Cost of Living in Lewis County, Idaho
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lewis County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lewis County ranks #1,012 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 32%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lewis County, Idaho
Lewis County stretches lowest incomes furthest
Lewis County's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds the national norm, yet the median household income of $49,643 is the region's lowest—34% below the U.S. average. The county compensates with the state's lowest median rent of $708, allowing bare-subsistence households to make housing work.
Lowest income, lowest rents in Idaho region
Lewis County has the highest rent-to-income ratio (17.1%) of all eight counties and significantly exceeds Idaho's 16.8% state average, despite offering the absolute lowest median rent at $708. This reflects a fundamental challenge: very low incomes leave little margin, even with rock-bottom housing costs.
Rents tie lowest but incomes lag peers
Lewis County's $708 rent ties Lemhi County for the region's lowest, but at $49,643 median income—the absolute bottom—renters here have less financial flexibility than anywhere else in this analysis. This county serves the region's most economically vulnerable households.
Ownership barely possible on local income
Renters pay $708 monthly while homeowners face $764 on the $202,400 median home value—the lowest home values in the region. For the $49,643 median income, ownership is a financial stretch; renters capture real savings and maintain essential liquidity.
Lewis County: last-resort affordability option
Lewis County offers the region's lowest rents ($708) but also the lowest median income ($49,643), making it a genuine struggle for any household expense beyond housing. Only relocate here if employment opportunity improves your current income; otherwise, nearby Lemhi ($52,057 income) or Idaho County ($60,975) offer better financial positioning.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lewis County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Lewis County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $708/month in gross rent, with 24.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $708/month rent versus $764/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $56/month cheaper — a 7% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,320/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,743/year. With a median household income of $49,643, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Lewis County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Clark County where rent averages $771/month, Lewis County is approximately 8% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lewis County
Rent Burden
17.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,158
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.5%
of gross income
The median home in Lewis County may be a stretch
Median home value is $202,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,616 vs. your max of $1,158.
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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