countyscore
39.5
County Score
Property Tax 66.8Income & Jobs 55.5Disaster Risk 53.1

County Report Card

About Twin Falls County, Idaho

Trailing the National Median Score

Twin Falls County posts a composite score of 39.5, trailing the national median of 50.0. This ranking suggests the county faces more systemic challenges than the average American jurisdiction.

Below the Idaho State Average

The county's performance lags behind the Idaho state average of 52.2. It struggles to keep pace with higher-scoring neighbors in several key quality-of-life dimensions.

Solid Tax and Income Foundations

Tax management remains a relative bright spot with a score of 66.8, supported by an effective rate of 0.667%. The county also maintains a mid-range Income Score of 55.5 based on a $65,338 median salary.

Improving Schools and Public Safety

Education metrics are the primary concern, evidenced by a School Score of 10.3. Residents also face lower-than-average safety scores, which currently sit at 36.1.

Best for Residents Prioritizing Tax Stability

This county is best suited for individuals prioritizing tax stability over school performance or public safety. It offers a traditional rural-urban mix for those less focused on institutional rankings.

2040608010066.825.436.15310.355.553.152.839.4Tax66.8Cost25.4Safety36.1Health53Schools10.3Income55.5Risk53.1Water52.8Weather39.439.5/100
This county
National avg
1 above average4 below average

Twin Falls County DNA

Foverall

How Twin Falls County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Twin Falls County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Schools (10.3/100), though Property Tax (66.8/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
66.8+14.799999999999997
Cost
25.4-22.6
Safety
36.1-18.9
Health
53
Schools
10.3-43.7
Income
55.5
Risk
53.1
Water
52.8
Weather
39.4-16.6
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$292,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,011/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$292,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$40,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,338/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

7.6

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

Jerome County
Idaho
40.4
Gooding County
Idaho
47.5
Lincoln County
Idaho
54
Minidoka County
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Blaine County
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Camas County
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Elmore County
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Deep Dives

Twin Falls County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Twin Falls County

via TaxByCounty

Twin Falls taxes above U.S. median

Twin Falls County's effective tax rate of 0.667% exceeds the national median of 0.73% by a hair, placing it near the middle of the national distribution. The median tax bill of $1,951 sits $739 below the national median of $2,690, thanks to Twin Falls' lower median home values.

Idaho's third-highest tax rate

Twin Falls County ranks third-highest in Idaho for effective tax rate at 0.667%, well above the state average of 0.508%. This 0.159 percentage-point premium means Twin Falls residents carry a heavier load than most neighboring Idahoans.

Steepest rates in the region

Twin Falls County's 0.667% rate significantly exceeds Teton County (0.346%), Valley County (0.297%), and Washington County (0.526%). Only Twin Falls and Washington County exceed the state average, making this corner of Idaho comparatively tax-heavy.

What the average Twin Falls home costs annually

A homeowner with a median-valued Twin Falls property ($292,700) pays approximately $1,951 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that bill rises to $2,121; without one, it drops to $1,752.

Appeal if you suspect overassessment

Many Idaho property owners are assessed above fair market value and can file an appeal for refunds. Twin Falls County assessor's office accepts appeals at no cost—a simple process that could recover thousands in overpaid taxes if your assessment exceeds comparable sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Twin Falls County

via CostByCounty

Twin Falls rents strain tighter budgets

Twin Falls County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.6% exceeds the national norm, indicating renters here spend a larger share of earnings on housing than the U.S. average. With median household income at $65,338—$9,400 below the national figure—residents face a squeeze between modest earnings and rising housing costs.

Above-average housing burden in Idaho

Twin Falls ranks among Idaho's least affordable counties with a rent-to-income ratio of 18.6%, nearly 2 percentage points worse than the state average of 16.8%. This gap reflects the county's lower income levels relative to statewide norms, even as rents climb.

Rents comparable, incomes lower

Twin Falls' median rent of $1,011 matches Valley County exactly, yet Twin Falls residents earn $10,787 less annually, amplifying the affordability burden. This mismatch makes Twin Falls a tighter market for renters compared to wealthier neighbors.

