Latah County, Idaho is generally a safe place to live, boasting a crime rate below the national average. However, it’s essential to note that safety levels vary across the county.
Certain neighborhoods experience elevated rates of both violent and property crimes, posing increased risks for residents and visitors.
In this article, we’ll examine the top five neighborhoods in Latah County with higher crime rates, using data from 2019.
North Moscow
Moscow, located in Latah County, is the largest city and hosts the University of Idaho. The city maintains an overall low crime rate of 26.9 per 1,000 residents, with the northern part experiencing higher criminal activity than the southern part.
Based on the crime map, the northern neighborhoods have a crime rate of 1 in 35, while the southern part has a lower rate of 1 in 63. In 2019, the recorded crime rates per 100,000 residents were 203.7 for burglaries, 1095.4 for larcenies, and 26.9 for auto thefts.
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West Latah County
West Latah County, which shares a border with Whitman County, Washington, encompasses the towns of Potlatch, Princeton, Harvard, and Deary.
This region exhibits a greater incidence of crime compared to the eastern section of the county, recording 431 crimes annually, in contrast to 15 in the northeast part.
In 2019, the violent crime rate in Latah County was 11.9 incidents per 100,000 residents, markedly below the national average of 22.7. However, it remains higher than the rate in the eastern part of the county.
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Colfax
Colfax, located in Whitman County, Washington, near the Latah County border, is a small city with a population of 2,860. The crime rate is 246.9 per 100,000 residents.
In 2015, there were 7 murders, 2 rapes, 1 robbery, and 5 assaults reported in Colfax. Given these statistics, Colfax may be considered a risky place to visit or reside in, particularly for Latah County residents who may travel across the border for work or leisure.
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Clarkston
Clarkston, located in Asotin County, Washington, sits on the opposite bank of the Snake River from Lewiston, Idaho. With a population of 7,342, the city has a crime rate of 229.2 per 100,000 residents.
In 2018, Clarkston experienced a total of 1,016 property crimes, comprising 170 burglaries, 797 larcenies, and 49 auto thefts. The city is considered to be a relatively unsafe area, especially for residents of Latah County who might cross the river for shopping or entertainment.
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Palouse
Palouse, located in Whitman County, Washington, near the Latah County border, has a population of 1,028 and a crime rate of 486.4 per 100,000 residents.
In 2013, Palouse experienced 5 property crimes, comprising 2 burglaries, 2 larcenies, and 1 auto theft. While Palouse is considered relatively safe for both residents and visitors, it does exhibit a higher crime rate compared to the average U.S. city.
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Final Words
Latah County, Idaho, offers a picturesque and serene living environment, yet it is not without its challenges. Certain neighborhoods experience higher levels of crime, especially those near the county borders with areas known for increased criminal activity.
The top five high-risk neighborhoods in Latah County include north Moscow, west Latah County, Colfax, Clarkston, and Palouse.
These regions exhibit elevated rates of both violent and property crimes compared to the county’s overall average, warranting caution when navigating or considering residence in these areas.
It’s essential to note that these neighborhoods don’t reflect the entirety of Latah County. Numerous safe and welcoming places exist throughout the county for living or exploring.
By staying informed about potential risks and taking necessary precautions, individuals can fully appreciate the diverse beauty that Latah County, Idaho, has to offer.
