Caribou County Public RecordsIdaho

As of 2023, Caribou County, Idaho, has a population of approximately 7,125. The median age is around 39.5 years, with 24% under 18 and 19% aged 65 or older. The gender distribution is nearly even, with 50.6% male and 49.4% female. The population is predominantly White (92.1%), with Hispanic or Latino residents making up 5.2%, and small percentages identifying as Native American (1.2%) or two or more races (1.1%).

Caribou County, Idaho, had 4,377 registered voters as of 2022, primarily Republican (about 80%). Residents vote in federal, state, and local elections, including nonpartisan school board races. In the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump won 83% of the county's votes. There are five polling locations, including the county courthouse in Soda Springs. Key local issues include public land use and education funding. Elections are overseen by the County Clerk’s office. Party registration is dominated by Republicans, with Democrats representing less than 17% and unaffiliated voters making up under 3%.

Caribou County, ID, has 6 public schools, including 1 high school (Soda Springs High School) and several elementary/middle schools, serving about 1,100 students. Around 91% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 17% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety reports reflect low incident rates, and Soda Springs High boasts an average graduation rate near 95%. The district offers career-technical programs and various extracurriculars. Average test scores generally meet or slightly exceed Idaho state averages. Adult education is available through nearby community colleges and online platforms.

As of 2022, Caribou County, Idaho, had an employment rate of approximately 59.1%. The largest industry was mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction, employing about 23% of workers, followed by educational services and health care (16%). Major occupation types included production, transportation, and material moving (24%), and management, business, and science (22%). Most residents (over 85%) commuted alone by car, with an average commute time of 23 minutes. More than 70% of workers were employed within the county, while others commuted to Bannock and Bingham counties.

Caribou County, Idaho, has a homeownership rate of about 78%, with the median home value around $203,000 in 2023, and median rent approximately $795 per month. The housing market has shown steady growth, with property values increasing roughly 5% year-over-year. Most residences are single-family homes, concentrated in towns like Soda Springs and Grace. Property taxes average 0.67% of assessed value, lower than the national average. Neighborhoods are predominantly rural or small-town in character, offering a mix of historic and newer homes, appealing to families and retirees seeking affordability and a close-knit community.

Caribou County, ID, is known for its low crime rate compared to national averages. In recent years, the county reported approximately 50 total crimes annually, with property crimes like theft and burglary being the most common—violent crimes remain rare, averaging fewer than five incidents per year. The crime rate stands at around 8 crimes per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than Idaho’s average. Law enforcement reporting is consistent, and the local sheriff’s office actively promotes community safety initiatives, contributing to Caribou County’s reputation as a safe rural area.