Renters and buyers both squeezed

Twin Falls renters dedicate nearly 19% of income to $1,011 monthly rent, while homeowners commit about 20% to $1,099 ownership costs on homes averaging $293,000. Neither pathway offers clear financial relief for a median household earning just over $65,000 annually.

Twin Falls: Affordable homes, tight budgets

Relocating to Twin Falls? The county offers genuinely affordable home prices ($293k median) and modest rents, but income growth matters—wages here lag state peers. Job seekers should prioritize positions with above-county-median salaries to ease the housing-to-income squeeze.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Twin Falls County

via IncomeByCounty

Twin Falls Trails National Average

Twin Falls County's median household income of $65,338 falls 13% short of the national median of $74,755, placing the county below America's middle tier. The gap reflects Idaho's lower regional wage structure compared to national averages. Twin Falls still earns more than many rural and agricultural counties nationwide.

Just Below Idaho's Middle

Twin Falls' $65,338 median household income sits nearly at Idaho's state average of $65,770, reflecting its role as a typical Idaho county economically. The per capita income of $33,505 edges above the state average of $32,503, suggesting some income inequality within households. Twin Falls represents the mainstream of Idaho earnings.

Twin Falls: Middle Ground Regionally

Twin Falls' $65,338 income positions it between Teton County's $90,740 and Washington County's $53,608, making it a middle-income regional hub. Valley County slightly outpaces it at $76,125, reflecting the valley's stronger service and tourism economy. Twin Falls serves as the economic bridge between Idaho's wealthy resort areas and its rural counties.

Balanced Housing Affordability

Twin Falls' 18.6% rent-to-income ratio indicates moderate housing cost pressure, with median home values at $292,700. The ratio approaches the 20% threshold where affordability becomes strained, suggesting housing consumes roughly a fifth of typical household earnings. Families here have less cushion than Teton but more than Washington County.

Protect and Build Your Future

Twin Falls households earning $65,338 should prioritize emergency savings and manageable debt to weather housing costs and economic shifts. Tax-deferred retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s become essential tools for building long-term wealth in a moderate-income environment. Start small and increase contributions as your income grows.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Twin Falls County

via CrimeByCounty

Twin Falls keeps crime rates below national averages

Twin Falls County maintains a safety score of 97.7, reflecting a total crime rate of 1,482.5 per 100,000 people. This sits comfortably below the national total crime rate of 2,385.5, even with five agencies reporting data.

Crime rates sit slightly above the Idaho average

The county's safety score of 97.7 is just below the Idaho state average of 98.4. Residents experience more reported activity than the state typical, but the area remains significantly safer than many urban counterparts nationwide.

Comparing safety with nearby Valley and Teton

At 1,482.5 crimes per 100,000, Twin Falls sees more activity than Valley County's 1,318.7. It is more than double the rate found in Teton County, though its multi-agency reporting provides a more comprehensive view of local safety.

Property crime drives the majority of local reports

Violent crime in Twin Falls stands at 345.5 per 100,000, which is close to the national average of 369.8. However, property crime is much lower than the national figure, recorded at 1,137.0 compared to 2,015.7 across the U.S.

Strengthen your home security strategy

With property crimes accounting for the bulk of local incidents, visible deterrents like cameras are highly effective. Staying aware of neighborhood trends helps keep Twin Falls safe and resilient.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Twin Falls County

via SchoolsByCounty

Broad Infrastructure in the Magic Valley

Twin Falls County supports a robust network of 39 public schools serving a total of 16,331 students. The landscape includes 17 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 8 high schools distributed across nine distinct school districts.

Steady Results on a Lean Budget

The county maintains a graduation rate of 83.9%, which aligns with the Idaho state average. Educators achieve these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $4,849, significantly lower than the national average of $13,000.

Twin Falls District Leads the Way

The Twin Falls District is the regional powerhouse, managing 18 schools and 9,352 students. Charter options like Xavier Charter School serve 672 students, making up a 7.7% share of the county's educational offerings.

