Cost of Living in Bear Lake County, Idaho
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Bear Lake County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Bear Lake County ranks #356 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 11%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Bear Lake County, Idaho
Bear Lake shines as affordability leader
Bear Lake County's rent-to-income ratio of just 12.3% ranks among America's most affordable markets, with renters dedicating a modest $687 monthly to housing. Though median household income of $67,304 falls below the national median of $74,755, the county's exceptionally low rents create outsized affordability.
Idaho's most affordable rental market
Bear Lake County's 12.3% rent-to-income ratio crushes Idaho's state average of 16.8%, offering renters remarkable savings compared to peers statewide. At $687 monthly, median rent runs $232 below the state median of $919—the lowest in the state by this data.
Bear Lake undercuts all neighboring counties
Bear Lake County's median rent of $687 significantly undercuts Bannock County ($879), Bingham County ($845), and Benewah County ($853). This rural county's median home value of $234,200 also ranks among the state's lowest, making homeownership accessible.
Housing consumes just 12% of household income
Bear Lake County residents spend $687 monthly on rent and $787 on ownership costs, both remarkably low relative to the $67,304 median household income. This leaves ample room for savings, healthcare, and other essentials—a rare luxury in today's housing market.
Bear Lake: affordability's ultimate destination
If housing affordability is your paramount concern, Bear Lake County offers unmatched value in Idaho and competitive pricing nationally. Weigh the tradeoff: ultra-low costs come with rural isolation and limited job diversity, but the financial relief is substantial.
Cost of Living Advisory: Bear Lake County
Affordability Verdict
Bear Lake County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $687/month — about 12.2% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Bear Lake County is $687/month, while owner costs run $787/month. Renting saves approximately $100/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,729/year. With a median household income of $67,304, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Bear Lake County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Bear Lake County sits 8% less expensive than Custer County ($744/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Bear Lake County
Rent Burden
12.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,570
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.0%
of gross income
The median home in Bear Lake County may be a stretch
Median home value is $234,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,870 vs. your max of $1,570.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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