Elections
Shoshone County, ID, had 7,735 registered voters as of 2022. Elections include primaries, general, local, and school board. In the 2020 presidential election, 66% favored the Republican candidate, 31% the Democrat. Major polling locations include the county courthouse in Wallace and city halls in Kellogg and Pinehurst. Key issues include mining regulations and public lands. The county clerk’s office oversees administration. The Republican Party holds a majority, though Democrats maintain some presence. Voter turnout averaged 65% in recent general elections.
Education, Employment and Housing
Shoshone County, ID has 11 public schools, including 2 high schools, serving approximately 1,200 students. About 86% of adults hold a high school diploma, while only 13% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher, below state averages. School safety rates are above 90%, with recent investments in secure facility upgrades. Academic performance scores average 45% proficiency in math and 52% in reading. The district offers advanced placement and technical education programs, along with adult education courses supporting GED attainment and continuing education.
As of 2023, Shoshone County, ID has an employment rate of approximately 51.9%. The largest industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (16.8%), Retail Trade (13.2%), and Accommodation & Food Services (12.6%). Leading occupations include Office & Administrative Support (14.1%) and Sales (10.6%). About 79.2% of residents drive alone to work, with an average commute time of 22 minutes. Significant employment locations include local hospitals, schools, and retail centers, with a majority working within the county while some commute to neighboring Kootenai and Spokane Counties.
Shoshone County, ID, has a homeownership rate of around 75%, with median home values near $230,000 and median gross rents of about $750 per month. The real estate market has seen steady appreciation in recent years, with home prices rising approximately 8% annually. Housing in the county is predominantly single-family homes, with some older properties and newer builds, concentrated in neighborhoods like Wallace, Kellogg, and Pinehurst. Property tax rates average 0.72%, below the national average, making it an affordable option for buyers seeking a small-town, mountain lifestyle.
County Crime & Safety
Shoshone County, ID, reported a crime rate of 26.5 per 1,000 residents in 2022, higher than the Idaho state average. Property crimes, such as burglary and theft, comprised 82% of total offenses, while violent crime remained low at 2.3 per 1,000 residents. Law enforcement agencies recorded 287 property crime incidents and 25 violent crimes last year. The county emphasizes community policing and transparent crime reporting, with improvements in digital reporting tools aimed at increasing public safety and timely response. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities to help lower crime rates.
Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Shoshone County, Idaho, had a population of 13,169. The median age is 48.9 years, with 49.9% male and 50.1% female residents. The racial composition is predominantly White (92.5%), followed by Native American (2.4%), two or more races (3.4%), and Asian (0.4%). Hispanic or Latino individuals comprise 4.2% of the population.
Popular names
- Jonathan Davis
- Crystal Smith
- Scott Jones
- Adolphus Hoch
- Arthur Fleming
- Beth Williams
- Carrie Hilliard
- Deann Erickson
- Debbie Mikesell
- Heather Davis
- Joseph Hill
- Judy Wilson
- Kayla Hamlin
- Kevin Robb
- Lora Bosworth
- Marcy Hayman
- Mary Eixenberger
- Michael Johnson
- Nancy Campbell
- Richard White
- Scott Stevenson
- Aaron Larsen
- Alicia Carter
- Alicia Loper
- Amanda Wright
- Amy Elliott
- Andrea Snyder
- Anita Green
- Ashley Smith
- Autumn Bailey
- Barbara Mooney
- Betty Fuller
- Betty Johnson
- Bobbie Wilson
- Bonnie Johnson
- Brandon Anderson
- Brian Finbraaten
- Caroline Bourgeois
- Carrie Meier
- Chad Baldwin
- Charity Lloyd
- Cheryl Brown
- Cheryl Dofelmire
- Christina Brisbois
- Christine Clemens
- Christopher Cook
- Christopher Johnson
- Christopher Stuart
- Cindy Faraca
- Colleen Roberts
- Connie Ornelas
- Cory Sanders
- Cyndi Ebert
- Cynthia Bromley
- Cynthia Cooper
- Dale Groth
- Dale Monear
- Dale Stepro
- Dan Knop
- Daniel Thompson