countyscore
40.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 70.1Disaster Risk 67Water Quality 61.5

County Report Card

About Nez Perce County, Idaho

Facing National Livability Headwinds

Nez Perce County scores a 40.3 on the composite index, positioning it well below the national median of 50.0. This ranking reflects significant gaps in safety and cost relative to the rest of the country. It remains an outlier compared to more balanced national profiles.

Trailing Idaho’s Average Performance

With a 40.3 composite, Nez Perce is roughly 12 points behind the Idaho state average of 52.2. It ranks in the lower tier of Idaho counties for overall quality of life metrics. This suggests the county has more difficulty competing with the state's top-performing areas.

Strong Incomes and Low Environmental Risk

The county boasts a solid Income Score of 70.1, with a median household income of $71,466. It also manages natural risks well, earning a Risk Score of 67.0. These factors provide a degree of economic and physical stability for current residents.

Safety and Cost Concerns

Nez Perce faces a major challenge in safety, where it scores a low 14.5. Additionally, the Cost Score of 28.2 reflects a higher burden relative to income than many neighbors. Addressing local crime and housing affordability are the two most pressing priorities.

Suited for High Earners

Nez Perce County is best for individuals with stable jobs who can leverage the $71,466 median income. The low natural risk is a plus, though the safety score requires careful consideration for new residents. It remains a viable choice for those who prioritize earning potential over low crime rates.

Score breakdown

Tax47.7Cost28.2Safety14.5Health57.8Schools43.4Income70.1Risk67Water61.5Weather47
🏛47.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠28.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼70.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡14.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤57.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡67
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧61.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱34
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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Deep Dives

Nez Perce County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Nez Perce County

via TaxByCounty

Nez Perce taxes approach national median

Nez Perce County's effective tax rate of 0.868% exceeds the U.S. median of 0.71%, ranking it in the upper half nationally for property tax burden. The median property tax of $2,529 is slightly below the national median of $2,690, putting typical homeowners near the national average.

Idaho's highest-taxing county stands out

Nez Perce County's 0.868% effective rate is the highest among Idaho's 44 counties, 71% above the state average of 0.508%. The median property tax of $2,529 is $1,000 more than Idaho's state median of $1,529.

Significantly steeper than surrounding counties

Nez Perce County's 0.868% rate far exceeds neighboring counties like Madison (0.497%), Minidoka (0.518%), and Owyhee (0.481%). This makes Nez Perce County a regional outlier, with homeowners paying substantially more than adjacent areas.

Median $291,300 home costs $2,529 yearly

On Nez Perce County's median home value of $291,300, homeowners pay approximately $2,529 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, the effective tax is $2,573; without one, it drops to $2,446.

Homeowners should scrutinize assessments carefully

Given Nez Perce County's above-average tax rates, homeowners should closely review property assessments for potential overvaluation. Successful appeals challenging inflated assessments can significantly reduce tax liability.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Nez Perce County

via CostByCounty

Nez Perce aligns with national affordability

Nez Perce County's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national threshold for housing stress. With a median household income of $71,466—just 5% below the national median of $74,755—renters here enjoy reasonable affordability at $936 monthly rent.

Idaho's middle ground for affordability

Nez Perce County's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio slightly outperforms Idaho's state average of 16.8%, making it a moderately affordable option. However, median owner costs of $1,158 are among the highest in our regional group, reflecting pricier home values at $291,300.

Moderate rents, higher mortgage costs

Nez Perce's $936 rent runs $17 above the state average but $29 less than Madison County. Yet monthly owner costs reach $1,158—the highest in the region—signaling that homeownership here carries steeper price tags than in neighboring counties.

Renters fare better than homebuyers

Renters spend $936 monthly while homeowners shoulder $1,158, with median home values of $291,300. For renters, this consumes just 15.7% of the $71,466 median income, but homebuyers face substantially higher housing cost burdens.

Consider your housing goals here

Nez Perce County suits renters and buyers with solid incomes, but the relatively high homeownership costs warrant careful budgeting. If you're relocating as a renter, expect reasonable affordability; if buying, compare your down payment capacity against the $291,300 median home value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Nez Perce County

via IncomeByCounty

Nez Perce approaches national income levels

Nez Perce County's median household income of $71,466 sits just 4.4% below the national median of $74,755. The county ranks among Idaho's strongest performers relative to U.S. averages.

Top tier within Idaho counties

At $71,466, Nez Perce exceeds Idaho's state average of $65,770 by $5,696, placing it in the upper quartile of the state's 44 counties. Strong per capita income of $37,859 reflects a diversified workforce.

Leads neighboring counties in earnings

Nez Perce's $71,466 income outpaces all immediate neighbors, including Oneida County at $72,563 (trailing by $1,097) and Payette County at $65,723. The county anchors north-central Idaho's economic strength.

Strong housing affordability despite higher values

Nez Perce households spend just 15.7% of income on rent, well within the healthy 15% threshold. A median home value of $291,300 remains accessible for dual-income households at this income level.

