Idaho
For Americans thinking of retiring to Idaho from another state, or comparing it with a move abroad. Prices in Idaho run at 95.5 against a US average of 100, with housing at 90. We cover Idaho's 44 counties on the map below, each with a page of its own, and no town in depth yet.
Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5), 2024-12-31
Idaho is not compared with a town — compare two towns instead. Why?
Idaho, a state of the United States, is not the same kind of thing as a town: it spans many counties and very different places. Putting a state-wide average beside one town's own figures produces a number that looks like an answer and describes nothing a person would experience — so the engine refuses that pairing rather than rendering it thinly. A town against another town, here or abroad, is like-for-like. Build a comparison →
Research in progress. Our quality assessment of the official sources for the United States is not finished yet. Every figure published here is sourced and dated.
Idaho's 44 counties
Every county in Idaho on its own figures, against every US county that has the same figure. Pick a county on the map or in the list.
- Lowest fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Highest fifth (darker = a larger share 65+)
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- At least one hospital rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- None in the county
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = cheaper)
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = lower)
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = lower)
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
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- Top fifth (darker = more)
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = lower)
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Outlines: US Census Bureau, cartographic boundary files (2024). A fifth is among every US county holding the figure, so a color means the same thing in every state.
All 44 counties, with their figures
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Ada County
546,141 residents, 98,764 aged 65 or older (18.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 98.4 Cheaper than 12 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Boise City, ID metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,850 Lower than 86 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 1.1 per 100,000 a year Lower than 100 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.01 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 78 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,590 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Boise City, Meridian, Eagle (Census, 1 July 2024).
Ada County page → -
Adams County
5,013 residents, 1,630 aged 65 or older (32.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,299 Lower than 96 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Adams County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $5.37 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 1 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,874 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Council, New Meadows (Census, 1 July 2024).
Adams County page → -
Bannock County
91,591 residents, 15,480 aged 65 or older (16.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.9 Cheaper than 47 % of the other 3,142 US counties Pocatello, ID metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,271 Lower than 75 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Bannock County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.21 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 59 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,102 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Pocatello, Chubbuck, Inkom (Census, 1 July 2024).
Bannock County page → -
Bear Lake County
6,727 residents, 1,617 aged 65 or older (24.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,456 Lower than 94 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Bear Lake County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.41 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 44 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,874 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Montpelier, Paris, Georgetown (Census, 1 July 2024).
Bear Lake County page → -
Benewah County
10,508 residents, 2,863 aged 65 or older (27.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,757 Lower than 88 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Benewah County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.35 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 13 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: St. Maries, Plummer, Tensed (Census, 1 July 2024).
Benewah County page → -
Bingham County
51,153 residents, 8,578 aged 65 or older (16.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,799 Lower than 87 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Bingham County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.28 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 53 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,198 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Blackfoot, Shelley, Aberdeen (Census, 1 July 2024).
Bingham County page → -
Blaine County
25,517 residents, 6,658 aged 65 or older (26.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,358 Lower than 95 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Blaine County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.13 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 16 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $8,278 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Hailey, Ketchum, Bellevue (Census, 1 July 2024).
Blaine County page → -
Boise County
8,545 residents, 2,660 aged 65 or older (31.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 98.4 Cheaper than 12 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Boise City, ID metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,220 Lower than 97 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Boise County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $6.24 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 0 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,446 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Horseshoe Bend, Idaho City, Crouch (Census, 1 July 2024).
Boise County page → -
Bonner County
54,420 residents, 15,385 aged 65 or older (28.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,361 Lower than 95 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Bonner County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.34 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 13 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,186 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Sandpoint, Ponderay, Priest River (Census, 1 July 2024).
Bonner County page → -
Bonneville County
135,771 residents, 20,432 aged 65 or older (15.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 94.4 Cheaper than 24 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho Falls, ID metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,799 Lower than 87 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Bonneville County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.33 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 49 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,862 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Idaho Falls, Ammon, Iona (Census, 1 July 2024).
