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Idaho County, Idaho

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Idaho County is a county in the U.S. state of Idaho, and the largest by area in the state. As of the 2020 census, the population was 16,541. The county seat is Grangeville.[1] Previous county seats of the area were Florence (1864–68), Washington (1868–75), and Mount Idaho (1875–1902).[2]

Idaho County
County
Tolo Lake
Tolo Lake
Official seal of Idaho County
Seal
Map of Idaho highlighting Idaho County
Location within the U.S. state of Idaho
Map of the United States highlighting Idaho
Idaho's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 45°51′N 115°28′W / 45.85°N 115.46°W / 45.85; -115.46
Country United States
State Idaho
FoundedDecember 20, 1861
Named forIdaho
SeatGrangeville
Largest cityGrangeville
Area
 • Total
8,503 sq mi (22,020 km2)
 • Land8,477 sq mi (21,960 km2)
 • Water26 sq mi (70 km2)  0.3%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
16,541
 • Estimate 
(2023)
17,890 Increase
 • Density1.9/sq mi (0.75/km2)
Time zones
North of Salmon RiverUTC−8 (Pacific)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−7 (PDT)
South of Salmon RiverUTC−7 (Mountain)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−6 (MDT)
Congressional district1st
Websiteidahocounty.org

History

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Discovery of gold occurred in succession at Elk City, Newsome, and Florence during the spring and summer of 1861.[3] At the time, all of the settlements were within Shoshone County, Washington Territory.[4] Thousands flocked to Florence. As a result, Idaho County was founded 163 years ago as a region of Washington Territory on December 20, 1861,[5] named for a steamer called Idaho that was launched on the Columbia River in 1860. It was reorganized by the Idaho Territorial Legislature on February 4, 1864. In this context, the Idaho Territory and the State of Idaho are both preceded by the county name.

Settlements at Cottonwood, Mount Idaho, and Warrens were established in 1862. The Warrens settlement was a fractured settlement as a result of settlement there by both Union and Confederate affiliated miners. The Union affiliated miners on the northern edge of the settlement named their portion of the settlement Washington while the Confederate affiliated miners named their portion Richmond. Richmond dwindled by 1866 and Washington went on to become the county seat in 1868 and was the name of the settlement used in most government documents during the period of settlement. Out of all these settlements, only Cottonwood went on to eventually become one of Idaho County's seven incorporated cities.[6][7]

Idaho Territory conducted a census in 1863 and another in 1864. Population data was returned for both years for Warrens (660/521), Florence (575/254), Elk City (372/219), Slate Creek (216/117), Clearwater Station (212/76), and Newsome (62/24). For 1864, data was also returned for the settlements of Mount Idaho (74), Miller's Camp (36), and Cottonwood (17). Between 1863 and 1864, Idaho County saw a decrease from 1,601 residents to 955.[8][9]

Settlement at White Bird occurred some time prior to 1870 as a precinct under the same name is listed with 71 inhabitants at the 1870 census. Efforts to force White Bird's band of Nez Perce tribesmen to the Nez Perce Reservation led to the Battle of White Bird Canyon in 1877.[3] The town was established in 1891.[10][11]

Grangeville emerged as a town at the 1880 census with 129 residents.[12] It was incorporated as a city in 1904.[13] Ferdinand and Kooskia were settled starting in 1895 and along with Cottonwood and Stites, were all incorporated prior to 1920.[14] Development of Riggins started prior to 1930 with Riggins Village being incorporated in 1948.[15]

Idaho County's boundaries have changed more times than any other Idaho's county with changes occurring on 20 separate dates over the county's first 57 years. The majority of those changes were from boundary realignment with only three counties taking territory from Idaho County at their creation. Originating at 75,789 square miles, its original boundary under Washington Territory contained the southern portion of Idaho County, Idaho's 34 southern counties, part of Ravalli County, Montana, and parts of Fremont, Lincoln, Park, Sublette, and Teton counties in Wyoming. Boise was partitioned off in January 1863 with the Payette River being the primary dividing line. In 1864, two separate acts transferred the portion in Montana to Missoula County, established the southern boundary at 44° 30' latitude, and made slight adjustments in the northern boundary to define the county as one of Idaho Territory's seven original counties. Three boundary adjustments were made with Nez Perce and Ada between 1866 and 1867 and Lemhi was created in 1869 from territory east of the junction of the Middle Fork and main Salmon Rivers. In 1873, the southern border was moved north to the divide between the main Salmon River with the Payette River and Middle Fork of Salmon River, bringing the county to its smallest historical land area of 2,901 square miles. The boundary adjustment of 1875 created a county very similar to present Idaho County containing an area of 8,165 square miles. Between 1879 and 1885, one change added territory on the Camas Prairie from Nez Perce while another brought back territory in present-day Adams, Valley, Custer, and Lemhi counties in the south. In 1887, territory was exchanged with Boise County dividing present Valley County between the two counties. One change in 1889 transferred territory to Custer County while another change finalized the county's northern border at its present location. The southern border began to take shape after two changes in 1891 and 1895 exchanged territory between Washington and Idaho counties. Adjustments with Lemhi in 1903 and 1911 and the creation of Valley County in 1918 brought the county to its present boundary.[16]

