Cost of Living in Valley County, Idaho
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Valley County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Valley County ranks #1,163 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 37%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Valley County, Idaho
Valley County keeps housing costs low
Valley County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% edges below the national standard, despite a median household income of $76,125 that's roughly equal to the U.S. average. Renters here benefit from rental prices that haven't inflated as quickly as wages.
Idaho's second-best affordability
Valley County achieves a 15.9% rent-to-income ratio, ranking as Idaho's second-most affordable county behind only Teton. This strong showing reflects the county's respectable median income and relatively stable rental market.
Similar rents, stronger incomes
Valley County's $1,011 median rent matches Twin Falls exactly, yet Valley's median household income tops Twin Falls by $10,787 annually. This income advantage makes the same rent more manageable for Valley residents.
Ownership costs lower than rents
A notable reversal: Valley renters pay $1,011 monthly (16% of income), while homeowners commit only $973 monthly (15% of income) on properties valued near $600,000. This unusual inversion suggests a strong owner-occupied market with favorable financing, not lower home values.
Valley County: Mountain living, smart money
Remote workers and those relocating should take note of Valley's balance: reasonable incomes ($76k median), controlled rents ($1,011), and surprisingly affordable ownership for mountain-adjacent living. The county offers one of Idaho's best deals for buyers willing to embrace a smaller town lifestyle.
Cost of Living Advisory: Valley County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Valley County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,011/month in gross rent, with 27.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Valley County is $1,011/month, while owner costs run $973/month. Owning saves approximately $38/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $40,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $41,700/year. With a median household income of $76,125, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Valley County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Idaho, Valley County is more affordable than Nez Perce County by roughly 8% ($1,011/mo vs $936/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Valley County
Rent Burden
15.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,776
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.3%
of gross income
The median home in Valley County may be a stretch
Median home value is $599,500. Estimated monthly cost: $4,786 vs. your max of $1,776.
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
What is the cost of living in Valley County, Idaho?
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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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