Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ponderay, ID
Considering a move to Ponderay, ID? This small city of 1,370 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices at $355,000 and average rents around $1,180. Enjoy short commute times (15 minutes on average), access to scenic North Idaho, and a peaceful pace of life. Crime rates are low, winters are chilly, and schools like Kootenai Elementary serve local families. Ponderay is a great spot for those seeking value, access to nature, and a friendly community atmosphere.
Demographics - Ponderay, ID
Demographics - Ponderay, ID
Ponderay is a small community of 1,370 residents, predominantly White, with a median age of nearly 38 years. The population density is moderate, and about 5% of locals speak a language other than English at home, creating a close-knit yet slightly diverse atmosphere.
Population:
1,370
Density:
335 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.9
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
92.8%
Black:
0.2%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
6.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ponderay, ID?
The cost of living in Ponderay sits just below the national average, with median home values at $355,000 and typical rents of $1,180 per month. Residents benefit from affordable utilities and moderate state taxes, making the city attractive for those seeking value without sacrificing quality of life.
Median House Value:
$355,000
Gross Rent:
$1,180
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,010
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
96.2
Grocery:
97.8
Housing:
97.0
Utilities:
93.5
Transportation:
92.2
Health Care:
94.5
Miscellaneous:
98.0
Crime
Is Ponderay, ID a safe place to live?
Ponderay experiences relatively low crime, with just 170 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,420 per 100,000. The chances of being affected by violent crime are low, contributing to a safe and peaceful environment for families and individuals.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
170
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,590
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 588
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Ponderay, ID year-round?
Ponderay’s climate features cold, snowy winters with lows around 19°F and warm, pleasant summers reaching highs of 82°F. The city receives about 34.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 45% of the year, offering residents a true four-season experience.

Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
33°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
50°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
37°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
45%
Neighbors
Local households have a median income of $48,900, and most residents enjoy a short 15-minute commute. While the poverty rate is slightly higher than average, the area is characterized by a strong sense of community and a high school graduation rate near 90%.
Median Income:
$32,500
Household Income:
$48,900
Family Income:
$56,300
Per Capita Income:
$25,800
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$27,500
Poverty Rate:
18.5%
Non English Speakers:
4.8%
Rent:
$1,180
Unemployment Rate:
4.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
15.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.6%
Bachelors or More:
18.2%
Education
How are the schools in Ponderay, ID?
Ponderay is served by Kootenai Elementary School, offering a supportive environment with a student-teacher ratio of 17.5. Higher education is easily accessible at North Idaho College’s Sandpoint Center, located just two miles away and serving around 600 students.

Public Schools
Name:
Kootenai Elementary School
Street:
301 Sprague St, Ponderay, ID 83852
Phone:
208-265-2683
Students:
380
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5

Colleges
Name:
North Idaho College – Sandpoint Center
City:
Sandpoint
State:
ID
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
600
Healthcare
Ponderay residents have access to quality healthcare at Bonner General Health, a nearby full-service hospital with emergency care. With 88% of locals covered by health insurance and a modest physician-to-population ratio, essential medical services are conveniently accessible.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Bonner General Health
Address:
520 N Third Ave, Sandpoint, ID 83864
Phone:
(208) 263-1441
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.1%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ponderay, ID?
The housing market in Ponderay offers a mix of ownership and rental opportunities, with a median home price of $355,000 and a 2-bedroom rent averaging $1,180. Home appreciation remains steady at 3.8% annually, and the owner-occupied rate is just over half, reflecting a balanced market.
Median Home Price:
$355,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,180
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.8%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Ponderay residents are managed by the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles, with comprehensive resources available online and at the main office in Boise. The DMV provides convenient access to licensing, registration, and other motor vehicle needs throughout the state.
State:
Idaho
Department:
Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3311 W State St, Boise, ID 83703
Phone:
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.