Capitalize on strong income growth potential

Nez Perce earners at $71,466 are positioned to save aggressively toward retirement and investment accounts. Dedicating $15,000–20,000 annually to tax-advantaged savings builds substantial wealth over two decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Nez Perce County

via CrimeByCounty

Nez Perce Safety Aligns with National Averages

Nez Perce County reports a total crime rate of 2,426.5 per 100,000 residents, placing it just above the national average of 2,385.5. It maintains a safety score of 96.2, which is lower than the Idaho state average of 98.4.

Higher Activity Levels in the State

With two agencies reporting, Nez Perce has a crime rate more than double the state average of 1,027.1. This indicates a higher volume of reported incidents than many other rural or suburban Idaho counties.

Comparing Nez Perce to Nearby Counties

The county's crime rate of 2,426.5 is significantly higher than neighboring Payette County's 997.2. It represents one of the more active law enforcement environments in its part of the state.

Property Crime Drives Local Figures

Property crime is the primary concern here, with a rate of 2,263.0 per 100,000 exceeding the national average of 2,015.7. Conversely, violent crime is relatively low at 163.5, which is well below the national rate of 369.8.

Prioritize Property Protection and Awareness

Because property crime is the most frequent issue in Nez Perce, securing garages and vehicles is essential. Residents should consider upgraded locks and alarm systems to mitigate these specific risks.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Nez Perce County

via HealthByCounty

Nez Perce lags U.S. life expectancy by 2.4 years

At 75.1 years, Nez Perce County residents live significantly shorter lives than the U.S. average of 77.5 years. The county does show a lower poor/fair health rate at 16.0%, suggesting better self-reported wellness than some peers.

Among Idaho's shortest life expectancies

Nez Perce County's 75.1-year life expectancy ranks well below Idaho's state average of 77.5 years, a 2.4-year gap. At 9.3% uninsured, the county performs better than the state average of 11.7% on coverage.

Provider strength offsets longevity challenges

While Nez Perce County's 75.1-year life expectancy lags neighbors Oneida (78.6 years) and Madison (79.1 years), it boasts exceptional mental health infrastructure at 312 providers per 100K—far exceeding regional peers. Primary care access is also strong at 66 per 100K.

Strong provider network, low uninsured rate

Nez Perce County's 9.3% uninsured rate and abundant providers—66 primary care and 312 mental health per 100K—suggest good access despite the lower life expectancy. These resources indicate healthcare availability is not the primary barrier to better health outcomes.

Nez Perce: use available resources wisely

With 9.3% uninsured and strong provider availability, most Nez Perce County residents can access care. Verify your coverage at healthcare.gov and work with the county's robust mental health network to address underlying health challenges.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Nez Perce County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Urban and Rural Network

Nez Perce County hosts 18 public schools across three districts, serving a total of 5,414 students. The landscape is well-balanced with nine elementary schools, two middle schools, and five high schools. Three alternative schools provide additional pathways for student success across the county.

Strong Results and Above-Average Investment

The county achieves an 88.4% graduation rate, exceeding both the state average of 83.6% and the national 87.0% rate. School spending is robust at $7,256 per pupil, which is nearly $1,000 higher than the Idaho state average. These factors contribute to a healthy school score of 53.2, placing it above the national median.

Lewiston Independent Leads the Region

The Lewiston Independent District is the largest, managing 13 schools and 4,754 students. Other local options include the Lapwai District with 514 students and the Culdesac Joint District with 114 students. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county lines.

Urban Centers Meet Small Rural Classrooms

Ten schools are located in city settings, while eight serve rural areas, offering families a choice of environments. Lewiston High School is a significant regional anchor with 1,373 students, while the average school size countywide is 318. This mix provides both large-scale opportunities and intimate rural learning experiences.

Invest in a Home Near Top Districts

Nez Perce County's high graduation rates and strong per-pupil spending make it a prime target for homebuyers with children. From the city life of Lewiston to the quiet of Culdesac, there are many neighborhood options near quality schools. Start your home search today to secure a spot in these high-performing districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Nez Perce County

via RiskByCounty

Nez Perce County rates well nationally

Nez Perce County's composite risk score of 32.98 falls below the national average, earning a "Very Low" overall rating despite specific hazards in the region. This favorable national standing suggests residents face fewer catastrophic disaster threats than most U.S. counties.

Below-average risk statewide

With a score of 32.98, Nez Perce County sits just below Idaho's state average of 38.51, placing it in the mid-to-lower tier of the state's risk rankings. This balanced profile means the county avoids extreme exposure while still maintaining awareness of regional hazards.

Wildfire risk dominates in North-Central Idaho

Nez Perce County's 32.98 score ranks higher than Payette County (17.11) but below Madison County (58.62), reflecting its mid-range position in the region. The county's notable wildfire risk of 89.34 distinguishes it from some neighbors, making vegetation management especially important.

