Latah County, Idaho

Latah County (/ˈleɪtə/ LAY-tə) is a county located in the north central region of the U.S. state of Idaho. As of the 2020 census, the population was 39,517.[1] The county seat and largest city is Moscow,[2] the home of the University of Idaho, the state's flagship university.

Latah County
County
Moscow Post Office and Courthouse
Moscow Post Office and Courthouse
Official seal of Latah County
Seal
Map of Idaho highlighting Latah County
Location within the U.S. state of Idaho
Map of the United States highlighting Idaho
Idaho's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 46°50′24″N 116°40′36″W
Country United States
State Idaho
FoundedMay 14, 1888
Named forLatah Creek
SeatMoscow
Largest cityMoscow
Area
 • Total1,077 sq mi (2,790 km2)
 • Land1,077 sq mi (2,790 km2)
 • Water0.9 sq mi (2 km2)  0.09%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total39,517
 • Density37/sq mi (14/km2)
Time zoneUTC−8 (Pacific)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−7 (PDT)
Congressional district1st
Websitelatah.id.us
University of Idaho Administration Building (1909) in Moscow

The county was created in 1888 and named for Latah Creek in its northwest corner. The name was derived from two words in the Nez Perce language to evoke the sense of "the place of pine trees and sestle." The tribe found shade under the white pine trees for doing their work and stones suitable for use in pulverizing camas roots to process as one of their food staples.[3][4]

Latah County comprises the Moscow, ID Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is included in the Pullman-Moscow, WA-ID Combined Statistical Area.

The county comprises the majority of the eastern portion of the Palouse, famous for its rolling hills and rich agriculture.[5] Latah County is the only county in the U.S. established by an act of Congress;[6][7][8] it was originally part of Nez Perce County, which was reluctant to lose its most populated area.[9][10][11]

History

Settlement

Settlement of the Palouse commenced in 1871. Development of population centers at Genesee and Moscow are the earliest followed by Juliaetta and Kendrick in the 1880s. The railroad's arrival in Moscow in 1885 led to its development as the primary population center of the county. The establishment of the University of Idaho at Moscow in 1889 also was significant in the city's continued growth.[12][13] Settlement of Troy commenced in 1895 with Bovill being first settled by Lord Hugh Bovill in 1899.[14] Construction of a railroad from Moscow to Bovill was completed in 1907 with the town of Deary developing in that year on the railroad. Potlatch was settled as a company town in 1905.[15]

Development of cities

Moscow first shows in the 1880 census with a population of 76.[16] It was incorporated as a village in 1887. Genesee was established as a town in 1889.[17] Julieatta, Kendrick, and Troy were established as towns by the 1900 Census, with each incorporating as a village prior to 1910.[18][19] Bovill and Deary were incorporated as villages prior to 1920.[20] Potlatch and Onaway remained unincorporated as late as 1960. They were returned at the 1950 Census as a single unincorporated area.[21][22]

County boundary history

The Idaho Territorial Legislature established the counties of Lah-Toh and Kootenai on December 22, 1864. Lah-Toh contained all of northern Idaho west of Shoshone County between the Clearwater River and 48° north latitude. Coeur d'Alene was named the county seat of Lah-Toh County. The legislature was well aware that settlement was lacking in the area to support a county government and established that the Governor could organize the county commission upon receipt of a petition from fifty residents.[23] On January 9, 1867, the Fourth Idaho Legislature repealed the act creating the two counties, established the northern line of Nez Perce County to coincide with the present northern line of Latah County, and placed the remaining portion of Lah-Toh within the boundary of Kootenai County.[24] Unaware of Lah-Toh's abolishment, residents of Moscow attempted to organize the county of Lah-Toh in 1878. Initially, the Governor granted the request, but later informed the residents that they were actually located within the boundary of Nez Perce County.[25] The Idaho Territorial Legislature failed to address creation of a county for the residents of Moscow. As a result, Fred T. Dubois successfully petitioned on their behalf for the United States Congress to create the county. On May 14, 1888, Latah County with its seat at Moscow came into existence as the first and only U.S. county created by the United States Congress.[26][27]

