Power County exceeds national livability standards
Power County's composite score of 72.3 sits 22 points above the national median of 50.0, ranking in the 72nd percentile nationally. The county delivers above-average livability compared to typical American communities.
2 / 5
Virtually matches Idaho's state average
With a score of 72.3 versus Idaho's state average of 72.5, Power County performs nearly identically to statewide norms. It ranks solidly in the middle tier of Idaho counties.
3 / 5
Housing affordability and risk resilience lead
Power County offers excellent housing value with a cost score of 82.2, the second-best in this group, and the lowest median home value at $191,200. The risk score of 83.1 also indicates strong resilience to natural hazards and economic disruptions.
4 / 5
Income and health present limiting factors
The county's median household income of $59,760 and income score of 22.4 rank among the lowest in this group. Health outcomes at 65.2 also lag behind stronger-performing counties.
5 / 5
Perfect for budget-minded rural residents
Power County suits individuals and families seeking maximum housing affordability in a naturally resilient region. It's particularly attractive to those on fixed incomes, remote workers, or retirees who prioritize low costs and disaster resilience over robust healthcare and earning opportunities.
Power County exceeds national livability standards
Power County's composite score of 72.3 sits 22 points above the national median of 50.0, ranking in the 72nd percentile nationally. The county delivers above-average livability compared to typical American communities.
Virtually matches Idaho's state average
With a score of 72.3 versus Idaho's state average of 72.5, Power County performs nearly identically to statewide norms. It ranks solidly in the middle tier of Idaho counties.
Housing affordability and risk resilience lead
Power County offers excellent housing value with a cost score of 82.2, the second-best in this group, and the lowest median home value at $191,200. The risk score of 83.1 also indicates strong resilience to natural hazards and economic disruptions.
Income and health present limiting factors
The county's median household income of $59,760 and income score of 22.4 rank among the lowest in this group. Health outcomes at 65.2 also lag behind stronger-performing counties.
Perfect for budget-minded rural residents
Power County suits individuals and families seeking maximum housing affordability in a naturally resilient region. It's particularly attractive to those on fixed incomes, remote workers, or retirees who prioritize low costs and disaster resilience over robust healthcare and earning opportunities.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛79.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
At 77.9 years, Power County residents live 0.4 years longer than the U.S. average of 77.5 years. With 20.3% reporting poor or fair health, the county faces moderate wellness challenges.
Power County performs slightly above state average
Power County's 77.9-year life expectancy exceeds Idaho's state average of 77.5 years by 0.4 years. At 14.0% uninsured, the county exceeds the state average of 11.7% by 2.3 percentage points, indicating coverage gaps.
Solid longevity, limited mental health providers
Power County's 77.9-year life expectancy outpaces Minidoka (77.0 years) and Payette (77.2 years) but lags Madison (79.1 years). Mental health provider availability at just 49 per 100K severely constrains behavioral health access compared to Oneida's 162 per 100K.
Sparse mental health resources, high uninsured rate
Power County's 14.0% uninsured rate exceeds the state average, while primary care providers at 25 per 100K fall below many peers. Mental health providers at just 49 per 100K represent a critical gap, leaving residents with limited behavioral health support.
Power County: address coverage gaps
At 14.0% uninsured, one in seven Power County residents lack health coverage. Visit healthcare.gov to find affordable plans, and ask providers about mental health resources or telehealth options to bridge the county's provider gap.
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.