countyscore
48
County Score
Disaster Risk 83.1Cost of Living 62.6Safety 51.2

County Report Card

About Power County, Idaho

Nearing National Livability Averages

Power County scores a 48.0, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. While it trails the middle of the pack, it remains within reach of standard national performance. Its overall profile is shaped by high environmental stability and low housing costs.

Below the State Average Benchmark

With a 48.0 composite score, Power County sits below the Idaho state average of 52.2. It performs more like Idaho's traditional agricultural regions than its rapid-growth suburban ones. The county offers a quieter alternative to the state’s busier districts.

Outstanding Affordability and Resilience

The county earns high marks for affordability with a Cost Score of 62.6, featuring a low median home value of $191,200. It also scores a strong 83.1 for natural risk management. These strengths make it one of the most accessible and safe places to own property.

Water Infrastructure and Education Needs

Power County faces a very low Water Score of 12.2 and a School Score of 27.6. These metrics highlight a need for modernizing utilities and supporting local classroom outcomes. Addressing these will be vital to attract new families to the area.

Best for Homeownership Seekers

Power County is a prime destination for those looking to buy a home under $200,000 without sacrificing environmental safety. It is a practical choice for budget-conscious individuals who value stability over school rankings. The low cost of entry is its most compelling feature.

204060801005162.651.245.927.638.283.112.233.1Tax51Cost62.6Safety51.2Health45.9Schools27.6Income38.2Risk83.1Water12.2Weather33.148/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Power County DNA

Foverall

How Power County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Power County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (83.1/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (12.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
51
Cost
62.6+14.600000000000001
Safety
51.2
Health
45.9
Schools
27.6-26.4
Income
38.2-12.799999999999997
Risk
83.1+36.099999999999994
Water
12.2-45.8
Weather
33.1-22.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$191,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$729/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$191,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $59,760/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

12.5

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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48.1

Nearby counties

Bannock County
Idaho
42.2
Oneida County
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59.3
Minidoka County
Idaho
45.2
Bingham County
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Cassia County
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Caribou County
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Franklin County
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Lincoln County
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Deep Dives

Power County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Power County

via TaxByCounty

Power County taxes exceed U.S. median

Power County's effective tax rate of 0.825% surpasses the U.S. median of 0.71%, placing it in the upper 35% nationally for property tax burden. The median property tax of $1,577 falls short of the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's lower median home values.

Second-highest tax rate in Idaho

Power County's 0.825% effective rate is the second-highest among Idaho's 44 counties, 62% above the state average of 0.508%. The median tax of $1,577 is $48 higher than Idaho's state median of $1,529.

Higher-taxing than most surrounding counties

Power County's 0.825% rate significantly exceeds nearby Minidoka (0.518%), Oneida (0.513%), and Owyhee (0.481%). Only Nez Perce County (0.868%) taxes homeowners more steeply in the region.

Median $191,200 home costs $1,577 yearly

On Power County's median home value of $191,200, homeowners pay approximately $1,577 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, taxes average $1,489; without, they average $1,690.

Challenge assessments to reduce high rates

Power County homeowners face above-average tax rates and should carefully review property assessments for overvaluation. A successful appeal against an inflated assessment could meaningfully lower your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Power County

via CostByCounty

Power County's remarkable affordability

Power County's 14.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks among America's most affordable, with renters paying just $729 monthly in a county where median household income hits $59,760. This exceptional affordability makes Power one of the nation's true bargains for cost-conscious households.

Second-most affordable Idaho county

Power County's 14.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks second in Idaho, trailing only Owyhee County's 15.5% among our regional group. With state average rents of $919, Power's $729 rent represents a 21% savings—substantial for any budget.

Cheapest rents and low home values

Power County ties for the region's lowest rent at $729 (matching Owyhee's affordability baseline) while offering the lowest median home values at $191,200. This combination creates a rural county where both renters and buyers find genuine value.

Housing costs vanish into background

Renters spend just $729 monthly while homeowners pay $867, with median home values of $191,200. At a 14.6% rent-to-income ratio, Power County residents dedicate the smallest share of any county here to housing, leaving maximum income for other needs.

Maximum value for rural seekers

Power County delivers the region's best combination of low rents and affordable home prices, making it ideal for households prioritizing cost minimization. If you're relocating to stretch your income furthest, Power County offers unmatched rural affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Power County

via IncomeByCounty

Power County income falls well short

Power County's median household income of $59,760 sits 20% below the national median of $74,755. The county faces typical rural income constraints tied to agriculture and limited job diversity.

Below state average in lower tier

At $59,760, Power trails Idaho's state average of $65,770 by $6,010, ranking in the lower third of Idaho's 44 counties. The county's economy remains heavily agricultural.