Bonneville County page → -
Boundary County
13,997 residents, 3,646 aged 65 or older (26.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,396 Lower than 95 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Boundary County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.62 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 32 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,806 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Bonners Ferry, Moyie Springs (Census, 1 July 2024).
Boundary County page → -
Butte County
2,783 residents, 720 aged 65 or older (25.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 94.4 Cheaper than 24 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho Falls, ID metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,743 Lower than 88 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Butte County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.28 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 53 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Arco, Moore, Butte City (Census, 1 July 2024).
Butte County page → -
Camas County
1,316 residents, 389 aged 65 or older (29.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,339 Lower than 95 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Camas County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.01 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 19 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,718 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Fairfield (Census, 1 July 2024).
Camas County page → -
Canyon County
275,123 residents, 43,140 aged 65 or older (15.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 98.4 Cheaper than 12 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Boise City, ID metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,841 Lower than 86 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 3.3 per 100,000 a year Lower than 86 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.71 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 96 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,590 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Nampa, Caldwell, Middleton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Canyon County page → -
Caribou County
7,252 residents, 1,383 aged 65 or older (19.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,979 Lower than 83 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Caribou County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.49 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,874 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Soda Springs, Grace, Bancroft (Census, 1 July 2024).
Caribou County page → -
Cassia County
26,397 residents, 4,196 aged 65 or older (15.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,470 Lower than 93 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Cassia County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.48 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 40 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,966 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Burley, Oakley, Declo (Census, 1 July 2024).
Cassia County page → -
Clark County
783 residents, 168 aged 65 or older (21.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,187 Lower than 97 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Clark County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.41 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 12 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,634 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Dubois, Spencer (Census, 1 July 2024).
Clark County page → -
Clearwater County
9,118 residents, 2,833 aged 65 or older (31.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,919 Lower than 84 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Clearwater County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.72 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 3 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,806 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Orofino, Pierce, Weippe (Census, 1 July 2024).
Clearwater County page → -
Custer County
4,636 residents, 1,522 aged 65 or older (32.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,056 Lower than 99 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Custer County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 2.0 months a year More than 1 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.85 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 8 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,794 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Challis, Mackay, Stanley (Census, 1 July 2024).
Custer County page → -
Elmore County
29,465 residents, 4,889 aged 65 or older (16.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,917 Lower than 84 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Elmore County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.11 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 6 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,802 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Mountain Home, Glenns Ferry (Census, 1 July 2024).
Elmore County page → -
Franklin County
15,889 residents, 2,548 aged 65 or older (16.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 95.9 Cheaper than 20 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Logan, UT-ID metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,428 Lower than 94 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Franklin County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.52 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 37 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,874 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Preston, Franklin, Weston (Census, 1 July 2024).
Franklin County page → -
Fremont County
14,208 residents, 2,799 aged 65 or older (19.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,593 Lower than 91 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Fremont County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.89 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 21 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,718 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: St. Anthony, Ashton, Teton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Fremont County page → -
Gem County
21,773 residents, 5,462 aged 65 or older (25.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 98.4 Cheaper than 12 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Boise City, ID metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,194 Lower than 97 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Gem County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.92 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,446 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Emmett (Census, 1 July 2024).
Gem County page → -
Gooding County
16,446 residents, 3,176 aged 65 or older (19.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,820 Lower than 87 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Gooding County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.17 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 63 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,802 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Gooding, Wendell, Hagerman (Census, 1 July 2024).
Gooding County page → -
Idaho County
17,874 residents, 5,831 aged 65 or older (32.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,159 Lower than 97 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Idaho County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.85 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 3 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Grangeville, Cottonwood, Kooskia (Census, 1 July 2024).
Idaho County page → -
Jefferson County
35,297 residents, 4,857 aged 65 or older (13.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 94.4 Cheaper than 24 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho Falls, ID metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,599 Lower than 91 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Jefferson County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.29 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 52 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,862 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Rigby, Menan, Ririe (Census, 1 July 2024).
