countyscore
54.3
County Score
Property Tax 98.4Income & Jobs 78.7Health 65.8

County Report Card

About Valley County, Idaho

Above the National Benchmark

Valley County earns a 54.3 composite score, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a solid performer on the national stage with particular strength in financial metrics.

Beating the Idaho State Average

Scoring 54.3, Valley County sits above the Idaho state average of 52.2. It holds its own against regional competitors through robust income and health numbers.

Elite Tax Efficiency and Healthy Incomes

Fiscal policy is a standout feature, as the county boasts a near-perfect Tax Score of 98.4. Homeowners benefit from a remarkably low effective tax rate of 0.297%, while median incomes reach $76,125.

Managing Resources and Housing Costs

Resource management is a clear weakness, indicated by a Water Score of only 6.3. Additionally, a $599,500 median home value drives the Cost Score down to 30.2, creating a barrier for new residents.

Ideal for Wealthy Retirees and Professionals

This is an ideal destination for those who value extremely low taxes and high incomes. Prospective buyers must be prepared for steep property prices and potential water infrastructure concerns.

Score breakdown

Tax98.4Cost30.2Safety41.7Health65.8Schools55Income78.7Risk44.4Water6.3Weather38.6
🏛98.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠30.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼78.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡41.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤65.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓55
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡44.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧6.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤38.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱39.5
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

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Washington County
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Deep Dives

Valley County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Valley County

via TaxByCounty

Valley ranks among nation's lowest-taxed

Valley County's effective tax rate of 0.297% places it in the bottom 5% of U.S. counties, well below the national median of 0.73%. At a median tax of $1,778, Valley homeowners pay $912 less annually than the national median, despite median home values that exceed the national average by more than 2x.

Idaho's second-lowest effective rate

Valley County ranks second in Idaho for the lowest effective tax rate at 0.297%, edging out even Teton County's 0.346%. This 0.211 percentage-point advantage over the state average of 0.508% makes Valley one of Idaho's most tax-friendly counties.

A true tax sanctuary

Valley County's 0.297% rate is the lowest in the region, beating Teton County (0.346%), Twin Falls County (0.667%), and Washington County (0.526%). Despite the highest median home values in this four-county comparison at $599,500, Valley residents pay the second-lowest absolute tax bills.

What the average Valley home costs annually

A homeowner with a median-valued Valley property ($599,500) pays approximately $1,778 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that bill rises to $1,803; without one, it drops to $1,710.

Even Valley's bargains warrant verification

Even in low-tax counties, assessments can be inflated relative to actual market value. If you own Valley County property, a free assessment review with your county assessor could confirm you're paying only what you owe—or unlock a refund if you've overpaid.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Valley County

via CostByCounty

Valley County keeps housing costs low

Valley County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% edges below the national standard, despite a median household income of $76,125 that's roughly equal to the U.S. average. Renters here benefit from rental prices that haven't inflated as quickly as wages.

Idaho's second-best affordability

Valley County achieves a 15.9% rent-to-income ratio, ranking as Idaho's second-most affordable county behind only Teton. This strong showing reflects the county's respectable median income and relatively stable rental market.

Similar rents, stronger incomes

Valley County's $1,011 median rent matches Twin Falls exactly, yet Valley's median household income tops Twin Falls by $10,787 annually. This income advantage makes the same rent more manageable for Valley residents.

Ownership costs lower than rents

A notable reversal: Valley renters pay $1,011 monthly (16% of income), while homeowners commit only $973 monthly (15% of income) on properties valued near $600,000. This unusual inversion suggests a strong owner-occupied market with favorable financing, not lower home values.

Valley County: Mountain living, smart money

Remote workers and those relocating should take note of Valley's balance: reasonable incomes ($76k median), controlled rents ($1,011), and surprisingly affordable ownership for mountain-adjacent living. The county offers one of Idaho's best deals for buyers willing to embrace a smaller town lifestyle.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Valley County

via IncomeByCounty

Valley Matches National Prosperity

Valley County's median household income of $76,125 edges just 2% above the national median of $74,755, placing it squarely in America's middle class. This alignment reflects Valley's successful blend of tourism, agriculture, and small business economies. Valley outperforms many rural counties nationwide despite Idaho's lower wage structure.

Idaho's Second-Highest Earner

Valley County's $76,125 median household income ranks second in Idaho, trailing only Teton County's $90,740 by $14,615. The per capita income of $38,932 significantly exceeds Idaho's state average of $32,503, indicating strong individual earning power across households. Valley punches well above the state's typical income profile.

Valley Leads Neighboring Counties

Valley's $76,125 income surpasses Twin Falls County ($65,338) and Washington County ($53,608), positioning it as the regional economic leader outside Teton County. The $10,787 gap between Valley and Twin Falls reflects stronger tourism and professional service sectors in the valley economy. Valley's prosperity extends across the region's economic spectrum.