Wildfires threaten property and air quality

Nez Perce County faces a wildfire risk score of 89.34—among Idaho's highest—due to extensive forests and grasslands that ignite seasonally and spread rapidly. Flood risk at 57.70 represents a secondary threat, particularly in spring when snowmelt and heavy rains overwhelm creeks and rivers.

Prioritize wildfire preparedness and coverage

Homeowners in Nez Perce County should ensure their standard homeowners policy includes wildfire damage coverage and create defensible space by clearing dead vegetation within 100 feet of structures. Consider also reviewing flood insurance options through the National Flood Insurance Program, especially if your home lies in a flood-prone valley or near waterways.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Nez Perce County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Interior Northwest Hub

With an average of 53.8°F, Nez Perce is one of the warmest spots in the Pacific Northwest interior. Its dry climate yields only 12.9 inches of annual precipitation.

Idaho's Famous Banana Belt

This is one of Idaho's warmest counties, far exceeding the state average of 46.5°F. The local geography keeps the Lewiston area significantly milder than the rest of the state.

Warmer and Drier Than Neighbors

It is much warmer than surrounding mountain counties like Clearwater and Shoshone. While it stays dry, its 12.7 inches of snow is minimal compared to its high-altitude neighbors.

Intense Heat and Mild Winters

Summers are intense with 44 days reaching 90°F and a July average of 75.8°F. Winters are the mildest in the state, averaging a relatively warm 36.9°F.

Cooling is the Top Priority

Modern air conditioning is essential to navigate the frequent 90-degree summer days. Light winter layers usually suffice as January averages stay well above freezing at 36.2°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Nez Perce County

via SoilByCounty

Foundational Chemistry in Nez Perce

Nez Perce follows the Idaho trend with an average pH around 6.04, which is lower than the 6.5 national median. This slight acidity is common in the region and affects how plants access vital nutrients like phosphorus. Monitoring your specific pH level is the first step toward a successful harvest.

Composition and Earthy Texture

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are currently unlisted for Nez Perce. These physical traits dictate whether your soil is light and airy or heavy and moisture-retentive. Most growers in this region find that careful soil management improves whatever texture they find on their land.

A Legacy of Organic Matter

Idaho's state average organic matter stands at an impressive 27.53%, dwarfng the 2.0% national standard. This rich organic profile contributes to an available water capacity of 0.269 in/in across the state. Such high benchmarks suggest that Nez Perce soils can hold substantial moisture and nutrients for crops.

Drainage Logic for Nez Perce

While specific drainage classes are not provided, water movement is a primary concern in the steep terrain of Nez Perce. Identifying your land's hydrologic group helps prevent erosion and ensures proper irrigation levels. Good drainage is the secret to healthy root systems in this diverse landscape.

Abundance in Zone 7b

Nez Perce County enjoys a mild Zone 7b climate, providing one of the longest growing seasons in Idaho. This allows for heat-loving plants like peppers, eggplants, and even some fruit varieties that struggle elsewhere in the state. Take advantage of this warm zone and get your seeds in the ground.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Nez Perce County

via LawnByCounty

Better Odds for Nez Perce Lawns

Nez Perce County enjoys a lawn difficulty score of 34.0, which slightly beats the Idaho state average. Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b, the area offers a more temperate environment than much of the state. However, it still falls short of the national average score of 50.0.

High Heat and Long Seasons

This county experiences a robust 3,143 growing degree days, allowing for a longer than average growing season. However, 44 extreme heat days—significantly above the state average of 30—can stress cool-season grasses quickly. With only 12.9 inches of rain, consistent watering is non-negotiable for a healthy lawn.

Preparing Your Garden Bed

While detailed soil texture data is unavailable, the high heat suggests a need for soil that retains moisture well. Homeowners should test for a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 to maximize nutrient uptake during the long growing season. Adding organic amendments can help stabilize the ground against the frequent 90°F+ days.

Severe Drought Challenges

Nez Perce is currently facing severe drought, with 99.0% of the county in D2+ conditions. This follows 44 weeks of drought over the past year, making water conservation a top priority. Residents should prioritize deep root growth through infrequent but heavy watering sessions.

When to Plant in Zone 7b

The mild 7b hardiness zone permits a wide variety of grasses, including heat-tolerant Tall Fescues. With the last frost occurring early on April 6, the planting window opens much sooner than in neighboring counties. Early spring seeding gives your lawn the best chance to establish before the 44 days of extreme heat arrive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nez Perce County's county score?
Nez Perce County, Idaho has a composite county score of 40.3 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 Nez Perce County rank among counties in Idaho?
Nez Perce County ranks #42 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 Nez Perce County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Nez Perce County is $2,529, with an effective tax rate of 0.87%. This earns Nez Perce County a tax score of 47.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Nez Perce County?
The median household income in Nez Perce County, Idaho is $71,466 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Nez Perce County earns an income score of 70.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Nez Perce County, Idaho a good place to live?
Nez Perce County scores 40.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #42 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Nez Perce 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 Nez Perce 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.