Jefferson County page → -
Jerome County
26,362 residents, 3,886 aged 65 or older (14.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 92.1 Cheaper than 31 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Twin Falls, ID metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,257 Lower than 75 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Jerome County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.74 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,438 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Jerome, Hazelton, Eden (Census, 1 July 2024).
Jerome County page → -
Kootenai County
191,864 residents, 43,054 aged 65 or older (22.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 98.3 Cheaper than 12 % of the other 3,142 US counties Coeur d'Alene, ID metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,566 Lower than 92 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Kootenai County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.87 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 87 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,586 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls, Hayden (Census, 1 July 2024).
Kootenai County page → -
Latah County
41,842 residents, 6,970 aged 65 or older (16.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,285 Lower than 74 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Latah County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.96 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 81 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $9,646 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Moscow, Genesee, Troy (Census, 1 July 2024).
Latah County page → -
Lemhi County
8,474 residents, 2,777 aged 65 or older (32.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,277 Lower than 96 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Lemhi County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.77 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 3 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Salmon, Leadore (Census, 1 July 2024).
Lemhi County page → -
Lewis County
3,704 residents, 1,097 aged 65 or older (29.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,119 Lower than 79 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Lewis County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.32 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 51 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Kamiah, Craigmont, Nezperce (Census, 1 July 2024).
Lewis County page → -
Lincoln County
5,603 residents, 956 aged 65 or older (17.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,531 Lower than 92 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Lincoln County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.15 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 16 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,794 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Shoshone, Richfield, Dietrich (Census, 1 July 2024).
Lincoln County page → -
Madison County
55,172 residents, 3,662 aged 65 or older (6.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,724 Lower than 89 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Madison County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.23 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 58 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,634 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Rexburg, Sugar City (Census, 1 July 2024).
Madison County page → -
Minidoka County
22,911 residents, 4,074 aged 65 or older (17.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,717 Lower than 89 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Minidoka County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.89 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 86 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,966 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Rupert, Heyburn, Paul (Census, 1 July 2024).
Minidoka County page → -
Nez Perce County
42,905 residents, 9,827 aged 65 or older (22.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.2 Cheaper than 38 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Lewiston, ID-WA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,764 Lower than 60 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Nez Perce County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.26 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 55 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $9,646 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Lewiston, Lapwai, Culdesac (Census, 1 July 2024).
Nez Perce County page → -
Oneida County
5,085 residents, 1,072 aged 65 or older (21.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,589 Lower than 91 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Oneida County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.74 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 27 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,634 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Malad City (Census, 1 July 2024).
Oneida County page → -
Owyhee County
12,661 residents, 2,545 aged 65 or older (20.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 98.4 Cheaper than 12 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Boise City, ID metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,429 Lower than 94 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Owyhee County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.85 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 8 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,446 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Homedale, Marsing, Grand View (Census, 1 July 2024).
Owyhee County page → -
Payette County
27,824 residents, 6,025 aged 65 or older (21.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,426 Lower than 94 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Payette County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.20 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 60 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,518 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Payette, Fruitland, New Plymouth (Census, 1 July 2024).
Payette County page → -
Power County
8,246 residents, 1,427 aged 65 or older (17.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,495 Lower than 67 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Power County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.08 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 71 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,718 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: American Falls, Rockland, Pocatello (Census, 1 July 2024).
Power County page → -
Shoshone County
14,130 residents, 3,660 aged 65 or older (25.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,782 Lower than 88 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Shoshone County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.92 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 3 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,406 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Kellogg, Pinehurst, Osburn (Census, 1 July 2024).
Shoshone County page → -
Teton County
13,254 residents, 2,139 aged 65 or older (16.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,122 Lower than 97 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Teton County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.53 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 36 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,198 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Victor, Driggs, Tetonia (Census, 1 July 2024).
