Benewah County (/ˈbɛnəˌwɑː/) is a county located in the northwest part of the U.S. state of Idaho. As of the 2020 United States Census the county had a population of 9,530.[1] The county seat and largest city is St. Maries, which has some area inside the Coeur d'Alene Reservation.[2] The county was established on January 23, 1915, of land partitioned from Kootenai County. It was named for a chief of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe.[3] The federally recognized Coeur d'Alene Tribe is based on the Coeur d'Alene Reservation in this and neighboring Kootenai County.

Benewah County
Benewah County Courthouse
Official seal of Benewah County
Map of Idaho highlighting Benewah County
Location within the U.S. state of Idaho
Map of the United States highlighting Idaho
Idaho's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 47°13′N 116°40′W / 47.22°N 116.66°W / 47.22; -116.66
Country United States
State Idaho
FoundedJanuary 23, 1915
SeatSt. Maries
Largest citySt. Maries
Area
 • Total784 sq mi (2,030 km2)
 • Land777 sq mi (2,010 km2)
 • Water7.3 sq mi (19 km2)  0.9%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total9,530
 • Estimate 
(2023)
10,369 Increase
 • Density12/sq mi (4.7/km2)
Time zoneUTC−8 (Pacific)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−7 (PDT)
Congressional district1st

Geography

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Benewah County lies on the west line of the state. Its west boundary line abuts the east boundary line of the state of Washington. The county has a total area of 784 square miles (2,030 km2), of which 777 square miles (2,010 km2) is land and 7.3 square miles (19 km2) (0.9%) is water.[4] It is the northern part of the Palouse, a wide and rolling prairie-like region of the middle Columbia basin.

Adjacent counties

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Major highways

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National protected area

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State protected areas

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Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note
19206,997
19306,371−8.9%
19407,33215.1%
19506,173−15.8%
19606,036−2.2%
19706,2303.2%
19808,29233.1%
19907,937−4.3%
20009,17115.5%
20109,2851.2%
20209,5302.6%
2023 (est.)10,369[5]8.8%
US Decennial Census[6]
1790–1960[7] 1900–1990[8]
1990–2000[9] 2010–2020[1]

2000 census

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As of the 2000 United States Census,[10] there were 9,171 people, 3,580 households, and 2,538 families in the county. The population density was 12 people per square mile (4.6 people/km2). There were 4,238 housing units at an average density of 6 per square mile (2.3/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 88.66% White, 0.12% Black or African American, 8.94% Native American, 0.15% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.25% from other races, and 1.82% from two or more races. 1.55% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 26.6% were of German, 11.7% English, 9.5% American and 8.6% Irish ancestry.

There were 3,580 households, out of which 31.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.40% were married couples living together, 7.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.10% were non-families. 24.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 2.99.

The county population contained 26.90% under the age of 18, 6.80% from 18 to 24, 25.40% from 25 to 44, 26.60% from 45 to 64, and 14.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 104.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.10 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $31,517, and the median income for a family was $36,000. Males had a median income of $35,097 versus $20,288 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,285. About 10.50% of families and 14.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.20% of those under age 18 and 9.70% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census

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As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 9,285 people, 3,837 households, and 2,571 families in the county.[11] The population density was 12.0 inhabitants per square mile (4.6/km2). There were 4,629 housing units at an average density of 6.0 per square mile (2.3/km2).[12] The racial makeup of the county was 86.6% white, 8.7% Native American, 0.3% black or African American, 0.3% Asian, 0.1% Pacific islander, 0.5% from other races, and 3.6% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 2.5% of the population.[11] In terms of European ancestry, 23.7% were German, 17.5% were Irish, 14.6% were English, 7.1% were Norwegian, and 3.4% were American.[13]

Of the 3,837 households, 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.8% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 33.0% were non-families, and 27.3% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.90. The median age was 44.8 years.[11]

The median income for a household in the county was $37,500 and the median income for a family was $41,759. Males had a median income of $37,214 versus $22,348 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,312. About 11.2% of families and 15.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.6% of those under age 18 and 5.6% of those age 65 or over.[14]

Politics

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Benewah County voters tend to vote Republican in the last several decades. In only two national elections since 1968 has the county selected the Democratic Party candidate (as of 2020).

