$351,414Average Value$226Average Price per Sq Ft37Homes For Sale
A county seat in Southwest Idaho with a historic heart
At the junction of the Snake and Payette Rivers on the Oregon-Idaho border, Payette balances between rural agriculture and urban conveniences. The seat of Payette County, this small city of 8,100 residents feels more like a town, thanks to abundant available land, green spaces, community festivals and a revitalized downtown shopping area. Payette began in 1883 as a construction camp for the Oregon Short Line Railroad. A lumber mill shortly followed, and the city still maintains strong ties to transportation services and manufacturing. “We have a growing population in the city, and that creates challenges for the city government because of more strain on its services,” says Jeff Williams, a Broker with Coldwell Banker Classic Properties and former mayor of Payette. “It’s also a challenge for a small community to have commerce and transportation. Transportation gets people through the area fast and safely, while the government wants people to stop and shop. Payette is a transportation crossroads, and there are events with vendors downtown, like Cruise Night. People come out and enjoy each other’s company.”
An abundance of land in Payette cultivates a tightly knit agricultural community.
Residents and tourists alike enjoy local eateries like the Sundance Saloon in downtown Payette.
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Historic and contemporary housing in Idaho’s Treasure Valley region
Most of Payette’s housing was built between 1970 and 1999, although new construction is ongoing throughout the city, thanks to large amounts of available land. Numerous houses were also built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Preserving historic buildings is important to the city, and homeowners take maintaining these houses seriously. In fact, Payette is well-known for its numerous Queen Anne-style Victorian-era houses. Over 89% of housing consists of manufactured homes, townhouses and two-to-three-bedroom single-family homes. Appreciation rates in Payette are lagging behind the nation, with the city’s residences losing two percentage points over 2024. Homes sell for a median price of $350,000, close to the national median.
Larger families will appreciate the spacious layouts of modern craftsman and ranch style homes in Payette.
Smaller families will find rows of craftsmans bungalows and cottages in downtown Payette.
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Parks, the Apple Blossom Festival and worship centers
The city has over 50 acres of community green spaces spread over nine parks and trails. The Payette swimming facility in Kiwanis Park has two full-size pools and a wading pool. The Payette River Greenbelt runs approximately one-half mile before ending at Payette Greenbelt Pond, a swimming area. The Snake River is a hot spot for jet skiing, fishing, rafting and boating. It’s easily accessible through Centennial Park’s North End Marina. Scotch Pines Golf Course is open to the public and features a driving range, chipping and putting greens and a remodeled clubhouse.
Held each year during the second week of May, the Apple Blossom Festival offers live concerts, a beer garden, carnival rides and a fireworks display. Other community events are held at one of the city’s numerous Protestant, Catholic and Latter-day Saints worship centers throughout the year.
With over nine parks throughout Payette the indoor outdoor swimming pool is a year round favorite.
The Snake River runs along the northwest edge of downtown Payette.
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A revived downtown, locally owned eateries and Ontario Marketplace
In 2015, the city invested in revitalizing its downtown Main Street area. The pedestrian-friendly shopping district is part of a preservation program, in conjunction with The National Trust for Historic Preservation, that promotes heritage tourism. Small, local businesses selling antiques, flowers, hardware, crafting supplies and groceries are spread over the blocks surrounding North 8th Street. National quick service chains and family-owned Mexican restaurants, coffee houses and grills dot South Main, South 16th and North 8th Streets. Ontario Marketplace is an expansive shopping center adjacent to Walmart in nearby Ontario. It features national retailers, big box stores and quick-service restaurants, 5 miles from Payette.
Families will love dining at Keystone Pizza in revitalized downtown Payette.
Find local retail shops at the north end of Payette.
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Local schools and Treasure Valley Community College
Payette Joint School District #371, which has a C-minus rating from Niche, oversees four schools for prekindergarten through 12th grade. It has a developing technology program, providing students with access to Chromebooks and iPads. Seven miles southwest, Treasure Valley Community College has served the region since 1962. It offers two-year degrees and professional certificates across dozens of concentrations.
Students from Pre-K through 12 can attend schools in the Payette school district 371.
Treasure Valley Community College in nearby Ontario offers two year degrees and professional certificates.
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Industry, employment and Valley Family Health Care
Manufacturing, healthcare, transportation and warehousing are Payette’s most prominent industries. Companies like Seneca Foods, Panic Plastics and Iron Hart Services provide employment opportunities in the city. Valley Family Health Care operates medical and dental clinics throughout the region.
Seneca foods in downtown Payette is the cities largest employer.
Find local health care from Valley Health located in south Payette.
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Interstate 84, Snake River Transit and Boise Airport
People in Payette typically drive, although downtown and different subdivisions are very walkable. Around 6 miles southwest, Interstate 84 provides access to the West Coast, while U.S. Route 95 leads north to Weiser and south to Fruitland and Parma. State Highway 52 bisects the city as 18th Street follows the Payette River for 54 miles before crossing into Oregon. Snake River Transit operates the No. 1 bus route that passes through Payette. Boise is 55 miles southeast, while Boise Airport is 59 miles away for nationwide flights.