Teton County page → -
Twin Falls County
97,539 residents, 17,495 aged 65 or older (17.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 92.1 Cheaper than 31 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Twin Falls, ID metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,176 Lower than 77 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Twin Falls County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.67 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 97 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,718 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Twin Falls, Kimberly, Buhl (Census, 1 July 2024).
Twin Falls County page → -
Valley County
12,831 residents, 3,798 aged 65 or older (29.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,082 Lower than 98 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Valley County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.20 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 6 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,042 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: McCall, Cascade, Donnelly (Census, 1 July 2024).
Valley County page → -
Washington County
11,583 residents, 3,067 aged 65 or older (26.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Idaho nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,761 Lower than 88 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Washington County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.12 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 16 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,230 · Original + drug plan USD $6,398 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Weiser, Cambridge, Midvale (Census, 1 July 2024).
Washington County page →
Sources: US Census Bureau, county population estimates by age, 1 July 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024, all items, of each county's metropolitan area or its state's nonmetropolitan portion; The state's published 2025 income-tax rules, the county's own local income tax where one is levied, and the county's Census ACS property-tax ratio, applied to the example household; CMS, Hospital General Information (Care Compare), hospital overall star rating, release of 13 Aug 2026; CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by county of residence; CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al.; FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), county expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB); CMS, Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape, plan year 2027; CMS, 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles (fact sheet, 14 Nov 2025).
Where Idaho stands, on the six criteria
Idaho's six figures are the ones that set its place on the state ranking, where it sits in Tier 3 of 16. Each is measured for the whole of Idaho, not for any single place within it.
| Criterion | Idaho |
|---|---|
| Cost of living BEA price level, all items (US = 100); lower is better |
95.5 Cheaper than 56% of the other 50 · housing 90.0 · goods 96.3 · utilities 70.4 · other services 99.0
BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5) · figure for 2024 · checked 2026-08-28
|
| Taxes on a retired couple state and local tax on the example retired couple, USD a year; lower is better |
USD $1,740 (90% margin USD $1,717–$1,763) Lower than 90% of the other 50
Each state's published 2025 income-tax rules and the Census ACS property-tax ratio, applied to the example household · figure for 2025
|
| Healthcare access share of residents 65+ living in a county with a 4- or 5-star CMS hospital; higher is better |
66 % of residents 65+ Higher than 50% of the other 50
CMS, Hospital General Information (Care Compare), hospital overall star rating, release of 13 Aug 2026, weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025) · figure for 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Safety homicides per 100,000 a year, 2020–2024, by state of residence; lower is better |
2.3 per 100,000 a year (95% interval 2.0–2.6) Lower than 96% of the other 50
CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by state of residence · figure for 2024 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Climate months a year whose mean daily high is 18–29 °C (64–84 °F), 1981–2010; more is better |
4.0 months a year More than 12% of the other 50
CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al., weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025) · figure for 2010 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Natural-hazard risk expected yearly loss to buildings from natural hazards, per USD $1,000 of buildings; lower is better |
USD $1.39 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 44% of the other 50
FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), state expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB) · figure for 2025 · checked 2026-10-27
|
Medicare in Idaho
For the published example couple, both 67 and married: what Medicare premiums cost a year for two in Idaho, and the most a bad year can cost. What care itself costs depends on a person's health, so it is not estimated here.
Medicare Advantage, with drug coverage
USD $6,586 a year for two in premiums (from USD $4,870)
At most USD $19,806 in a bad year (from USD $19,170), with each person's in-network out-of-pocket maximum
The middle of the 6 plans offered here; "from" is the lowest premium among them.
Original Medicare, with a drug plan
USD $6,398 a year for two in premiums (from USD $4,997)
Medigap: no federal price list — not in this total.
No yearly maximum on Original Medicare alone.
Part B for two, plus the middle of the 8 standalone drug plans offered in the state.
The middle of Idaho's 44 counties, weighted by residents 65 or older (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025); 5 have no Advantage plan and are left out of that column.