2022 mass murder

In the 2022 University of Idaho killings, in the early morning hours of November 13, 2022, a mass murder took place in Moscow, in which four University of Idaho students were stabbed to death in an off-campus rented home by one or more attackers using one or more long knives. The authorities have identified the suspect as Bryan Christopher Kohberger.[28][29] The Latah County coroner conducted autopsies on the four and said the victims all appeared to have been stabbed multiple times with a large knife, likely by the same weapon, that at least one (with apparently defensive stab wounds on her hands) and possibly more appear to have tried to fight off their attacker, and that they may have been attacked while sleeping in their beds.[30][31][32] None showed signs of sexual assault, and toxicology reports were pending.[32] All four deaths were deemed homicide by stabbing by the coroner.[31]

Geography
view from Moscow Mountain

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,077 square miles (2,790 km2), of which 1,076 square miles (2,790 km2) is land and 0.9 square miles (2.3 km2) (0.09%) is water.[33] It is part of the Palouse, a wide and rolling portion of the middle Columbia basin.

Adjacent counties

Major highways

National protected area

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18909,173—
190013,45146.6%
191018,81839.9%
192018,092−3.9%
193017,798−1.6%
194018,8045.7%
195020,97111.5%
196021,1700.9%
197024,89117.6%
198028,74915.5%
199030,6176.5%
200034,93514.1%
201037,2446.6%
202039,5176.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[34]
1790–1960[35] 1900–1990[36]
1990–2000[37] 2010–2020[38] 2020[1]

2000 census

As of the 2000 census,[39] there were 34,935 people, 13,059 households, and 7,770 families residing in the county. The population density was 32 people per square mile (12 people/km2). There were 13,838 housing units at an average density of 13 units per square mile (5.0 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 93.94% White, 0.59% Black or African American, 0.75% Native American, 2.10% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 0.77% from other races, and 1.76% from two or more races. 2.12% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 20.4% were of German, 13.5% English, 8.7% Irish, 7.8% American and 5.9% Norwegian ancestry.

There were 13,059 households, out of which 27.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.50% were married couples living together, 6.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.50% were non-families. 26.30% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 20.30% under the age of 18, 24.50% from 18 to 24, 26.90% from 25 to 44, 18.90% from 45 to 64, and 9.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 28 years. For every 100 females there were 107.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.10 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $32,524, and the median income for a family was $46,303. Males had a median income of $34,734 versus $24,886 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,690. About 7.90% of families and 16.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.20% of those under age 18 and 5.40% of those age 65 or over. Forty percent of all workers in Latah County work for the University of Idaho or Washington State University in nearby Pullman.

2010 census

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 37,244 people, 14,708 households, and 8,241 families residing in the county.[40] The population density was 34.6 inhabitants per square mile (13.4/km2). There were 15,988 housing units at an average density of 14.9 units per square mile (5.8 units/km2).[41] The racial makeup of the county was 92.8% white, 2.1% Asian, 0.8% black or African American, 0.6% American Indian, 0.1% Pacific islander, 1.0% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 3.6% of the population.[40] In terms of ancestry, 31.0% were German, 16.8% were English, 15.3% were Irish, 6.9% were Norwegian, 5.5% were Swedish, and 3.0% were American.[42]

Of the 14,708 households, 25.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.3% were married couples living together, 6.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 44.0% were non-families, and 28.2% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.89. The median age was 28.3 years.[40]

The median income for a household in the county was $36,974 and the median income for a family was $54,172. Males had a median income of $40,510 versus $31,223 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,218. About 10.4% of families and 21.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.7% of those under age 18 and 4.8% of those age 65 or over.[43]

