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Boundary County, Idaho

Coordinates: 48°47′N 116°27′W / 48.79°N 116.45°W / 48.79; -116.45
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

48°47′N 116°27′W / 48.79°N 116.45°W / 48.79; -116.45

Boundary County
County
Boundary County Courthouse
Boundary County Courthouse
Official seal of Boundary County
Seal
Map of Idaho highlighting Boundary County
Location within the U.S. state of Idaho
Map of the United States highlighting Idaho
Idaho's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 48°47′N 116°27′W / 48.79°N 116.45°W / 48.79; -116.45
Country United States
State Idaho
FoundedJanuary 23, 1915
Named forCanada–United States border
SeatBonners Ferry
Largest cityBonners Ferry
Area
 • Total
1,278 sq mi (3,310 km2)
 • Land1,269 sq mi (3,290 km2)
 • Water9.3 sq mi (24 km2)  0.7%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
12,056
 • Estimate 
(2023)
13,557 Increase
 • Density9.4/sq mi (3.6/km2)
Time zoneUTC−8 (Pacific)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−7 (PDT)
Congressional district1st
Websiteboundarycountyid.org

Boundary County is the northernmost county of the U.S. state of Idaho. As of the 2020 census, the population was 12,056.[1] The county seat and largest city is Bonners Ferry.[2]

Boundary County was created by the Idaho Legislature on January 23, 1915. It is so named because it borders Canada, and is therefore the only county in Idaho with an international border. It is also only one of three counties in the United States that borders two states and a foreign country, the others being Coös County, New Hampshire, and Erie County, Pennsylvania; these three counties additionally make up the entirety of the international border of their respective states, the only three counties nationwide to do so.

History

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Boundary County was formed on January 23, 1915, from Bonner County. It was named Boundary County because it lies on the border of Canada, Washington and Montana.[3]

Boundary County has seven election precincts: Bonners Ferry, Copeland, Kootenai, Moyie, Naples, North Bonners Ferry, and Valley View. All contain part of Bonners Ferry City except Copeland, Moyie, and Naples precincts.[4][5] Moyie Springs was incorporated in 1947.[6]

Settlement of the area started with the establishment of Bonners Ferry on the Kootenai River in 1864. Settlement was limited to the ferry operation until about 1890. The town of Bonners Ferry was established in 1893. At that point settlement was still sparse with small ranching and mining operations, but an expanding timber economy.[7] By 1900, other areas started to develop with the Boulder (now Kootenai), Boundary (now Copeland), and Naples precincts first listed in the U.S. Census of that year. The Moyie precinct first appeared in the 1910 census.[8][9]

In 1980, convicted spy Christopher John Boyce found refuge in Boundary County, for a few months, after his escape from the Lompoc Federal Correctional Complex. He stayed at the home of Gloria Ann White.[10] Boyce sustained himself during his stay with a series of bank robberies in the surrounding area, allegedly with technical assistance from White.

In 1992, Boundary County was the scene of the Ruby Ridge siege by 350–400 armed federal agents against Randy Weaver and his family.

Geography

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,278 square miles (3,310 km2), of which 1,269 square miles (3,290 km2) is land and 9.3 square miles (24 km2) (0.7%) is water.[11]

Adjacent counties

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National protected areas

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Transportation

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Highways

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Airports

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Boundary County Airport is a county-owned, public-use airport located two nautical miles (3.7 km) northeast of the central business district of Bonners Ferry.[12]

Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
19204,474—
19304,5551.8%
19405,98731.4%
19505,908−1.3%
19605,809−1.7%
19706,3719.7%
19807,28914.4%
19908,33214.3%
20009,87118.5%
201010,97211.2%
202012,0569.9%
2023 (est.)13,557[13]12.5%
U.S. Decennial Census[14]
1790–1960[15] 1900–1990[16]
1990–2000[17] 2010–2020[18] 2020[1]

2000 census

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As of the census[19] of 2000, there were 9,871 people, 3,707 households, and 2,698 families living in the county. The population density was 8 people per square mile (3.1 people/km2). There were 4,095 housing units at an average density of 3 units per square mile (1.2 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 95.24% White, 0.16% Black or African American, 2.02% Native American, 0.58% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.86% from other races, and 1.07% from two or more races. 3.39% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 21.4% were of German, 12.9% American, 12.7% English, 9.9% Irish and 6.4% Norwegian ancestry.

There were 3,707 households, out of which 34.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.40% were married couples living together, 7.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.20% were non-families. 23.10% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.07.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 29.20% under the age of 18, 6.90% from 18 to 24, 24.40% from 25 to 44, 26.20% from 45 to 64, and 13.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 101.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.60 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $31,250, and the median income for a family was $36,440. Males had a median income of $31,209 versus $18,682 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,636. About 11.50% of families and 20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.50% of those under age 18 and 11.40% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census

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As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 10,972 people, 4,421 households, and 2,976 families living in the county.[20] The population density was 8.6 inhabitants per square mile (3.3/km2). There were 5,175 housing units at an average density of 4.1 units per square mile (1.6 units/km2).[21] The racial makeup of the county was 94.8% white, 1.7% American Indian, 0.6% Asian, 0.3% black or African American, 0.1% Pacific islander, 0.5% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 3.7% of the population.[20] In terms of ancestry, 22.5% were German, 12.8% were English, 11.2% were Irish, 7.4% were American, 5.9% were Norwegian, 5.4% were Dutch, and 5.1% were Scottish.[22]

Of the 4,421 households, 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.0% were married couples living together, 7.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 32.7% were non-families, and 27.5% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 3.00. The median age was 42.8 years.[20]

The median income for a household in the county was $37,712 and the median income for a family was $43,562. Males had a median income of $36,125 versus $26,076 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,011. About 15.7% of families and 18.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.0% of those under age 18 and 13.4% of those age 65 or over.[23]

Politics

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Like most of Idaho, Boundary County is solidly Republican. The last Democratic presidential candidate to carry the county was Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964.

