Violent Crime
176/100K
54% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.4%
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.2%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Lost River Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population51
Median Age76.1 yrs
Density6/mi²
Male / Female71% / 29%
Largest GroupWhite 82%
Veterans51.0%
Economy
Per Capita$28,059
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,870M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$313,546
Housing Units38
Rent Burden26.7%
Crime
F
Violent176/100K
Property615/100K
Health
Obesity31.2%
Smoking13.7%
Depression23.6%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI33 (Good)
Rain9.9 in/yr
Sunny Days310/yr
Elevation6,472 ft (1,973 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.4%
High School+93.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.53
Community
2024 VoteR 85% / D 12%
Broadband11.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Lost River a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lost River receives an overall livability score of 1.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Lost River faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
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
Violent crime in Lost River is below the national average at 176 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 615 per 100,000, 69% below the national average.
Education
23.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Lost River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 310 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 9.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 33.
Lost River has a population of 51 with a density of 6 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age is 76.1 years, 96% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 29.4% female and 70.6% male. The city is predominantly White (82.4%), with 11.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 51.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%.
Population
76.1yrs
Median Age
96% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lost River vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lost River vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $28,059 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $2,218, 55% higher 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 146 business establishments, including 7 restaurants. The cost of living index is 95.5, roughly in line with the national average. 44.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lost River vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $28,059 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $2,218 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,126 |
| Gini Index | 0.472 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 146 |
| County GDP | $1,870M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 7 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,960 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 95.50 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 0.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 44.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $313,546. 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 38 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1949. The average annual property tax is $1,960 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.7% 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 | 38 |
| Median Year Built | 1949 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,960 |
| 44% below US avg |
In Lost River, 31.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 13.7% are current smokers. 17.4% report binge drinking. 21.2% are physically inactive. 23.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 42.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lost River vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.2% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.7% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.2% |
| Depression | 23.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 31.5% |
Healthcare Access
| |
| Mental Health | 1:2,758 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.6% |
| Dental Visits | 63.5% |
| Premature Death | 12,579/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 42.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Lost River has a violent crime rate of 176 per 100,000 residents, 54% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 615 per 100,000, 69% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lost River receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lost River vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 175.6/100K |
| 54% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 614.6/100K |
| 69% 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 |
Lost River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 310 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 9.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 33. The city sits at an elevation of 6,472 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 42.3°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 310 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 6,472 ft (1,973 m) |
| Area | 3.4 sq mi (8.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 6/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6883°N, 113.6353°W |
| Timezone | America/Boise |
| County | Butte County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pocatello Regional (PIH) 75 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
9.9"
74% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
1.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 33.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 4.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 45.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 13.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1,429 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.5. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 20, 2025.
| Mar 31, 2020 |
Stanley, Idaho |
M6.5 |
147 km |
| Aug 20, 1999 |
22 km NW of Lima, Montana |
M5.1 |
139 km |
| Jan 3, 2015 |
9 km E of Challis, Idaho |
M5.0 |
99 km |
| Apr 13, 2014 |
15 km NNW of Challis, Idaho |
M4.8 |
