Cost of Living in Caribou County, Idaho
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Caribou County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Caribou County ranks #237 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 8%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Caribou County, Idaho
Caribou delivers quiet affordability
Caribou County renters spend just 14.4% of income on rent, tracking below the national affordability threshold and beating 75% of U.S. counties. Median income of $66,653 combined with a median rent of just $800 creates one of the nation's best housing bargains.
Idaho's second-most affordable county
At 14.4%, Caribou's rent-to-income ratio ranks second-best in Idaho after Butte County (14.6%), running 2.4 points below state average of 16.8%. Median rent of $800 beats the state average by $119, making Caribou a genuine affordability standout.
Southeastern Idaho's value leader
Caribou's $800 rent undercuts Bonneville ($1,054), Cassia ($920), and Camas ($992), while owner costs at $732 match or beat all regional peers. This isolated Bear Lake county punches above its weight for affordability across both rental and ownership markets.
Income and housing in perfect balance
Caribou households earn $66,653 while paying just $800 rent or $732 ownership, meaning housing claims only 14.4% of income. The county achieves this balance through modest costs in an isolated area with stable, longtime residents rather than rapid growth.
Caribou: Southeast Idaho's affordability gem
At 14.4% rent-to-income, Caribou competes with Butte for Idaho's best affordability, combining reasonable rents ($800) with solid incomes ($66,653). If you accept remote location and seasonal recreation tradeoffs, Caribou delivers genuine long-term housing relief.
Cost of Living Advisory: Caribou County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Caribou County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $800/month in gross rent, with 26.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Caribou County pay $800/month on average, compared to $732/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 9%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,371/year. With a median household income of $66,653, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Caribou County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Idaho, Caribou County is less affordable than Benewah County by roughly 6% ($800/mo vs $853/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Caribou County
Rent Burden
14.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,555
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.2%
of gross income
The median home in Caribou County may be a stretch
Median home value is $220,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,758 vs. your max of $1,555.
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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