Elmore County
ID · Pop. 29,046 · Rural County
Elmore County is a rural county in Idaho, spanning 3,075 square miles with 29,046 residents at a density of 9.4 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on hay, wheat, corn. A median home price of $278,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.6% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 68-day growing season, average summer highs of 80.6°F and average winter lows of 8.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 14.1 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. St Luke's Elmore Medical Center is 20.9 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 82.7% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.6% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A strong agricultural economy built on hay, wheat, corn means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 9.4 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 68-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 14.1 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- The nearest hospital, St Luke's Elmore Medical Center, is 20.9 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- Average winter lows of 8.6°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Elmore County, ID is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 45/100
- Median home price
- $278k
- Property tax
- 0.6%
- Growing season
- 68 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 14.1"
- Broadband
- 82.7%
- Nearest hospital
- St Luke's Elmore Medical Center, 20.9 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Elmore County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Elmore County?
- Elmore County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 68-day growing season, average summer highs of 80.6°F, and average winter lows of 8.6°F. The established crops are hay, wheat, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $278,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.6%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 82.7% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- St Luke's Elmore Medical Center is 20.9 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals 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 Elmore 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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