Idaho · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Elmore County, ID

The median household in Elmore County, ID earns $65,359 a year ($5,447/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,192/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $47,680 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 4.5% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$65,359$5,447 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,192HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)95.5-4.5% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate14.4¢per kWh · EIA Residential ID
Census Population29,321Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Elmore County, ID

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,192Monthly market rent
Share of gross income21.9%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$47,680To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,634At 30% of $65,359
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Elmore County, ID

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Elmore County, ID. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Elmore County, ID
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$902$10,824$36,08016.6%
1-Bedroom Apartment$908$10,896$36,32016.7%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,192$14,304$47,68021.9%
3-Bedroom Home$1,658$19,896$66,32030.4%
4-Bedroom Home$2,000$24,000$80,00036.7%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Elmore County, ID →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Elmore County, ID

Based on the local median household income of $65,359/year ($5,447/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$2,723/moRent ($1,192 2-BR), utilities (~$129/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,634/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 95.5 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,089/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Idaho

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Idaho state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$65,359
$25,000$135,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$65,359
Net 80%
Fed 9%
ID 4%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$52,322After all taxes
Monthly deposit$4,360Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,012Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate20%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$5,663 / yr
Idaho state income tax$2,374 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$5,000 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Idaho with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Elmore County, ID

What is the median household income in Elmore County, ID?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Elmore County, ID is $65,359 per year (approximately $5,447 per month).

What is the average rent in Elmore County, ID?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Elmore County, ID are $902 for a studio, $908 for 1 bedroom, $1,192 for 2 bedrooms, $1,658 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,000 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Elmore County, ID compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Elmore County, ID is 95.5 (4.5% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Elmore County, ID?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,192/month) in Elmore County, ID requires a minimum gross household income of $47,680 per year ($3,973 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Elmore County, ID?

For a typical household earning the median income of $65,359/year ($5,447/month) in Elmore County, ID, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,723/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,634/month to discretionary spending, and $1,089/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Elmore County, ID?

Residential electricity rates in Idaho average 14.4¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $129 per month.