Median Income
$65,250
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$275,000
2% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
720/100K
89% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.5%
60% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$933
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.9%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.6%
39% lower than US avg
How New Meadows Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population311
Median Age31.6 yrs
Density536/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans4.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,250
Per Capita$29,639
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty7.6%
County GDP$205M
Commute22 min
Housing
A
Home Value$275,000
Rent$933
Ownership58.8%
Zillow$611,986
Housing Units182
Rent Burden25.4%
Crime
F
Violent720/100K
Property2,879/100K
Health
Obesity31.9%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking12.5%
Depression23.6%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI33 (Good)
Rain24.5 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation3,870 ft (1,180 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.5%
High School+93.8%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.21
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 22%
Commute22 min
Broadband70.2%
EV Stations6
Libraries2
Is New Meadows a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, New Meadows receives an overall livability score of 2.9 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 elevated crime rates. New Meadows has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in New Meadows is $65,250, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. Only 7.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in New Meadows is $275,000, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $933 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 720 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,879 per 100,000, 47% above the national average.
Education
13.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
New Meadows has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 24.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 33.
New Meadows has a population of 311 with a density of 536 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 31.6 years, 19% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.1% female and 56.9% male. The city is predominantly White (98.7%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 4.9% of the population are veterans. 17.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.6yrs
Median Age
19% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
New Meadows 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
New Meadows vs U.S. Average
The median household income in New Meadows is $65,250, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,639 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,095, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 211 business establishments, including 13 restaurants. The cost of living index is 95.5, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: New Meadows vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,250 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,639 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,095 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,171 |
| Gini Index | 0.499 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.6% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 211 |
| County GDP | $205M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 13 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 15 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,030 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 95.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.0% |
The median home value in New Meadows is $275,000, 2% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $611,986, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $933 (20% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $950 for a one-bedroom to $1,173 for a two-bedroom apartment. 58.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 182 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $3,030. 25.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $275,000 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $611,986 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $933 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $898 |
| 1 Bedroom | $950 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,173 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,619 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.2% |
| Housing Units | 182 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,030 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.10% |
In New Meadows, 31.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.0% have high blood pressure. 12.5% are current smokers. 17.3% report binge drinking. 21.8% are physically inactive. 23.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.0% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,542. The dentist ratio is 1:1,606. 30.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: New Meadows vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.0% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.5% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.8% |
| Depression | 23.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 32.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,542 |
| Dentists | 1:1,606 |
| Mental Health | 1:981 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.2% |
| Dental Visits | 64.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,397/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 30.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
New Meadows has a violent crime rate of 720 per 100,000 residents, 89% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,879 per 100,000, 47% above the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, New Meadows receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: New Meadows vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 719.7/100K |
| 89% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,878.7/100K |
| 47% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 35 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
New Meadows has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. The area gets 276 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 24.5 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 3,870 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
64°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 41.4°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 64°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,870 ft (1,180 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 536/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.9713°N, 116.2852°W |
| Timezone | America/Boise |
