Violent Crime
388/100K
2% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.8%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Fernwood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population130
Density101/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$558M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$469,651
Housing Units69
Rent Burden28.1%
Crime
F
Violent388/100K
Property1,122/100K
Health
Obesity36.8%
Uninsured13.9%
Smoking19.1%
Depression23.4%
Heart Disease7.2%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI33 (Good)
Rain31.1 in/yr
Sunny Days249/yr
Elevation2,764 ft (842 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+55.4%
Graduate+9.2%
School Score4.60
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 18%
Broadband72.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Fernwood a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fernwood receives an overall livability score of 2.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate. Fernwood has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 388 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,122 per 100,000, 43% below the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 55.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Fernwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 31.1 inches, including 56.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 33.
Fernwood has a population of 130 with a density of 101 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The gender split is 55.4% female and 44.6% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The average weekly wage is $1,080, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 427 business establishments, including 29 restaurants. The cost of living index is 95.5, roughly in line with the national average.
Income
| |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,080 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,676 |
| Gini Index | 0.438 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 427 |
| County GDP | $558M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 29 |
| Healthcare | 12 |
| Retail | 31 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,821 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 95.50 (100=avg) |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $469,651. Fair market rent ranges from $950 for a one-bedroom to $1,173 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 69 total housing units in the city. The average annual property tax is $2,821 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 28.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $898 |
| 1 Bedroom | $950 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,173 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,619 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 69 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,821 |
| 19% below US avg |
In Fernwood, 36.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.2% of residents, above the national average. 32.2% have high blood pressure. 19.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.5% report binge drinking. 28.0% are physically inactive. 23.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 13.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,310. The dentist ratio is 1:1,152. 58.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fernwood vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.8% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 7.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 9.1% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.1% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.0% |
| Depression | 23.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 16.3% |
| Short Sleep | 37.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 13.9% |
| 62% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,310 |
| Dentists | 1:1,152 |
| Mental Health | 1:358 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.7% |
| Dental Visits | 52.9% |
| Premature Death | 11,075/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 58.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 12 |
Fernwood has a violent crime rate of 388 per 100,000 residents, 2% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,122 per 100,000, 43% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Fernwood receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fernwood vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 388.4/100K |
| 2% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,122.1/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fernwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 31.1 inches. The area receives 56.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 33. The city sits at an elevation of 2,764 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 47.9°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 249 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,764 ft (842 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 101/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.1151°N, 116.3865°W |
| Timezone | America/Boise |
| County | Benewah County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pullman/Moscow Regional (PUW) 43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.1"
18% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
4.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 33.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 19.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 52.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 18.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
104 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.7. Most recent: M2.5 on Feb 13, 2025.
| Dec 22, 1998 |
Idaho-Montana border region |
M4.7 |
132 km |
| Aug 17, 1994 |
1 km E of Mullan, Idaho |
M4.1 |
61 km |
| Nov 11, 2001 |
3 km NE of Spokane, Washington |
M4.0 |
99 km |
| Jan 20, 1998 |
15 km SSE of Happys Inn, Montana |
M4.0 |
137 km |
| Apr 24, 2015 |
8 km WSW of Hope, Idaho |
M3.9 |
123 km |
| Jun 25, 2001 |
Washington |
M3.9 |
99 km |
| Nov 8, 1997 |
39 km SE of Pierce, Idaho |
M3.8 |
121 km |
| Jun 28, 1998 |
3 km SE of Genesee, Idaho |
M3.8 |
75 km |
| Apr 24, 2015 |
12 km SSW of East Hope, Idaho |
M3.7 |
114 km |
| Mar 14, 1997 |
1 km E of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.6 |
60 km |
| Oct 26, 1999 |
23 km WNW of Niarada, Montana |
M3.6 |
143 km |
| May 30, 1996 |
3 km SSW of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.6 |
56 km |
| Jan 20, 2000 |
21 km ENE of Athol, Idaho |
M3.5 |
100 km |
| Jun 28, 1997 |
3 km NNW of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.4 |
61 km |
| Jun 25, 2001 |
2 km SSE of Town and Country, Washington |
M3.4 |
101 km |
| Jun 17, 2004 |
11 km SSE of Washtucna, Washington |
M3.4 |
149 km |
| Dec 15, 2012 |
19 km S of Troy, Montana |
M3.4 |
136 km |
| Mar 8, 1994 |
32 km S of Wallace, Idaho |
M3.4 |
35 km |
| May 14, 2014 |
5 km NE of Happys Inn, Montana |
M3.4 |
148 km |
| Nov 2, 1996 |
4 km W of Trout Creek, Montana |
M3.4 |
97 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
20 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 3 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 31, 1997 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1971 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1962 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1957 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1954 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1986 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1984 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1983 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1973 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1969 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2022 |
