Cost of Living in Elmore County, Idaho
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
These figures are county medians, not a personal budget. Use them to frame rent, ownership, and income tradeoffs, then account for household size, commute, financing, insurance, taxes, debt, and local availability before making a decision.
How Elmore County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Elmore County ranks #2,323 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 26%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Elmore County, Idaho
Elmore's housing crunch strains household budgets
At 22.6%, Elmore County's rent-to-income ratio far exceeds the national average and nearly matches the highest-cost markets in America. The $1,111 median rent is Idaho's highest relative to household income of $58,976, signaling a genuine affordability crisis.
Elmore leads Idaho in housing unaffordability
Elmore County's 22.6% rent-to-income ratio stands out painfully above Idaho's 16.8% state average, making it the state's least affordable county for renters. At $1,111/month, its median rent exceeds the state average by $192, yet household incomes remain below regional peers.
Dramatically pricier than surrounding counties
Elmore County's $1,111 rent towers over neighbors Custer ($744), Clearwater ($847), and Fremont ($803), representing a 50% premium over Custer. This surge in rental costs without proportional income gains creates the region's steepest affordability penalty.
Housing consumes more than one-fifth of income
Renters commit 22.6% of income—nearly a quarter—to $1,111/month housing, a burden that dwarfs peers across Idaho and the nation. Homeowners face similar pressure, paying $906/month on median homes valued at $278,300.
Elmore demands careful budget planning
Elmore County's high housing costs make it unsuitable for tight-budget renters, though higher earners may find the amenities worth it. Before relocating, compare rents in Fremont and Custer, which offer dramatically lower costs in similar Idaho settings.
Cost of Living Advisory: Elmore County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Elmore County is affordable. The median rent is $1,111/month against a median household income of $58,976, putting rent at 22.6% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Elmore County is $1,111/month, while owner costs run $906/month. Owning saves approximately $205/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $44,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $38,829/year. With a median household income of $58,976, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Elmore County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Bonner County where rent averages $1,059/month, Elmore County is approximately 5% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Elmore County
Rent Burden
22.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,376
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.4%
of gross income
The median home in Elmore County may be a stretch
Median home value is $278,300. Estimated monthly cost: $2,222 vs. your max of $1,376.
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). Data is informational only and is not personalized financial advice.
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