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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lemhi County ranks #1,147 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 36%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lemhi County
Affordability Verdict
Lemhi County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $721/month representing approximately 16.6% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 35.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Lemhi County pay $721/month on average, compared to $849/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 15%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $36,386/year. With a median household income of $52,057, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 35.0% of renter households in Lemhi County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Idaho, Lemhi County is less affordable than Idaho County by roughly 10% ($721/mo vs $797/mo).
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
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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