Government and politics
United States presidential election results for Latah County, Idaho[44]
Year Republican Democratic Third party
No. %No. %No. %
2020 9,472 45.96% 10,236 49.67% 902 4.38%
2016 7,265 39.98% 8,093 44.53% 2,815 15.49%
2012 7,589 44.32% 8,306 48.51% 1,229 7.18%
2008 7,988 44.59% 9,195 51.32% 733 4.09%
2004 8,686 49.48% 8,430 48.03% 437 2.49%
2000 8,161 53.30% 5,661 36.97% 1,489 9.73%
1996 6,311 38.74% 7,741 47.52% 2,238 13.74%
1992 5,353 32.78% 7,233 44.29% 3,744 22.93%
1988 6,367 48.47% 6,544 49.82% 225 1.71%
1984 7,709 57.10% 5,571 41.27% 220 1.63%
1980 6,967 46.78% 5,037 33.82% 2,888 19.39%
1976 6,846 54.90% 5,314 42.61% 310 2.49%
1972 6,043 55.35% 4,548 41.66% 327 3.00%
1968 4,708 51.59% 3,782 41.44% 636 6.97%
1964 3,475 39.83% 5,249 60.17% 0 0.00%
1960 4,789 50.81% 4,636 49.19% 0 0.00%
1956 5,024 57.71% 3,682 42.29% 0 0.00%
1952 5,440 62.51% 3,254 37.39% 8 0.09%
1948 3,805 48.23% 3,810 48.30% 274 3.47%
1944 3,526 49.78% 3,514 49.61% 43 0.61%
1940 3,971 46.72% 4,494 52.87% 35 0.41%
1936 2,838 38.05% 4,359 58.45% 261 3.50%
1932 3,079 45.61% 3,554 52.64% 118 1.75%
1928 4,472 71.84% 1,681 27.00% 72 1.16%
1924 3,053 52.28% 1,949 33.37% 838 14.35%
1920 3,855 71.09% 1,568 28.91% 0 0.00%
1916 2,777 44.99% 2,811 45.54% 584 9.46%
1912 904 17.32% 1,507 28.87% 2,809 53.81%
1908 3,101 56.12% 1,802 32.61% 623 11.27%
1904 3,287 70.25% 940 20.09% 452 9.66%
1900 2,013 50.11% 2,004 49.89% 0 0.00%

Latah County has long been one of the most politically competitive counties in Idaho, while the state as a whole is strongly Republican.

On January 3, 2017, the county had 21,723 registered voters; 10,629 (47%) are not registered by party, 6,965 (32%) are Republicans, 4,116 (19%) are Democrats, 290 are Libertarians, and 83 belong to the Constitution Party. Latah is one of seven Idaho counties where non-affiliated voters do outnumber Republicans. Like every Idaho county, Democrats rank third in terms of registered voter strength. In the state, Latah ranks fourth in percentage of non-affiliated voters, second in lowest percentage of Republicans, and third in percentage of Democrats.

From January 2014 to January 2016, Republicans increased their share of Latah voters by 9.88% while Democrats increased their share of voters by 7.23%. This trend is consistent with the three-year statewide trend where Republicans increased their overall share of voters by 15.6%, compared to 3.23% for Democrats. The county ranks ninth for total number of registered voters and fifth within the 1st Congressional District.[45][46][47]

Latah was one of two Idaho counties to vote for Hillary Clinton in 2016 with 8,093 votes (44.5%), compared to 7,265 (40.0%) for Donald Trump and 2,798 (15.5%) for various other candidates.[48]

Similar to statewide results, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas carried Latah County in the Republican primary of 2016, and Donald Trump trailed by 1,208 votes.[49] Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont won the Democratic county caucus with 84% of the vote.

