countyscore
59.3
County Score
Disaster Risk 98.6Water Quality 86Property Tax 84.5

County Report Card

About Oneida County, Idaho

An Elite National Performer

Oneida County shines with a composite score of 59.3, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score puts it in the upper echelon of U.S. counties for overall livability. It represents one of the strongest data-backed locations in the region.

Leading the Idaho State Average

At 59.3, Oneida easily surpasses the Idaho state average of 52.2. It is a standout performer in the state, offering a higher quality of life than many of its more populated neighbors. The county sets a high bar for rural Idaho livability.

Near-Perfect Natural Resilience

Oneida achieves a near-perfect Risk Score of 98.6, meaning it is exceptionally safe from natural disasters. Water quality is also a major highlight with a score of 86.0. Combined with a healthy income score of 72.7, the county offers a very secure foundation.

Room to Grow in Education

The primary area for improvement is the School Score, which sits at 33.8. Cost of living also presents some pressure, with a Cost Score of 32.3 indicating that affordability is lower than in some surrounding areas. Balancing these social and economic costs is the next step for this high-performing county.

The Gold Standard for Stability

Oneida County is the premier choice for families seeking maximum environmental safety and high incomes ($72,563). It is ideal for those who value natural resource quality and financial security above all else. Despite modest school scores, its overall profile is remarkably strong.

2040608010084.532.36376.533.872.798.68628.5Tax84.5Cost32.3Safety63Health76.5Schools33.8Income72.7Risk98.6Water86Weather28.559.3/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Oneida County DNA

Foverall

How Oneida County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Oneida County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (98.6/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
84.5+32.5
Cost
32.3-15.700000000000003
Safety
63+8
Health
76.5+26.5
Schools
33.8-20.200000000000003
Income
72.7+21.700000000000003
Risk
98.6+51.599999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
28.5-27.5
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Compare mortgage rates in Oneida County

Whether buying or refinancing in Oneida County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$228,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,009/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$228,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$40,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,563/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

21.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Franklin County
Idaho
59.6
Bannock County
Idaho
42.2
Power County
Idaho
48
Cache County
Utah
51.3
Caribou County
Idaho
65.4
Box Elder County
Utah
44.6
Bear Lake County
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63.3
Cassia County
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47.4

Deep Dives

Oneida County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Oneida County

via TaxByCounty

Oneida keeps taxes well below U.S. average

Oneida County's effective tax rate of 0.513% ranks in the bottom 30% nationally, well below the U.S. median of 0.71%. The median property tax of $1,171 is less than half the national median of $2,690—a $1,519 annual savings for typical homeowners.

Right at Idaho's statewide tax average

Oneida County's 0.513% effective rate is virtually identical to Idaho's statewide average of 0.508%, placing it precisely in the middle of the state's 44 counties. The median tax of $1,171 is $358 below the state median of $1,529.

Low taxes alongside regional peers

Oneida County's 0.513% rate clusters with nearby Minidoka (0.518%) and Owyhee (0.481%), creating a tax-friendly region. All three far undercut Nez Perce County's 0.868% and Madison County's 0.497%.

Median home taxed at $1,171 annually

On Oneida County's median home value of $228,100, homeowners pay approximately $1,171 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, taxes average $1,238; without, they average $1,068.

Challenge overassessed property values

Oneida County homeowners should verify their assessments reflect current market values, as many properties are overvalued. Filing an appeal against an inflated assessment could reduce your annual tax bill significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Oneida County

via CostByCounty

Oneida edges out national affordability

Oneida County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the national comfort threshold, with a median household income of $72,563 nearly matching the national median of $74,755. Renters here spend $1,009 monthly—modest given local income levels—maintaining reasonable housing cost balance.

Slightly tighter than Idaho average

Oneida County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio essentially matches Idaho's state average of 16.8%, placing it squarely in the middle of statewide affordability. Median rents of $1,009 run $90 above the state average, but higher local income offsets this premium.

Premium rents offset by stronger incomes

Oneida's $1,009 median rent is the highest in our regional group, running $80 above Madison County and $100 above state average. However, Oneida's $72,563 median income ranks among the strongest in the region, balancing these elevated housing costs.

Higher rents, better income balance

Renters spend $1,009 monthly while homeowners pay $932, with median home values of $228,100—notably affordable for buyers. Despite the region's highest rents, the $72,563 median income keeps the cost burden at a manageable 16.7%, with homeownership even more affordable.

Strong income makes Oneida work

Oneida County offers the best homebuying value in the region, with modest home prices relative to local income. If you're relocating with strong earning potential, Oneida's higher rents are balanced by solid income levels and affordable homeownership.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Oneida County

via IncomeByCounty

Oneida slightly behind national median

Oneida County's median household income of $72,563 trails the national median of $74,755 by just 2.9%, placing it among the strongest rural Idaho counties. The county performs significantly above the rural U.S. average.

Highest earners in Idaho

At $72,563, Oneida County leads or ties most Idaho counties, exceeding the state average of $65,770 by $6,793. The county ranks at the very top of Idaho's 44 counties by median household income.

