countyscore
49.3
County Score
Property Tax 87.6Disaster Risk 55.9Cost of Living 55.1

County Report Card

About Owyhee County, Idaho

Mirroring the National Median

Owyhee County earns a 49.3 composite score, placing it almost exactly at the national median of 50.0. This indicates a typical American livability profile with a mix of high and low dimensions. It offers a balanced, middle-of-the-road experience compared to the rest of the country.

Slightly Below the Idaho Average

With a 49.3 score, Owyhee falls just short of the Idaho state average of 52.2. While it remains competitive, it doesn't quite reach the heights of the state’s top-tier counties. It maintains a steady position within Idaho's broader rural landscape.

Low Taxes and Affordable Living

Owyhee is a leader in fiscal health with a Tax Score of 87.6 and a low effective tax rate of 0.481%. Affordability is also a major draw, reflected in a Cost Score of 55.1. Renters benefit from a median gross rent of only $771 per month.

Water Quality and Health Gaps

The county struggles with a low Water Score of 19.8 and a Health Score of 32.8. Educational outcomes also remain lower than average, with a school score of 31.2. Improving health and environmental infrastructure is essential for better long-term outcomes.

Perfect for the Budget-Conscious

Owyhee County is an excellent fit for people seeking low taxes and cheap housing options. Those who prioritize financial breathing room over health or school rankings will find it very appealing. It offers a straightforward, low-cost rural lifestyle.

2040608010087.655.148.632.831.238.355.919.836.5Tax87.6Cost55.1Safety48.6Health32.8Schools31.2Income38.3Risk55.9Water19.8Weather36.549.3/100
This county
National avg
1 above average5 below average

Owyhee County DNA

Foverall

How Owyhee County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Owyhee County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (87.6/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (19.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
87.6+35.599999999999994
Cost
55.1
Safety
48.6
Health
32.8-17.200000000000003
Schools
31.2-22.8
Income
38.3-12.700000000000003
Risk
55.9+8.899999999999999
Water
19.8-38.2
Weather
36.5-19.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$281,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$771/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$281,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $59,773/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.3

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

Ada County
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45.3
Elmore County
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Canyon County
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Gooding County
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Malheur County
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Payette County
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Boise County
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Gem County
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Deep Dives

Owyhee County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Owyhee County

via TaxByCounty

Owyhee offers exceptional tax savings

Owyhee County's effective tax rate of 0.481% ranks in the bottom 20% nationally, well below the U.S. median of 0.71%. The median property tax of $1,355 is just 50% of the national median of $2,690—a $1,335 annual advantage.

Idaho's most tax-friendly county

Owyhee County's 0.481% effective rate is the lowest among Idaho's 44 counties, nearly 5% below the state average of 0.508%. The median tax of $1,355 is $174 below Idaho's state median of $1,529.

Lowest-taxing county in a competitive region

Owyhee County's 0.481% rate edges out Minidoka (0.518%), Oneida (0.513%), and Madison (0.497%), making it the region's most affordable. It dramatically undercuts Nez Perce County's 0.868%.

Median home costs just $1,355 yearly

On Owyhee County's median home value of $281,600, homeowners pay approximately $1,355 in annual property taxes. Mortgaged properties average $1,405 in taxes; non-mortgaged homes average $1,267.

Verify assessments even at low rates

Even in Idaho's lowest-taxing county, homeowners should confirm their property assessments are accurate and defensible. Contesting an overvaluation, if warranted, could provide modest but welcome additional savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Owyhee County

via CostByCounty

Owyhee delivers rare rural affordability

Owyhee County's 15.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's most affordable, with remarkably low rents of just $771 monthly. Though median household income lags the national average at $59,773, the combination of minimal rent and modest living costs creates genuine affordability.

Idaho's most affordable county

Owyhee County boasts the state's lowest rent-to-income ratio at 15.5%, with median rents of $771—$148 below the state average of $919. This rural county punches above its weight in affordability, making it Idaho's best bargain for renters.

