Cost of Living in Clearwater County, Idaho

$847/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$240,800

Median Home Value

8% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$847/mo

8% below state average

Median Home Value

$240,800

15% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

29.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Clearwater County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Clearwater County$847/mo

Idaho Average$919/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$847/mo

Median Gross Rent

$240,800

Median Home Value

$672/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

29.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Clearwater County, Idaho

Clearwater renters fare better than most

Clearwater County's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably near the national trend, with residents spending less than one-fifth of earnings on rent. The median household income of $57,961 trails the nation by $16,794, but the county's $847 monthly rent keeps the overall cost-to-income relationship competitive.

Edges above Idaho's affordability benchmark

At 17.5%, Clearwater County ranks slightly above Idaho's 16.8% state average, positioning it in the middle of state affordability. The county's $847 median rent runs well below the state's $919 average, offset by moderately lower household incomes.

Split the difference on rents with neighbors

Clearwater County's $847 rent sits between Custer County's bargain $744 and Elmore County's pricier $1,111. Household incomes here ($57,961) place it squarely between those same neighbors, making Clearwater a true middle ground in the region.

Balanced housing costs at middling incomes

Renters spend 17.5% of income on $847/month housing, while homeowners commit $672/month to median homes worth $240,800. This dual affordability—reasonable across both rental and ownership—reflects stable, if modest, economic conditions.

Clearwater works for budget-conscious renters

With rents under $850 and a balanced cost-of-living profile, Clearwater County suits remote workers and retirees prioritizing affordability. Scout the neighboring Custer and Elmore counties for comparison before committing to this rural Idaho gem.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Clearwater County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

17.5%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,352

per month

Owner Cost Burden

13.9%

of gross income

The median home in Clearwater County may be a stretch

Median home value is $240,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,922 vs. your max of $1,352.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio17.5%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Clearwater County, Idaho?

Clearwater County, Idaho has a median monthly rent of $847/mo and a median home value of $240,800. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 29.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Clearwater County?

The median gross rent in Clearwater County is $847/mo. This is 8% below state average for Idaho.

Is Clearwater County affordable?

Clearwater County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 29.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Clearwater County's rent compare to the state average?

Clearwater County's median rent of $847/mo is 8% below state average of $919/mo for Idaho.

What is the median home value in Clearwater County?

The median home value in Clearwater County, Idaho is $240,800. This is 15% below the national median home value of $281,900.