United States presidential election results for Benewah County, Idaho[15]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2020 3,878 77.95% 977 19.64% 120 2.41%
2016 3,103 74.15% 770 18.40% 312 7.46%
2012 2,596 66.82% 1,164 29.96% 125 3.22%
2008 2,646 63.54% 1,407 33.79% 111 2.67%
2004 2,823 69.70% 1,148 28.35% 79 1.95%
2000 2,606 70.68% 895 24.27% 186 5.04%
1996 1,667 42.54% 1,488 37.97% 764 19.49%
1992 1,223 33.03% 1,270 34.30% 1,210 32.68%
1988 1,650 50.96% 1,518 46.88% 70 2.16%
1984 2,039 57.70% 1,447 40.95% 48 1.36%
1980 2,111 54.89% 1,361 35.39% 374 9.72%
1976 1,458 47.58% 1,549 50.55% 57 1.86%
1972 1,494 55.54% 1,062 39.48% 134 4.98%
1968 1,125 44.41% 1,160 45.80% 248 9.79%
1964 981 35.33% 1,796 64.67% 0 0.00%
1960 1,274 42.05% 1,756 57.95% 0 0.00%
1956 1,460 50.31% 1,442 49.69% 0 0.00%
1952 1,568 52.08% 1,436 47.69% 7 0.23%
1948 1,038 38.01% 1,590 58.22% 103 3.77%
1944 1,173 44.38% 1,446 54.71% 24 0.91%
1940 1,304 40.12% 1,924 59.20% 22 0.68%
1936 897 30.92% 1,906 65.70% 98 3.38%
1932 949 35.28% 1,602 59.55% 139 5.17%
1928 1,343 57.44% 958 40.98% 37 1.58%
1924 1,158 46.98% 318 12.90% 989 40.12%
1920 1,351 62.98% 794 37.02% 0 0.00%
1916 935 35.06% 1,374 51.52% 358 13.42%

Communities

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Cities

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Census-designated places

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Unincorporated communities

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Education

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School districts include:[60]

It is in the catchment area, but not the taxation zone, for North Idaho College.[61]

Images

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See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ a b "State & County QuickFacts". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved September 17, 2022.
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ^ "Benewah County – Idaho.gov". Archived from the original on February 5, 2015. Retrieved February 5, 2015.
  4. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  5. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  6. ^ "US Decennial Census". US Census Bureau. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
  7. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
  8. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". US Census Bureau. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
  9. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). US Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
  10. ^ "U.S. Census website". US Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  11. ^ a b c "Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
  12. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 – County". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
  13. ^ "Selected Social Characteristics in the US – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
  14. ^ "Selected Economic Characteristics – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
  15. ^ Leip, David. "Atlas of US Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  16. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Alder Creek
  17. ^ "Alder Creek, Idaho 83861" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  18. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Benewah
  19. ^ "Benewah, Idaho 83861" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  20. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Cardwell
  21. ^ "Cardwell, St Maries, ID 83861" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  22. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Hawleys Landing
  23. ^ "Hawleys Landing, Idaho 83851" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  24. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Lotus
  25. ^ "Lotus, St Maries, ID 83861" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  26. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Mashburn
  27. ^ "Mashburn, Idaho 83861" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  28. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Meadowhurst
  29. ^ "Meadowhurst, Idaho 83861" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  30. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Miltown
  31. ^ "Milltown, Idaho 83861" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  32. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Mowry
  33. ^ "Mowry, Idaho 83851" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  34. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: North South Ski Bowl
  35. ^ "North South Ski Bowl, Idaho 83861" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  36. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Omega
  37. ^ "Omega, Idaho 83861" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  38. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Pedee
  39. ^ "Pedee, Idaho 83851" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  40. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Plummer Junction
  41. ^ "Plummer Junction, Idaho 83851" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  42. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Ramsdell
  43. ^ "Ramsdell, Idaho 83861" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  44. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Riverdale
  45. ^ "Riverdale, Idaho 83861" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  46. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Rocky Point
  47. ^ "Rocky Point, Idaho 83851" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  48. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Rover
  49. ^ "Rover, St Maries, ID 83861" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  50. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Sanders
  51. ^ "Sanders, Idaho 83870" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  52. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Silvertip Landing
  53. ^ "Silvertip Landing, Idaho 83861" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  54. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Tyson Creek Station
  55. ^ "Tyson Creek Station, Idaho 83830" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  56. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Wayland
  57. ^ "Wayland, Idaho 83861" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  58. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Willard
  59. ^ "Willard, Idaho 83851" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  60. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Benewah County, ID" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved March 12, 2024. - Text list
  61. ^ "Community Colleges" (PDF). Legislative Budget Book. Idaho Legislature. 2016. pp. 1–81 (PDF p. 3/9). - See area 1 in: "TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 21 JUNIOR COLLEGES". Idaho Legislature. Retrieved March 12, 2024.

47°13′N 116°40′W / 47.22°N 116.66°W / 47.22; -116.66