Outearns most surrounding counties

Oneida's $72,563 income exceeds Nez Perce County's $71,466 by $1,097 and significantly outpaces Power County's $59,760. The county stands as a regional income leader in southeastern Idaho.

Excellent rent affordability at 16.7%

Oneida households spend 16.7% of income on rent, just slightly above the 15% benchmark. With a median home value of $228,100, the county offers exceptional housing affordability for both renters and buyers.

Prime position for wealth acceleration

Oneida County households earning $72,563 can comfortably allocate $20,000+ annually to retirement, investment, and education savings. The county's low housing costs create an ideal platform for long-term wealth compounding.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Oneida County

via CrimeByCounty

Oneida County Maintains Strong Safety Marks

Oneida County’s safety score of 98.7 is comfortably higher than the Idaho average. Its total crime rate of 853.0 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Snapshot of Local State Performance

Reporting from a single agency shows a crime rate of 853.0, which sits below the Idaho state average of 1,027.1. While these numbers look favorable, the single-agency data source suggests residents should look for consistent long-term trends.

Lower Crime Rates than Southern Neighbors

Oneida’s crime rate of 853.0 is lower than Power County’s rate of 1,098.7. It continues the trend of rural Idaho counties maintaining lower incident volumes than their more urbanized counterparts.

Balanced Violent and Property Trends

Violent crime in Oneida stands at 240.6 per 100,000, which is nearly equal to the state average of 252.9. Property crime remains the larger portion of reports at 612.4, though this is still quite low by national standards.

Simple Steps for a Safer Home

Given the low property crime rate, basic precautions like locking doors and joining a neighborhood watch are very effective. Always report suspicious activity to help law enforcement maintain these positive trends.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Oneida County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Virtual and Physical Network

Oneida County oversees a unique education landscape of five schools serving 7,818 students. While the district maintains traditional elementary, middle, and high schools, it is also home to a large-scale statewide learning academy. All schools are managed by the Oneida County District with no charter options present.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

Oneida County reports an impressive 92.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the state's 83.6% average. However, per-pupil spending is quite low at $4,034, which is significantly below the $6,288 state average and $13,000 national benchmark. The county's composite school score currently sits at 48.2.

Focus on the Idaho Home Learning Academy

The Idaho Home Learning Academy is the county's largest 'school,' serving a staggering 6,875 students in a virtual PK-12 format. This large enrollment dwarfs the traditional local schools, which are all part of the Oneida County District. This model makes the district one of the most unique in the state regarding enrollment size.

Vast Enrollment Differences in Rural Settings

All five schools in the county are classified as rural, creating a consistent environment for local residents. The enrollment gap is huge, ranging from Stone Elementary with just 23 students to the Home Learning Academy's thousands. Local brick-and-mortar schools like Malad Elementary (388 students) offer a traditional small-town feel.

Discover Rural Living with Elite Graduation Rates

For families prioritizing graduation success, Oneida County's 92% rate is a major draw. Homes in the Malad area offer access to small physical classrooms within a high-achieving rural district. Explore local listings to find your place in this tight-knit community with big academic reach.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Oneida County

via RiskByCounty

Oneida County is Idaho's safest region

Oneida County's composite risk score of just 1.40 makes it one of the nation's lowest-risk counties, with a "Very Low" overall rating that reflects minimal natural disaster exposure. This exceptional safety profile places Oneida among America's most disaster-resistant communities.

Dramatically safer than Idaho average

Oneida County's score of 1.40 is remarkable when compared to Idaho's state average of 38.51, ranking it as the state's safest county by a wide margin. This extraordinary advantage reflects the county's geographic isolation and favorable exposure profile across nearly all hazard categories.

Oneida stands alone as regional safe haven

At 1.40, Oneida County's risk score is dramatically lower than all neighboring counties, including Minidoka County (20.48) and Owyhee County (44.12). This exceptional safety makes Oneida one of the nation's most secure places for residents concerned about natural disaster exposure.

Minimal hazards across the county

Oneida County faces a wildfire risk of 81.20, which represents the main natural disaster concern despite being moderate nationally. All other hazard categories—flood, tornado, and earthquake—score exceptionally low, with tornado risk at just 2.58 and flood risk at 4.87.

Standard homeowners insurance typically sufficient

Given Oneida County's exceptionally low overall risk profile, a standard homeowners insurance policy provides adequate protection for most residents and covers fire, theft, and weather damage. Even with wildfire risk at 81.20, the county's isolation and low population density reduce property exposure compared to more developed regions, though residents should still maintain cleared defensible space around structures.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Oneida County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Compliance Grade for Oneida County

Oneida County earns an A grade for drinking water quality, reporting zero health-based violations over the past five years. With a violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000, it stands out as a leader in state water safety. This performance is exemplary compared to the Idaho state average of 207.0.

Significant Impairments in Oneida Streams

Despite clean drinking water, 56.5% of the county's 271 assessed water bodies are impaired. The 2022 reports highlight sedimentation, phosphorus, and E. coli as the top threats. This impairment rate is significantly higher than the Idaho state average of 41.6%.

