countyscore
49.3
County Score
Property Tax 91.7Disaster Risk 82.9Safety 56.7

County Report Card

About Payette County, Idaho

Competitive with the National Median

Payette County holds a 49.3 composite score, standing right on the edge of the national median of 50.0. It provides a lifestyle that is broadly representative of rural America. Its metrics show a county that holds its own despite specific regional challenges.

A Solid State Contender

Payette’s 49.3 score is slightly below the Idaho average of 52.2, yet it remains a viable alternative to higher-cost neighbors. It offers a distinct value proposition within the state's diverse geography. The county provides stability without the premium prices of Boise-area hubs.

Superior Tax and Risk Ratings

Payette excels with a Tax Score of 91.7, driven by an impressive 0.435% effective tax rate. It is also exceptionally resilient to natural disasters, earning a Risk Score of 82.9. These two factors provide incredible financial and physical peace of mind.

Critical Gaps in Water and Schools

The county faces significant hurdles with a Water Score of 16.4 and a School Score of 14.7. These are among the lowest in the state and indicate a need for focused local investment. Improving these core services is the county's biggest hurdle for future growth.

A Tax Haven for Resilient Living

Payette County is tailor-made for residents who prioritize low taxes and low natural risk. With a median home value of $310,700 and top-tier tax benefits, it appeals to those seeking financial security. It is less suited for families who place high importance on school rankings.

Score breakdown

Tax91.7Cost35.4Safety56.7Health47.1Schools14.7Income56.6Risk82.9Water16.4Weather41.5
🏛91.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠35.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼56.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡56.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤47.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓14.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡82.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧16.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤41.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱55.8
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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Nearby counties

Gem County
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54.9
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Washington County
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Ada County
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Deep Dives

Payette County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Payette County

via TaxByCounty

Payette offers substantial national tax advantage

Payette County's effective tax rate of 0.435% ranks in the bottom 15% nationally, significantly below the U.S. median of 0.71%. The median property tax of $1,353 is half the national median of $2,690—saving typical homeowners $1,337 annually.

Second-lowest tax rate in Idaho

Payette County's 0.435% effective rate is the second-lowest among Idaho's 44 counties, 14% below the state average of 0.508%. The median tax of $1,353 is $176 below Idaho's state median of $1,529.

Among the region's most affordable options

Payette County's 0.435% rate is beaten only by Owyhee County (0.481%) in the region, making it exceptionally tax-friendly. It significantly undercuts Madison (0.497%), Minidoka (0.518%), and especially Nez Perce (0.868%).

Median $310,700 home costs $1,353 yearly

On Payette County's median home value of $310,700, homeowners pay approximately $1,353 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, taxes average $1,444; without, they average $1,098.

Review assessment to protect your savings

Payette County homeowners enjoy some of Idaho's lowest tax rates, but should still verify property assessments are fair and accurate. An assessment appeal, if warranted, could provide additional relief.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Payette County

via CostByCounty

Payette offers solid national affordability

Payette County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio beats the national standard, with renters spending $874 monthly against a median household income of $65,723. This favorable ratio means Payette households spend significantly less of their income on rent than many American peers.

Slightly better than Idaho average

Payette County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio modestly outperforms Idaho's state average of 16.8%, with rents of $874 running $45 below the state median. This balanced position reflects Payette's appeal as an affordable yet reasonably accessible Idaho county.

Moderate rents, premium home values

Payette's $874 rent sits between the regional lows (Owyhee at $771) and highs (Oneida at $1,009), offering middle-ground affordability. Yet median home values of $310,700 rank among the region's priciest, requiring stronger down payment capacity from buyers.

Renter-friendly, buyer-challenging

Renters spend $874 monthly while homeowners pay $1,087, with median home values at $310,700. The 16.0% rent-to-income ratio favors renters, but the $1,087 monthly owner cost reflects elevated home prices relative to the $65,723 median income.

Payette suits flexible renters

Payette County offers good affordability for renters seeking stable costs and reasonable income flexibility. If you're considering homeownership, budget carefully—median home values demand substantial income or down payment reserves to remain comfortable.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Payette County

via IncomeByCounty

Payette near state-to-national parity

Payette County's median household income of $65,723 sits 12% below the national median of $74,755. The county tracks closely to Idaho's state average, reflecting a typical rural-urban mixed economy.

Right at Idaho's state average

At $65,723, Payette nearly matches Idaho's state average of $65,770, ranking in the middle of Idaho's 44 counties. The county represents a typical rural Idaho income profile.

Solidly middle of regional range

Payette's $65,723 income falls between Owyhee County's $59,773 and Nez Perce County's $71,466, positioning it as middle-ground in west-central Idaho. The county balances agricultural and small-town economic bases.

