Cost of Living in Kootenai County, Idaho
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Kootenai County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Kootenai County, Idaho
Kootenai County is Idaho's affordability outlier
At 20.7%, Kootenai County's rent-to-income ratio is the highest in this region and well above both the national norm and Idaho's 16.8% state average. Renters here dedicate a significantly larger share of income to housing than peers across the state, a premium tied to the county's popular amenities and scenic location.
Highest rents in the region, uneven income
Kootenai County leads with $1,330 monthly rents—45% above the state median of $919—while median income of $77,034 lags its housing costs. The resulting 20.7% rent-to-income ratio signals tight housing markets and strong demand competing for limited inventory.
Rents soar beyond neighboring counties
At $1,330, Kootenai's median rent exceeds every neighboring county in this analysis by a wide margin: 54% above Jerome ($862), 47% above Latah ($905), and 21% above Jefferson ($1,098). The premium reflects Kootenai's status as an in-demand market but strains affordability for working families.
Ownership and renting cost nearly the same
Renters and homeowners face nearly identical monthly burdens: $1,330 rent versus $1,313 ownership costs on the $467,400 median home value. For the $77,034 median household income, both paths consume over 20% of gross earnings, marking Kootenai as the region's most housing-cost-intensive county.
Budget carefully before relocating here
Kootenai County's 20.7% rent-to-income ratio means housing will claim a larger slice of your paycheck than almost anywhere else in Idaho. If you're relocating here, prioritize jobs paying well above the $77,034 median, or consider renting just outside the county to capture affordable alternatives in adjacent areas.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Kootenai County
Rent Burden
20.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,797
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.5%
of gross income
The median home in Kootenai County may be a stretch
Median home value is $467,400. Estimated monthly cost: $3,731 vs. your max of $1,797.
Rent Affordability Guide
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.