Cost of Living in Lincoln County, Idaho
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lincoln County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lincoln County ranks #1,183 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 38%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lincoln County, Idaho
Lincoln County delivers accessible affordability
Lincoln County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio beats both the national norm and Idaho's 16.8% state average, delivering genuine relief on rents of $860. The $66,038 median household income, though 12% below the national average, aligns well with housing costs to create one of the region's most livable affordability equations.
Best ratio among affordable counties
Lincoln County ranks among Idaho's most affordable at 15.6% rent-to-income, trailing only Jerome County (14.9%) and Idaho County (15.7%). The median rent of $860 sits near the state median of $919, suggesting balanced local housing markets that don't price out working families.
Rents and income balance smoothly
Lincoln County's $860 rent and $66,038 income create a ratio that sits right between lower-cost counties like Idaho ($797 rent) and pricier markets like Latah ($905). This middle-ground positioning makes Lincoln appealing for families seeking rural character without the affordability squeeze of higher-demand neighbors.
Ownership roughly equals renting cost
Renters pay $860 monthly while homeowners spend just $854 on the $206,700 median home value—nearly identical burdens. For the $66,038 median income, this near-parity is remarkable and suggests Lincoln offers excellent value for prospective homeowners seeking to build equity.
Lincoln County: balanced path to ownership
Lincoln County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio and nearly equal rent-versus-ownership costs ($860 vs. $854) make it ideal for renters ready to transition to homeownership. If you're earning near the county's $66,038 median and value affordability with stability, Lincoln delivers one of the region's most balanced housing markets.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lincoln County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Lincoln County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $860/month in gross rent, with 23.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Lincoln County pay $860/month on average, compared to $854/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 1%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $36,600/year. With a median household income of $66,038, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Lincoln County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Fremont County where rent averages $803/month, Lincoln County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lincoln County
Rent Burden
15.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,541
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.5%
of gross income
The median home in Lincoln County may be a stretch
Median home value is $206,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,650 vs. your max of $1,541.
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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