What’s the average mortgage payment in Idaho?

According to data collected from Redfin and Rocket Mortgage, the average monthly mortgage payment in Idaho is around $1,779 before property taxes and insurance. Idaho’s housing market has experienced significant growth over the past decade, driven by strong migration from higher-cost states and increased demand in midsize cities like Boise and Idaho Falls. As a result, mortgage payments in certain counties remain well above the national average.

Overview of the Idaho housing market

The median sale price in Idaho is roughly $512,400 as of late 2025, according to Redfin housing market data. Home prices vary widely across the state, with more affordable options in rural counties and elevated pricing in areas near Boise, Coeur d’Alene, and Sun Valley.

Here’s a snapshot of recent median sale prices from Redfin across some of Idaho’s largest housing markets:

Factors that influence mortgage payments in Idaho

Your monthly mortgage payment includes principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI). Tools like the Rocket Mortgage^® mortgage calculator help you break down how each component contributes to your total monthly payment.

Home price and down payment

Idaho’s home-price growth over the last few years has steadily increased mortgage costs. A 20% down payment on a median-priced home (assuming a 20% down payment and 6.5% interest rate) will cost around $2,591 per month.

Buyers putting down less than 20% typically face private mortgage insurance (PMI), which can increase the monthly cost by around $300.

Mortgage rate

Your Idaho interest rate depends on:

• Credit score and credit history
• Debt-to-income ratio (DTI)
• Loan type
• Down payment amount
• Home type and location
• Current market conditions

Even small rate changes can materially impact affordability, especially in higher-cost areas like Ada County or Blaine County.

Loan term

Most Idaho buyers choose between 30-year and 15-year fixed mortgages. The 30-year option spreads payments out over a longer period, meaning lower monthly payments. While the 15-year mortgage is more expensive on a monthly basis, you’ll spend much less in total interest.

Property taxes and insurance

Idaho’s property taxes are among the lower rates nationally, with an average effective rate around 0.53%, or about $226 per month, though actual rates vary by county.

Homeowners insurance costs depend on regional wildfire risk, age of the home, and local building costs, all of which can influence the total monthly payment.

How do mortgage payments in Idaho compare to others in the region?

Mortgage rates do not vary significantly across states, but monthly payments differ due to home-price trends, tax structures, and insurance costs.

Here’s how Idaho compares with nearby states:

Idaho is one of the more affordable states in the region, with lower average payments than Washington, Oregon, or Utah, despite strong demand in Boise and Coeur d’Alene.

Counties with the highest mortgage payments in Idaho

Using Q1 2025 median sale prices from the National Association of REALTORS^®, the counties with the highest average mortgage payments in Idaho are:

Counties with the lowest mortgage payments in Idaho

The most affordable mortgage payments in Idaho tend to be in sparsely populated rural regions where home prices remain well below the statewide average.

How to calculate your mortgage payment

Mortgage lenders calculate your monthly payment using:

• Loan balance
• Interest rate
• Loan term

Buyers can use a mortgage calculator to test different scenarios and explore how down payment, interest rate, and home price affect affordability.

Idaho-specific mortgage resources

Idaho homebuyers may benefit from several statewide assistance programs:

• Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA): Offers down payment assistance, competitive mortgage rates, and programs for first-time buyers.
• HUD-approved homebuyer counseling: Provides debt management, budgeting, and pre-purchase education.

These programs can help reduce upfront costs and make homeownership more attainable across Idaho’s housing market.

Average mortgage payment in Idaho FAQ

Where can I find the lowest mortgage payment in Idaho?

The lowest mortgage payments in Idaho can typically be found in rural Butte County, where the average mortgage payment is $1,250.

Which county has the highest mortgage payment in Idaho?

Blaine County has the highest estimated monthly mortgage payment in Idaho, driven by higher home prices in resort destinations such as Sun Valley. The average mortgage payment here is $4,240.

How much do you need to make to afford a home in Idaho?

Using the “28/36” rule, a typical household should spend no more than 28% of gross income on housing. With an average mortgage payment of $1,779, an Idaho household might need to earn around $6,300 per month (about $76,000 annually), depending on loan type, taxes, and insurance.

The bottom line: Multiple factors shape your mortgage payment in Idaho

Idaho’s growing housing markets have pushed mortgage payments higher in recent years. However, many rural counties remain affordable and continue to attract buyers seeking lower-priced homes. Tracking local market trends and modeling payments with Rocket Mortgage tools can help Idaho buyers understand and plan for their monthly housing costs.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced homeowner, get prequalified for a loan with Rocket Mortgage to understand your buying power and begin the process with confidence.

*Methodology: Average monthly mortgage payment in a region, calculated based on average home purchase price for a fixed 30-year loan and a 52-week average interest rate of 6.68% from Freddie Mac as of August 2025.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide financial, investment, or tax advice. You should consult a qualified financial or tax professional before making decisions regarding your retirement funds or mortgage.

Rocket Mortgage is a VA-approved lender, not endorsed or sponsored by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs or any government agency.

Rocket Mortgage is not acting on behalf of FHA or HUD.

The 3% down payment option is only available on certain conventional loan products and is not available in all states. Additional terms and conditions may apply.