Ketchum, ID Utility & Living Guide

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Ketchum, ID Utility & Living Guide

Ketchum is a city in Blaine County, Idaho, United States. Located in the central part of the state, the population was 3,551 at the 2020 census, up from 2,689 in 2010. Located in the Wood River Valley, Ketchum is adjacent to Sun Valley and the communities share many resources: both sit in the same v

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$280/mo
1BR Rent$1400/mo
Sales Tax6%
COL Index118 (+18% above national average)
Family Score8/10
Median Home$420,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Ketchum
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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 Ketchum
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Blaine County Solid Waste
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$280/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1400/mo
2 Bedrooms$1800/mo
3 Bedrooms$2400/mo
Median Home Price$420,000
Property Tax Rate0.85%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Ketchum is highly competitive, with a limited supply of homes and high demand from tourists and full-time residents. Many homes are used as vacation rentals, which can drive up prices. New developments are underway to address the shortage of affordable housing.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

118

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+18% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

94

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6%
Property Tax Rate0.85%
<p>State 6% + No County tax + No City tax</p>

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

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
8/10
Safety Index

40

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description, with a mix of conservative and liberal views
Business Momentum
High, with key industries including tourism, hospitality, and outdoor recreation
Top Local Concerns
Affordable housing, traffic and transportation, environmental conservation
🚌 Transit for Families

Ketchum has a limited public transportation system, but the town is relatively small and walkable, with some stroller-friendly sidewalks and paths

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Sun Valley Resort
  • 🎯
    Sawtooth National Recreation Area
  • 🎯
    Ketchum Skate Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area is popular with families, offering easy access to parks, schools, and amenities. The nearby neighborhoods of Sun Valley and Elkhorn also offer a range of housing options and community amenities.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

Short-term rental regulations are in place to manage the impact of tourism on the community, and there are strict zoning laws to preserve the town’s character

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📊 Ketchum — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Ketchum can fluctuate significantly by season, with higher electricity bills in the winter due to heating and higher water bills in the summer due to irrigation. However, the town's mild climate means that overall utility costs are relatively low compared to other parts of the country.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 83340 has a property tax millage rate of 0.85%, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 7: Ketchum has some stroller-friendly sidewalks and paths, but the town's hilly terrain and limited public transportation options can make it challenging to get around with a stroller

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