Cost of Living in Latah County, Idaho
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Latah County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Latah County ranks #1,328 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 42%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Latah County, Idaho
Latah County rents match national affordability
Latah County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio aligns almost exactly with Idaho's state average of 16.8%, placing renters near the national norm despite a median income of $65,179 that's 13% below the U.S. benchmark. The county delivers average affordability without average income pressure.
Near-average affordability with college income
Latah County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Idaho's 16.8% average, with median rents of $905 tracking close to the state median of $919. The presence of the University of Idaho creates income diversity and moderates housing cost pressure across the county.
Mid-range rents, lower incomes than peers
At $905, Latah's median rent ranks third-highest among these eight counties, but the $65,179 median income is below Jefferson ($82,952), Kootenai ($77,034), and Jerome ($69,338). This mismatch pushes Latah's rent-to-income ratio slightly above the state average despite moderate rents.
Ownership carries substantial monthly premium
Renters pay $905 monthly while homeowners spend $1,118 on the $342,500 median home value, a $213 monthly gap for the $65,179 median household income. The home value is the county's second-highest, reflecting university-adjacent demand that inflates ownership costs without boosting renter income equally.
Latah works best for income-stable renters
Latah County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio is manageable for renters with $65,000+ incomes, but prospective homebuyers should plan carefully for the $1,118 monthly ownership cost. If you're considering relocation with a career at the University of Idaho or related institutions, Latah delivers university-town amenities at near-state-average costs.
Cost of Living Advisory: Latah County
Affordability Verdict
Latah County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $905/month representing approximately 16.7% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 29.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Latah County pay $905/month on average, compared to $1,118/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 19%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $47,914/year. With a median household income of $65,179, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Latah County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Idaho, Latah County is more affordable than Boise County by roughly 6% ($905/mo vs $854/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Latah County
Rent Burden
16.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,521
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.6%
of gross income
The median home in Latah County may be a stretch
Median home value is $342,500. Estimated monthly cost: $2,734 vs. your max of $1,521.
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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