EF0 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2007 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1997 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| Sep 9, 1994 |
EF0 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1991 |
EF0 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1991 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1987 |
EF0 |
48 km |
0 |
| Sep 14, 1986 |
EF0 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1978 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1964 |
EF0 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 9.0 m (30 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 2009 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
9.0 m |
— |
146 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: KAMIAH GULCH (48,459 ac, 2015).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2015 |
KAMIAH GULCH |
48,459 |
96 km |
| 2015 |
FISHER |
20,757 |
88 km |
| 2021 |
DECEITFUL |
12,750 |
65 km |
| 2021 |
BEDROCK |
11,998 |
64 km |
| 2021 |
TUMBLEDOWN |
11,269 |
68 km |
| 2015 |
SOUTH BOBTAIL |
11,256 |
79 km |
| 2016 |
SNAKE RIVER FIRE |
10,349 |
93 km |
| 2015 |
LOWER FLAT |
9,034 |
79 km |
| 2003 |
MILEPOST 59 |
8,361 |
95 km |
| 2015 |
SNOWY SUMMIT |
6,928 |
94 km |
| 2016 |
SPOKANE COMPLEX |
6,839 |
80 km |
| 2015 |
CHICADEE |
5,766 |
52 km |
| 2017 |
CUB CREEK |
5,683 |
86 km |
| 2015 |
NORTH GRIZZLY |
5,286 |
71 km |
| 2006 |
ULM PEAK |
4,610 |
92 km |
| 2023 |
RIDGE CREEK |
4,608 |
83 km |
| 2012 |
ISABELLA COMPLEX |
4,479 |
67 km |
| 2021 |
BENTON RIDGE |
4,400 |
54 km |
| 2018 |
SURPRISE CREEK |
3,746 |
91 km |
| 2018 |
RAMPIKE |
3,688 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
57°F (14°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
1.1 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
63°F (17°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
4.5 in |
Coldest |
Fernwood has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 27°F in December to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.5 inches, with January being the wettest month (4.8") and July the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Fernwood. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$239 ($143–$382) |
| Specialist Visit |
$334 ($191–$525) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$191 ($96–$334) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,101 ($764–$4,775) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$124 ($72–$191) |
| Dental Filling |
$239 ($143–$382) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$287 ($143–$478) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$573 ($382–$955) |
| Battery Replacement |
$191 ($96–$334) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($57–$143) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$86 ($48–$134) |
| HVAC Repair |
$382 ($143–$764) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,685 ($3,820–$11,460) |
| Roof Repair |
$955 ($382–$1,910) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,595 ($5,253–$14,325) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,433 ($478–$3,343) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,325 ($4,775–$28,650) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,775 ($1,910–$9,550) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,433 ($764–$2,865) |
| Will Preparation |
$478 ($191–$955) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,388 ($955–$4,775) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$143 ($72–$239) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$62) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$76 ($48–$124) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.92 ($2.87–$5.25) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.34 ($2.39–$4.78) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.63 ($2.39–$5.25) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.30 ($2.87–$6.21) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.25 ($3.82–$7.16) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.57–$1.72) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$134 ($76–$239) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$143) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$62 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$81 ($48–$143) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$191 ($72–$478) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,910 ($1,146–$3,343) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$124) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.64–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$239) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,146 ($573–$2,388) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$955 ($478–$1,910) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$382 ($191–$669) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$955 ($382–$2,388) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,938 ($4,775–$28,650) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$191) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$287 ($143–$478) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$191 ($96–$382) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $521 |
| Toddler | $502 |
| Preschool | $463 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $456 |
| Toddler | $457 |
| Preschool | $428 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fernwood
What is the population of Fernwood?
Fernwood has a population of 130 residents and is located in Idaho. The population density is 101 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The population is 55.4% female and 44.6% male.
Is Fernwood expensive to live in?
Fernwood has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 95.5 (baseline: 100).
Is Fernwood safe?
The violent crime rate in Fernwood is 388 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,122 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Fernwood receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fernwood?
Fernwood has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 249 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 31.1 inches, with 56.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 33.
How is the job market in Fernwood?
The job market in Fernwood is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,080. There are 427 business establishments in the area, including 29 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Fernwood?
Schools in Fernwood have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Fernwood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 55.4% have completed high school. 9.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fernwood?
The obesity rate in Fernwood is 36.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.1% of adults are smokers. 28.0% are physically inactive. 23.4% of residents report depression. 13.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 58.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,310.
What are the demographics of Fernwood?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fernwood is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.