Gooding County, Idaho, is a rural area home to approximately 15,000 residents. In comparison to the national average, it exhibits lower rates of both violent and property crime.
Nevertheless, certain neighborhoods within the county pose higher potential risks. According to the accessible data, the following are the five neighborhoods in Gooding County, Idaho, considered to be the most dangerous.
Wendell
Wendell, a petite city with approximately 2,700 residents, boasts the highest violent crime rate in the county, recording 184.7 incidents per 100,000 people in 2019. Additionally, it exhibits a notable property crime rate of 775.8 per 100,000 people in the same year.
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Hagerman
Hagerman, a town of approximately 700 residents, holds the second-highest violent crime rate in the county, recording 113.3 incidents per 100,000 people in 2019. Additionally, it experiences a moderate property crime rate, with 566.3 incidents per 100,000 people in the same year.
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Shoshone
Shoshone, with a population of approximately 1,500 people, serves as both the county seat and the largest city in the area. In 2016, it reported the third-highest violent crime rate in the county, standing at 268.1 incidents per 100,000 people.
Additionally, the city exhibited a notable property crime rate, reaching 1,005.4 incidents per 100,000 people in the same year.
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Gooding
Gooding is home to approximately 3,400 residents and holds the fourth-highest violent crime rate in the county, recording 57.9 incidents per 100,000 people in 2019. Additionally, it boasts the highest property crime rate in the county, registering 1,301.7 occurrences per 100,000 people in the same year.
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Bliss
Bliss, a town of approximately 300 residents, holds the fifth-highest violent crime rate in the county, registering 66.7 incidents per 100,000 people in 2019. Conversely, its property crime rate is relatively low, standing at 133.3 incidents per 100,000 people in the same year.
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How Does Gooding County Compare to Other Counties in Idaho?
Gooding County, Idaho, characterized as a rural area, exhibits crime rates that are below the national average for both violent and property offenses.
However, when compared to the state of Idaho, which boasts one of the lowest averages in the country, Gooding County’s crime rates are relatively higher.
Based on the latest FBI data, Gooding County’s overall crime rate stands at 12.95 per 1,000 residents, surpassing the Idaho state average of 9.94 per 1,000 residents.
Specifically, the violent crime rate in Gooding County is 2.49 per 1,000 residents, slightly higher than the Idaho state average of 2.27 per 1,000 residents. The property crime rate in Gooding County is 10.45 per 1,000 residents, compared to the Idaho state average of 7.67 per 1,000 residents.
Within Gooding County, the localities of Wendell, Shoshone, and Gooding exhibit higher crime rates, while Bliss, Hagerman, and Letha are identified as the safest places.
When benchmarked against other Idaho counties, Gooding County ranks 29th out of 44 in terms of crime rates. Notably, the safest counties in Idaho are Camas, Butte, and Clark, whereas the most precarious ones include Shoshone, Lewis, and Canyon.
Interesting Facts About Gooding County, Idaho:
- Gooding County reports 19 crimes per square mile, a figure below the national median of 26.8 but surpassing the Idaho median of 15.5.
- With a population of approximately 15,000 people, Gooding County has a median age of 37.4 years. The median household income is $43,750, and the poverty rate is 14.5%. In comparison, Idaho’s state averages are 36.8 years, $55,785, and 11.2%, respectively.
Final Words
In summary, Gooding County, Idaho, is a rural area exhibiting below-average crime rates compared to the national average, yet surpassing the state average. The neighborhoods of Wendell, Hagerman, Shoshone, Gooding, and Bliss are identified as the most high-risk based on the data at hand.
Nevertheless, crime rates are subject to fluctuations over time and may differ by location. Therefore, it is prudent to remain cautious and employ common sense when residing in or visiting any area. Wishing you a safe and enjoyable exploration!