| County | Adams County County |
| Nearest Airport | Boise Air Trml/Gowen Field (BOI) 97 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.5"
36% below US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
3.19"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 33.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 39.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 60.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 8.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively 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 |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1,379 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 |
108 km |
| Feb 26, 2024 |
10 km N of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M4.9 |
66 km |
| Apr 1, 2020 |
21 km WNW of Stanley, Idaho |
M4.8 |
114 km |
| Jun 25, 2020 |
27 km NW of Stanley, Idaho |
M4.6 |
108 km |
| May 14, 2020 |
31 km NW of Stanley, Idaho |
M4.4 |
105 km |
| Apr 1, 2020 |
23 km NW of Stanley, Idaho |
M4.4 |
113 km |
| May 21, 2020 |
26 km NW of Stanley, Idaho |
M4.4 |
110 km |
| Feb 17, 1992 |
33 km NNE of Stanley, Idaho |
M4.3 |
131 km |
| Jan 28, 1995 |
33 km NNE of Stanley, Idaho |
M4.3 |
130 km |
| Jun 9, 2020 |
11 km NW of Stanley, Idaho |
M4.2 |
125 km |
| Jan 27, 2025 |
26 km NW of Clayton, Idaho |
M4.2 |
142 km |
| Jun 14, 2020 |
10 km NW of Stanley, Idaho |
M4.2 |
125 km |
| Apr 11, 1995 |
20 km SSE of Yellow Pine, Idaho |
M4.2 |
70 km |
| Apr 21, 2020 |
29 km NW of Stanley, Idaho |
M4.1 |
107 km |
| Apr 11, 2020 |
20 km NW of Stanley, Idaho |
M4.1 |
116 km |
| Jul 10, 2020 |
18 km SW of Stanley, Idaho |
M4.1 |
137 km |
| Feb 18, 1993 |
34 km NNE of Stanley, Idaho |
M4.1 |
126 km |
| Jun 3, 2025 |
17 km NNW of Stanley, Idaho |
M4.0 |
120 km |
| Apr 23, 1993 |
31 km NNE of Stanley, Idaho |
M4.0 |
130 km |
| Jun 3, 2025 |
15 km NNW of Stanley, Idaho |
M4.0 |
123 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
10 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 injury.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 2006 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1990 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1958 |
EF1 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 2016 |
EF0 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 2006 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 2001 |
EF0 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF0 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 1992 |
EF0 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 1992 |
EF0 |
43 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: EAST ZONE COMPLEX (RAINES) (318,724 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
EAST ZONE COMPLEX (RAINES) |
318,724 |
48 km |
| 2007 |
CASCADE COMPLEX (MONUMENTAL) |
317,157 |
63 km |
| 2024 |
PADDOCK |
186,842 |
95 km |
| 2022 |
DOUBLE CREEK |
171,012 |
67 km |
| 1994 |
CORRAL CREEK-BLACKWELL COMPLEX |
140,101 |
29 km |
| 1994 |
PORPHYRY SOUTH |
129,849 |
66 km |
| 2007 |
RATTLESNAKE |
102,523 |
84 km |
| 2020 |
WOODHEAD |
98,995 |
46 km |
| 2021 |
BOUNDARY |
97,995 |
97 km |
| 2015 |
TEPEE SPRINGS |
94,878 |
41 km |
| 2017 |
HIGHLINE |
93,699 |
99 km |
| 2000 |
FLOSSIE COMPLEX |
90,611 |
100 km |
| 2007 |
BATTLE CREEK COMPLEX (BATTLE CREEK) |
79,114 |
57 km |
| 2000 |
BURGDORF JUNCTION |
67,284 |
67 km |
| 2007 |
POE CABIN |
59,704 |
74 km |
| 1987 |
DEADWOOD |
57,051 |
88 km |
| 2006 |
CHERRY |
56,773 |
98 km |
| 2000 |
SALMON CHALLIS WILDERNESS COMPLEX (LITTLE PISTOL) |
53,790 |
90 km |
| 2006 |
FOSTER GULCH |
52,496 |
51 km |
| 2012 |
SHEEP |
50,769 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
40°F (4°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
47°F (9°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| June |
55°F (13°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| July |
64°F (18°C) |
0.8 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
61°F (16°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| September |
53°F (11°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-5°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
New Meadows has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 20°F in January to 64°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.9 inches, with December being the wettest month (3.2") and July the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in New Meadows. 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 New Meadows
What is the population of New Meadows?
New Meadows has a population of 311 residents and is located in Idaho. The population density is 536 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.1% female and 56.9% male.
Is New Meadows expensive to live in?
New Meadows has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 95.5 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $65,250, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $275,000 (2% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $933 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is New Meadows safe?
Public safety is a concern in New Meadows, with a violent crime rate of 720 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,879 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, New Meadows receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in New Meadows?
New Meadows has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 64°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 24.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 33.
How is the job market in New Meadows?
The job market in New Meadows is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,095. There are 211 business establishments in the area, including 13 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 6.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in New Meadows?
The median home value in New Meadows is $275,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $611,986. For renters, the median monthly rent is $933. Fair market rent is $950 for a 1-bedroom and $1,173 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,030.
How are the schools in New Meadows?
Schools in New Meadows score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.5% of adults in New Meadows hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.8% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is New Meadows?
The obesity rate in New Meadows is 31.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.5% of adults are smokers. 21.8% are physically inactive. 23.6% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 30.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,542.
What is transportation like in New Meadows?
The average commute in New Meadows is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of New Meadows?
The racial and ethnic makeup of New Meadows is 98.7% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 4.9% of the population are military veterans. 17.1% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.