Council, ID Utility & Living Guide

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Council, ID Utility & Living Guide

Council is a city in and the county seat of Adams County, Idaho, United States. The population was 867 at the 2020 census.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$240/mo
1BR Rent$900/mo
Sales Tax6%
COL Index94 (-6% below national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$280,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Council
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$110/mo

Idaho Power
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$40/mo

City of Council Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Waste Management
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$240/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$900/mo
2 Bedrooms$1200/mo
3 Bedrooms$1800/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate1.1%
Avg Childcare/mo$800

The housing market in Council is relatively affordable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. Rentals are limited, but prices are competitive. The city has seen some growth in recent years, but it remains a small, tight-knit community.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

94

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

-6% below national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

88

Healthcare

110

Childcare/mo

$800

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6%
Property Tax Rate1.1%
<p>State 6% + No County or City tax</p>

Idaho has a state income tax rate ranging from 1.125% to 6.925%, with a relatively low tax burden compared to other states.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
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 in agriculture, forestry, and small manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Economic development, infrastructure, public services
🚌 Transit for Families

Council has limited public transportation options, but the city is relatively small and walkable, with some sidewalks and crosswalks.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Weiser River Trail
  • 🎯
    Council Park
  • 🎯
    Payette National Forest

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods offer a charming, small-town feel, with easy access to amenities and outdoor recreation. Families may also consider the outskirts of town for more rural, country-style living.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

Council has ordinances regulating zoning, building codes, and animal control, but is generally a business-friendly and lightly regulated environment.

Financial Tools

Calculators
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Find Another City Guide

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📊 Council — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Council fluctuate seasonally, with higher electricity bills in winter due to heating and higher water bills in summer due to irrigation. Residents can expect to pay around 10-20% more for utilities during peak seasons.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 83612 has a property tax millage rate of 1.1%, with no local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6, Council has some sidewalks and crosswalks, but the city's infrastructure is not extensively developed for stroller-friendly access, and some areas may be more challenging to navigate with a stroller.

📍 Council City Stories

Council, Idaho — City Council advances ‘rules of the road’ for e-bikes, e-sco

Council, Idaho’s recent City Council session took up a familiar but vital topic: rules for e-bikes and e-scooters....

Read more →
📰 Latest ID Stories
Idaho Living Report — July 27, 2026

Idaho Living Report — July 27, 2026

From the jagged peaks of the Sawtooth Range to the rolling potato fields of the Snake River Plain,...

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Idaho Living Report — July 26, 2026

Idaho Living Report — July 26, 2026

Against a backdrop of soaring prices in many western states, Idaho has carved out a reputation as a...

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Idaho Living Report — July 25, 2026

Idaho Living Report — July 25, 2026

Idaho’s population now sits at roughly 1,854,109, a modest but steady increase that reflects a quiet migration pattern...

Read more →
Idaho Living Report — July 24, 2026

Idaho Living Report — July 24, 2026

With a population of just over 1.85 million spread across a landscape of high desert plains, rugged mountains,...

Read more →
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