrollment
At 14.2% uninsured, one in seven Minidoka County residents lacks coverage. Check healthcare.gov or contact Idaho's health insurance marketplace to find affordable plans and connect with local providers.
Minidoka County's composite risk score of 20.48 places it well below the national average and earns a "Very Low" risk rating. This relatively safe standing means residents face fewer natural disaster threats than most Americans, though localized hazards still warrant attention.
Among Idaho's safest counties
Minidoka County's score of 20.48 sits substantially below Idaho's state average of 38.51, making it one of the state's lower-risk counties. This favorable position reflects moderate earthquake exposure and manageable flood and wildfire threats compared to neighboring regions.
Minidoka offers relative safety in the region
At 20.48, Minidoka County is nearly as safe as neighboring Oneida County (1.40) and slightly lower-risk than Payette County (17.11), establishing the southern Idaho region as comparatively secure. Madison County's 58.62 score underscores how different hazard exposure can be across the state.
Earthquakes present the main concern
Minidoka County's earthquake risk of 74.33 represents the county's primary natural disaster exposure, though this score remains moderate compared to the most seismically active Idaho counties. Wildfire risk at 55.34 poses a secondary threat, particularly during dry summer months when vegetation becomes more flammable.
Earthquake insurance adds essential protection
While Minidoka County's overall risk is low, its moderate earthquake score of 74.33 makes earthquake insurance a smart investment for homeowners seeking comprehensive protection. A standard homeowners policy protects against wildfire, but earthquake coverage must typically be purchased separately and should be considered given the region's seismic activity.