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Lake Fork, ID Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: June 26, 2026

Total Utilities$280/mo

1BR Rent$1100/mo

Sales Tax6%

COL Index105 (+5% above national average)

Family Score7/10

Median Home$280,000

📷 Live Cameras — Lake Fork

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🌤️ Live Weather — Lake Fork

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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Lake Fork

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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

Lake Fork Water District

🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Republic Services

📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$280/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom	$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms	$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms	$2000/mo
Median Home Price	$280,000
Property Tax Rate	1.1%
Avg Childcare/mo	$900

The housing market in Lake Fork is relatively stable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. Rentals are scarce, and prices may vary depending on location and amenities. The area is popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100

vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$900

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax	6%
Property Tax Rate	1.1%
<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 apply in Lake Fork.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score

7/10

Safety Index

Higher = safer

School Rating

7/10

GreatSchools avg

Avg Childcare

$900/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend

+2% (growing)

Political Climate

Red

Business Momentum

Moderate, with key industries in tourism, agriculture, and healthcare

Top Local Concerns

Affordability, transportation, and internet connectivity

🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is limited, but the area is relatively flat and walkable, with some sidewalks and bike paths available.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions

🎯
Payette Lake
🎯
Payette National Forest
🎯
McCall Ice Rink

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The area around Payette Lake is popular with families, offering easy access to outdoor recreation and scenic views. Other desirable neighborhoods include those near the town center and local schools.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

Residents are subject to Valley County regulations, including zoning and land-use ordinances.

Financial Tools

Calculators

Income Tax CalculatorEstimate take-home pay by state
Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city

Planning Tools

Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
City Comparison ToolCompare cities side by side

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📊 Lake Fork — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Lake Fork vary by season, with higher electricity bills in winter due to heating and lower bills in summer. Water usage may also increase during the summer months due to irrigation and outdoor activities.