Demographics
As of 2023, Bonner County, Idaho’s population is approximately 49,000. The median age is 47 years, with 20.5% under 18 and 24% aged 65 or older. The county is 93% White, 1.2% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.5% Black, and 4.5% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The gender split is roughly equal, with 50.3% male and 49.7% female.
Elections
Bonner County, Idaho, has over 33,000 registered voters as of 2024. Elections include federal, state, county, city, and school board races. In the 2020 presidential election, 69% voted Republican and 28% Democrat. Major parties are Republican and Democratic, with independents and Libertarians present. Popular polling locations include the Sandpoint Community Hall and Priest River Event Center. Key local issues include land use, property taxes, and education funding. The county clerk’s office oversees election administration, offering online and in-person registration, absentee voting, and sample ballots. Voter turnout averages around 75% in general elections.
County Crime & Safety
Bonner County, ID, has a crime rate lower than the national average, with approximately 18.5 crimes per 1,000 residents annually. In 2023, property crimes, such as burglary and theft, accounted for about 80% of reported incidents, while violent crimes remained rare at 2.2 per 1,000 residents. The Bonner County Sheriff’s Office provides regular public reports and encourages community involvement in neighborhood watch programs, contributing to effective crime prevention and safety awareness.
Education, Employment and Housing
Bonner County, ID, hosts about 29 public and private schools, including Sandpoint High School. Approximately 90% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 27% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. Public schools in the Lake Pend Oreille District average a 6/10 rating on GreatSchools. School safety measures include resource officers and security protocols. The county offers adult education through North Idaho College’s Sandpoint Center, providing GED and continuing education programs. Educational programs feature Advanced Placement courses, special education, and technical training opportunities for students.
As of 2023, Bonner County, ID has an employment rate of approximately 59.7%. Key industries include healthcare and social assistance (13.4%), retail trade (12.2%), and construction (11.5%). The most common occupational types are office and administrative support (11.9%), sales (10.3%), and management (9.6%). About 76.8% of workers commute by car, with a mean travel time of 22.8 minutes; the majority work within the county, while around 18% commute to nearby counties such as Kootenai and Spokane.
Bonner County, ID has a homeownership rate of about 75%, with median home values around $470,000 in 2024. Median monthly rent averages $1,200. The area has seen property values rise over 8% year-over-year, reflecting strong demand, especially in Sandpoint and Sagle neighborhoods. Housing types range from lakefront cabins to single-family homes and rural properties. Notable neighborhoods include Sandpoint’s historic district and Schweitzer Mountain area. Property taxes average 0.67% of assessed value, relatively low compared to national averages, making Bonner County attractive for both homeowners and investors.
Popular names
- James Smith
- Mark Johnson
- Michael Brown
- Robert Anderson
- Michael Thompson
- Charles Brown
- Charles Smith
- Christopher Jones
- Donna Jones
- Douglas Brown
- James Williams
- Kelly Kearns
- Michael Anderson
- Michael Williams
- Richard Johnson
- Robert Johnson
- Amber Chapin
- Bruce Johnson
- Charles Wilson
- David Evans
- David Nicholson
- David Williams
- James Martin
- James Walker
- James Wood
- Jeffrey Smith
- Jennifer Smith
- John Davis
- John Johnson
- John Taylor
- Kathleen Hoffman
- Mark Smith
- Mary Miller
- Michael White
- Nathan Miller
- Richard Smith
- Robert Nelson
- Robert Williams
- Stephen Smith
- Steven Smith
- Taylor Johnson
- Todd Jones
- William Smith
- Adreeanna Black
- Amber Johnson
- Anthony Lewis
- Brad Williams
- Brandon Brown
- Charesse Moore
- Christopher Smith
- Daniel White
- David Miles
- David Thompson
- Donald Pettit
- Eric Anderson
- James Hall
- James Johnson
- James Miller
- James White
- Jerry Morris