Cost of Living in Custer County, Idaho
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Custer County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Custer County ranks #604 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 19%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Custer County, Idaho
Custer rents among America's most affordable
At just 15.7%, Custer County's rent-to-income ratio ranks below both the national and state averages, signaling strong housing affordability. The county's $744 median rent is strikingly low, though household income of $56,957 still trails the nation by $17,798.
Custer leads Idaho in rental affordability
Custer County's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio beats Idaho's 16.8% state average by a meaningful margin, ranking it among the most affordable counties in the state. Renters here pocket the lowest median rent in the state at $744/month, undercutting the state average by $175.
Rock-bottom rents versus surrounding counties
Custer County's $744 rent is the cheapest in the region—$103 less than Clearwater's $847 and $367 less than Elmore's $1,111. This rental bargain, paired with reasonable income levels, makes Custer a standout affordable outlier in central Idaho.
Renters thrive here; homebuyers face sticker shock
Renters spend only 15.7% of income on $744/month housing, a genuine comfort zone, while homeowners pay $816/month on much pricier properties worth $295,600. The gap reflects Custer's appeal to budget renters but cautions would-be buyers about elevated home prices.
Custer is a renter's paradise in Idaho
If you rent, Custer County offers some of the nation's best affordability at $744/month on moderate incomes. Buyers should note the steep home prices; renters should jump at the opportunity to compare this gem with nearby Clearwater and Fremont before deciding.
Cost of Living Advisory: Custer County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Custer County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $744/month in gross rent, with 27.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $744/month rent versus $816/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $72/month cheaper — a 9% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,971/year. With a median household income of $56,957, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Custer County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Idaho, Custer County is less affordable than Idaho County by roughly 7% ($744/mo vs $797/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Custer County
Rent Burden
15.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,329
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.2%
of gross income
The median home in Custer County may be a stretch
Median home value is $295,600. Estimated monthly cost: $2,360 vs. your max of $1,329.
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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