Cost of Living in Jerome County, Idaho
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Jerome County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Jerome County ranks #2,510 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 20%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Jerome County, Idaho
Jerome County leads in housing affordability
Jerome County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio is among the nation's best, placing renters in a comfortable financial position despite a median income of $69,338 that's 7% below the national average. This county delivers genuine affordability without requiring above-average earnings.
Best affordability ratio in Idaho region
Jerome County ranks among the state's most affordable at 14.9% compared to Idaho's 16.8% average, with rents of $862 that align with the state median of $919. It represents an ideal middle ground: reasonable housing costs paired with access to job markets.
Sweet spot between rural and urban
Jerome's $862 rent falls between the bargain basements of Idaho County ($797) and the pricier markets of Kootenai ($1,330) and Jefferson ($1,098). At $69,338 income, Jerome households earn more than Latah and Lemhi counties while keeping rents manageable and well below state average.
Home ownership costs more than renting
Renters pay $862 monthly while homeowners spend $1,078 on their $254,000 median home value, creating a $216 monthly ownership premium. For the $69,338 median household income, this ratio remains affordable, but renters should understand that buying here carries a genuine cost bump.
Jerome County: affordable and practical
Jerome County offers the region's best rent-to-income ratio (14.9%) for households earning near $69,000, making it ideal for renters seeking stability without sacrifice. Compare this to Kootenai (20.7%) or Latah (16.7%) to see why Jerome works best for budget-conscious families and professionals.
Cost of Living Advisory: Jerome County
Affordability Verdict
Jerome County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $862/month — about 14.9% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Jerome County is $862/month, while owner costs run $1,078/month. Renting saves approximately $216/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $46,200/year. With a median household income of $69,338, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Jerome County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Idaho, Jerome County is less affordable than Washington County by roughly 6% ($862/mo vs $919/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Jerome County
Rent Burden
14.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,618
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.7%
of gross income
The median home in Jerome County may be a stretch
Median home value is $254,000. Estimated monthly cost: $2,028 vs. your max of $1,618.
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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