Jefferson
Idaho

What stands out

Three things set Jefferson County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the restaurant count per person is among the fewest in America (0.1 per 1,000), rainfall is among the driest in America (8 inches a year), and population growth is in the top 4% of American counties (+2.6% a year). Within Idaho it ranks 1st of 41 counties for the restaurant count per person, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Jefferson County, Idaho. 31,383 people live here with you. The population grew 2.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +618).

Idaho has a flat 5.3% income tax and grew faster than almost any state between 2015 and 2023, driven by arrivals from California and Washington to the Boise area. Home prices in Ada County more than doubled in that stretch. The state offers a property-tax reduction for lower-income seniors and taxes Social Security for nobody.

Money

The typical household here brings in $77,491 a year, higher than 85% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $46,365. Unemployment runs 2.2%, lower than 92% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home.

Idaho takes 5.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,852 a year.

Home

The median home costs $473K, pricier than 92% of American counties, about 3.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $939 a month. Property tax is 0.56% of home value, roughly $1,596 a year on that median home, lower than 81% of American counties. 82% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.7 per 1,000 residents, lower than 61% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 11 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 78.0 years, longer than 75% of American counties. There are 16 active physicians in the county, about 5.1 per 10,000 people. 10.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.92 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 53% of American counties. 93% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 74 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 76% of eligible voters turned out. Under Idaho law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is illegal.

Weather and risk

The year averages 46°F, highs near 60 and lows near 33, colder than 87% of American counties. About 8 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 38 out of 100, safer than 62% of American counties; the county has had 6 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 132 Mbps down, slower than 77% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.1 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.