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

> Estimates for a one-income family of five in Rexburg, Idaho, as of November 2026.

Source: https://christwentyfour.com/blog/economics-of-lds-membership

**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 $25,000: 16.2%
- $25,000 to $49,999: 25.6%
- $50,000 to $74,999: 19.9%
- $75,000 to $99,999 (split at the line): 12.7%
- $100,000 to $149,999: 14.6%
- $150,000 and over: 11.0%

**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.