CountyScore

Valley County

Idaho · ID

#16 in Idaho
73.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Valley County, Idaho

Valley County leads Idaho's livability rankings nationally

Valley County's composite score of 73.7 crushes the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 87th percentile nationally. Only about one in eight U.S. counties match or exceed Valley's livability profile.

Idaho's gold standard for overall livability

Valley County ranks first in Idaho with a composite score of 73.7, edging out the state average of 72.5 and all 44 county peers. It sets the benchmark for livability across the state.

Lowest tax burden with solid housing affordability

Valley County boasts Idaho's lowest effective tax rate at 0.297% and scores 93.9 on tax efficiency—the highest among these four counties. Housing affordability is strong too, with median rent of $1,011/month and a cost score of 75.3, making it genuinely accessible.

Income levels constrain overall prosperity ceiling

Valley County's main limitation is modest median household income of $76,125 with an income score of just 33.1, indicating fewer high-wage opportunities. Disaster risk (44.4) is also the lowest among these counties, but health outcomes (74.5) could be strengthened.

Ideal for value-seeking families wanting quality living

Valley County is perfect for families and professionals seeking authentic livability without paying premium prices—excellent taxes, accessible housing, and solid health care. If you prioritize getting maximum quality of life per dollar, Valley County represents Idaho's best opportunity.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax93.9Cost75.3SafetyComing SoonHealth74.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome33.1Risk44.4WaterComing Soon
🏛93.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡44.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Valley County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Pickens County
Alabama
73.7
Median income: $47,014
Montgomery County
Arkansas
73.7
Median income: $49,015
Pike County
Arkansas
73.7
Median income: $51,000
Union County
Florida
73.7
Median income: $64,922
Wabash County
Indiana
73.7
Median income: $68,414

Deep Dives

Valley County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.