Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$64,605$5,384 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Gem County, ID
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Gem County, ID
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Gem County, ID HUD Metro FMR Area. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $834 | $10,008 | $33,360 | 15.5% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $908 | $10,896 | $36,320 | 16.9% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $1,190 | $14,280 | $47,600 | 22.1% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,601 | $19,212 | $64,040 | 29.7% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,882 | $22,584 | $75,280 | 35% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Gem County, ID
Based on the local median household income of $64,605/year ($5,384/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
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.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across Idaho with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Gem County, ID
What is the median household income in Gem County, ID?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Gem County, ID is $64,605 per year (approximately $5,384 per month).
What is the average rent in Gem County, ID?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Gem County, ID are $834 for a studio, $908 for 1 bedroom, $1,190 for 2 bedrooms, $1,601 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,882 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Gem County, ID compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Gem County, ID is 98.4 (1.6% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Gem County, ID?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,190/month) in Gem County, ID requires a minimum gross household income of $47,600 per year ($3,967 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Gem County, ID?
For a typical household earning the median income of $64,605/year ($5,384/month) in Gem County, ID, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,692/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,615/month to discretionary spending, and $1,077/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Gem 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.