The 2027 Part B premium is not yet published (CMS usually publishes it in November); 2026's is used.
Source: CMS, Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape, plan year 2027; CMS, 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles (fact sheet, 14 Nov 2025).
Idaho gives Medigap policyholders an annual 63-day enrollment period beginning on their birthday to buy similar or lesser coverage from the same company or another company without underwriting. Idaho's rule
Free, official Medicare counseling in Idaho: Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA), 1-800-247-4422 (the State Health Insurance Assistance Program).
Retiring to Idaho: pros and cons, by the figures
Retiring to Idaho, judged on the six figures above: a pro is a figure in the top fifth of the states, a con one in the bottom fifth. Figures in between get no verdict.
Pros
- Taxes on a retired couple: lower than 90% of the other 50 (USD $1,740). Each state's published 2025 income-tax rules and the Census ACS property-tax ratio, applied to the example household
- Safety: lower than 96% of the other 50 (2.3 per 100,000 a year). CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by state of residence
Cons
- Climate: fewer than 88% of the other 50 (4.0 months a year). CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al., weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025)
Also shown, not scored
Idaho's other state-wide figures: shown for context, not part of its tier. Measured for the whole of Idaho — not for any single place within it.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
|
Population
Total resident population, US Census Bureau estimate for 1 July 2025.
How this is measuredTotal resident population, Census Bureau estimate as of 1 July 2025, as reported in SSA's Table 1. Bigger is not better — this axis exists for context, never for ranking. |
2,029,733 people |
|
Population 65 plus
Residents aged 65 or older, US Census Bureau estimate for 1 July 2025.
How this is measuredResident population aged 65 or older, Census Bureau estimate as of 1 July 2025, as reported in SSA's Table 1. |
379,157 people |
|
Social security beneficiary share
Everyone receiving Social Security — retired, disabled, survivors and dependants — as a share of the population, 2025.
How this is measuredAll OASDI beneficiaries — retired workers, disabled workers, survivors and dependants — as a percentage of the total resident population. SSA Table 1 (2025), population as of 1 July 2025. Not the same measure as the county-level retired-worker share. |
20.7 percent |
Source for every figure: SSA Table 1 (2025) · Census population as of 1 July 2025 · figure for 2025 · checked 2026-08-28 Official source
Taxes on a retired couple in Idaho
We apply Idaho's published rules for tax year 2025 to one example household and show the sum, line by line. These are rules already in force for 2025, not a projection.
The example household
| Filing status | married filing jointly, both aged 67 |
|---|---|
| Social Security | USD $45,000 a year, combined |
| Private pension | USD $25,000 a year |
| IRA or 401(k) withdrawal | USD $20,000 a year |
| Home, for property tax | USD $350,000 |
An illustrative household, the same for every state so states can be compared. Each spouse holds half of each income. Your own figures will differ.
Idaho's rules applied
Federal income tax is left out: it is the same in every state, so it cannot separate them. Sales tax is left out too: it depends on what a household buys, and no state publishes an average of its local rates. The rate is listed below.
The rules behind the sum
- Top income-tax rate: 5.3 % Idaho State Tax Commission, 2025 Form 40 Instructions (EIN00046, 03-02-2026) · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Social Security deducted (Form 40, line 7): 100 % of it Idaho State Tax Commission, 2025 Form 40 Instructions, Line 7 · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Standard deduction, married filing jointly: USD $31,500 Idaho State Tax Commission, 2025 Form 40 Instructions, Standard Deduction Worksheet · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Additional standard deduction, age 65 or older: USD $1,600 per person, from age 65 Idaho State Tax Commission, 2025 Form 40 Instructions · checked Oct 26, 2026
- State sales tax 6 %, plus city sales taxes where levied: 6 % Idaho State Tax Commission: Sales and Use Taxes, Basics Guide · checked Oct 26, 2026
We don't cover a town in Idaho yet. See the towns we cover in the United States.
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