United States presidential election results for Boundary County, Idaho[24]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2024 5,794 81.49% 1,145 16.10% 171 2.41%
2020 4,937 78.15% 1,220 19.31% 160 2.53%
2016 3,789 73.39% 933 18.07% 441 8.54%
2012 3,138 69.06% 1,225 26.96% 181 3.98%
2008 3,078 65.02% 1,484 31.35% 172 3.63%
2004 3,012 68.78% 1,268 28.96% 99 2.26%
2000 2,797 72.01% 832 21.42% 255 6.57%
1996 1,937 50.05% 1,194 30.85% 739 19.10%
1992 1,479 39.19% 1,095 29.01% 1,200 31.80%
1988 1,800 56.21% 1,336 41.72% 66 2.06%
1984 2,159 63.46% 1,158 34.04% 85 2.50%
1980 2,088 59.44% 1,087 30.94% 338 9.62%
1976 1,458 52.15% 1,217 43.53% 121 4.33%
1972 1,587 59.26% 860 32.11% 231 8.63%
1968 1,084 47.19% 883 38.44% 330 14.37%
1964 1,065 42.89% 1,418 57.11% 0 0.00%
1960 1,237 45.18% 1,501 54.82% 0 0.00%
1956 1,419 55.24% 1,150 44.76% 0 0.00%
1952 1,641 60.98% 1,040 38.65% 10 0.37%
1948 910 43.35% 1,029 49.02% 160 7.62%
1944 1,064 49.26% 1,053 48.75% 43 1.99%
1940 1,221 45.49% 1,393 51.90% 70 2.61%
1936 732 33.86% 1,304 60.31% 126 5.83%
1932 763 33.35% 1,451 63.42% 74 3.23%
1928 1,015 61.66% 607 36.88% 24 1.46%
1924 829 46.97% 244 13.82% 692 39.21%
1920 883 62.71% 525 37.29% 0 0.00%
1916 598 44.07% 653 48.12% 106 7.81%

Media

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Television

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A local translator district provides broadcast television stations from Spokane, WA.

Radio

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KBFI, 1450 AM - Bonners Ferry has been home to KBFI AM 1450 since 1983. It is owned by local licensee Radio Bonners Ferry, Inc, owned by Blue Sky Broadcasting, Inc. While licensed to Bonner's Ferry and its transmitter site is there, KBFI shares studios and offices with its sister stations (KSPT, KIBR, and KPND), at 327 Marion Avenue in Sandpoint, Idaho.

KSBF, 88.9 FM - Owned and operated by Bonners Ferry Baptist Church, KSBF began broadcasting in 2024, and is an affiliate of the Fundamental Broadcasting Network.

KQFR, 90.7 FM - On September 7, 2022, KQFR, 90.7 FM began broadcasting. Affiliated with "Cornerstone Christian School," KQFR airs a Christian format and is licensed to Moyie Springs.

Newspapers

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Bonners Ferry is served by a single newspaper and several online news outlets. The weekly Bonners Ferry Herald, owned by Hagadone Publishing is the official paper of record.

Communities

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Cities

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Unincorporated communities

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Education

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There is one school district in Boundary County: Boundary County School District 101.[25]

It is in the catchment area, but not the taxation zone, for North Idaho College.[26]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "2020 Census Data". data.census.gov. Archived from the original on March 13, 2022. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ^ Idaho Atlas of Historical County Boundaries. Chicago: The Newberry Library. 2010. p. 62. Archived from the original on June 19, 2018. Retrieved February 2, 2017.
  4. ^ "P.L. 94-171 VTD/SLD REFERENCE MAP (2010 CENSUS): Boundary County, ID" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 3, 2017. Retrieved February 2, 2017.
  5. ^ "Boundary County, Idaho voting districts". US Census Bureau. US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 3, 2017. Retrieved February 2, 2017.
  6. ^ A Report of the Seventeenth Decennial Census of the United States Census of Population: 1950. Washington: United States Government Printing Office. 1952. pp. 12–14. Archived from the original on March 21, 2021. Retrieved February 2, 2017.
  7. ^ "Bonners Ferry, Idaho". BonnersFerry.com. Archived from the original on December 1, 2016. Retrieved February 2, 2017.
  8. ^ Census Reports Volume I: Twelfth Census of the United States taken in the year 1900. Washington: United States Census Office. 1901. p. 112. Archived from the original on March 21, 2021. Retrieved February 2, 2017.
  9. ^ Sixteenth Census of the United States: 1940. Washington: United States Government Printing Office. 1942. p. 272. Archived from the original on March 21, 2021. Retrieved February 2, 2017.
  10. ^ "Boundary County, Idaho, News". Archived from the original on June 10, 2015. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
  11. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Archived from the original on August 24, 2019. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  12. ^ FAA Airport Form 5010 for 65S PDF. Federal Aviation Administration. Effective June 3, 2010.
  13. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  14. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on March 21, 2021. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
  15. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Archived from the original on August 11, 2012. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
  16. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on October 30, 2014. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
  17. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 18, 2014. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
  18. ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 2, 2001. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
  19. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 1, 2021. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  20. ^ a b c "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
  21. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 – County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
  22. ^ "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
  23. ^ "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
  24. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Archived from the original on March 23, 2018. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  25. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Boundary County, ID" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved March 12, 2024. - Text list
  26. ^ "Community Colleges" (PDF). Legislative Budget Book. Idaho Legislature. 2016. p. 1-81 (PDF p. 3/9). - See area 1 in: "TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 21 JUNIOR COLLEGES". Idaho Legislature. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
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