Idaho County is one of seven counties in the United States that has the same name as the state in which it lies. The other six are Arkansas, Hawaii, Iowa, New York, Oklahoma, and Utah.[17]

Geography

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 8,503 square miles (22,020 km2), of which 8,477 square miles (21,960 km2) is land and 26 square miles (67 km2) (0.3%) is water.[18] It is the largest county by area in Idaho. The southeast portion of the Nez Perce Indian Reservation is in the county's northwest corner. Due to the county's size, it is the only county that touches Oregon and Montana.

Adjacent counties

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National protected areas

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There are 4,431,720 acres (17,934.5 km2; 6,924.56 sq mi) of National Forest land within the county, more than in any county (or borough) outside of Alaska. National Forests and their acreage within the county are: Nez Perce National Forest 2,224,091; Clearwater National Forest 870,807; Payette National Forest 804,853; Bitterroot National Forest 464,108; Salmon National Forest 66,074; and Wallowa National Forest 1,787. The Nez Perce National Forest is located entirely within the county's borders, and is the largest National Forest lying within a single county.[19]

Time zones

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Further information: Time in Idaho

Idaho County is one of the few counties in the United States with two time zones, divided by the Salmon River. Most of the county is in the Pacific Time Zone, but those areas south of the Salmon River are in the Mountain Time Zone.

Transportation

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Major highways

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Airports

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Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1870849—
18802,031139.2%
18902,95545.5%
19009,121208.7%
191012,38435.8%
192011,759−5.0%
193010,107−14.0%
194012,69125.6%
195011,423−10.0%
196013,54218.6%
197012,891−4.8%
198014,76914.6%
199013,783−6.7%
200015,51112.5%
201016,2674.9%
202016,5411.7%
2023 (est.)17,890[20]8.2%
U.S. Decennial Census[21]
1790–1960[22] 1900–1990[23]
1990–2000[24] 2010–2020[25]

2000 census

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As of the census[26] of 2000, there were 15,511 people, 6,084 households, and 4,295 families living in the county. The population density was 2 people per square mile (0.77 people/km2). There were 7,537 housing units at an average density of 1 per square mile (0.39/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 94.12% White, 0.08% Black or African American, 2.89% Native American, 0.26% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.91% from other races, and 1.72% from two or more races. 1.57% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 29.7% were of German, 12.9% American, 11.7% English and 9.0% Irish ancestry.

There were 6,084 households, out of which 29.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.80% were married couples living together, 6.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.40% were non-families. 25.30% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 25.00% under the age of 18, 6.30% from 18 to 24, 23.30% from 25 to 44, 28.40% from 45 to 64, and 17.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 103.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $29,515, and the median income for a family was $33,919. Males had a median income of $28,383 versus $18,214 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,411. About 12.50% of families and 16.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.00% of those under age 18 and 10.00% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census

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As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 16,267 people, 6,834 households, and 4,536 families living in the county.[27] The population density was 1.9 inhabitants per square mile (0.73/km2). There were 8,744 housing units at an average density of 1.0 per square mile (0.39/km2).[28] The racial makeup of the county was 93.8% white, 3.0% American Indian, 0.4% Asian, 0.3% black or African American, 0.6% from other races, and 1.9% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 2.6% of the population.[27] In terms of ancestry, 39.8% were German, 16.6% were Irish, 15.0% were English, and 3.0% were American.[29]

Of the 6,834 households, 24.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.7% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 33.6% were non-families, and 28.6% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.81. The median age was 48.0 years.[27]

The median income for a household in the county was $34,536 and the median income for a family was $39,263. Males had a median income of $36,885 versus $25,982 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,980. About 12.7% of families and 19.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.7% of those under age 18 and 10.4% of those age 65 or over.[30]