A Mix of Town and Rural Life

Students here attend a mix of town-based and rural schools, with an average enrollment of 419 students per campus. Large facilities like Canyon Ridge High School house over 1,400 students, providing a diverse social and extracurricular environment.

Find Your Community in Twin Falls

Families can choose between bustling town schools and quieter rural campuses across nine different districts. As you research homes, prioritize proximity to the diverse school options that define this growing Idaho hub.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Twin Falls County

via RiskByCounty

Twin Falls County has relatively low disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 46.95, Twin Falls County sits below the national average and ranks as relatively low-risk for natural disasters. This places the county in a safer zone compared to most U.S. counties, though still above several Idaho peers.

Mid-range risk among Idaho counties

Twin Falls County scores 46.95 against Idaho's state average of 38.51, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 44 counties. While not the safest, it faces lower combined disaster risk than many other Idaho communities.

Riskier than Teton and Washington counties

Twin Falls County (46.95) faces noticeably higher disaster risk than neighboring Teton County (29.45) and Washington County (30.31). Valley County presents a comparable threat profile at 55.63, making Twin Falls relatively positioned between safer and higher-risk neighbors.

Wildfires and earthquakes lead threats

Wildfire risk dominates Twin Falls County's hazard profile at 93.96, while earthquake exposure stands at 73.95—both substantially above many U.S. counties. Flood risk (51.11) adds a secondary concern, though tornadoes remain minimal at 13.42.

Bundle wildfire and earthquake insurance

Twin Falls County residents should add wildfire and earthquake coverage to standard homeowners policies, which exclude both hazards. These two risks account for most of your county's natural disaster exposure and warrant dedicated protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Twin Falls County

via WaterByCounty

Average Drinking Water Compliance in Twin Falls

Twin Falls County holds a Water Quality Grade of C, reflecting 9 health violations over five years. Its violation rate of 12.6 per 100K sits significantly lower than the Idaho state average of 207.0. Local systems generally perform better than many state peers but still show room for improvement.

Over Half of Assessed Waters Face Impairment

About 50.6% of water bodies in Twin Falls County are classified as impaired under the 2022 Clean Water Act cycle. This exceeds the state average impairment rate of 41.6%. The primary environmental stressors are high phosphorus levels, elevated temperatures, and total suspended solids.

Robust Monitoring Program Tracks Organic Contaminants

Authorities maintain a dense monitoring footprint with 52 sites and 49,968 measurements recorded over the last five years. These efforts focus on tracking organics, pesticides, and nutrients in the water supply. This high-resolution data provides a detailed map of chemical concentrations across the county.

Snake River Flows Near Steady Historical Levels

The USGS gauge on the Snake River near Buhl shows a current discharge of 5140 cfs. This flow is 112% of the long-term mean, indicating slightly higher than average volume for this massive drainage area. The river remains consistent with typical seasonal expectations.

Filter for Nutrients and Pesticide Runoff

With over 50% of local watersheds impaired by phosphorus and solids, residents should be mindful of agricultural runoff. The high frequency of pesticide and nutrient monitoring suggests these are the primary local concerns for water health. Using high-quality filtration systems can help mitigate risks from these specific contaminants.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Twin Falls County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic High Desert Climate

Twin Falls averages 49.6°F annually, which is roughly four degrees cooler than the national median. The region features the dry air and clear skies typical of the Intermountain West.

Warmer Than the Idaho Average

At 49.6°F, this county is warmer than the Idaho state average of 46.5°F. It ranks as a relatively temperate zone compared to the state's mountainous northern reaches.

Dry Skies Over the Magic Valley

The county receives only 10.2 inches of annual precipitation, far less than the Idaho average of 17.0 inches. This aridity distinguishes it from the wetter counties in the panhandle.

Hot Summers and Snowy Winters

Summer brings 35 days of heat at or above 90°F, centered around a 72.8°F July average. Winter stays cold enough for 24.2 inches of annual snowfall.