Manageable housing costs at 16.0%

Payette households spend 16% of income on rent, slightly above the ideal 15% but still sustainable. A median home value of $310,700 is attainable for households with two earners at median income.

Build wealth through consistent savings

Payette County families earning $65,723 can allocate $10,000–15,000 annually to savings and retirement accounts. Employer 401(k) matching and IRA contributions provide tax-advantaged pathways to long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Payette County

via CrimeByCounty

Payette County Mirrors Idaho Safety Scores

Payette County holds a safety score of 98.4, perfectly matching the Idaho state average. Its total crime rate of 997.2 per 100,000 is significantly better than the national rate of 2,385.5.

Consistency Across the Gem State

Three reporting agencies provide data for Payette, showing a crime rate of 997.2 that is very close to the state average of 1,027.1. This suggests that public safety in Payette is very typical for the region.

Payette Compared to Local Peers

Payette’s crime rate of 997.2 is lower than neighboring Owyhee County at 1,154.2. It maintains a middle-of-the-pack standing among its regional peers regarding total reported incidents.

A Breakdown of Crime Categories

The violent crime rate in Payette is 226.8 per 100,000, which is below the state average of 252.9. Property crime sits at 770.4 per 100,000, making it the most frequent type of law enforcement interaction.

Securing Your Property in Payette

With property crime as the primary local concern, simple deterrents like deadbolts and window locks are effective. Ensuring your home looks occupied even when you are away can further reduce risk.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Payette County

via HealthByCounty

Payette's health outcomes track with U.S. average

At 77.2 years, Payette County's life expectancy nearly matches the U.S. average of 77.5 years. With 20.8% reporting poor or fair health, the county faces wellness challenges slightly above the national baseline.

Payette slightly below Idaho's health average

Payette County's 77.2-year life expectancy trails Idaho's state average of 77.5 years by 0.3 years. At 11.8% uninsured, the county essentially mirrors the state average of 11.7%, suggesting typical coverage patterns.

Mid-range performance in regional context

Payette County's 77.2-year life expectancy falls between Minidoka (77.0 years) and Oneida (78.6 years), positioning it squarely in the regional middle. Primary care access at 38 per 100K is moderate, while mental health providers at 147 per 100K offer reasonable coverage.

Moderate access, near-average uninsured rate

Payette County's 11.8% uninsured rate mirrors Idaho's state average, with 38 primary care providers and 147 mental health providers per 100K available. Provider availability is neither robust nor severely constrained, requiring residents to navigate typical access challenges.

Payette: check your health insurance status

At 11.8% uninsured, Payette County tracks with the state average, but gaps still affect thousands of residents. Visit healthcare.gov to confirm coverage and explore options that support your family's health needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Payette County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse School Options in Payette County

Payette County manages 14 public schools serving a total of 4,532 students across four districts. The infrastructure includes a diverse mix of four elementary, three middle, and six high schools. The county also hosts one charter school and two alternative education facilities for specialized learning.

Steady Graduation Rates and Accessible Funding

Payette's graduation rate of 85.9% is higher than the Idaho state average of 83.6%, though it trails the national 87.0% mark. Per-pupil expenditure is $5,108, which is lower than both the state and national averages. The county maintains a school score of 47.3, reflecting a stable academic environment.

Spotlight on Fruitland and Charter Success

The Fruitland District is the county's largest with 1,634 students, followed by Payette Joint with 1,371. Treasure Valley Classical Academy, the county's only charter school, serves 537 students and represents over 7% of total schools. New Plymouth District also provides a significant presence with 990 students.

Town-Based Learning with Small-School Charm

Ten of the 14 schools are located in town settings, making schools central to the local community identity. Fruitland Elementary is the largest school with 557 students, while the county average sits at 349. This scale offers students a traditional town-school experience with robust peer groups.

Move Your Family to Payette County

With a variety of district and charter school options, Payette County offers flexibility for every type of learner. Homes in the Fruitland and Payette districts are highly sought after by families valuing local school community. Start exploring local listings to find a home within walking distance of these town schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Payette County

via RiskByCounty

Payette County carries very low national risk

Payette County's composite risk score of 17.11 falls well below the national average and earns a "Very Low" overall rating. This favorable position means residents face fewer catastrophic natural disaster threats than most American communities.

Well below Idaho's risk average

Payette County's score of 17.11 sits substantially beneath Idaho's state average of 38.51, making it one of the state's safer counties. This advantage reflects moderate exposure across most hazard categories, with wildfire representing the primary concern.

Payette ranks among regional safest

At 17.11, Payette County is nearly as low-risk as Power County (16.92) and significantly safer than nearby Madison County (58.62) and Owyhee County (44.12). The county's balanced safety profile makes it one of Western Idaho's most secure regions.

