Blaine County Public RecordsIdaho

Blaine County, ID had 17,223 registered voters as of November 2022, with Democrats and unaffiliated voters outnumbering Republicans (about 36% Dem, 29% Rep, 34% unaffiliated). The county votes in federal, state, and local elections; in the 2020 presidential race, 63% voted Democratic. Polling locations include Hailey, Ketchum, and Carey, overseen by the Blaine County Clerk’s office. Mailing ballots and early voting are available. Key issues include affordable housing and land use. The Democratic Party generally dominates local offices, although both major parties are active and represented.

As of 2023, Blaine County, ID, has an estimated population of about 24,000. The median age is 44.2 years. Approximately 49% are female and 51% male. Racially, around 75% of residents identify as White, 22% as Hispanic or Latino, and small percentages as Asian, Black, or Native American. The county has a diverse mix, with a notable Hispanic community shaping its cultural fabric.

Blaine County, ID, has over 10 public schools, including Wood River High School and Silver Creek High School. Approximately 92% of adults hold a high school diploma, and 45% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The Blaine County School District has a GreatSchools rating averaging 6/10. Schools emphasize safety, utilizing emergency drills and SROs. Diverse educational programs include Advanced Placement, dual credit, and career-technical education. Community School and Sun Valley Community School offer private alternatives. Adult education is supported through local library and college partnerships.

As of 2022, Blaine County, ID had an employment rate of 65.8%. The largest industries were Accommodation & Food Services (18.2%), Health Care & Social Assistance (10.7%), and Retail Trade (9.1%). Leading occupations included Management (15.3%), Sales (12.7%), and Food Preparation (11.8%). About 67% of residents work locally, while the remainder commute, primarily to Ada and Twin Falls counties. The average commute time is 14.8 minutes, indicating short travel distances for most workers.

Blaine County, ID, has a homeownership rate around 62%, with median home values near $830,000 in 2023. Rentals are costly, with median monthly rents about $2,100. Housing options include single-family homes, townhouses, and condos, especially in Sun Valley, Ketchum, and Hailey. The market saw a 4% annual price increase in 2023. Popular neighborhoods include Old Hailey and Warm Springs. Property taxes average 0.51% of assessed value, meaning a typical homeowner pays around $4,200 annually.

Blaine County, ID, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. In 2023, the county reported approximately 115 total crimes, equating to a crime rate of about 8.3 per 1,000 residents. Violent crime is rare, with fewer than 10 incidents annually, while property crimes account for the majority of reports. The Blaine County Sheriff's Office emphasizes proactive community policing, and residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities through local hotlines and online portals, supporting effective safety measures and transparency.