Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bench, ID
Considering a move to Bench, ID? This friendly rural community of 2,100 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $285,000 and average rents at $950. Crime rates are low, commutes are short—about 18 minutes on average—and residents enjoy over 60% sunny days each year. While educational attainment is moderate, local schools provide a close-knit environment, and the cost of living is notably below the national average. Explore Bench for a peaceful Idaho lifestyle with easy access to outdoor recreation and small-town charm.
Demographics - Bench, ID
Bench, ID is a small community of 2,100 residents, characterized by a predominantly White population and a median age of 38.2 years. The area has a balanced gender ratio and a modest proportion of non-English speakers, making it a close-knit and welcoming place for families and newcomers alike.
Population:
2,100
Density:
200 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.5%
Black:
0.3%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
6.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bench, ID?
With a cost of living index of 93.2, Bench is more affordable than many U.S. cities. Median home values are around $285,000 and average rent is $950, making it an attractive option for both homeowners and renters seeking value. Everyday expenses such as groceries and utilities are also below the national average, offering residents a comfortable lifestyle without high costs.
Median House Value:
$285,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,090
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,375
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
93.2
Grocery:
96.1
Housing:
85.5
Utilities:
98.4
Transportation:
94.0
Health Care:
92.3
Miscellaneous:
97.0
Crime
Is Bench, ID a safe place to live?
Bench boasts a low crime rate, with violent crimes occurring at just 115 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 870 chance of experiencing such an event. Property crime is also relatively rare, providing peace of mind and a safe environment for residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
115
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,020
Crime Index:
1,135
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 870
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 98
Weather
What is the weather like in Bench, ID year-round?
Residents of Bench enjoy a climate with cold winters, warm summers, and pleasant springs and falls. The area receives about 18 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunshine 62% of the year, supporting an active outdoor lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
14°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
48°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
28°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
18.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Households in Bench typically earn a median income of $54,800, with a family income of $64,000 and a poverty rate of 11.2%. The community features a low unemployment rate of 3.2% and short average commutes, reflecting a stable and accessible local job market.
Median Income:
$36,500
Household Income:
$54,800
Family Income:
$64,000
Per Capita Income:
$24,100
Income Male:
$38,500
Income Female:
$30,400
Poverty Rate:
11.2%
Non English Speakers:
7.2%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
18.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.5%
Bachelors or More:
23.7%
Education
How are the schools in Bench, ID?
Local public schools in Bench, such as Bear Lake High School and A. J. Winters Elementary, offer small class sizes and a supportive educational environment. For higher education, Idaho State University is within reasonable driving distance, providing options for advanced studies.
Public Schools
Name:
Bear Lake High School
Street:
330 Boise St
Phone:
208-847-0291
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Name:
A. J. Winters Elementary
Street:
535 Clay St
Phone:
208-847-2688
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.3
Private Schools
Name:
Montpelier Christian Academy
Street:
340 Jefferson St
Phone:
208-847-1189
Students:
65
Colleges
Name:
Idaho State University
City:
Pocatello
State:
ID
Distance:
75 miles
Students:
12,800
Healthcare
Bench residents benefit from access to Bear Lake Memorial Hospital in nearby Montpelier, offering general and emergency services. Health insurance coverage is high at 92.1%, and there are 1.8 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring reliable healthcare for most needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Bear Lake Memorial Hospital
Address:
164 S 5th St, Montpelier, ID 83254
Phone:
(208) 847-1630
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bench, ID?
The Bench housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $285,000 and a strong owner-occupancy rate of 73.5%. Housing values have appreciated by 4.3% in the past year, and vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, making it a stable place to buy or rent.
Median Home Price:
$285,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Bench residents can access DMV services through the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles, located in Boise, with convenient online and phone support. Services include licensing, registration, and vehicle-related inquiries tailored to Idaho drivers.
State:
Idaho
Department:
Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3311 W State St, Boise, ID 83703
Phone:
1-208-334-8000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.