Challis, ID Utility & Living Guide

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Challis, ID Utility & Living Guide

Living in Challis, Idaho offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation and small-town charm in a picturesque mountain setting

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$280/mo
1BR Rent$900/mo
Sales Tax6%
COL Index94 (-6% below national average)
Family Score8/10
Median Home$280,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Challis
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$130/mo

Idaho Power
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

City of Challis Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Custer County Solid Waste
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead $280/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$900/mo
2 Bedrooms$1200/mo
3 Bedrooms$1800/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate0.9%
Avg Childcare/mo$800

The housing market in Challis is relatively small and affordable, with a mix of older homes and newer constructions. Rentals are limited, but prices are generally lower than in larger Idaho cities. Homeowners can expect to pay around 0.9% of their home’s value in property taxes annually.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

94

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

-6% below national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

88

Healthcare

120

Childcare/mo

$800

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6%
Property Tax Rate0.9%
<p>State 6% + no County or City tax</p>

Idaho has a state income tax with a top rate of 6.925%, but no local income taxes are imposed in Challis

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
8/10
Safety Index

70

Higher = safer
School Rating

7/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$800/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries including tourism, agriculture, and forestry
Top Local Concerns
Economic growth, access to healthcare, environmental conservation
🚌 Transit for Families

Challis has limited public transportation, but its small size and walkable downtown area make it relatively easy to get around without a car, although stroller-friendly infrastructure is not always available

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Salmon River
  • 🎯
    Land of the Yankee Fork State Park
  • 🎯
    Challis Hot Springs

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The area around Main Street is popular for its proximity to shops and services, while neighborhoods near the Salmon River offer scenic views and outdoor recreation opportunities. Families may also consider the outskirts of town for more spacious homes and yards.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Challis based on your household profile.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Challis has regulations regarding zoning, building permits, and environmental conservation, given its location near the Salmon-Challis National Forest

Current financial trends in Challis indicate a growing interest in tourism and outdoor recreation, which could boost local businesses and create new job opportunities. However, the town's remote location and limited infrastructure may pose challenges for some entrepreneurs and residents.

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📊 Challis — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

In Challis, utility costs tend to fluctuate with the seasons, with higher electricity bills in the winter due to heating needs and lower bills in the summer when temperatures are milder. However, the lack of air conditioning in many homes means summer utility bills are generally lower than in hotter parts of the country.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 83226 has a property tax millage rate of around 0.9%, with no local surtaxes imposed by Custer County or the City of Challis

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6, Challis has some sidewalks and parks, but its infrastructure is not always stroller-friendly, and public transportation is limited, making a car necessary for many trips

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