Elections
Adams County, Idaho, had 2,337 registered voters for the 2022 general election, with turnout typically around 76%. Elections include federal, state, county, and special district races. In the 2020 presidential election, 75% voted Republican, 22% Democrat. Polling places include the Courthouse in Council and sites in New Meadows and Indian Valley. Key issues are land use and property taxes. The Clerk’s Office administers elections, and the major parties are Republican and Democratic, with Republicans holding most local offices. Voters may register online, by mail, or at polling places on Election Day.
Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Adams County, Idaho had a population of 4,379. The median age was 51.1 years, with 21.5% under 18 and 28.1% aged 65 or older. The county was 93.9% White, 1.7% Native American, 0.3% Asian, and 2.2% reporting two or more races; 4.8% identified as Hispanic or Latino. Gender distribution was roughly balanced, with 50.2% male and 49.8% female.
County Crime & Safety
Adams County, ID, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported a total of 45 crimes, including 7 violent offenses and 38 property crimes, per Idaho State Police data. The crime rate stands at approximately 8.2 per 1,000 residents, significantly below the national average of 22.7. Residents report moderate satisfaction with local law enforcement response times and effectiveness. However, underreporting may affect statistics due to rural isolation. Overall, Adams County remains a safe rural community with vigilant law enforcement and engaged citizens.
Education, Employment and Housing
Adams County, ID, serves its population with a small number of schools, including two public high schools. Around 86% of adult residents hold a high school diploma, while approximately 19% have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety measures meet Idaho state standards, with incidents remaining low. Local schools have an average GreatSchools ranking of 5/10. Adult education programs and vocational training are available through community partners, supporting lifelong learning. Educational programs emphasize STEM and agricultural studies, reflecting the county’s rural character.
As of 2022, Adams County, ID had an unemployment rate of about 4.1%. The largest industries are health care & social assistance (19.6%), retail trade (11.1%), and construction (10.7%). The predominant occupations are management (14.3%) and office/administrative support (13.7%). Around 81% of workers commute alone by car, with a mean travel time of 24 minutes. Most employed residents work within Adams County, while some commute to nearby counties such as Washington or Valley for work.
Adams County, ID, has a homeownership rate of about 80%, with median home values around $345,000 as of 2023, reflecting a 10% annual increase. Median gross rent is approximately $890 per month. Housing consists mostly of single-family homes, with some cabins and manufactured houses, set amid small rural communities like Council and New Meadows. Property tax rates average 0.7% of assessed value. The area offers quiet neighborhoods and scenic mountain views, appealing to those seeking rural living.
Popular names
- Virgil Butler
- Alan Fisk
- Barbara Dixon
- Brad Steiner
- Daniel Potter
- Jacob Wilson
- John Pate
- Kenneth Ivey
- Kody Williams
- Kyle Freedman
- Mary Zimmerman
- Ronald Burnett
- Ryan Bakker
- Sarah Mathes
- Steven Ogden
- Susan Green
- Aaron Heyrend
- Alan Wittell
- Alma Fisk
- Amanda Briscoe
- Amanda Edwards
- Amy Zielinski
- Andrea Lucero
- Andrew Goold
- Angela Simpson
- Angie Mettie
- Angie Rosengrant
- Anita Wilson
- Ann Christian
- Anna Fisk
- Arthur Grooms
- Ashley Fisk
- Ashley Wheeler
- Audrey Crogh
- Barbara Gilmer
- Barbara Stout
- Barry Korte
- Ben Getusky
- Ben Roundtree
- Ben Warner
- Benjamin Potter
- Bert Squire
- Beverly Krigbaum
- Bill Brown
- Bill Florence
- Bodie Getusky
- Braden Nichols
- Brandi Fleischmann
- Bret Armacost
- Brian Bauer
- Brittany Riemer
- Bruce Hemminger
- Bruce Warren
- Bryan Adkisson
- Bryan Karolski
- Bryan Weast
- Byron Hallett
- Caitlan Hill
- Caleb Jepsen
- Calvin Conley