Plan for Aridity and Heat

Efficient air conditioning is vital for the five weeks of extreme summer heat. Gardeners should prioritize xeriscaping to manage the low 10.2-inch annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Twin Falls County

via SoilByCounty

Productive Volcanic Soils of the Magic Valley

Local pH readings are currently unindexed, but regional standards align with Idaho’s 6.04 average, slightly below the 6.5 national median. The county’s soil identity is defined by its volcanic history, even without a specific taxonomic order on record. This mineral-rich foundation supports one of the state's most productive agricultural zones.

Workable Textures in a High-Desert Hub

Though specific sand and clay percentages are missing from the data, the region's farming success suggests a well-balanced soil texture. This hidden mix allows for efficient root penetration and nutrient delivery across the county’s vast acreage. Knowing your soil's physical makeup is the first step to optimizing crop yields.

Aiming for State-Level Soil Vitality

Local organic matter metrics are unavailable, but the state average of 27.53% provides a strong reference for soil quality. To ensure peak growing potential, growers focus on maintaining an available water capacity near the state’s 0.269 in/in benchmark. Healthy organic levels are vital for sustaining the county’s famous agricultural output.

Irrigation and Flow in the Snake River Plain

Specific hydrologic groups and drainage classes are not recorded, yet the local geography demands precise water management. The volcanic landscape typically offers unique drainage patterns that influence both large-scale farming and home gardening. Efficient irrigation remains the key to overcoming the challenges of this semi-arid environment.

Abundant Growth in Hardiness Zone 6b

Twin Falls sits in Hardiness Zone 6b, offering a generous growing season for tomatoes, beans, and corn. This relatively mild climate allows for a diverse range of garden favorites and commercial crops alike. Get your hands in the dirt and take advantage of the long, sunny Idaho afternoons.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Twin Falls County

via LawnByCounty

Arid Conditions in the Magic Valley

Twin Falls County presents a difficult landscape for turf with a lawn score of 31.3, making it one of the more challenging areas in Idaho. Though the 6b hardiness zone allows for more variety than the mountains, the environment is significantly harsher than the national average. Homeowners must combat high heat and low natural moisture to maintain green space here.

High Heat and Desert Air

With only 10.2 inches of annual precipitation, this county falls nearly 20 inches short of ideal lawn requirements and lags behind the 17.0-inch state average. The 35 annual extreme heat days above 90°F place heavy stress on cool-season grasses during the peak of summer. A robust 2546 growing degree days ensures plenty of growth potential if you can supply enough supplemental water.

Building a Healthy Soil Base

While specific regional soil metrics are currently unavailable in the data, the arid climate often results in alkaline soil conditions. You should test your soil to ensure the pH hasn't climbed too far above the ideal 7.0 ceiling. Incorporating compost can help break up heavy dirt and improve the drainage necessary for healthy root respiration.

Managing Water in Severe Dry Spells

The county faced 37 weeks of drought over the last year, with small pockets experiencing severe D2 conditions. Currently, 100% of the county is abnormally dry, making water conservation a top priority for every resident. Switch to drought-tolerant grass blends and reduce mowing height slightly to shade the soil and reduce evaporation.

Smart Seeding for Zone 6b

Tall Fescue is an excellent choice for Twin Falls because its deep roots handle the 35 heat days better than other varieties. The prime window for seeding opens after the May 6 frost date when the soil finally warms up. Starting early in the spring allows your grass to establish itself before the intense summer heat arrives in July.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Twin Falls County's county score?
Twin Falls County, Idaho has a composite county score of 39.5 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 Twin Falls County rank among counties in Idaho?
Twin Falls County ranks #43 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 Twin Falls County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Twin Falls County is $1,951, with an effective tax rate of 0.67%. This earns Twin Falls County a tax score of 66.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Twin Falls County?
The median household income in Twin Falls County, Idaho is $65,338 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Twin Falls County earns an income score of 55.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Twin Falls County, Idaho a good place to live?
Twin Falls County scores 39.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #43 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Twin Falls 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 Twin Falls 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.