Education, Employment and Housing
Butte County, ID, is served by the Butte County School District, which includes 1 high school and 2 elementary/middle schools. Around 88% of residents hold a high school diploma, while about 15% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools score an average of 4/10 on GreatSchools ratings. The county offers limited adult education and vocational training options. School safety is a focal point, with a low incidence of incidents reported annually. Educational programs emphasize STEM and agricultural studies, aiming to boost postsecondary readiness despite modest resources.
As of 2022, Butte County, ID had an employment rate of 54.5%. The largest industries were Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting (19%), Public Administration (18%), and Health Care & Social Assistance (14%). Top occupations included Management (22%), Office & Administrative Support (14%), and Construction & Extraction (11%). About 74% of workers commuted outside the county for work, primarily to neighboring counties such as Bonneville and Bingham. The average commute time was 22.5 minutes. Major employment centers include the Idaho National Laboratory and local government offices.
Butte County, ID, has a homeownership rate of about 74%, with average home values around $190,000 as of 2023—a 7% annual increase. Rental options are limited, with median rents near $750/month. Housing types primarily include single-family homes and a few mobile homes, especially in Arco, the largest community. Neighborhoods are generally rural with spacious lots. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging roughly 0.7% of assessed home value. The market remains more affordable than the Idaho average, but inventory is limited, leading to modest price growth in recent years.
County Crime & Safety
Butte County, ID, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. According to recent crime statistics, the county reported fewer than 10 violent crimes and around 30 property crimes annually. The crime rate stands at approximately 8.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, with law enforcement actively encouraging prompt community reporting. The Butte County Sheriff's Office handles most cases, focusing on preventive patrols and public safety awareness. Overall, Butte County is considered a safe rural area, with crime rates significantly below state and national averages.
Demographics
As of 2022, Butte County, Idaho has a population of approximately 2,550. The median age is 44 years. About 52% of residents are male and 48% female. The county is predominantly White (about 91%), with small percentages of Hispanic or Latino (6%), American Indian (1%), and other races. The population under 18 years makes up about 22%, while those 65 and older are around 23%.
Elections
Butte County, Idaho had 1,653 registered voters as of 2022. The county holds primary, general, and special elections; in the 2020 presidential race, 80% voted Republican and 16% Democrat. Voter turnout was near 75%. Polling locations include the Arco and Lost Rivers voting centers. Key issues are agriculture, water rights, and land use. Elections are administered by the Butte County Clerk’s office. The county leans heavily Republican, mirroring Idaho’s statewide trends; only about 10% of voters are registered Democrats, and the remainder are unaffiliated or independent.
Popular names
- Randy Davison
- Brent Babcock
- Casey Beard
- Fred Waymire
- Joseph Hughes
- Kelly Stewart
- Kirk Giles
- Marc Babcock
- Mark Patterson
- Robert Waddoups
- Teresa Kraczek
- Travis Andersen
- Ace Whitehead
- Alan Doolittle
- Albert Fullmer
- Albert Henderson
- Alexis Cuellar
- Alice Gamett
- Alice Williams
- Allen Carter
- Allysia Pulley
- Andy Lyon
- Angel Scruggs
- Ann Karr
- Ann Lagomarsino
- Anna Summers
- Anthony Parsons
- Anthony Rojas
- Arlene Pearson
- Baley Herres
- Barbara Andersen
- Barbara Dole
- Barbara Huelsman
- Barry Dunn
- Bettina Blattner
- Betty Williams
- Beverly Crawford
- Blake Landon
- Blake Pence
- Bob Hughes
- Bonnie Cameron
- Bonnie Keller
- Bonnie Proffit
- Brandi Cutler
- Brent Gamett
- Brett Williams
- Brian Collins
- Brian Dalley
- Brian Harrell
- Byron Wood
- Cameron Stamos
- Candace Stayman
- Carma Bleak
- Carol Pope
- Carol Weston
- Carolynn Anderson
- Catherine Wood
- Chad Powell
- Chance Pancheri
- Chandos Gamett