Idaho County, situated in the north-central region of Idaho, is a rural area boasting approximately 16,000 residents. Renowned for its picturesque scenery, outdoor activities, and historical landmarks, the county offers a mix of attractions.
Yet, akin to many locales, it grapples with its own set of crime and violence issues. This article delves into the five neighborhoods deemed the most perilous in Idaho County, drawing upon crime statistics gathered from sources such as the Idaho State Police, Neighborhoodscout, and eastidahonews.com.
Grangeville
Grangeville, situated in Idaho County, serves as both the county seat and the most populous city, boasting a population of approximately 3,000 residents.
Positioned at the confluence of U.S. Highway 95 and State Highway 13, Grangeville acts as a key entry point to the Nez Perce National Forest and the Gospel Hump Wilderness.
The city exhibits a crime rate of 14.8 incidents per 1,000 residents, slightly surpassing the state average of 12.95. In the year 2022, Grangeville documented 44 thefts, 10 burglaries, and 9 assaults.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Cassia County, Idaho
Riggins
Riggins, a petite town with approximately 400 inhabitants, rests along the Salmon River, positioned around 45 miles to the south of Grangeville. Renowned for its appeal to enthusiasts of whitewater rafting, fishing, hunting, and hiking, Riggins stands as a favored destination for outdoor activities.
The town exhibits a crime rate of 15.1 incidents per 1,000 residents, slightly surpassing the state average of 12.95. In the year 2022, Riggins documented 6 thefts, 2 burglaries, and 2 cases of vandalism.
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Kooskia
Kooskia, situated at the convergence of the Clearwater and Middle Fork rivers, approximately 30 miles east of Grangeville, is a town with a population of around 600. It serves as a central point for activities such as logging, farming, and tourism.
The crime rate in Kooskia stands at 16.4 per 1,000 residents, surpassing the state average of 12.95. In 2022, the town reported 10 thefts, 4 burglaries, and 3 assaults.
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Cottonwood
Cottonwood, situated on the Camas Prairie approximately 15 miles south of Grangeville, is a small town with around 900 residents. Notable features include the Monastery of St. Gertrude, a Benedictine community for women, and the Dog Bark Park Inn, a bed and breakfast designed in the shape of a colossal beagle.
The town has a crime rate of 18.9 incidents per 1,000 residents, exceeding the state average of 12.95. In 2022, Cottonwood reported 17 thefts, 6 burglaries, and 3 motor vehicle thefts.
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White Bird
White Bird is a village with approximately 90 residents, situated alongside the Salmon River, roughly 17 miles to the south of Riggins. Notably, it was the location of the Battle of White Bird Canyon in 1877, where the Nez Perce tribe emerged victorious over the U.S. Army.
The crime rate in White Bird is 22.2 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing the county average and nearly doubling the state average of 12.95. In 2022, White Bird recorded 2 thefts, 1 burglary, and 1 assault.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Murder Capital of Alaska
Final Words
In summary, Idaho County is a county of diverse beauty and opportunities, but it’s essential to acknowledge that certain areas face higher crime rates than others.
Analyzing crime data from various sources, we’ve pinpointed White Bird, Cottonwood, Kooskia, Riggins, and Grangeville as the five neighborhoods with elevated rates of theft, burglary, assault, and other offenses compared to the state average.
Despite this, it’s crucial to note that these areas possess positive qualities and amiable residents, emphasizing that they are not inherently unsafe or unwelcoming.
Maintaining awareness of your surroundings, taking precautions, and promptly reporting any suspicious activities to authorities are important practices.
These measures contribute to fostering a safer environment throughout Idaho County, allowing residents and visitors to fully enjoy its offerings.
