Demographics

As of 2022, Lemhi County, Idaho has a population of approximately 8,200. The median age is about 52 years, indicating an older population. Around 51% are male and 49% female. The county is predominantly White (over 94%), with Hispanic or Latino residents making up about 3%, and other racial or ethnic groups, including Native American, accounting for less than 3% combined.

Elections

Lemhi County, Idaho had 5,720 registered voters as of November 2022. The county primarily holds general, primary, and local elections, with turnout typically exceeding 70% in presidential years. In the 2020 general election, 82% voted Republican, 15% Democrat. Polling locations include Salmon City Hall and the Lemhi Community Center. Recent issues focus on land use and public lands access. Elections are administered by the Lemhi County Clerk’s Office. The county heavily favors the Republican party, with Democrats and Independents forming smaller blocs.

Education, Employment and Housing

Lemhi County, Idaho, has 9 public schools, including Salmon High School. About 88% of adults hold a high school diploma, while roughly 17% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average student-teacher ratio is approximately 14:1. School safety ratings are above the state average, and the county offers adult education via the Salmon Public Library and local outreach programs. Educational programs focus on STEM and vocational skills, with schools scoring an average of 5/10 on standardized state assessments.

As of 2023, Lemhi County, ID has an employment rate of approximately 55.4%. The leading industries are health care and social assistance (21%), retail trade (13%), and accommodation and food services (12%). Major occupation types include management, sales, and office support. Around 78% of residents work within the county, while 22% commute outside, primarily to Custer and Madison counties. The average commute time is about 13.5 minutes, reflecting the rural and local nature of employment opportunities in Lemhi County.

Lemhi County, Idaho, has a homeownership rate of about 76%, with median monthly rent around $700. Median home values are approximately $250,000, up 10% in the past year, reflecting a modest but steady market trend. Housing primarily consists of single-family homes, scattered across rural areas like Salmon and Leadore, with limited multifamily units. Property taxes average 0.7% of assessed value. Popular neighborhoods include Salmon City and Baker, known for affordability and quiet living. Rental housing is limited, leading to low vacancy rates and increasing demand.

County Crime & Safety

Lemhi County, ID, is known for its low crime rates compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the county reported a total of 38 crimes, with 6 violent crimes and 32 property crimes. The violent crime rate stood at 1.2 per 1,000 residents, while property crime was 6.3 per 1,000. Law enforcement actively encourages community crime reporting, contributing to high clearance rates. Overall, Lemhi County remains a safe area, with crime rates significantly lower than the Idaho state average.