Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Payette, ID
Considering a move to Payette, ID? With around 7,800 residents, Payette offers affordable living, with median home prices at $236,000 and average rents near $950. The city enjoys a sunny, semi-arid climate, short 20-minute commutes, and access to local schools and nearby healthcare. Crime rates are moderate compared to national averages, and the community values its small-town feel and outdoor lifestyle. Explore Payette’s cost of living, housing market, and education options to see if this friendly Idaho city is right for you.
Demographics - Payette, ID
Demographics - Payette, ID
Payette, Idaho is a small city of about 7,800 residents, with a median age of 37 and a population density of 2,100 per square mile. The community is predominantly White, with nearly 10% of residents speaking a language other than English at home, reflecting modest diversity. Its gender balance is nearly even, making for a well-rounded, close-knit environment.
Population:
7,800
Density:
2,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
84.3%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
14.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Payette, ID?
Living in Payette is affordable, with a median home value of $236,000 and average rent around $950, both below the national average. The overall cost of living index is 87.5, which means everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and healthcare are relatively budget-friendly. Idaho’s state taxes are moderate, keeping the cost of living accessible for families and retirees alike.
Median House Value:
$236,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$940
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,230
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
6.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.5
Grocery:
92.5
Housing:
76.8
Utilities:
93.2
Transportation:
91.4
Health Care:
92.0
Miscellaneous:
95.1
Crime
Is Payette, ID a safe place to live?
Payette experiences moderate crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 213 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2,140 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 47 chance of being affected by property crime, but violent incidents are less common. Overall, the city maintains safety levels typical for small Idaho communities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
213
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,140
Crime Index:
2,353
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 470
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Payette, ID year-round?
Payette enjoys a sunny, semi-arid climate with about 67% sunny days annually. Winters are chilly, with lows near 23°F, while summers are warm, often reaching highs of 92°F. The city receives moderate rainfall, averaging 12.3 inches per year, supporting a range of outdoor activities throughout the seasons.

Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
38°F

Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
12.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
Payette’s households typically earn a median income of $52,100, and the area has a low unemployment rate of 3.6%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the average commute is a convenient 20 minutes. The city’s poverty rate is slightly above the national average, but the overall community atmosphere is welcoming and family-oriented.
Median Income:
$27,200
Household Income:
$52,100
Family Income:
$62,400
Per Capita Income:
$24,700
Income Male:
$39,200
Income Female:
$29,800
Poverty Rate:
13.8%
Non English Speakers:
9.8%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
20.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
84.4%
Bachelors or More:
13.1%
Education
How are the schools in Payette, ID?
Payette’s public schools, including Payette High School and McCain Middle School, serve local families with manageable student-teacher ratios and a supportive environment. The city does not currently have private schools, but higher education is accessible just five miles away at Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario, Oregon. Educational attainment is solid, with over 84% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.

Public Schools
Name:
Payette High School
Street:
1500 6th Ave S
Phone:
208-642-3327
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Name:
McCain Middle School
Street:
400 N Iowa Ave
Phone:
208-642-4122
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2

Colleges
Name:
Treasure Valley Community College
City:
Ontario
State:
OR
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Payette is anchored by nearby facilities like Saint Alphonsus Medical Center, offering general and emergency services just across the state border. The city has about 1.9 physicians per 1,000 residents, and nearly 90% of the population has health insurance coverage. Access to essential medical care is reliable for families and seniors.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Saint Alphonsus Medical Center - Ontario
Address:
351 SW 9th St, Ontario, OR 97914
Phone:
(541) 881-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.6%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Payette, ID?
Payette’s housing market is attractive for homebuyers, with a median home price of $236,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 63%. Rental options are available, with average rents for a two-bedroom apartment at $950 and a 6% rental vacancy rate. Home values have appreciated modestly in the past year, making the area a stable choice for real estate investment.
Median Home Price:
$236,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.9%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents can access DMV services locally at the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles office in Payette, conveniently located on South 3rd Street. The office provides standard vehicle registration, licensing, and title services. More information and resources are available on the Idaho DMV website.
State:
Idaho
Department:
Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
301 S. 3rd St, Suite 1, Payette, ID 83661
Phone:
(208) 642-6012
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.