Communities

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Cities

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Census-designated place

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Unincorporated communities

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Ghost towns

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Politics

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United States presidential election results for Idaho County, Idaho[31]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2020 7,826 81.44% 1,561 16.24% 223 2.32%
2016 6,441 78.23% 1,196 14.53% 596 7.24%
2012 5,921 75.52% 1,708 21.79% 211 2.69%
2008 5,895 71.79% 2,017 24.56% 300 3.65%
2004 6,017 75.50% 1,689 21.19% 264 3.31%
2000 5,806 77.91% 1,187 15.93% 459 6.16%
1996 3,871 54.54% 1,979 27.88% 1,248 17.58%
1992 2,709 40.23% 1,974 29.31% 2,051 30.46%
1988 3,541 60.31% 2,198 37.44% 132 2.25%
1984 4,219 66.45% 1,996 31.44% 134 2.11%
1980 4,425 62.56% 2,078 29.38% 570 8.06%
1976 3,185 55.96% 2,323 40.81% 184 3.23%
1972 3,235 62.20% 1,622 31.19% 344 6.61%
1968 2,317 47.15% 1,883 38.32% 714 14.53%
1964 1,990 38.43% 3,188 61.57% 0 0.00%
1960 2,248 40.84% 3,256 59.16% 0 0.00%
1956 2,703 51.50% 2,546 48.50% 0 0.00%
1952 3,054 57.30% 2,269 42.57% 7 0.13%
1948 1,790 42.44% 2,300 54.53% 128 3.03%
1944 1,977 48.66% 2,071 50.97% 15 0.37%
1940 2,641 47.63% 2,888 52.08% 16 0.29%
1936 1,535 31.14% 3,104 62.97% 290 5.88%
1932 1,079 25.78% 3,005 71.79% 102 2.44%
1928 2,099 55.06% 1,676 43.97% 37 0.97%
1924 1,363 38.17% 779 21.81% 1,429 40.02%
1920 2,386 67.90% 1,128 32.10% 0 0.00%
1916 1,892 41.56% 2,265 49.76% 395 8.68%
1912 989 23.09% 1,679 39.19% 1,616 37.72%
1908 2,126 47.80% 1,833 41.21% 489 10.99%
1904 2,731 61.12% 1,381 30.91% 356 7.97%
1900 1,527 44.77% 1,884 55.23% 0 0.00%

Idaho County has consistently supported the Republican candidate in national elections. A Democratic candidate has not carried the county since 1964, when Lyndon B. Johnson won in a national landslide. Since then, the last Democratic candidate to crack 40% of the county's vote was Jimmy Carter in 1976. After 1976, the county has voted reliably Republican, with the Republican candidate receiving over 70% of the county's vote since 2000.

See also

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Footnotes

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  1. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  2. ^ "SITE REPORT - WARRENS" (PDF). Idaho State Historical Society. Retrieved February 19, 2017.
  3. ^ a b Adams, Ann (February 1, 1962). "Lure of gold built Idaho County". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). p. 3, section 2.
  4. ^ "Mining in Idaho. Number 9. 1985" (PDF). Idaho State Historical Society. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 20, 2018. Retrieved February 19, 2017.
  5. ^ Elliott, W.W. (1884). History Of Idaho Territory, Showing Its Resources And Advantages. Wallace W. Elliot & Co. p. 240.
  6. ^ "Idaho State Historical Society Reference Series: SITE REPORT - WARRENS" (PDF). Idaho State Historical Society. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
  7. ^ "Historic Mount Idaho". Lewiston Morning Tribune. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
  8. ^ "Idaho State Historical Society Reference Series: Census of 1863" (PDF). Idaho State Historical Society. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 28, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
  9. ^ "Idaho State Historical Society Reference Series: Census of 1864" (PDF). Idaho State Historical Society. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 9, 2017. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
  10. ^ Ninth Census-Volume I (PDF). Washington: Government Printing Office. 1872. p. 107. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 8, 2005. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
  11. ^ "Indians and Whites in the Nez Perce Country" (PDF). Idaho State Historical Society. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 4, 2017. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
  12. ^ Statistics of the Population of the United States at the Tenth Census (PDF). Washington: Government Printing Office. 1882. p. 130. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 13, 2005.
  13. ^ Twelfth Census of the United States, Taken in the Year 1910 (PDF). Washington: Government Printing Office. 1913. p. 112. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 12, 2015. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
  14. ^ Fourteenth Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1920 (PDF). Washington: Government Printing Office. 1921. p. 391. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 10, 2010. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
  15. ^ A Report of the Seventeenth Decennial Census of the United States (PDF). Washington: United States Government Printing Office. 1952. pp. 12–16. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 12, 2015. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
  16. ^ Idaho Atlas of Historical County Boundaries. Chicago: The Newberry Library. 2010. pp. 95–114. Archived from the original on June 19, 2018. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
  17. ^ Joseph Nathan Kane; Charles Curry Aiken (2005). The American Counties: Origins of County Names, Dates of Creation, and Population Data, 1950–2000. Scarecrow Press. ISBN 978-0-8108-5036-1.
  18. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  19. ^ Table 6 – NFS Acreage by State, Congressional District, and County, September 30, 2008
  20. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  21. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 30, 2014.
  22. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved June 30, 2014.
  23. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 30, 2014.
  24. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved June 30, 2014.
  25. ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved June 30, 2014.
  26. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  27. ^ a b c "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 9, 2016.
  28. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 – County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 9, 2016.
  29. ^ "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 9, 2016.
  30. ^ "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 9, 2016.
  31. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 4, 2018.

Further reading

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Wikisource has the text of an 1879 American Cyclopædia article about Idaho County, Idaho.

45°51′N 115°28′W / 45.85°N 115.46°W / 45.85; -115.46

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