Clearwater County Public RecordsIdaho

As of 2023, Clearwater County, Idaho, has a population of approximately 8,600. The median age is about 51 years, with 22% under 18 and 28% aged 65 or older. Gender distribution is fairly balanced, with 51% male and 49% female. Racially, the county is predominantly White (89%), with Native Americans making up about 7%, and smaller percentages of Hispanic or Latino (2%) and other races. This demographic reflects a largely rural and aging community with limited ethnic diversity.

Clearwater County, ID, has approximately 7 public schools, including Orofino High School. About 87% of adults hold a high school diploma, while around 15% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. Public schools score an average of 3/10 on GreatSchools. Programs include career-technical education and dual credit, and adult education is offered through local centers. School safety reports are generally above state average, with incidents of violence below 1% of enrollment.

As of 2022, Clearwater County, ID has an employment rate of approximately 52%, with around 3,050 people employed. The largest industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (16%), Manufacturing (15%), and Retail Trade (14%). The most common occupations are Office & Administrative Support (16%) and Production (12%). About 78% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 19 minutes; over 70% work within the county. Unemployment remains slightly above the national average at about 4.1%.

Clearwater County, ID has a homeownership rate of approximately 78%, with median home values around $225,000 as of 2023. The rental vacancy rate is about 7%, and median gross rent is $720 per month. Housing types are primarily single-family homes, especially in towns like Orofino and Pierce, with some small apartment complexes. Property values have risen nearly 12% over the past year. Popular neighborhoods include Riverside and Cavendish. Property tax rates average 0.72%, below the national average, making the county an affordable option for both owners and renters.

Clearwater County, ID, had 5,123 registered voters as of November 2022. Elections include local, state, and federal; recent general election turnout was 69%. Polling locations span the county’s five precincts, with Orofino Junior/Senior High School among the sites. In 2022, Republican candidates won over 75% of the vote in most races, with Democrats trailing significantly. Key issues include land management and rural development. Elections are administered by the Clearwater County Clerk, with oversight from the Idaho Secretary of State. The dominant party is Republican, with limited third-party representation.

Clearwater County, Idaho, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the FBI reported approximately 120 total reported crimes, including 10 violent crimes and 110 property crimes. The county’s crime rate hovers around 12 per 1,000 residents. Law enforcement emphasizes community safety through proactive patrols and public reporting channels. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities, improving response times. Overall, Clearwater County is considered safe, with crime rates declining steadily over the past five years.