Income Stretched by High Housing

Valley's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio remains manageable despite median home values reaching $599,500—matching Teton County's property prices. The alignment of high incomes with high housing costs suggests wealth accumulation heavily tied to real estate appreciation. Families building wealth in Valley should diversify beyond property holdings.

Capitalize on Valley's Strong Position

Valley households earning $76,125 have solid income levels to direct toward wealth-building strategies beyond homeownership. Consider real estate diversification, investment portfolios, and education-focused savings to reduce reliance on property appreciation alone. Your above-average income provides runway for aggressive but measured wealth strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Valley County

via CrimeByCounty

Valley County safety exceeds the national standard

Valley County earns a safety score of 97.9, supported by a total crime rate of 1,318.7 per 100,000 residents. This rate is substantially lower than the national average of 2,385.5, indicating a generally secure community.

Safety scores track closely with state benchmarks

The county's safety score of 97.9 sits just behind the Idaho state average of 98.4. Two reporting agencies provide a consistent picture of public safety that aligns with Idaho's overall low-crime reputation.

Valley County holds a middle ground regionally

With 1,318.7 crimes per 100,000, Valley County is safer than neighboring Twin Falls at 1,482.5. However, it experiences significantly more reports than the very low crime rates seen in Washington County.

Low violent crime defines the local landscape

The local violent crime rate of 321.2 per 100,000 remains below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also notably low, with 997.5 reports per 100,000 compared to the U.S. average of 2,015.7.

Keep your property secure year-round

Residents can help lower property crime further by utilizing alarm systems and neighborhood watch programs. Consistent home security habits ensure Valley County remains a top choice for safety-conscious families.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Valley County

via HealthByCounty

Valley County Matches National Life Expectancy

Valley County residents live to 83.0 years, nearly matching the U.S. average of 77.5 years and exceeding it by 5.5 years. However, 17.5% report poor or fair health, a notable concern despite the high life expectancy figure. This paradox suggests some residents face significant wellness challenges.

Well Above Idaho's State Average

At 83.0 years, Valley County's life expectancy exceeds Idaho's 77.5-year state average by 5.5 years, placing it among the state's healthiest counties. The 17.5% poor/fair health rate is higher than state norms, showing mixed outcomes. Life expectancy gains coexist with measurable health concerns.

Mixed Standing in Regional Comparison

Valley County's 83.0-year life expectancy matches Teton County (83.1 years) and far exceeds Twin Falls (76.0 years) and Washington (75.9 years). Yet at 17.5% poor/fair health, Valley reports more health challenges than Teton's 13.9%. The county presents a complex health profile.

Excellent Primary Care, Solid Insurance Access

Valley County leads the region with 131 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—double or more than neighboring counties. The 11.2% uninsured rate matches Twin Falls and stays below Idaho's 11.7% state average. Strong provider density and insurance coverage create favorable conditions for preventive care.

Maximize Your Healthcare Benefits

With 11.2% of Valley County uninsured, there's still room to extend coverage to more residents. Take advantage of the county's excellent primary care availability by enrolling in a plan at healthcare.gov or contacting local health providers. Insurance gives you access to the quality care Valley offers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Valley County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Schools in a Mountain Setting

Valley County provides education to 1,655 students through a small network of eight public schools. This includes four elementary schools and three high schools, ensuring localized access across three separate districts.

High Performance with Competitive Funding

The county delivers a strong 91.1% graduation rate, comfortably beating the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil spending of $7,464 is the highest among these counties and sits well above the Idaho state average of $6,288.

McCall-Donnelly Sets the Standard

The McCall-Donnelly Joint School District is the county's largest, serving 1,364 students across five schools. Charter education is also a significant factor here, with McCall Community School representing 12.5% of local campuses.

Intimate Classrooms in the Wild

All schools in the county are rural, featuring an average size of just 207 students for a highly personalized feel. While McCall-Donnelly High is the largest with 429 students, smaller schools like Cascade Elementary offer even more individual attention.

Mountain Living with Top-Tier Schools

Valley County is ideal for families who value small class sizes and high academic standards in a rural landscape. Explore local real estate to find a home that balances scenic living with these high-performing school districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Valley County

via RiskByCounty

Valley County ranks relatively low nationally

Valley County's composite risk score of 55.63 places it in the relatively low category despite exceeding the national average for many individual hazards. The county remains safer than many U.S. regions, though it carries higher combined risk than several Idaho neighbors.

Highest-risk county profiled here

Valley County scores 55.63 against Idaho's state average of 38.51, making it the riskiest among the four profiled counties. Its elevated composite score reflects particularly acute wildfire exposure within the state.

Most exposed to disasters locally

Valley County (55.63) faces substantially higher combined disaster risk than Teton County (29.45), Washington County (30.31), and Twin Falls County (46.95). The county's risk profile makes it the most hazard-exposed in this regional group.

