Payette County, located in southwestern Idaho, is a rural area with around 23,000 residents. The county seat is Payette, a city of approximately 8,400 people. Despite its seemingly peaceful reputation, Payette County experiences its fair share of crime and violence.
CrimeGrade.org reports that Payette County falls in the 56th percentile for safety, indicating that it is less safe than 44% of counties and safer than 56%. The crime rate in Payette County is 29.75 incidents per 1,000 residents in a typical year.
To pinpoint the riskiest neighborhoods in Payette County, we turned to crime maps and statistics from CrimeGrade.org and NeighborhoodScout.com. Here are the top five areas identified as the most dangerous for both residents and visitors.
City Center / Payette Heights
This region includes downtown and the northern areas of Payette, the county’s largest city. It holds the highest crime rate in the county, with 39 crimes per square mile. The likelihood of experiencing violent crime in this area is 1 in 227, and for property crime, it’s 1 in 74.
The City Center/Payette Heights area is Payette’s oldest and most historic section, featuring numerous buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
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Fort Wilson / Washoe
This region encompasses the eastern and southeastern sections of Payette, running along the Snake River. It holds the second-highest crime rate in the county, tallying 32 crimes per square mile. The likelihood of falling victim to violent crime here is 1 in 240, and for property crime, it’s 1 in 79.
Named after two former military forts established in the 1860s to safeguard settlers from Native American attacks, this area is also renowned for its orchards, farms, and vineyards. The area is also known for its orchards, farms, and vineyards, as well as the Payette River Greenbelt, a scenic trail along the river.
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Fruitland
This region includes Fruitland, the county’s second-largest city, boasting a population of around 5,200. It holds the third-highest crime rate in the county, with 25 crimes per square mile. The likelihood of falling victim to violent crime here is 1 in 261, and for property crime, it’s 1 in 84.
Fruitland is the county’s rapidly expanding and culturally diverse hub, featuring a sizable Hispanic community, along with numerous ethnic businesses and restaurants.
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New Plymouth
This region encompasses New Plymouth, the county’s third-largest city, boasting a population of around 1,500. It holds the county’s fourth-highest crime rate at 18 crimes per square mile. The likelihood of experiencing violent crime in this area is 1 in 313, while the odds of falling victim to property crime are 1 in 101.
New Plymouth is the county’s smallest and most rural sector, characterized by a tight-knit community and strong traditions. It is also the location of the Payette County Fairgrounds, where the annual Payette County Fair and Rodeo take place.
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Payette County Rural
This region encompasses the remaining portion of the county, characterized by predominantly agricultural and low-density population areas. It boasts the county’s lowest crime rate, amounting to 13 crimes per square mile. The likelihood of falling victim to violent crime here is 1 in 386, and for property crime, it’s 1 in 118.
Additionally, the Payette County Rural area stands out as the county’s most agricultural and sparsely populated section, featuring numerous ranches, farms, and dairies.
It is also home to the Little Willow Creek Wildlife Habitat Area, supporting a diverse range of wildlife, including the endangered Idaho ground squirrel.
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How Does Payette County Compare to Other Counties in Idaho?
Payette County has a lower rate of violent crime compared to the national average, with 2.68 incidents per 1,000 residents, while the national median is 4 per 1,000 residents.
On the other hand, Payette County has a higher rate of property crime than both the Idaho state average and the national average. The property crime rate in Payette County is 13.43 per 1,000 residents, exceeding the national median of 10.45 per 1,000 residents.
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Final Words
Here are the top five most dangerous neighborhoods in Payette County, Idaho, according to the data we have. Yet, crime rates may fluctuate due to factors like time of day and season.
It’s recommended to be cautious and use common sense when in these areas, whether you’re visiting or residing there. Report any suspicious or criminal activity to local authorities for safety.
