Ponderay, ID
Population 1,456 · Idaho
About Ponderay, ID
Ponderay is a small town located in Idaho with a population of 1,456 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,119 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ponderay features a median home value of $391,700, which is 60% above the national median of $244,900. This places Ponderay in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $988, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 699 total housing units, 31% are owner-occupied (181 units) and 69% are renter-occupied (409 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ponderay shows an unemployment rate of 5.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 19.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ponderay have an average one-way commute time of 10.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
9.4% of Ponderay 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 5.4% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 2.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ponderay, ID
Compared to national averages, Ponderay has a median household income of $50,119 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $391,700, which is 60% above the national median. Monthly rent at $988 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within Idaho, Ponderay's income is 23% below the state average of $65,190, and home values are 43% above the state median of $274,721.
Why Live in Ponderay, ID?
Ponderay offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $988/month, and short commute times averaging just 10.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,119) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $391,700. However, Ponderay’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ponderay has a population of 1,456 with a median age of 39.9 years. Compare Ponderay with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Idaho.
Similar Cities Near Ponderay
Cities in Idaho with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glenns Ferry | 1,443 | $51,625 | $189,400 | Compare |
| Tyhee | 1,475 | $89,500 | $417,800 | Compare |
| Moyie Springs | 1,420 | $61,783 | $326,200 | Compare |
| Hansen | 1,414 | $47,396 | $178,600 | Compare |
| Moreland | 1,386 | $60,048 | $260,100 | Compare |
| Sun Valley | 1,383 | $82,045 | $845,600 | Compare |
| Ucon | 1,537 | $83,864 | $311,700 | Compare |
| Grace | 1,345 | $69,286 | $180,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Idaho
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Ponderay With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ponderay
What is the population of Ponderay, ID?
The population of Ponderay, ID is 1,456 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Idaho.
What is the median household income in Ponderay?
The median household income in Ponderay, ID is $50,119 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ponderay?
The median home value in Ponderay, ID is $391,700, which is 60% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Ponderay?
The median monthly rent in Ponderay, ID is $988, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ponderay?
The unemployment rate in Ponderay, ID is 5.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ponderay, ID a good place to live?
Ponderay offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,456 and a median age of 39.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ponderay, ID?
9.4% of residents in Ponderay 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 Ponderay?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ponderay, ID: median home value is $391,700 (60% above national), median rent is $988/month, and median household income is $50,119. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.8x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Ponderay?
The poverty rate in Ponderay, ID is 19.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Ponderay, ID?
Ponderay's population is 5.4% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 6.0% two or more races. 2.3% of residents are foreign-born.