118 km |
| Jun 7, 1994 |
18 km E of Challis, Idaho |
M4.8 |
94 km |
| Apr 1, 2020 |
21 km WNW of Stanley, Idaho |
M4.8 |
141 km |
| Jun 25, 2020 |
27 km NW of Stanley, Idaho |
M4.6 |
147 km |
| Apr 9, 2019 |
9 km NE of Lima, Montana |
M4.6 |
144 km |
| May 4, 1992 |
20 km E of Challis, Idaho |
M4.6 |
95 km |
| May 14, 2020 |
31 km NW of Stanley, Idaho |
M4.4 |
150 km |
| May 6, 1992 |
17 km E of Challis, Idaho |
M4.4 |
93 km |
| Apr 14, 2014 |
13 km NW of Challis, Idaho |
M4.4 |
116 km |
| Dec 28, 1991 |
southern Idaho |
M4.4 |
104 km |
| Apr 1, 2020 |
23 km NW of Stanley, Idaho |
M4.4 |
143 km |
| May 21, 2020 |
26 km NW of Stanley, Idaho |
M4.4 |
145 km |
| Feb 17, 1992 |
33 km NNE of Stanley, Idaho |
M4.3 |
128 km |
| Jan 28, 1995 |
33 km NNE of Stanley, Idaho |
M4.3 |
129 km |
| Jun 8, 2025 |
24 km E of Clayton, Idaho |
M4.3 |
74 km |
| Mar 22, 1992 |
11 km NE of Challis, Idaho |
M4.3 |
108 km |
| Aug 13, 1998 |
3 km ESE of Challis, Idaho |
M4.2 |
100 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
34 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 31, 2018 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1997 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1992 |
EF1 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1987 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1987 |
EF1 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1972 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2018 |
EF0 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2018 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 2018 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 2014 |
EF0 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2014 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2013 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2006 |
EF0 |
70 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2006 |
EF0 |
62 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2006 |
EF0 |
66 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2006 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 2006 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 2005 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2005 |
EF0 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2005 |
EF0 |
54 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
4 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Craters of the Moon (32 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Craters of the Moon |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
2,005 m (6,578 ft) |
-130 |
32 km |
| Black Butte Crater Lava Field |
Shield |
1,478 m (4,849 ft) |
-8400 |
81 km |
| Wapi Lava Field |
Shield |
1,604 m (5,262 ft) |
-300 |
96 km |
| Hell's Half Acre |
Shield |
1,631 m (5,351 ft) |
-3250 |
98 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COXS WELL (219,424 ac, 1996).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1996 |
COXS WELL |
219,424 |
71 km |
| 2006 |
CRYSTAL |
218,581 |
76 km |
| 1996 |
RICHFIELDS |
178,385 |
75 km |
| 1992 |
BLACK RIDGE |
147,833 |
68 km |
| 1999 |
MULE BUTTE |
138,102 |
77 km |
| 2013 |
BEAVER CREEK |
111,286 |
71 km |
| 2010 |
JEFFERSON |
108,542 |
86 km |
| 2019 |
SHEEP |
107,233 |
74 km |
| 2012 |
FLAT TOP 2 |
102,340 |
78 km |
| 2000 |
COFFEE POINT |
73,480 |
83 km |
| 1990 |
THORN CREEK |
70,365 |
90 km |
| 2018 |
SHARPS |
63,895 |
37 km |
| 2000 |
FLATTOP |
56,792 |
90 km |
| 2017 |
MAMMOTH CAVE |
50,391 |
75 km |
| 1999 |
CEDAR BUTTE |
49,625 |
77 km |
| 2007 |
CASTLE ROCK |
48,430 |
67 km |
| 2011 |
T17 |
45,631 |
74 km |
| 2005 |
RUPERT |
45,361 |
82 km |
| 1999 |
INEEL FIRE |
43,547 |
82 km |
| 2005 |
VALLEY ROAD |
40,801 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
36°F (2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| May |
44°F (7°C) |
1.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
53°F (11°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
1.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
61°F (16°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| September |
53°F (12°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Lost River has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 19°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (1.6") and October the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Lost River. 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 | $550 |
| Toddler | $526 |
| Preschool | $488 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $473 |
| Toddler | $470 |
| Preschool | $441 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lost River
What is the population of Lost River?
Lost River has a population of 51 residents and is located in Idaho. The population density is 6 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 76.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 29.4% female and 70.6% male.
Is Lost River expensive to live in?
Lost River has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 95.5 (baseline: 100).
Is Lost River safe?
Lost River is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 176 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 615 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lost River receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lost River?
Lost River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 310 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 9.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 33.
How is the job market in Lost River?
The job market in Lost River is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $2,218. There are 146 business establishments in the area, including 7 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Lost River?
Schools in Lost River score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.4% of adults in Lost River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lost River?
The obesity rate in Lost River is 31.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 13.7% of adults are smokers. 21.2% are physically inactive. 23.6% of residents report depression. 42.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What are the demographics of Lost River?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lost River is 82.4% White, 11.8% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 51.0% of the population are military veterans.