Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Priest Lake, ID
Thinking of moving to Priest Lake, ID? This scenic community of about 500 residents offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle with a median home price of $430,000 and average rents around $1,250. Crime rates are very low, and residents enjoy a relaxed commute of about 29 minutes. Outdoor recreation abounds, with beautiful weather and 55% sunny days annually. Families will find a small local elementary school and nearby access to healthcare, making Priest Lake ideal for those seeking quiet living close to nature.
Demographics - Priest Lake, ID
Demographics - Priest Lake, ID
Priest Lake is a small, close-knit community of around 500 residents, characterized by a predominantly White population and a median age of 54, reflecting its appeal to retirees and those seeking a quieter lifestyle. Population density is very low at 10 people per square mile, offering plenty of open space and a tranquil environment. The area has a balanced gender ratio and a modest percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to its friendly and familiar atmosphere.
Population:
500
Density:
10 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.0
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.0%
Black:
0.2%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
5.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Priest Lake, ID?
Living in Priest Lake comes with a slightly above-average cost of living, mainly driven by housing, with a median home value of $430,000 and average rent at $1,250. Utilities and groceries are relatively affordable, and state tax rates range from 1.0% to 6.5%. Overall, the cost of living index is 104, making the area comfortable but not overly expensive for most residents.
Median House Value:
$430,000
Gross Rent:
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$980
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,420
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.0
Grocery:
98.0
Housing:
108.0
Utilities:
92.0
Transportation:
104.0
Health Care:
101.0
Miscellaneous:
99.0
Crime
Is Priest Lake, ID a safe place to live?
Priest Lake experiences very low crime rates, with only 68 violent crimes and 420 property crimes per 100,000 residents, making it one of the safer rural communities in Idaho. Residents face a low chance of encountering crime, contributing to the area's peaceful and secure reputation. This safety is a key draw for families and retirees alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
68
Property Crimes Per 100k:
420
Crime Index:
488
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,470
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 238
Weather
What is the weather like in Priest Lake, ID year-round?
Priest Lake enjoys four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 81°F and cold winters dipping to 15°F. The area receives around 32 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 55% sunny days, providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities. This climate is ideal for those who appreciate both snowy winters and pleasant, sunny summers.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
30°F
Max:
55°F
Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
81°F
Fall
Min:
30°F
Max:
61°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
Local households in Priest Lake typically earn around $56,000, with a family income averaging $67,000, and a poverty rate of 11.5%. Most residents are well-educated, with 89% holding at least a high school diploma, and the average commute is a manageable 29 minutes. The community is quiet, with little reliance on public transportation and a low unemployment rate.
Median Income:
$29,500
Household Income:
$56,000
Family Income:
$67,000
Per Capita Income:
$28,000
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
11.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$1,250
Unemployment Rate:
5.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
29 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.0%
Bachelors or More:
22.0%
Education
How are the schools in Priest Lake, ID?
Priest Lake offers a small public elementary school with a low student-teacher ratio, providing personalized attention for younger students. While there are no local private schools, higher education opportunities are accessible, with North Idaho College 74 miles away and the University of Idaho within driving distance. Families benefit from a supportive educational environment and regional access to colleges and universities.
Public Schools
Name:
Priest Lake Elementary School
Street:
27732 Highway 57
Phone:
208-443-2455
Students:
85
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.0
Colleges
Name:
North Idaho College
City:
Coeur d'Alene
State:
ID
Distance:
74 miles
Students:
4,400
Name:
University of Idaho
City:
Moscow
State:
ID
Distance:
140 miles
Students:
11,500
Healthcare
Priest Lake residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals such as Newport Hospital & Health Services and Bonner General Health nearby, both offering emergency services. The area has 1.4 physicians per 1,000 people, and about 89.5% of locals are covered by health insurance. Healthcare services are reliable and accessible, ensuring peace of mind for families and retirees.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Newport Hospital & Health Services
Address:
714 W Pine St, Newport, WA 99156
Phone:
(509) 447-2441
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
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:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
80.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Priest Lake, ID?
The housing market in Priest Lake features a median home price of $430,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 72.5%, reflecting a stable and invested community. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,250 and a moderate vacancy rate of 6%. Home values have appreciated by 7.1% over the past year, indicating a healthy and growing market.
Median Home Price:
$430,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Priest Lake residents are served by the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles, with the main office located in Boise and accessible online at the state's DMV website. Essential vehicle registration and licensing services are available for newcomers and locals alike. For most DMV needs, residents can find helpful resources and contact information through the Idaho DMV.
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.