Wildfires create seasonal threat

Payette County's wildfire risk of 89.98 represents the primary natural disaster concern, as surrounding forests and grasslands become increasingly flammable during dry summer months. Earthquake risk at 55.85 poses a secondary threat, though moderate compared to other Idaho counties.

Ensure wildfire and earthquake coverage

Homeowners in Payette County should confirm their standard homeowners policy covers wildfire damage and create defensible space by removing dead vegetation and trees within 100 feet of structures. Given the moderate earthquake risk of 55.85, adding earthquake insurance through a separate policy provides important protection against potential seismic damage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Payette County

via WeatherByCounty

Sun-Drenched and Arid Valley

Payette's 53.2°F average temperature makes it a warm outlier compared to the national median. It receives just 11.3 inches of precipitation, characterizing it as a dry, sun-drenched valley.

One of Idaho's Hottest Counties

This is one of Idaho’s hottest counties, topping the state average of 46.5°F by nearly seven degrees. It consistently ranks in the top tier for temperature and heat frequency statewide.

Treasure Valley Heat Leader

It shares the heat of the Treasure Valley with Canyon County but remains drier than the state average. Its low elevation keeps it much warmer than the central Idaho mountains.

Intense Summer Heat Waves

The county endures a grueling 54 days of extreme heat over 90°F each year. July averages a sweltering 76.4°F, while winters remain relatively mild with a 33.8°F average.

Invest in High-Performance Cooling

Robust cooling systems are a necessity for the nearly two months of 90-degree weather. While snowfall data is incomplete, focus winter prep on the chilly 31.5°F January average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Payette County

via SoilByCounty

Identifying Payette's Soil Character

Payette's soil follows Idaho's average pH of 6.04, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This pH level is a critical factor in determining which types of crops will thrive naturally in the local dirt. Understanding this baseline allows for smarter soil amendments and healthier plants.

The Texture of Payette Earth

While specific sand, silt, and clay data is not yet summarized for Payette, these components govern soil drainage and nutrient retention. A balanced mix is what every gardener seeks for easy workability and strong root growth. Testing your own backyard texture can reveal much about its hidden potential.

Unusually High Organic Matter

Idaho boasts an average organic matter content of 27.53%, which far exceeds the national average of 2.0%. This contributes to a high state available water capacity of 0.269 in/in, meaning the soil can hold significant moisture for plants. Payette's agricultural success is likely tied to these strong regional fertility benchmarks.

Hydrology and Water Flow

Specific drainage class data is not currently provided for Payette, but water management remains a top priority. Proper drainage prevents soil compaction and ensures that moisture is distributed evenly to plant roots. Local growers should monitor their land's hydrologic behavior to optimize their irrigation schedules.

Garden Potential in Zone 7a

Payette County is in Hardiness Zone 7a, providing a warm climate that supports a wide variety of produce. This zone is excellent for growing heat-loving crops like watermelons, peppers, and various tree fruits. The combination of local warmth and rich state-wide soil averages makes Payette a gardener's dream.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Payette County

via LawnByCounty

Payette's Surprising Lawn Potential

Payette County is an outlier with a lawn difficulty score of 55.8, making it the easiest place for lawns in this group. This score is significantly higher than the Idaho average and even beats the national median of 50.0. Gardeners in Zone 7a have a distinct advantage in this region.

Abundant Heat and Long Seasons

The county boasts 3,204 growing degree days, the highest in the set, allowing for rapid grass growth. However, residents must manage 54 days of extreme heat, which is nearly double the state average. This heat necessitates a robust irrigation plan to supplement the low 11.3 inches of annual rain.

Optimizing Your Soil Foundation

Specific soil metrics are unavailable, but the high heat suggests that increasing organic matter is vital for water retention. Homeowners should aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal health. A professional soil test will reveal if you need to add lime or sulfur to balance your yard.

A Rare Break from Drought

Unlike its neighbors, Payette County saw zero weeks of drought in the past year, though it is currently 100% abnormally dry. This temporary reprieve provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen lawn health before drier conditions return. Focusing on deep-rooting practices now will pay off when the next drought hits.

Starting Early in Payette

With a final frost date of April 19, Payette offers one of the earliest planting windows in Idaho. Heat-tolerant grasses like Turf-type Tall Fescue or even Zoysia can thrive in these warm conditions. Get your seeds in the ground early to take full advantage of the long 3,204 GDD growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Payette County's county score?
Payette 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 Payette County rank among counties in Idaho?
Payette County ranks #28 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 Payette County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Payette County is $1,353, with an effective tax rate of 0.44%. This earns Payette County a tax score of 91.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Payette County?
The median household income in Payette County, Idaho is $65,723 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Payette County earns an income score of 56.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Payette County, Idaho a good place to live?
Payette County scores 49.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Payette 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 Payette County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.