Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Valley County, Idaho had a population of 11,746. The median age was 50.8 years, reflecting a relatively older population. Approximately 51% were male and 49% female. The racial makeup was predominantly White (94.3%), with small representations of Native American (1.4%), two or more races (2.7%), and other races. Hispanic or Latino ethnicity accounted for 3.8% of the population.
Elections
Valley County, Idaho, had 8,115 registered voters as of November 2022. Voters participate in federal, state, and local elections, with recent results showing Republican dominance—Donald Trump received 53% of the county’s 2020 presidential vote, while Democrats garnered 44%. Major polling locations include McCall-Donnelly High School and Cascade Community Center. Key local issues include land use, property taxes, and tourism. The County Clerk administers elections, overseeing both in-person and absentee voting. Republicans and Democrats are the largest parties, with Libertarians and independents also present.
Education, Employment and Housing
Valley County, Idaho hosts three public schools—two elementary and one high school—serving around 900 students, with an average student-teacher ratio of 13:1. According to Niche, the county schools score a B- overall. About 92% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 32% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. The schools prioritize safety, reporting minimal discipline incidents annually and offer educational programs, including STEM and dual-credit courses. Extracurricular opportunities, such as sports and arts, are available, enhancing student engagement and post-secondary readiness.
As of 2022, Valley County, Idaho, has an unemployment rate of approximately 3.1%. Major employment sectors include accommodation and food services (24%), retail trade (13%), construction (11%), and healthcare (9%). The most common occupational groups are food preparation and serving (21%), management (10%), and sales (9%). Around 67% of workers commute less than 20 minutes to work, and over 84% work within the county. Most employment centers around McCall, the county’s largest city, reflecting its tourism-driven economy.
Valley County, ID, features a homeownership rate of approximately 77%, with median home values around $520,000 as of early 2024, reflecting a 5% annual increase. Average monthly rents are about $1,400. Housing options range from single-family homes and cabins to condos, especially in neighborhoods like McCall, Cascade, and Donnelly. Property taxes average 0.6% of assessed value. The area’s desirable recreational amenities and seasonal demand drive a competitive market, with listings moving rapidly, particularly near Payette Lake and Tamarack Resort.
County Crime & Safety
Valley County, ID, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the overall crime rate was about 9.2 incidents per 1,000 residents, with property crimes constituting the majority—around 85 reported cases. Violent crimes remain rare, with fewer than 10 incidents annually. The sheriff’s office actively encourages community reporting and transparency, helping keep clearance rates high. With a strong focus on community engagement, Valley County maintains a safe environment for its approximately 11,500 residents.
Popular names
- Michael Johnson
- Michael Smith
- Tanya Goodall
- William Callahan
- Alan McClure
- Anissa Rooney
- Cody Monroe
- Darin Bolyard
- Dawn Hagen
- Dee Decamp
- Diane Peterson
- Donald Thompson
- Gregory Smith
- James Campbell
- James Giddens
- Jeffrey Baker
- John Thompson
- Jong De
- Joseph Callahan
- Joseph Hill
- Judy Madden
- Julie Alexander
- Lawrence Elmore
- Linda Robbins
- Megan Davis
- Michael Fullmer
- Michael Steele
- Nicole Kirby
- Randal Gardner
- Richard Mooney
- Robert Staples
- Samuel Thompson
- Stephanie Goddard
- Susan Miller
- William Rice
- William Wright
- Aaron Davis
- Aaron Jones
- Adam Petersen
- Adrianne Meckel
- Alan Hamilton
- Alan Ramelli
- Aleta Gilbert
- Alexis Steele
- Alicia Adams
- Allen Ukkestad
- Allison Belgarde
- Amanda Boxleitner
- Amanda Callahan
- Amanda Gidasi
- Amanda Ritch
- Amber Carley
- Amit Sood
- Andrew Sapp
- Andy Mockli
- Angela Hall
- Angela Rimmer
- Anna Ong
- Anthony Battaglia
- Anthony Benallo