Property Taxes in Idaho

Effective Rate

Idaho's average effective property tax rate is about 0.5%-0.72% of home value depending on methodology (Tax Foundation pegs the owner-occupied effective rate at approximately 0.50%, ranking Idaho 45th in the U.S. and roughly 45-47% below the approximately 0.99% national average; other calculators using assessed-value methodology cite a statewide average closer to 0.69%-0.72%). Either way, Idaho is consistently one of the lower property-tax states in the country. Rates vary significantly by county: urban/growth counties like Ada (Boise) tend to show lower effective rates because high home values dilute the levy, while some rural counties show higher effective rates on lower-valued homes.

Example: For a median-valued Idaho home (approximately $376,000), the typical annual property tax bill is roughly $1,900 to $2,000 (one current estimate: about $2,006/year; a separate current estimate from SmartAsset puts the typical Idaho homeowner's bill around $1,912/year). Bills vary widely by county, from about $540/year in Clark County to over $2,900/year in Latah County. Older Census-based figures citing a roughly $1,188 median tax on a $171,700 median home are now well out of date given Idaho's rapid home-price growth in recent years.

Exemptions

Homeowner's Exemption (Homestead Exemption)

Amount: Exempts 50% of the home's assessed value (plus up to 1 acre of land), capped at a maximum exemption of $125,000

Idaho's primary homestead relief program, administered by county assessors under Idaho Code 63-602G. Applies only to an owner-occupied primary residence, including manufactured homes. Must apply through the county assessor's office; the exemption stays in place until ownership changes or the home stops being the primary residence. Source: tax.idaho.gov (Idaho State Tax Commission) and Ada County Assessor.

Property Tax Reduction Program (Circuit Breaker)

Amount: Reduces property tax by $250 to $1,500 per year

Needs-based program for qualifying low-income seniors age 65+, widows/widowers, disabled veterans, blind individuals, or other disabled homeowners. Income limits and benefit amount are set and adjusted annually by the Idaho State Tax Commission; applicants must reapply and requalify each year through their county assessor.

Property Tax Deferral Program

Amount: Allows deferral of current-year property taxes, repaid later with interest, typically when the home is sold or title transfers

Available to qualifying low-income homeowners, including seniors and disabled residents, who meet income thresholds set by the Tax Commission. This defers rather than eliminates tax liability, so it functions as a cash-flow tool rather than a permanent exemption.

Figures vary noticeably by source because of differing methodology (assessed value vs. market value, whether the state's 50 percent/$125,000 homeowner's exemption is netted out before calculating the effective rate, and how recently home values were updated). For the most accurate number on a specific property, use the county assessor's office (for example, the Ada County Assessor) or the Idaho State Tax Commission's official property tax tools rather than relying on a single national aggregator site. Idaho's legislature has periodically adjusted the homeowner's exemption cap and circuit-breaker benefit amounts, so always confirm current-year figures directly at tax.idaho.gov before advising a specific taxpayer.

Facts on this page reflect research current as of 2026-07-05. Programs, rates, and laws change — confirm current figures with the relevant state agency before relying on them.

Related Resources

Down Payment Assistance in Idaho Transfer Tax & Closing Costs in Idaho Buyer-Agent Agreements in Idaho Seller Disclosure Laws in Idaho Find Agents in Idaho Home Affordability Calculator