Median Income
$51,250
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$347,300
23% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
64/100K
83% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.6%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$667
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.7%
2% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.2%
44% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.8%
21% lower than US avg
How Riggins Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population236
Median Age65.0 yrs
Density590/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans16.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$51,250
Per Capita$32,497
Unemployment5.2%
Poverty9.8%
County GDP$205M
Commute23 min
Housing
C+
Home Value$347,300
Rent$667
Ownership58.5%
Zillow$332,404
Housing Units262
Rent Burden41.9%
Crime
F
Violent64/100K
Property1,476/100K
Health
Obesity32.7%
Uninsured9.7%
Smoking14.0%
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI33 (Good)
Rain17.4 in/yr
Sunny Days311/yr
Elevation1,820 ft (555 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.6%
High School+94.8%
Graduate+3.5%
School Score5.21
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 22%
Commute23 min
Broadband65.5%
Libraries2
Is Riggins a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Riggins receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Riggins has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Riggins is $51,250, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 9.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Riggins is $347,300, 23% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $667 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 6.8x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Riggins is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,476 per 100,000, 25% below the national average.
Education
14.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Riggins experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 311 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 17.4 inches, including 7.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 33.
Riggins has a population of 236 with a density of 590 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 65.0 years, 67% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.9% female and 52.1% male. The city is predominantly White (94.9%), with 5.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.8% of residents. 16.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 26.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
65.0yrs
Median Age
67% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.8%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.2%
91% below US avg
The median household income in Riggins is $51,250, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,497 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,095, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 9.8% 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 23 minutes. 35.5% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,250 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,497 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,095 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,171 |
| Gini Index | 0.499 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.8% |
| 21% 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 | 0.87% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 53.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 35.5% |
The median home value in Riggins is $347,300, 23% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $332,404. Monthly rent averages $667 (43% 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. 58.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 262 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $3,030. 41.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.8x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $347,300 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $332,404 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $667 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 41.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $898 |
| 1 Bedroom | $950 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,173 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,619 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.5% |
| Housing Units | 262 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,030 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.87% |
In Riggins, 32.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 28.5% have high blood pressure. 14.0% are current smokers. 16.2% report binge drinking. 22.4% are physically inactive. 24.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.7% 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: Riggins vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.7% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.5% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.0% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.4% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 30.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.7% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,542 |
| Dentists | 1:1,606 |
| Mental Health | 1:981 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.3% |
| Dental Visits | 60.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,397/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 30.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Riggins has a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents, 83% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,476 per 100,000, 25% below the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Riggins receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Riggins vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 64.2/100K |
| 83% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,475.8/100K |
| 25% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 17 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Riggins experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 311 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 17.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 7.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 33. The city sits at an elevation of 1,820 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (0°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 50.2°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 311 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,820 ft (555 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 590/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.4206°N, 116.3176°W |
| Timezone | America/Boise |
| County | Adams County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pullman/Moscow Regional (PUW) 99 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.4"
54% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
2.48"
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
693 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.5. Most recent: M3.1 on May 16, 2025.
