Cost of Living in Salmon, ID

Population 3,196 · Idaho · Data vintage 2023

57
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $40,875, median household incomes in Salmon land roughly 45% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. At 6.2%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, Salmon lies roughly 160 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Boise City. Median home values run roughly 56% lower than Boise City's $456,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 65
Rent 44

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Salmon

The median home value in Salmon is $198,400 — 35% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $584/month, 56% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $40,875/year is 45% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.2%, above the national average of 4.8%. Idaho's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. The climate averages highs of 52.4°F and lows of 25.0°F. Overall, Salmon has a cost of living index of 57 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 43% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$198,400
35% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$403,714
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$584/mo
56% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
28.3x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$752
1 BR
$822
2 BR
$982
3 BR
$1,367
4 BR
$1,643
Owner-occupied 66.0%
Renter-occupied 34.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$584
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,198/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
13.6 min
50% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
2.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
74.0%
Carpooled
15.9%
Walked
7.2%
Bicycle
0.6%
Work from home
2.3%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.8%
Total Sales Tax 6.0%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 0.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$40,875
45% below avg
Per Capita Income
$32,404
Unemployment Rate
6.2%
29% above avg
Poverty Rate
16.3%
Labor Force Participation
55.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 10.3%
Graduate degree 6.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 46.5
Male median age 44.3
Female median age 48.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
52.4°F
Avg Low
25.0°F
Annual Precip
10.1"
23° 45° 68° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 283241506069817969533928
Low °F 891826333944423525157
Precip" 0.340.560.561.001.591.840.620.690.850.860.470.71

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 32 — Good
69.1%
Good air days/yr
119
Max AQI recorded
363
PM2.5 days
0
Ozone days

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

72%
4-Year Graduation Rate
16.5:1
Student-teacher ratio
4
Public schools
777
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Salmon, ID?

Salmon has a cost index of 57 (100 = national average). It is 43% below the national average.

What is average rent in Salmon, ID?

The median gross rent in Salmon is $584 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Salmon?

The median home value in Salmon is $198,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Salmon?

The median household income in Salmon is $40,875 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Salmon, ID?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Salmon is 6.0%. The Idaho state income tax top rate is 5.8%.

Is Salmon, ID affordable?

Yes, Salmon is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 57 — about 43% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Salmon?

Salmon has average high temperatures of 52.4°F and average lows of 25.0°F. Annual precipitation is 10.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Salmon at a Glance

Population
3,196
Median Income
$40,875
Home Value
$198,400
Median Rent
$584/mo
Unemployment
6.2%
Avg High Temp
52.4°F
Sales Tax
6.0%
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