Cost of Living in Lemhi County, Idaho
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lemhi County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lemhi County, Idaho
Lemhi County: affordable rents on rural income
Lemhi County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio is near the national norm, but achieved on a median household income of just $52,057—30% below the U.S. average of $74,755. This county squeezes affordability from limited earnings through consistently low housing costs.
Lowest income, reasonable rents statewide
Lemhi County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Idaho's 16.8% average, yet the median household income of $52,057 is the lowest in this region. The county achieves this balance through the state's lowest median rent of $721, demonstrating how rural markets adjust to local wage realities.
Rock-bottom rents support low-wage households
Lemhi's $721 median rent is the cheapest among all eight counties and 21% below the state median of $919, crucial for households earning just $52,057. Only Lewis County ($708) rents lower, and together these two counties serve as safety valves for Idaho's lowest-income working families.
Renters get a better deal than homeowners
Renters pay $721 monthly while homeowners spend $849 on the $282,100 median home value, a modest $128 gap. For the $52,057 median income, both are tight budgets, but renting provides slightly more financial breathing room and lower entry-to-housing cost.
Lemhi for renters prioritizing bare essentials
Lemhi County is Idaho's most affordable rental option at $721 per month, ideal for households earning below $55,000 who need maximum cost relief. Homeownership requires careful financial planning here; renters will stretch further on the county's limited median income of $52,057.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lemhi County
Rent Burden
16.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,215
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.6%
of gross income
The median home in Lemhi County may be a stretch
Median home value is $282,100. Estimated monthly cost: $2,252 vs. your max of $1,215.
Rent Affordability Guide
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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.