Lava Hot Springs, ID
Population 251 · Idaho
About Lava Hot Springs, ID
Lava Hot Springs is a small community located in Idaho with a population of 251 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $36,364 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 51.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lava Hot Springs features a median home value of $241,100, which is 2% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Lava Hot Springs in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $843, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 210 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (77 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (55 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lava Hot Springs shows an unemployment rate of 10.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Lava Hot Springs have an average one-way commute time of 29.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.2% of Lava Hot Springs residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lava Hot Springs, ID
Compared to national averages, Lava Hot Springs has a median household income of $36,364 (52% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $241,100, which is 2% below the national median. Monthly rent at $843 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Idaho, Lava Hot Springs's income is 44% below the state average of $65,190, and home values are 12% below the state median of $274,721.
Why Live in Lava Hot Springs, ID?
Lava Hot Springs offers affordable housing with a median home value of $241,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $843/month, and a low poverty rate of 9.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($36,364) that falls below the national average. However, Lava Hot Springs’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lava Hot Springs has a population of 251 with a median age of 51.5 years. Compare Lava Hot Springs with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Idaho.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Lava Hot Springs
What is the population of Lava Hot Springs, ID?
The population of Lava Hot Springs, ID is 251 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Idaho.
What is the median household income in Lava Hot Springs?
The median household income in Lava Hot Springs, ID is $36,364 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lava Hot Springs?
The median home value in Lava Hot Springs, ID is $241,100, which is 2% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lava Hot Springs?
The median monthly rent in Lava Hot Springs, ID is $843, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lava Hot Springs?
The unemployment rate in Lava Hot Springs, ID is 10.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lava Hot Springs, ID a good place to live?
Lava Hot Springs offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 251 and a median age of 51.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Lava Hot Springs, ID?
22.2% of residents in Lava Hot Springs aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Lava Hot Springs?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lava Hot Springs, ID: median home value is $241,100 (2% below national), median rent is $843/month, and median household income is $36,364. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.6x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Lava Hot Springs?
The poverty rate in Lava Hot Springs, ID is 9.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Lava Hot Springs, ID?
Lava Hot Springs's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.