Cost of Living in Payette County, Idaho
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Payette County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Payette County ranks #1,671 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 47%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Payette County, Idaho
Payette offers solid national affordability
Payette County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio beats the national standard, with renters spending $874 monthly against a median household income of $65,723. This favorable ratio means Payette households spend significantly less of their income on rent than many American peers.
Slightly better than Idaho average
Payette County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio modestly outperforms Idaho's state average of 16.8%, with rents of $874 running $45 below the state median. This balanced position reflects Payette's appeal as an affordable yet reasonably accessible Idaho county.
Moderate rents, premium home values
Payette's $874 rent sits between the regional lows (Owyhee at $771) and highs (Oneida at $1,009), offering middle-ground affordability. Yet median home values of $310,700 rank among the region's priciest, requiring stronger down payment capacity from buyers.
Renter-friendly, buyer-challenging
Renters spend $874 monthly while homeowners pay $1,087, with median home values at $310,700. The 16.0% rent-to-income ratio favors renters, but the $1,087 monthly owner cost reflects elevated home prices relative to the $65,723 median income.
Payette suits flexible renters
Payette County offers good affordability for renters seeking stable costs and reasonable income flexibility. If you're considering homeownership, budget carefully—median home values demand substantial income or down payment reserves to remain comfortable.
Cost of Living Advisory: Payette County
Affordability Verdict
Payette County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $874/month — about 16.0% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Payette County pay $874/month on average, compared to $1,087/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 20%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $46,586/year. With a median household income of $65,723, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Payette County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Payette County sits 6% more expensive than Adams County ($823/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Payette County
Rent Burden
16.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,534
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.8%
of gross income
The median home in Payette County may be a stretch
Median home value is $310,700. Estimated monthly cost: $2,480 vs. your max of $1,534.
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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