Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Lewis County, Idaho, had a population of 3,533. The median age is 50.5 years, with 51% male and 49% female residents. Racially, the population is 86% White, 9% Native American, 1% Asian, and 4% identifying as two or more races or other groups. Hispanic or Latino residents make up about 3% of the population.

Elections

Lewis County, Idaho, had 2,049 registered voters for the November 2022 election. Registered voters select federal, state, and local offices in primary and general elections; in 2020, 77% voted Republican for President. Major polling locations include the Nezperce Community Center and Kamiah City Hall. Key issues are land use and agriculture. The county clerk oversees election administration. Republican and Democratic parties are active, with Republicans holding most local offices. For the 2023 municipal election, turnout was 38%. Registration is available in person or by mail, with polling places open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Education, Employment and Housing

Lewis County, ID serves students through 3 public schools, including Highland High School. About 87% of adults hold a high school diploma, while approximately 15% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average school proficiency scores hover around 55% in reading and 45% in math. Schools in the county are noted for safe learning environments, small class sizes, and personalized instruction. Educational programs include career-technical education and early college opportunities. Lewis County invests in adult education initiatives, focusing on literacy and workforce readiness. Overall, the district emphasizes both academic achievement and student well-being.

As of the latest available data, Lewis County, Idaho, has an employment rate of approximately 55.4%. The leading industries include agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (18%), health care and social assistance (14%), and educational services (12%). The most common occupation types are management, business, science, and arts occupations (28%). About 68% of workers commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 23 minutes. Many residents are employed within the county, but a significant portion commute to nearby counties such as Nez Perce and Idaho counties for work.

Lewis County, Idaho, has a homeownership rate of about 78%, with a median home value around $198,000 as of 2024. Rental units comprise roughly 22% of housing, with median gross rent near $740 monthly. The housing stock features mainly single-family homes in small towns like Kamiah and Nezperce, with rural neighborhoods offering spacious lots. Recent market trends indicate modest value increases of 3% annually. Property taxes average 0.73% of assessed value. The county remains an affordable option compared to statewide averages, appealing to both homeowners and renters seeking a quieter lifestyle.

County Crime & Safety

Lewis County, ID, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the violent crime rate was approximately 1.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, while property crime stood at 6.8 per 1,000. The Sheriff’s Office actively promotes safety and community reporting, resulting in improved response times. Despite an overall downward trend since 2020, occasional theft and vandalism cases are reported. Regular public updates and neighborhood watch programs contribute to ongoing low crime rates and increased public safety awareness throughout the county.