Among lowest in southeastern Idaho

Power County's $59,760 trails neighboring Oneida County's $72,563 by $12,803 and Minidoka County's $70,060 by $10,300. The county faces stronger economic headwinds than immediate neighbors.

Excellent rent affordability offsets low income

Power County's 14.6% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in the region, offering genuine relief for renters. However, a median home value of $191,200—the lowest in the county set—signals limited property appreciation.

Prioritize emergency funds and debt reduction

Power County households earning $59,760 should first establish 3–6 months of emergency savings and eliminate high-interest debt. Once stabilized, even $100–150 monthly contributions to retirement accounts build meaningful long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Power County

via CrimeByCounty

Power County Ranks Highly for Safety

Power County earns a safety score of 98.3, placing it well above the national norm. Its total crime rate of 1,098.7 per 100,000 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Slightly Above the Idaho Average

Two agencies report data for Power County, showing a crime rate of 1,098.7, which is slightly higher than the state average of 1,027.1. This indicates a very safe community that is slightly more active than the state's quietest areas.

Power County in the Local Context

Power’s rate of 1,098.7 per 100,000 is lower than Minidoka County’s 1,183.8. It offers a relatively secure environment compared to several of its neighbors in southern Idaho.

Focusing on Violent and Property Trends

The violent crime rate of 227.3 per 100,000 is below the state average of 252.9, a positive sign for residents. Property crime stands at 871.4 per 100,000, representing the majority of reported offenses in the county.

Daily Safety Habits for Residents

Because property crime is more common than violent incidents, locking vehicles and hiding valuables is essential. Motion sensors and outdoor lighting can provide extra peace of mind at night.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Power County

via SchoolsByCounty

Centralized Education in American Falls

Power County serves 1,775 students across seven public schools and three different school districts. The system includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. A single alternative school is also available to support students who thrive in non-traditional settings.

Above-Average Spending and Solid Scores

The county spends $6,621 per pupil, which is higher than the Idaho state average of $6,288. While the 85.8% graduation rate sits below the 87.0% national average, it remains higher than the state average. These factors result in a school score of 50.5, placing the county slightly above the national median.

American Falls Joint District Dominates

The American Falls Joint District is the primary educator here, managing five schools and 1,572 students. The Rockland District is much smaller, serving 176 students, while the Arbon Elementary District serves just 27 pupils. There are currently no charter schools in Power County.

Town Schools Meet Tiny Rural Districts

Four schools are located in town settings, primarily within American Falls, while three schools serve the surrounding rural areas. American Falls High School is the largest campus with 452 students, while Rockland Public School offers an intimate PK-12 environment for 176 pupils. The average school size is a manageable 254 students.

Join the American Falls School Community

Power County offers a blend of town convenience and rural quiet, with schools that outperform state graduation averages. Look for homes in the American Falls Joint District to benefit from the county's highest per-pupil investment. School quality is a major asset for families moving into this friendly Idaho county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Power County

via RiskByCounty

Power County ranks among nation's safest

Power County's composite risk score of 16.92 falls well below the national average, earning a "Very Low" overall rating that reflects minimal natural disaster exposure. This exceptional safety profile places Power County among America's lowest-risk communities.

Idaho's lowest-risk county region

With a score of 16.92, Power County ranks among Idaho's safest counties, sitting far below the state average of 38.51. This favorable position reflects the county's limited flood exposure and moderate threat levels across most natural hazards.

Power anchors Southeast Idaho safety

Power County's 16.92 score nearly matches nearby Payette County (17.11) and sits well below Minidoka County (20.48), establishing the region as remarkably safe. Madison County's 58.62 and Owyhee County's 44.12 underscore Power's exceptional advantage.

Wildfires pose the main threat

Power County faces a wildfire risk of 88.99, which represents its primary natural disaster concern as surrounding forests provide significant fuel for seasonal fires. Earthquake risk at 58.21 ranks as a secondary consideration, though moderate compared to the most seismically active Idaho regions.

Standard coverage with wildfire focus

Homeowners in Power County should ensure their standard policy covers wildfire damage and maintain defensible space by clearing dead vegetation within 100 feet of structures to reduce fire exposure. A basic homeowners policy typically provides adequate protection given the county's very low overall risk profile, though earthquake insurance can be added for additional peace of mind.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Power County

via WaterByCounty

Power County Water Compliance Earns an F

Power County recorded 14 health violations over five years, resulting in a high violation rate of 264.8 per 100,000 residents. This rate exceeds the Idaho state average of 207.0 and highlights a critical need for system improvements. The F grade reflects consistent difficulty in maintaining Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Over Half of Power County Waterways Impaired

The 2022 assessment shows that 52.2% of the county's 268 assessed water bodies fail to meet health standards. Top impairment causes include E. coli, phosphorus, and sedimentation. This rate is significantly worse than the Idaho state average of 41.6%.

