Owyhee County Public RecordsIdaho

As of the 2020 Census, Owyhee County, Idaho, had a population of 11,913. The age distribution is broad, with a median age of approximately 41 years. Males comprise about 51% and females 49% of the population. The county is predominantly White (80.0%), with Hispanic or Latino residents making up 22.6%. Smaller percentages identify as Native American (2.0%), two or more races (7.4%), and other ethnicities. The county remains sparsely populated, with rural communities and agricultural activities prevailing.

Owyhee County, ID, experiences lower crime rates compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported around 70 total crimes, including 6 violent offenses (primarily assaults) and 64 property crimes. The crime rate stands at approximately 7.5 crimes per 1,000 residents, significantly beneath Idaho’s statewide average of 14.2. Law enforcement relies on community reporting and state crime databases for statistics and continues to prioritize rural safety initiatives, contributing to Owyhee’s reputation as a relatively safe area.

Owyhee County, ID, had 5,201 registered voters for the November 2022 general election. It conducts primary, general, and special elections. In the 2020 presidential race, 78.3% voted Republican and 18.6% Democrat. There are seven polling locations, including Homedale Senior Center and Marsing Community Center. Key local issues include land use and water rights. Elections are administered by the Owyhee County Clerk’s Office. The county leans strongly Republican, with the GOP dominating local offices, while the Democratic Party has minimal representation.

Owyhee County, Idaho, has around 7 public schools, including 2 high schools. The high school graduation rate is approximately 78%, but only about 14% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, well below the national average. School safety scores are moderate, reflecting a small, close-knit community. Educational programs are limited, focusing on standard K-12 curricula, with some vocational and agricultural training. Adult education opportunities are sparse, often requiring travel to nearby counties. Test scores are generally below state averages, but community involvement in schools is strong.

Owyhee County, Idaho, has an employment rate of about 61.4%. Key industries include agriculture (23%), education/health services (22%), and retail trade (11%). Major occupation types are management, business, science, and arts (27%), followed by natural resources, construction, and maintenance (24%). Most residents (77%) commute by car with an average travel time of 27 minutes, often to neighboring Ada and Canyon counties for work. Local employment largely centers around farming, education, and government services.

Owyhee County, ID, features a homeownership rate of about 74%, with median home values around $300,000 in 2023, up nearly 9% from the previous year. Median rent is approximately $850 monthly. Housing options are primarily single-family homes, with some manufactured and ranch-style dwellings, spread across rural neighborhoods like Homedale and Marsing. Property taxes average 0.71% of assessed value, equating to roughly $2,130 annually for a median-priced home. The region’s affordable housing, combined with rising property values, appeals to both buyers and renters, despite a limited supply of multi-family units.