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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Kootenai County ranks #2,068 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 34%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Kootenai County
Affordability Verdict
Kootenai County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,330/month — about 20.7% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,330/month rent versus $1,313/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $17/month cheaper — a 1% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $53,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $56,271/year. With a median household income of $77,034, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Kootenai County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Canyon County where rent averages $1,259/month, Kootenai County is approximately 6% more expensive.
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
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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