County residents voted Republican in the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections, but at a lower rate than the rest of the state. George W. Bush carried Latah County in 2000 with 53.3% of the vote, but fell to 49.5% in 2004 as the Democratic share increased from 37.0% to 48.0%. Ralph Nader received 6.5% of the vote in 2000, but was not on the ballot in 2004. Barack Obama carried the county 51.9% to 45.1% in 2008 over John McCain, and won 49.6% to 45.3% in 2012 over Mitt Romney.

In 2006, Latah County voted 55.05% against HJR 2, which amended the Idaho Constitution to outlaw same-sex marriage; the measure passed with 63.35% of the statewide vote. Blaine County, with the resort area of Sun Valley and the state's sole Democratic stronghold (since 1992), was the only other county to reject HJR 2.[50]

On the precinct level, Democrats generally carry the university city of Moscow by moderate margins, and the rural remainder of the county is strongly Republican.[51]

The county is part of the first congressional district and is joined with Benewah County (to the north) in the fifth legislative district at the state level.

Flora and fauna

There are numerous species of plants and animals within Latah County. There are a variety of tree species within the county including Western White Pine.[52] Faunal species include the Clay-colored sparrow[53] and Rough-Skinned Newt.[54]

Communities

Cities

Census-designated place

Unincorporated communities

Ghost towns
  • Avon
  • Blaine
  • Brickaville
  • Collins
  • Cora
  • Cornwall
  • Crescent
  • Freeze
  • Hampton
  • Lenville
  • Linden
  • Nora
  • Park
  • Pine Creek
  • Taney
  • Thorn Creek
  • Woodfell

Source:[55]