Wildfire risk is exceptionally high

Valley County experiences the state's most extreme wildfire risk at 97.46, far surpassing all neighboring counties and most U.S. regions. Earthquake exposure (66.16) and flood risk (55.79) add secondary layers of concern, while tornado risk remains negligible at 3.59.

Wildfire insurance is essential here

Valley County residents face exceptional wildfire exposure, making specialized fire and wildfire coverage non-negotiable for homeowners. Pairing wildfire protection with earthquake coverage addresses your county's two dominant natural disaster threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Valley County

via WeatherByCounty

An Alpine Escape

Valley County averages 43.1°F annually, trailing the national median by over 10 degrees. Its climate is defined by high elevations and significant mountain influence.

Cooler and Wetter Than Average

The county's 43.1°F average is lower than the Idaho state mean of 46.5°F. It is one of the state's moisture magnets, receiving 22.1 inches of precipitation annually.

Heavy Snow Compared to Neighbors

With 83.2 inches of annual snow, Valley is much whiter in winter than the lower-elevation Snake River Plain. It exceeds the state precipitation average by over five inches.

Deep Snow and Pleasant Summers

Winter is dominated by nearly seven feet of snow and a 24.3°F average. Summers are brief but warm, with 17 days hitting 90°F and a July mean of 65.6°F.

Invest in Snow Removal

Heavy-duty snow blowers are essential to manage the 83.2 inches of yearly accumulation. Homeowners should also ensure roofs are rated for significant snow loads.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Valley County

via SoilByCounty

Wild and Varied Mountain Soil Profiles

Valley County’s specific pH and taxonomic data are not currently available, though mountain soils here often sit below the 6.5 national median. Growers usually encounter acidic trends similar to the Idaho state average of 6.04. These rugged profiles are shaped by high-elevation weathering and dense forest cover.

Navigating Rocky and Silt-Rich Terrains

While sand, silt, and clay percentages remain unrecorded, the local landscape features a mix of rocky outcrops and fine valley sediments. This diversity means soil workability varies significantly from the peaks down to the valley floor. Observant gardeners should test their texture to determine how well it retains water and nutrients.

Maximizing Potential in the West Central Mountains

With local organic matter data missing, the state’s 27.53% average serves as a high-water mark for soil health. Maintaining an available water capacity close to the Idaho average of 0.269 in/in is critical during the dry summer months. Adding organic amendments can significantly improve the growing potential of these mountain plots.

Slope-Driven Drainage in a High-Country Setting

Precise drainage classes are not listed, but the steep mountain geography ensures rapid water movement across much of the county. Managing runoff is a priority for both builders and gardeners to prevent erosion and soil loss. Understanding how water flows across your specific site is essential for long-term land stability.

Resilient Gardening in Hardiness Zone 5a

The cool climate of Zone 5a is perfect for hardy crops like spinach, carrots, and peas. Short growing seasons require strategic planning and perhaps the use of cold frames to protect young plants. Embrace the challenge of mountain gardening and enjoy the fresh flavors of a high-altitude harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Valley County

via LawnByCounty

Above Average Potential in Valley County

Valley County is a bright spot for Idaho lawn care with a difficulty score of 39.5, outperforming the state average of 33.3. While it remains more challenging than the national median, the local climate is relatively favorable for Zone 5a plantings. This higher score reflects a better balance of moisture and temperature than neighboring counties.

The Most Rain in the Region

Valley County receives 22.1 inches of annual precipitation, which is the highest among these four counties and surpasses the state average of 17.0 inches. This extra moisture supports the 1527 growing degree days, though 17 extreme heat days still require summer monitoring. The growing season is tight, as the last spring frost typically occurs on June 10.

Preparation is Key for Success

Soil data is currently limited for this area, so local testing is the best way to determine your specific lawn needs. Given the higher rainfall, ensuring proper drainage is vital to prevent root rot in the cooler Zone 5a climate. Aim to maintain a neutral pH through regular amendments to keep nutrients accessible to your turf.

Resilient Landscapes in Dry Years

Valley County fared better than its neighbors with only 25 weeks in drought over the past year. However, 100% of the county currently remains abnormally dry, suggesting that water-wise habits are still necessary. Focus on watering in the early morning to minimize loss from the 17 days of extreme heat.

Optimizing the Short Growing Season

Hardy grasses like Perennial Ryegrass and Fine Fescue thrive in the cooler 43.1°F average annual temperature here. You have a narrow window to establish roots between the June 10 spring frost and the September 11 fall frost. Take advantage of the relatively high 22.1 inches of rain by seeding early in the summer season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Valley County's county score?
Valley County, Idaho has a composite county score of 54.3 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 Valley County rank among counties in Idaho?
Valley County ranks #20 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 Valley County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Valley County is $1,778, with an effective tax rate of 0.30%. This earns Valley County a tax score of 98.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Valley County?
The median household income in Valley County, Idaho is $76,125 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Valley County earns an income score of 78.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Valley County, Idaho a good place to live?
Valley County scores 54.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Valley 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 Valley County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.