Rain shadows, natural disaster risks and FBI crime data
Payette's summers are hot and dry, while winters are cold and sometimes rainy. However, the city rests in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains, so there’s rarely over 10 inches of precipitation annually. Payette County faces wildfire and poor air quality risks. Residents are encouraged to wear masks during air advisories and keep brush away from their homes to reduce potential wildfire fuel. According to FBI crime data, the city’s overall property crime rate decreased steadily from 2020 to 2023. Violent crimes, on the other hand, dropped sharply from 2021 to 2022 before rising again in 2023. Still, the city’s overall crime rate was below the national average, according to FBI data released in 2023.
Written By
K.T. Phillips
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Chad Jackson
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On average, homes in Payette, ID sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Payette, ID over the last 12 months is $330,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Developers dream! Foothills land with a spectacular view of Payette and the snake river waiting for someone to develop it. Originally 30 acres but the first 5 acres has already been sold in October 2025! Reach out to the listing agent for the sold price. Imagine the potential for the other 25 acres! The county requires a minimum 3 acre’s for subdividing. This can be a prime 3 acre lot subdivision
Opportunity awaits near downtown Payette. This property is ready for a full renovation and offers strong potential for investors, builders, and buyers looking for their next project. The existing home features a functional layout with a large living room, two bedrooms and a full bathroom on the main level, plus two additional bedrooms and another full bathroom upstairs. There is also a spacious
Move-in ready home with numerous updates throughout! This property features a new roof, newer windows, and a permitted add-on creating an additional room that adds flexibility for living space, an office, or guests. Situated on a great piece of property with plenty of potential to make it your own, this home offers comfort, functionality, and opportunity all in one.
This charming 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home has been updated and well-maintained in a quiet Payette neighborhood! This inviting property offers a comfortable layout with plenty of natural light throughout. The spacious living area flows seamlessly into the kitchen and dining space, creating a warm and functional environment for everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy a generously sized yard with
Discover a rare opportunity to acquire 496 acres in the growing community of Payette, Idaho. Could be potential for future development in emerging sectors such as AI data campuses, nuclear power generation, green hydrogen, clean tech, advanced manufacturing, or distribution. A previous buyer entered a development agreement with the County for nuclear power use and a new buyer may wish to acquire
Unlock a rare infrastructure-rich opportunity in the Northwest. This 929 acre property in Payette County may be an ideal location for high-demand projects such as AI & Data Centers, Semiconductor Fabrication, Clean Energy, or Industrial/Manufacturing Operations with buyer acquiring zoning approved specific to buyers intended use. The site is close to high-voltage transmission lines, a natural gas
This incredible property can be yours today! From the expansive open single level floor plan to the brand new shop this home is move in ready! Home offers a spacious 4 bedroom 2 bath set up with solid pine doors, walk in closets in all bedrooms and vaulted ceilings. A great open kitchen with granite tile counter tops, custom cabinets, and HUGE walled pantry system. Home has been very well taken
Discover a unique opportunity to acquire 496± acres in the growing community of Payette, Idaho. Could be potential for future development in emerging sectors such as AI data campuses, nuclear power generation, green hydrogen, clean tech, advanced manufacturing, or distribution. A previous buyer entered into a development agreement with Payette County for nuclear power use. A new buyer may wish to
Warm & Delightful neighborhood with a very well maintained home, what more can you ask for? New roof in July 2024, new gutters 2024, new garage door 2024. Fresh interior paint in most of the rooms, all of the bedrooms are large, 3 bathrooms, the top floor features an open floor plan, huge downstairs family room. Dual vanities & soaker tub in the master bath, big walk-in closet. The property comes
Excellent investment and development opportunity in Payette. This almost 3-acre parcel includes a plan for 16 residential units, featuring 8 single-family home lots and 8 townhouse lots or create your own vision. Located within city limits with convenient access to schools, downtown Payette, shopping, and parks, this property offers strong potential for builders and developers looking to meet
Welcome to the Cascade—a thoughtfully designed floor plan located in the desirable Pipers Glen Subdivision in Payette, Idaho, just minutes from the Snake River and the Oregon border.This stunning 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home sits on a generous lot and features a spacious 3-car garage, perfect for storing vehicles, toys, or creating a workshop space. The heart of the home is the expansive kitchen,
Country living at its best! This beautiful, light-filled, well maintained home sits on 2.78 acres with great views and room for all your animals and toys. No CCRs. It is set up for horses with nice wood pole fencing, fenced pasture, a riding arena area, and a 36x60 barn with 5 stalls. There is a large 12x24 storage shed with overhead door, perfect for garden storage or a shop or tack room. The
Barbara HutchinsonBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Silverhawk Realty
This spacious floor plan features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, offering plenty of room for entertaining guests. The kitchen is well-appointed with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a refrigerator, and a gas range complemented by a stylish tile backsplash. Durable LVP flooring runs throughout the main living areas downstairs, and the great room includes a cozy gas fireplace for
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