Lowest rents in the region

Owyhee's $771 monthly rent is the cheapest in our eight-county comparison, undercutting even Power County's $729 by accounting for affordability. Median home values of $281,600 offer reasonable buying options relative to the $59,773 median income.

Minimal housing burden, maximum value

Renters spend just $771 monthly while homeowners pay $908, with median home values at $281,600. At a 15.5% rent-to-income ratio, Owyhee residents enjoy the lowest housing cost burden in our region—a genuine advantage for tight budgets.

Rural charm meets real affordability

If housing costs are your priority, Owyhee County delivers the region's best value with rents far below state average and manageable homebuying options. Relocating here means your paycheck stretches further, freeing resources for other priorities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Owyhee County

via IncomeByCounty

Owyhee trails U.S. median meaningfully

Owyhee County's median household income of $59,773 falls 20% below the national median of $74,755. The county reflects the income challenges of rural, agriculture-dependent regions.

Below Idaho average but stable

At $59,773, Owyhee trails Idaho's state average of $65,770 by $5,997, ranking in the lower-middle tier of Idaho's 44 counties. The county's economy remains tied to ranching and natural resources.

Similar to Madison, above Power County

Owyhee's $59,773 closely mirrors Madison County's $58,259 and exceeds Power County's $59,760 by just $13. The three neighboring counties form a cluster of lower-middle-income areas in southwestern Idaho.

Low rent burden supports renters

Owyhee's 15.5% rent-to-income ratio is well below the 20% stress threshold, making it affordable for renters. However, a median home value of $281,600 presents a stretch for median-income households seeking to buy.

Strategic savings unlock long-term security

Owyhee County families earning $59,773 should prioritize building emergency savings of 3–6 months expenses before investing. Even modest contributions of $50–100 monthly to retirement accounts compound meaningfully over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Owyhee County

via CrimeByCounty

Owyhee County’s Safety Score Stays High

Owyhee County carries a safety score of 98.2, reflecting its overall secure nature. Its total crime rate of 1,154.2 per 100,000 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Owyhee Above the Idaho Crime Average

Two reporting agencies track Owyhee’s crime rate of 1,154.2, which is slightly higher than the state average of 1,027.1. Residents experience a slightly higher volume of reports than the typical Idaho county.

Tracking Regional Safety Variations

Owyhee’s crime rate of 1,154.2 is comparable to Minidoka County’s 1,183.8. Both counties see more incident reports than Madison County, which remains the regional leader in low crime.

Higher Violent Crime Rates in Owyhee

Owyhee reports a violent crime rate of 415.2 per 100,000, which is higher than both the Idaho average and the national rate of 369.8. Property crime is lower than the national benchmark, sitting at 739.0 incidents per 100,000.

Increased Vigilance and Home Safety

Because violent crime rates are elevated here, investing in home security systems with active monitoring is a wise choice. Proper lighting and clear sightlines around your property can further discourage unwanted activity.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Owyhee County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Education Across Five Districts

Owyhee County supports 2,431 students through 11 public schools spread across five distinct school districts. The system includes six elementary, two middle, and three high schools to serve its vast geography. There are no charter schools in the county, keeping all education within the traditional public districts.

Exceeding Benchmarks in High School Success

The county's graduation rate of 89.2% is notably higher than the state's 83.6% and the national 87.0% average. Local investment is $6,122 per pupil, which aligns closely with the Idaho state average of $6,288. These efforts result in a solid school score of 51.2, beating the national median of 50.0.

Homedale and Marsing Lead District Enrollment

Homedale Joint District is the largest in the county, serving 1,260 students across three schools. Marsing Joint District follows with 854 students, while Bruneau-Grand View Joint manages 302 students. These districts provide the core educational framework for the county's scattered communities.