| Mar 31, 2020 |
Stanley, Idaho |
M6.5 |
142 km |
| Feb 26, 2024 |
10 km N of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M4.9 |
116 km |
| Jun 25, 2020 |
27 km NW of Stanley, Idaho |
M4.6 |
145 km |
| May 21, 2020 |
26 km NW of Stanley, Idaho |
M4.4 |
146 km |
| May 14, 2020 |
31 km NW of Stanley, Idaho |
M4.4 |
142 km |
| Apr 11, 1995 |
20 km SSE of Yellow Pine, Idaho |
M4.2 |
99 km |
| Apr 21, 2020 |
29 km NW of Stanley, Idaho |
M4.1 |
143 km |
| Oct 27, 1994 |
11 km SE of Halfway, Oregon |
M4.0 |
86 km |
| Apr 12, 2020 |
35 km NNW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.9 |
138 km |
| Apr 1, 2020 |
28 km NW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.9 |
145 km |
| Apr 3, 2020 |
26 km NW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.9 |
146 km |
| Jul 3, 2020 |
26 km NW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.9 |
146 km |
| Jun 17, 2020 |
southern Idaho |
M3.9 |
147 km |
| Apr 2, 2020 |
24 km NW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.8 |
148 km |
| Jul 3, 2020 |
27 km NW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.8 |
146 km |
| Jun 5, 2020 |
34 km NNW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.8 |
138 km |
| Oct 4, 2002 |
15 km W of Cascade, Idaho |
M3.8 |
102 km |
| Apr 1, 2020 |
26 km NW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.8 |
146 km |
| Apr 5, 2020 |
25 km NW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.8 |
148 km |
| Nov 8, 1997 |
39 km SE of Pierce, Idaho |
M3.8 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
13 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 injury.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 2006 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1968 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1958 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 2016 |
EF0 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2013 |
EF0 |
83 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2010 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2010 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2009 |
EF0 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 2006 |
EF0 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 1992 |
EF0 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 1992 |
EF0 |
37 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1979 |
EF0 |
57 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 |
59 km |
| 2007 |
CASCADE COMPLEX (MONUMENTAL) |
317,157 |
96 km |
| 2022 |
DOUBLE CREEK |
171,012 |
28 km |
| 1994 |
CORRAL CREEK-BLACKWELL COMPLEX |
140,101 |
37 km |
| 2000 |
MALONEY CREEK |
131,397 |
69 km |
| 1994 |
PORPHYRY SOUTH |
129,849 |
66 km |
| 2021 |
SHOVEL CREEK |
109,829 |
78 km |
| 2007 |
RATTLESNAKE |
102,523 |
58 km |
| 2020 |
WOODHEAD |
98,995 |
83 km |
| 2015 |
TEPEE SPRINGS |
94,878 |
19 km |
| 2017 |
HIGHLINE |
93,699 |
91 km |
| 2000 |
FLOSSIE COMPLEX |
90,611 |
90 km |
| 2007 |
BATTLE CREEK COMPLEX (BATTLE CREEK) |
79,114 |
25 km |
| 2012 |
CACHE CREEK |
75,521 |
70 km |
| 2000 |
BURGDORF JUNCTION |
67,284 |
52 km |
| 2014 |
BIG COUGAR |
65,397 |
77 km |
| 2007 |
POE CABIN |
59,704 |
25 km |
| 1988 |
TEEPEE BUTTE |
59,565 |
67 km |
| 2006 |
FOSTER GULCH |
52,496 |
75 km |
| 2012 |
SHEEP |
50,769 |
19 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (0°C) |
2.5 in |
Wettest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
49°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| June |
56°F (13°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
1.0 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
Riggins has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 27°F in December to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.2 inches, with January being the wettest month (2.5") and July the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Riggins. 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 Riggins
What is the population of Riggins?
Riggins has a population of 236 residents and is located in Idaho. The population density is 590 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 65.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.9% female and 52.1% male.
Is Riggins expensive to live in?
Riggins 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 $51,250, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $347,300 (23% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $667 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.8x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Riggins safe?
Riggins is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,476 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Riggins receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Riggins?
Riggins has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 311 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 17.4 inches, with 7.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 33.
How is the job market in Riggins?
The unemployment rate in Riggins is 5.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. 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 23 minutes, and 35.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Riggins?
The median home value in Riggins is $347,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $332,404. For renters, the median monthly rent is $667. Fair market rent is $950 for a 1-bedroom and $1,173 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,030.
How are the schools in Riggins?
Schools in Riggins score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.6% of adults in Riggins hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. 3.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Riggins?
The obesity rate in Riggins is 32.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.0% of adults are smokers. 22.4% are physically inactive. 24.4% of residents report depression. 9.7% 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 Riggins?
The average commute in Riggins is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 53.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 35.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Riggins?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Riggins is 94.9% White, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino. 98.8% of residents speak only English at home. 16.5% of the population are military veterans. 26.4% of residents have a disability. 91.9% have health insurance coverage.