Cost of Living in Butte County, Idaho
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Butte County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Butte County ranks #361 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 11%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Butte County, Idaho
Idaho's most affordable county overall
Butte County renters spend just 14.6% of income on rent—well below the national affordability target—though median income of $43,281 trails the national median by $31,474. This rural mountain county offers genuine affordability for those prioritizing low housing costs.
Butte leads Idaho's affordability rankings
At 14.6%, Butte's rent-to-income ratio beats Idaho's 16.8% average by over 2 percentage points, the best ratio in the state. Median rent of just $525 runs less than 60% of the state average, making Butte Idaho's undisputed housing bargain.
The region's rent rock bottom
Butte's $525 monthly rent dramatically undercuts every peer: Camas ($992), Bonneville ($1,054), and even lower-cost Boundary ($867). This isolated county's minimal housing supply keeps costs remarkably low—a genuine outlier in the state.
Trade wages for housing relief
Butte households earn $43,281 annually while paying just $525 rent or $594 ownership—the state's most favorable rent-to-income math. At 14.6% of income, renters enjoy cushion unmatched anywhere else in Idaho, though overall income is the state's lowest.
Butte County: affordability above all else
If housing cost is your absolute priority, Butte delivers—$525 rent and $594 owner costs are unbeatable in Idaho or regionally. Just understand the tradeoff: median incomes run significantly lower here, and job opportunities remain limited in this remote mountain setting.
Cost of Living Advisory: Butte County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Butte County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $525/month in gross rent, with 14.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Butte County pay $525/month on average, compared to $594/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 12%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $21,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,457/year. With a median household income of $43,281, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 14.0% of renter households in Butte County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Idaho, Butte County is less affordable than Bear Lake County by roughly 24% ($525/mo vs $687/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Butte County
Rent Burden
14.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,010
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.5%
of gross income
The median home in Butte County may be a stretch
Median home value is $195,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,563 vs. your max of $1,010.
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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