Biological Data Leads Limited Monitoring Records

The county has 13 monitoring sites with 481 measurements recorded over the last five years. Most data collection focuses on biological counts and fish populations rather than chemical testing. This limited monitoring footprint suggests a need for more frequent water quality sampling.

Malad River Experiencing Critical Low Flow

The Malad River at Woodruff is currently flowing at just 11 cfs, a mere 17% of its long-term mean. These extremely low levels can lead to higher concentrations of E. coli and nutrients. The small drainage area of 472 square miles makes the river highly sensitive to drought.

Be Cautious of Bacteria During Drought

While drinking water systems are currently safe, the high prevalence of E. coli in impaired streams combined with low flow is a major risk. Low water volumes allow contaminants to reach higher concentrations in local water bodies. Private well owners near the Malad River should consider testing for bacteria during these dry periods.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Oneida County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Semi-Arid Basin Climate

Oneida averages 46.8°F, placing it squarely in a cool, semi-arid national category. Annual precipitation of 13.1 inches is well below the national median.

Matching the Idaho Average

The county's annual temperature of 46.8°F mirrors the Idaho state average of 46.5°F almost perfectly. It serves as a benchmark for the typical high-desert climate of Southern Idaho.

Typical Southern Border Weather

Like neighboring Franklin and Power, the county experiences low precipitation compared to the state average of 17 inches. Its climate is dictated by rugged basin and range geography.

Significant Summer Heat Frequency

Despite the moderate average, the county sees a surprising 46 days above 90°F in summer. Winters are sharp and cold, with January temperatures averaging just 23.6°F.

Prepare for Seasonal Extremes

Residents should prepare for swings between the 71°F July average and frozen winters. Though snowfall records are limited, dual-stage HVAC systems help manage the frequent summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Oneida County

via SoilByCounty

Oneida's Regional Soil Character

Oneida operates within an Idaho landscape where the average soil pH is 6.04, slightly more acidic than the 6.5 national median. This acidity level impacts the chemical availability of minerals necessary for plant growth. Local growers often test their specific sites to see how they deviate from this state average.

Texture and Soil Workability

Data for sand, silt, and clay ratios in Oneida is currently being updated and is not yet specified. These textures are vital for determining how much effort it takes to till the land and how well it drains. Identifying the dominant texture on your property is key to selecting the right gardening tools.

Fertility and Organic Content

With a state average organic matter of 27.53%, Idaho's soils are exceptionally rich compared to the 2.0% national average. This contributes to a high available water capacity of 0.269 in/in, which helps plants survive during dry spells. Oneida's agricultural potential is rooted in these high-quality regional benchmarks.

Water Management in Oneida

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not currently listed for this county. Proper drainage is essential for protecting your home's foundation and ensuring garden health. Understanding the path water takes across your land can help you plan better irrigation and landscaping.

Grow Boldly in Zone 6a

Oneida County is located in Hardiness Zone 6a, a versatile climate for many garden favorites. You can grow a wide variety of berries, squash, and hardy perennials with great success here. Start a backyard garden this year to make the most of Oneida's natural growing potential.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Oneida County

via LawnByCounty

Significant Hurdles for Oneida Lawns

Oneida County presents one of the most challenging environments for lawns, with a difficulty score of 24.3. This is significantly lower than the Idaho average of 33.3 and half the national median. Homeowners in this Zone 6a region must be highly proactive to keep grass alive.

Frequent Heat and Arid Air

The county records 46 extreme heat days annually, which is over 50% more than the Idaho average. Combined with a meager 13.1 inches of precipitation, this heat puts immense evaporation pressure on turf. Lawns here require more supplemental water than almost any other part of the state.

Building Resilience Through Soil

With limited regional data available, local soil testing is the only way to ensure your lawn has the right foundation. Improving soil structure is vital to help grass survive the 46 days of temperatures above 90°F. Focus on creating a deep root zone to help plants access water during the hottest months.

Managing Persistent Dryness

Oneida County spent 40 weeks in drought over the last year, and the entire area remains abnormally dry today. To survive these conditions, lawns should be kept at a height of 3 inches or more to protect the crown from heat. Efficient irrigation during the early morning hours is essential to minimize water loss.

Timing Your Oneida Lawn

Choose drought-resistant varieties like Buffalograss or hybrid Bluegrass to cope with the local climate. The last spring frost typically occurs late on May 22, so wait for the ground to warm before seeding. A fall seeding in early September is often more successful here to avoid the intense summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Oneida County's county score?
Oneida County, Idaho has a composite county score of 59.3 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 Oneida County rank among counties in Idaho?
Oneida County ranks #9 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 Oneida County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Oneida County is $1,171, with an effective tax rate of 0.51%. This earns Oneida County a tax score of 84.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Oneida County?
The median household income in Oneida County, Idaho is $72,563 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Oneida County earns an income score of 72.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Oneida County, Idaho a good place to live?
Oneida County scores 59.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Oneida 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 Oneida County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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