CountyScore

Nez Perce County

Idaho · ID

#35 in Idaho
70
County Score

County Report Card

About Nez Perce County, Idaho

Nez Perce County outperforms most of America

Nez Perce's composite score of 70.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 20 points, landing in the 70th percentile nationally. The county demonstrates solid livability across multiple dimensions compared to typical American communities.

Slightly below state average livability

The county scores 70.0 against Idaho's state average of 72.5, positioning it in the lower-middle tier of Idaho counties. While still competitive, it trails several neighboring Idaho communities in overall livability metrics.

Income and tax efficiency stand out

Nez Perce County boasts a median household income of $71,466—among the highest in this county group—and a health score of 71.1 reflecting decent healthcare quality. A moderate tax burden with an effective rate of 0.868% keeps overall costs manageable.

Risk exposure poses moderate concern

The risk score of 67.0 suggests moderate vulnerability to natural hazards or economic shocks that residents should factor into long-term planning. Housing affordability, while reasonable at a median home value of $291,300, is slightly higher than some neighboring counties.

Great for professionals seeking reasonable balance

Nez Perce County suits employed professionals and families who value a decent income-to-livability ratio and don't mind moderate natural hazard exposure. The community offers respectable schools, health services, and incomes for those willing to accept slightly elevated risk factors.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax77.9Cost73.9SafetyComing SoonHealth71.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome30Risk67WaterComing Soon
🏛77.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠73.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡67
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Nez Perce County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

St. Clair County
Alabama
70
Median income: $78,993
Sumter County
Alabama
70
Median income: $37,981
Sitka City and Borough
Alaska
70
Median income: $101,207
Lee County
Arkansas
70
Median income: $36,860
Pike County
Georgia
70
Median income: $84,184

Deep Dives

Nez Perce County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.