Cost of Living in Gooding County, Idaho
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Gooding County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Gooding County ranks #1,846 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 41%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Gooding County, Idaho
Gooding rents sit near the national sweet spot
At 16.5%, Gooding County's rent-to-income ratio lands just below the national average, with $859 rents supported by household income of $62,395. This balanced positioning makes Gooding a solid middle-ground choice for affordability-conscious Americans.
Gooding edges slightly below state average
Gooding County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Idaho's 16.8% state average, while its $859 median rent runs modestly above the state's $919 average. The county's moderate household income supports this lean affordability profile.
Balanced costs amid regional variation
Gooding County's $859 rent falls between Custer's bargain $744 and Elmore's pricey $1,111, reflecting its true middle-ground position in central Idaho. Household income of $62,395 also anchors Gooding near the regional median, making it reliably predictable.
Renters and buyers both find reasonable terms
Renters commit 16.5% of income to $859/month housing, leaving solid room for savings and discretionary spending. Homeowners pay $830/month on median properties worth $231,800, positioned between Custer's cheaper homes and the region's pricier markets.
Gooding offers Idaho's balanced middle ground
Gooding County delivers steady, predictable affordability without extremes—suitable for middle-income families seeking reliable Idaho living costs. Compare against Fremont's higher incomes and Elmore's cost burden to confirm Gooding's practical fit for your situation.
Cost of Living Advisory: Gooding County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Gooding County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $859/month in gross rent, with 27.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Gooding County pay $859/month on average, compared to $830/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 3%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,571/year. With a median household income of $62,395, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Gooding County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Gooding County sits 7% more expensive than Fremont County ($803/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Gooding County
Rent Burden
16.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,456
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.0%
of gross income
The median home in Gooding County may be a stretch
Median home value is $231,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,851 vs. your max of $1,456.
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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