A Truly Rural Learning Experience

Nine of the county's 11 schools are located in rural areas, reflecting the region's agricultural character. School sizes are generally small, averaging 221 students, with Homedale Elementary being the largest at 469 pupils. This creates an environment where students receive more individualized attention in smaller cohorts.

Find Your Rural Retreat with Great Schools

Owyhee County is an excellent choice for families seeking a rural lifestyle without sacrificing academic performance. With graduation rates nearly 90%, the Homedale and Marsing areas are particularly attractive for homebuyers. Check out available homes to join a community that values both its heritage and its schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Owyhee County

via RiskByCounty

Owyhee County faces moderate national risk

Owyhee County's composite risk score of 44.12 exceeds the national average and carries a "Relatively Low" rating, indicating moderate but manageable disaster exposure. While not among the nation's riskiest counties, residents should remain vigilant about natural hazards that affect the region.

Above-average risk statewide

With a score of 44.12, Owyhee County ranks above Idaho's state average of 38.51, placing it in the state's higher-risk tier. This elevation reflects the county's particular vulnerability to wildfires and floods, hazards that shape the region's disaster profile.

Owyhee's wildfire risk dominates Southwest Idaho

Owyhee County's 44.12 score ranks higher than nearby Payette County (17.11) but below Madison County (58.62), establishing it as a moderate-risk zone in the region. The county's wildfire risk of 95.80 stands out as Idaho's highest, reflecting its arid landscape and dense sagebrush vegetation.

Extreme wildfire risk shapes county exposure

Owyhee County faces a wildfire risk score of 95.80—the highest in Idaho—due to vast expanses of sagebrush and grassland that burn readily and rapidly, especially in late summer. Flood risk at 58.72 presents a secondary concern, as desert storms can trigger flash flooding in canyons and low-lying areas.

Wildfire insurance is critical here

With Idaho's highest wildfire risk at 95.80, Owyhee County homeowners must ensure their insurance explicitly covers wildfire damage and maintain extensive defensible space—clearing vegetation 100+ feet from structures. Additionally, residents in flood-prone canyons and washes should evaluate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, particularly in areas with historical flooding.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Owyhee County

via WaterByCounty

Owyhee County Earns F for Compliance

Owyhee County struggles with drinking water safety, receiving an F grade due to 7 health violations in five years. Its violation rate of 133.9 per 100,000 residents indicates recurring issues, though it remains lower than the state average of 207.0. Local systems face persistent challenges in meeting EPA safety benchmarks.

Temperature and Sediment Stress Owyhee Basins

In the 2022 assessment, 35.8% of the county's 492 assessed water bodies were listed as impaired. The primary drivers are high water temperatures and sedimentation, which affect aquatic life. This rate is slightly better than the Idaho statewide average of 41.6%.

Monitoring Focuses on Physical and Biological Health

Owyhee County has 43 active monitoring sites that have generated 4,700 measurements over five years. Data collection emphasizes physical characteristics and fish biology to track environmental health. These records provide a vital baseline for the vast 40,800 square mile drainage area.

Snake River Flows Below Seasonal Average

The Snake River below CJ Strike Dam is currently flowing at 5,910 cfs. This represents 67% of the long-term mean discharge for this station. Lower flows can lead to increased water temperatures, which is already a primary cause of impairment in the region.

Watch for Heat-Related Water Quality Issues

With low streamflows and an F compliance grade, residents should be wary of water quality during warm months. High temperatures and sediment are known issues that can complicate water treatment processes. Using a certified home water filter can provide an extra layer of safety against local health violations.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Owyhee County

via WeatherByCounty

America's High Desert Frontier

Owyhee is a vast, dry frontier with a 49.7°F average temperature and only 10 inches of rain. This puts it among the driest counties in the United States.

Idaho's Driest Desert County

It is warmer than the Idaho average of 46.5°F but ranks as the driest county in the state. While rain is scarce, the county catches a robust 47.3 inches of snow annually.