See also

Footnotes
  1. "2020 Census Data". data.census.gov.
  2. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. "Latah County". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). February 25, 1990. p. 15–centennial.
  4. Idaho.gov – Latah County Archived August 16, 2004, at the Wayback Machine – accessed June 6, 2009
  5. Nessly, J.E. (November 28, 1918). "Latah County is prosperous". Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). (Moscow (Idaho) Star-Mirror). p. 6.
  6. Arney, C.E. (April 4, 1937). "Latah County only one in nation created by an act of Congress; bitter Lewiston protests futile". Lewiston Morning Tribune. Idaho. p. 1–sec.2.
  7. "Latah only county in nation created by act of Congress". Lewiston Morning Tribune. Idaho. October 6, 1955. p. 7–LCSE.
  8. "Latah County established by Congress 70 years ago today". Lewiston Morning Tribune. Idaho. May 14, 1958. p. 10.
  9. Department, Latah County, Idaho - Information Technology Services. "History - Latah County, Idaho". www.latah.id.us. Retrieved April 4, 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  10. Swank, Gladys Rae (November 11, 1962). "Latah County created by Congress". Lewiston Morning Tribune. Idaho. Idaho Writers League. p. 8.
  11. Harriman, Peter (May 13, 1988). "Latah County has 100th birthday". Idahonian. Moscow. p. 1A.
  12. "Moscow History". City of Moscow, Idaho. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  13. "Genesee Marks its 100th Birthday". Moscow-Pullman Daily News. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  14. "Bovill's history tied to English lord and his lady". Moscow-Pullman Daily News. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  15. "Company Town - Potlatch Idaho". waymarking.com. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  16. Statistics of the Population of the United States at the Tenth Census (June 1, 1880) (PDF). Washington: Government Printing Office. 1882. p. 130. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 13, 2005. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  17. "Genesee: From Boom Times to Bedroom Town". Spokane Daily Chronicle. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  18. Census Reports—Volume I: Twelfth Census of the United States, Taken in the Year 1900 (PDF). Washington: United States Census Office. 1901. p. 112. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 14, 2015. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  19. Thirteenth Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1910 (PDF). Washington: Government Printing Office. 1913. p. 417. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 12, 2015. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  20. Fourteenth Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1920 (PDF). Washington: Government Printing Office. 1921. p. 391. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 10, 2010. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  21. A Report of the Seventeenth Decennial Census of the United States Census of Population: 1950 (PDF). Washington: Government Printing Office. 1952. pp. 12–17. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 12, 2015. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  22. The Eighteenth Decennial Census of the United States Census of Population: 1960 (PDF). Washington: U.S. Government Printing Office. 1963. pp. 14–18. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 14, 2015. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  23. LAWS OF THE TERRITORY OF IDAHO, SECOND SESSION: AN ACT CREATING THE COUNTIES OF LAH-TOH AND KOOTENAI. Boise City: Frank Kenyon, Territorial Printer. 1866. pp. 432–433. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  24. The Local and Special Laws of Idaho Territory Remaining in Force June 1, 1887: Special and Local Laws Applicable to Kootenai County. Boise City: Territory of Idaho. 1887. p. 142. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  25. Richards, Ellen H. An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho. Western Historical Publishing Company. p. 145. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  26. "IDAHO STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY REFERENCE SERIES: EARLY NEZ PERCE COUNTY" (PDF). Idaho State Historical Society. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 3, 2012. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  27. Idaho Atlas of Historical County Boundaries. Chicago: The Newberry Library. 2010. pp. 122, 153, 197.
  28. Elamroussi, Aya (November 19, 2022). "Here's what we know – and don't know – about the killings of 4 University of Idaho students". CNN. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  29. Krutzig, Sally; Goodwin, Shaun (November 19, 2022). "How did things unfold before, after University of Idaho killings? A timeline of events". The Idaho Statesman.
  30. Miracle, Aya Elamroussi,Veronica (November 18, 2022). "University of Idaho students were 'likely asleep' before being attacked, police say as search for answers intensifies". CNN.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  31. Elamroussi, Aya (November 19, 2022). "Here's what we know – and don't know – about the killings of 4 University of Idaho students as a suspect has yet to be identified". CNN.
  32. "New Details Emerge in University of Idaho Killings: What We Know; The phone log of one victim showed a series of unanswered calls to her longtime boyfriend the night of the attack in Moscow, Idaho, her sister revealed. The police have not identified a suspect.", The New York Times.
  33. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  34. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 1, 2014.
  35. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved July 1, 2014.
  36. "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 1, 2014.
  37. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved July 1, 2014.
  38. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 17, 2011. Retrieved July 1, 2014.
  39. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  40. "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 9, 2016.
  41. "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 – County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 9, 2016.
  42. "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 9, 2016.
  43. "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 9, 2016.
  44. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  45. "Party Affiliation by County ‐ January 3, 2017" (PDF). Idaho Secretary of State. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  46. "Party Affiliation by County ‐ January 5, 2016" (PDF). Idaho Secretary of State. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 2, 2016. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  47. "Party Affiliation by County ‐ January 2, 2014" (PDF). Idaho Secretary of State. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 9, 2014. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  48. "Nov 08, 2016 General Election Results". Idaho Secretary of State. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  49. "Mar 08, 2016 Presidential Primary Election Results". Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  50. Idaho HJR 2 Results by County
  51. "Idaho Election Results". Idaho Secretary Of State: Elections, Campaign Disclosure and Lobbyists. Idaho Secretary of State. Archived from the original on May 18, 2007. Retrieved May 2, 2007.
  52. Julie R. Monroe (2006) Latah County, Arcadia Publishing, 127 pages ISBN 0-7385-3133-2
  53. Shirley Shurts, 2006, A Comprehensive List of Review Species Reports in Idaho
  54. C. Michael Hogan (2008) Rough-skinned Newt ("Taricha granulosa"), GlobalTwitcher, ed. N. Stromberg "Rough-Skinned Newt (Taricha granulosa ) - - GlobalTwitcher.com". Archived from the original on May 27, 2009. Retrieved April 6, 2009.
  55. Lewis, Marilyn (May 14, 1988). "Ghost towns of Latah County". Idahonian. Moscow. Latah County Centennial. p. 24.

Further reading
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