Priest River, ID
Population 2,058 · Idaho
About Priest River, ID
Priest River is a small town located in Idaho with a population of 2,058 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,712 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.3 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 Priest River features a median home value of $271,500, which is 11% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Priest River in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $748, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 920 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (593 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (226 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Priest River shows an unemployment rate of 0.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Priest River have an average one-way commute time of 26 minutes.
Education & Demographics
9.8% of Priest River 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 2.8% White, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 0.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Priest River Ranks in Idaho
Cost of Living in Priest River, ID
Compared to national averages, Priest River has a median household income of $57,712 (23% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $271,500, which is 11% above the national median. Monthly rent at $748 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Idaho, Priest River's income is 11% below the state average of $65,190, and home values are 1% below the state median of $274,721.
Why Live in Priest River, ID?
Priest River offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $748/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.9%, and a low poverty rate of 7.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,712) that falls below the national average. However, Priest River’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Priest River has a population of 2,058 with a median age of 43.3 years. Compare Priest River with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Idaho.
Similar Cities Near Priest River
Cities in Idaho with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pinehurst | 2,014 | $66,447 | $267,100 | Compare |
| Sugar City | 2,011 | $71,944 | $308,000 | Compare |
| Shoshone | 1,985 | $56,050 | $187,800 | Compare |
| Kellogg | 2,232 | $44,352 | $217,200 | Compare |
| New Plymouth | 1,863 | $59,875 | $199,200 | Compare |
| Parma | 1,836 | $47,798 | $232,400 | Compare |
| Fort Hall | 2,343 | $40,757 | $196,000 | Compare |
| Spirit Lake | 1,768 | $60,938 | $380,800 | 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 Priest River With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Priest River
What is the population of Priest River, ID?
The population of Priest River, ID is 2,058 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 Priest River?
The median household income in Priest River, ID is $57,712 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Priest River?
The median home value in Priest River, ID is $271,500, which is 11% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Priest River?
The median monthly rent in Priest River, ID is $748, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Priest River?
The unemployment rate in Priest River, ID is 0.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Priest River, ID a good place to live?
Priest River offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,058 and a median age of 43.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Priest River, ID?
9.8% of residents in Priest River 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 Priest River?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Priest River, ID: median home value is $271,500 (11% above national), median rent is $748/month, and median household income is $57,712. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Priest River?
The poverty rate in Priest River, ID is 7.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Priest River, ID?
Priest River's population is 2.8% White, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.2% of residents are foreign-born.