Drier and Snowier than Boise

Owyhee is significantly drier and warmer than its northern neighbor, Ada County. However, its high-desert peaks catch far more snow (47.3 inches) than the nearby Treasure Valley.

Hot Summers, Cold Snowy Winters

Summers are hot with 41 days hitting 90°F or higher. Winters are moderately cold, averaging 32°F, though January nights can be particularly biting in the open desert.

Conserve Water and Drive 4WD

Water conservation is a way of life given the 10-inch annual precipitation limit. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for winter travel to navigate the 47-inch snowfall average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Owyhee County

via SoilByCounty

The Chemistry of Owyhee Land

Owyhee’s soil exists in a state where the average pH is 6.04, falling below the national median of 6.5. This mild acidity influences how easily plants can absorb nutrients from the vast Owyhee landscape. Knowing your pH is the first step toward optimizing soil health for any project.

Mineral Makeup and Texture

Detailed data for sand, silt, and clay percentages is not currently available for Owyhee County. These three ingredients determine whether soil is crumbly and productive or dense and difficult to work. Observing how your soil feels when wet can provide clues to its unique composition.

High Organic Matter Potential

Idaho's state average organic matter is 27.53%, which is much higher than the national average of 2.0%. This richness supports a state average available water capacity of 0.269 in/in, providing a strong foundation for plant life. Owyhee's vast acreage has the potential to match these impressive state-wide fertility markers.

Owyhee's Drainage Dynamics

Specific drainage class and hydrologic data for this county are not currently recorded in the summary. Managing drainage is vital in arid regions to ensure that irrigation water reaches roots without causing salt buildup. Pay attention to how quickly your soil dries out to manage your water use effectively.

Success in Hardiness Zone 7a

Owyhee County sits in Hardiness Zone 7a, offering a relatively long and warm growing season. This environment is ideal for growing sweet corn, tomatoes, and even peaches if given enough water. Now is the perfect time to plant a garden and enjoy the bounty of the high desert.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Owyhee County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Terrain in Owyhee County

Owyhee County scores a 29.6 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it harder to maintain than the state average. This USDA Hardiness Zone 7a region faces a desert-like climate that is unforgiving to traditional turf. Success here requires a data-driven approach to irrigation and species selection.

The Challenge of Low Precipitation

With only 10.0 inches of annual precipitation, this is one of the driest counties in the region. The area also endures 41 days of extreme heat, which is nearly double the amount found in cooler Idaho counties. Lawns must survive on less than one-third of the ideal 30-50 inches of rainfall.

Testing for Desert Soil Needs

Soil data for Owyhee is currently limited, so homeowners should perform a jar test to check for sand or clay content. In this dry environment, high alkalinity can be an issue, so aiming for the 6.0-7.0 pH sweet spot is critical. Amending with sulfur may be necessary if your local test shows high pH levels.

Combating Severe Drought Conditions

Nearly 31% of the county is in severe drought, part of a 37-week dry streak over the past year. Water conservation isn't just a suggestion here; it is a necessity for maintaining any green space. Using rain barrels or gray water systems where permitted can help supplement thirsty lawns.

Planning Around the Frost

In Hardiness Zone 7a, Tall Fescue is a top choice for its deep root system and heat tolerance. The last spring frost usually passes by May 17, giving you a clear window to start your growing season. Early morning watering is the most effective way to help new grass establish in this arid climate.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Owyhee County's county score?
Owyhee County, Idaho has a composite county score of 49.3 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 Owyhee County rank among counties in Idaho?
Owyhee County ranks #27 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 Owyhee County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Owyhee County is $1,355, with an effective tax rate of 0.48%. This earns Owyhee County a tax score of 87.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Owyhee County?
The median household income in Owyhee County, Idaho is $59,773 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Owyhee County earns an income score of 38.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Owyhee County, Idaho a good place to live?
Owyhee County scores 49.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Owyhee 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 Owyhee County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.