One Paycheck Rarely Covers the Basics, Let Alone a Full Tithe

Bottom line: A one-earner family of five at the median young-family income of $68,761 is about $15,500 short of basics plus a full tithe, which takes about $95,560 gross. Only about 31% of Madison County households earn at least that much, so roughly seven in ten fall short of the full-tithe line.

Yearly costs, one-earner family of five (Estimate)The costs pass the $68,761 median income line inside clothing and household spending. A full tithe takes the stack to $95,560.

Full tithe, 10% of gross$9,556
Taxes, net of credits$8,537
Clothing, household, phone, new baby$15,625
Health premium and out-of-pocket$11,904
Groceries (USDA Low-Cost)$12,671
Transportation (MIT)$18,823
Housing and utilities (HUD, 3 bedrooms)$18,444
Total, full tithe$95,560

Madison County households by income, 2020–2024 (Census)About 31% of households, roughly 4,158 of 13,326, earn at or above the $95,560 full-tithe line.

Under $25,00016.2%

$25,000 to $49,99925.6%

$50,000 to $74,99919.9%

$75,000 to $99,999 (split at the line)12.7%

$100,000 to $149,99914.6%

$150,000 and over11.0%

Method and sources. Income: Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year, Madison County, Idaho, Table B19001 (households, all earners combined), in 2024 dollars. The line is $89,059 in 2024 dollars (CPI-U West ×1.073 to 2026), so the $75,000–$99,999 bracket is split by straight-line estimate. Median young family $68,761: householders aged 25 to 44, ACS 2020–2024. Costs: HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent with utilities; USDA Low-Cost food plan (September 2026); MIT Living Wage for Madison County; KFF health costs. Taxes: 24.95% of the $95,560 gross, less $15,305 of credits (IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32; Idaho's 5.3% flat tax). Tithe: 10% of gross, Doctrine and Covenants 119:4. Scale $0–$100K. Not included: childcare, debt, retirement, emergency savings. These are estimates from public data as of November 2026, not financial, tax, or religious advice.