Active Monitoring of Physical and Nutrient Trends

A network of 36 monitoring sites has recorded 4,046 measurements over the past five years. Data collection is centered on physical characteristics, nutrients, and biological health. These records are essential for tracking the high levels of phosphorus and E. coli present in the county.

Snake River Flows Double Their Normal Rate

The Snake River at Neeley is currently flowing at 14,000 cfs, which is 198% of its long-term mean. These high flows can mobilize phosphorus and sediment stored in the riverbanks. This gauge monitors a massive 13,600 square mile drainage area.

Address High Violation Rates and Runoff Risks

Because Power County has a violation rate above the state average, residents should be proactive about water testing and filtration. High river flows can worsen the existing phosphorus and E. coli issues in the watershed. Pay close attention to any boil-water notices or utility warnings issued during these peak flow periods.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Power County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Snake River Plain

Power County averages 47°F, sitting slightly below the national median in a temperate climate. It receives 12.1 inches of precipitation annually, typical for the regional plain.

The Idaho Average Exemplified

At 47°F, the county is nearly identical to the Idaho state average of 46.5°F. It represents the standard climatic middle ground for Southern Idaho's agricultural heartland.

Snowier than Western Neighbors

It tracks closely with neighboring Bannock County in both temperature and aridity. Its 36.7 inches of snow is more substantial than the drier counties further west.

Steady Summers and Cold Winters

Summers feature a July average of 70.2°F and 37 days of extreme heat. Winters are cold and snowy, with average temperatures of 26.9°F and 36.7 inches of snowfall.

Prepare for Substantial Snow

Keep snow removal equipment ready to handle the 36.7-inch annual snowfall. Energy-efficient heating is vital for Januarys where the mercury averages 25.4°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Power County

via SoilByCounty

The Chemistry of Power County

Power County’s soil profile is part of an Idaho average pH of 6.04, slightly lower than the national median of 6.5. This acidic lean affects nutrient availability, particularly for common garden plants and large-scale crops. Knowing your local pH helps you decide whether to add lime or sulfur to your beds.

Physical Composition and Texture

Detailed percentages for sand, silt, and clay are currently unavailable for this county. These three elements work together to determine how much air and water can reach your plant's roots. Texture also dictates how easily the soil can be worked with hand tools or heavy machinery.

Strong Regional Fertility Markers

Idaho's state average for organic matter is an impressive 27.53%, compared to a national average of just 2.0%. This high concentration of organic material supports an available water capacity of 0.269 in/in. These statistics suggest that Power County soils have high potential for sustaining healthy plant life.

Water Drainage and Building

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data for Power County is not currently listed. Understanding how water moves through your specific site is essential for successful farming and safe construction. Well-drained soil is a primary requirement for most high-yield gardening projects in the area.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 6a

Power County is located in Hardiness Zone 6a, which is ideal for many temperate fruits and vegetables. You can find great success with apples, beans, and pumpkins if you manage the frost dates carefully. Take advantage of the fertile regional benchmarks and start growing today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Power County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Growth in Power County

Power County has a lawn difficulty score of 27.2, indicating a tough environment for residential turf. It sits well below both the Idaho average of 33.3 and the national average. Maintaining a lawn in Zone 6a here requires dedication and careful resource management.

Balancing Heat and Dry Air

The county receives just 12.1 inches of rain per year, making it heavily dependent on irrigation. With 37 heat days over 90°F, grass often goes dormant in the summer without proper care. The 2,186 growing degree days provide a moderate window for growth, but the heat remains a primary stressor.

Preparing Power County Soil

Because regional soil data is limited, a private soil test is the best way to avoid wasting money on unnecessary fertilizers. Most Idaho soils benefit from aeration to combat compaction and improve water penetration in dry weather. Target a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 to ensure your grass can actually use the nutrients you provide.

Thriving Through 37 Dry Weeks

Power County has faced 37 weeks of drought recently, and 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Watering in the late evening or early morning is essential to prevent evaporation before the water reaches the roots. Consider xeriscaping the edges of your property to focus your water on the main lawn.

Ready to Plant in May

Cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass are standard for this Hardiness Zone 6a region. The last frost typically occurs around May 20, making late spring the ideal time to start your lawn. Ensure you keep the new seeds consistently moist during their first three weeks to combat the dry Idaho air.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Power County's county score?
Power County, Idaho has a composite county score of 48 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 Power County rank among counties in Idaho?
Power County ranks #30 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 Power County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Power County is $1,577, with an effective tax rate of 0.82%. This earns Power County a tax score of 51/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Power County?
The median household income in Power County, Idaho is $59,760 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Power County earns an income score of 38.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Power County, Idaho a good place to live?
Power County scores 48/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Power 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 Power 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.