Benewah County
ID · Pop. 9,913 · Rural County
Benewah County is a rural county in Idaho, spanning 777 square miles with 9,913 residents at a density of 12.8 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on wheat, hay, chickpeas. The median home price is $256,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.55%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 145-day growing season, average summer highs of 80.7°F and average winter lows of 24.3°F. Annual rainfall averages 30.5 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Benewah Community Hospital is 7.3 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 50% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.55% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Benewah Community Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 7.3 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- At 12.8 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- A 145-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Broadband reaches only 50% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
At a glance
Benewah County, ID is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 58/100
- Median home price
- $256k
- Property tax
- 0.55%
- Growing season
- 145 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 30.5"
- Broadband
- 50%
- Nearest hospital
- Benewah Community Hospital, 7.3 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Benewah County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Benewah County?
- Benewah County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 145-day growing season, average summer highs of 80.7°F, and average winter lows of 24.3°F. The established crops are wheat, hay, chickpeas.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $256,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.55%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 50% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Benewah Community Hospital is 7.3 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Idaho Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Idaho
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The closest counties to Benewah County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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