Cost of Living in Benewah County, Idaho
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Benewah County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Benewah County ranks #1,944 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 38%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Benewah County, Idaho
Benewah rents strain lower-income households
Benewah County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.1% ranks above the national standard, with renters spending $853 monthly on a median household income of just $56,553. This county's lower earnings, paired with above-average rent burden, leaves households with less breathing room than the national typical.
Benewah faces above-average affordability pressure
Benewah County's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Idaho's state average of 16.8%, placing it among the state's least affordable markets. With the state's lowest median household income in this dataset at $56,553, renters here struggle more than most state peers.
Benewah rents high, incomes low—a tough combo
Benewah County's median rent of $853 exceeds Bear Lake County ($687) and approaches Bannock County ($879), while incomes fall well below all neighbors. This combination ranks Benewah among the state's most financially stressed markets for renters.
Rent consumes over one-fifth of lean budgets
Benewah County renters allocate $853 monthly to housing on a median income of $56,553, consuming 18.1% of earnings before other expenses. Homeowners fare slightly better at $835 monthly, but both paths strain household finances in this lower-income county.
Benewah offers low costs, but limited income potential
Relocating to Benewah County means affordable rents paired with economic constraints; it suits those with remote income or retirement savings. Without strong local job markets, newcomers should carefully assess whether the modest housing savings justify limited earning opportunities.
Cost of Living Advisory: Benewah County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Benewah County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $853/month in gross rent, with 27.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Benewah County pay $853/month on average, compared to $835/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 2%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,786/year. With a median household income of $56,553, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Benewah County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Idaho, Benewah County is less affordable than Latah County by roughly 6% ($853/mo vs $905/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Benewah County
Rent Burden
18.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,320
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.7%
of gross income
The median home in Benewah County may be a stretch
Median home value is $255,800. Estimated monthly cost: $2,042 vs. your max of $1,320.
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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