Bannock County is a county in the southeastern part of Idaho. As of the 2020 census, the population was 87,018,[1] making it the sixth-most populous county in Idaho. The county seat and largest city is Pocatello.[2] The county was established in 1893 and named after the local Bannock tribe.[3] It is one of the counties with territories included in the Fort Hall Indian Reservation of the federally recognized Shoshone-Bannock Tribes.

Bannock County
Bannock County Courthouse in Pocatello
Bannock County Courthouse in Pocatello
Official seal of Bannock County
Map of Idaho highlighting Bannock County
Location within the U.S. state of Idaho
Map of the United States highlighting Idaho
Idaho's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 42°40′N 112°13′W / 42.67°N 112.22°W / 42.67; -112.22
Country United States
State Idaho
FoundedMarch 6, 1893
Named forBannock tribe
SeatPocatello
Largest cityPocatello
Area
 • Total
1,147 sq mi (2,970 km2)
 • Land1,112 sq mi (2,880 km2)
 • Water35 sq mi (90 km2)  3.1%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
87,018
 • Estimate 
(2023)
90,400 Increase
 • Density76/sq mi (29/km2)
Time zoneUTC−7 (Mountain)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−6 (MDT)
Congressional district2nd
Websitewww.bannockcounty.us

The county would get international attention in 2006 when the Murder of Cassie Jo Stoddart occurred in a home located in the area.[4]

Geography

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According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,147 square miles (2,970 km2), of which 1,112 square miles (2,880 km2) is land and 35 square miles (91 km2) (3.1%) is water.[5] The Portneuf River flows through the county, meeting the Snake River (the American Falls Reservoir) at the county's lowest point, its northwestern corner. Bonneville Peak, on the eastern border in the Portneuf Range, is the county's highest point at 9,271 feet (2,826 m) ASL; on its western slopes is the Pebble Creek ski area.

Adjacent counties

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Highways

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National protected area

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Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note
190011,702
191019,24264.4%
192027,53243.1%
193031,26613.6%
194034,75911.2%
195041,74520.1%
196049,34218.2%
197052,2005.8%
198065,42125.3%
199066,0260.9%
200075,56514.4%
201082,8399.6%
202087,0185.0%
2023 (est.)90,400[6]3.9%
U.S. Decennial Census[7]
1790–1960,[8] 1900–1990,[9]
1990–2000,[10] 2010–2020[1]

Bannock County is part of the Pocatello, Idaho Metropolitan Statistical Area.

2010 census

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As of the 2010 census, there were 82,839 people, 30,682 households, and 20,836 families in the county.[11] The population density was 74.5 inhabitants per square mile (28.8/km2). There were 33,191 housing units at an average density of 29.8 per square mile (11.5/km2).[12] The racial makeup of the county was 89.8% white, 3.2% American Indian, 1.3% Asian, 0.8% black or African American, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 2.1% from other races, and 2.7% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 6.7% of the population.[11] In terms of ancestry, 23.4% were English, 16.9% were German, 9.3% were Irish, and 7.0% were American.[13]

Of the 30,682 households, 35.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.2% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 32.1% were non-families, and 24.9% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.17. The median age was 31.4 years.[11]

The median income for a household in the county was $44,848 and the median income for a family was $54,650. Males had a median income of $43,538 versus $28,870 for females. The per capita income for the county was $21,275. About 10.6% of families and 14.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.6% of those under age 18 and 4.2% of those aged 65 or over.[14]

2000 census

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As of the 2000 census, there were 75,565 people, 27,192 households, and 19,224 families in the county. The population density was 68 inhabitants per square mile (26/km2). There were 29,102 housing units at an average density of 26 per square mile (10/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 91.29% White, 0.59% Black or African American, 2.91% Native American, 0.99% Asian, 0.16% Pacific Islander, 2.08% from other races, and 1.98% from two or more races. 4.68% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 23.1% were of English, 14.2% German, 11.1% American, and 7.4% Irish ancestry.

There were 27,192 households, out of which 36.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.70% were married couples living together, 10.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.30% were non-families. 22.80% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 3.20.

The county population contained 28.10% under the age of 18, 14.60% from 18 to 24, 27.20% from 25 to 44, 20.00% from 45 to 64, and 10.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.70 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 94.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $36,683, and the median income for a family was $44,192. Males had a median income of $36,056 versus $23,595 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,148. About 9.80% of families and 13.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.60% of those under age 18 and 7.60% of those aged 65 or over.

Government and politics

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The last Democratic candidate for President to win the county was Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964.[15] Subsequent Republican victories have been by smaller margins than those in the rest of Eastern Idaho, due to the presence of Idaho State University.

United States presidential election results for Bannock County, Idaho[16]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2024 24,329 60.86% 14,306 35.79% 1,341 3.35%
2020 23,331 58.65% 14,682 36.91% 1,770 4.45%
2016 17,180 51.41% 10,342 30.95% 5,894 17.64%
2012 21,010 59.14% 13,214 37.20% 1,299 3.66%
2008 19,356 54.62% 14,792 41.74% 1,289 3.64%
2004 21,479 61.64% 12,903 37.03% 462 1.33%
2000 18,223 59.07% 10,892 35.30% 1,737 5.63%
1996 14,058 44.80% 12,806 40.81% 4,513 14.38%
1992 12,016 37.30% 11,091 34.43% 9,104 28.26%
1988 14,986 52.40% 13,074 45.71% 541 1.89%
1984 18,742 65.77% 9,399 32.98% 355 1.25%
1980 18,477 61.88% 8,639 28.93% 2,743 9.19%
1976 13,172 53.65% 10,261 41.80% 1,117 4.55%
1972 12,856 57.93% 7,840 35.33% 1,495 6.74%
1968 10,234 47.97% 9,084 42.58% 2,016 9.45%
1964 7,825 36.72% 13,483 63.28% 0 0.00%
1960 9,157 42.11% 12,586 57.89% 0 0.00%
1956 10,476 53.51% 9,101 46.49% 0 0.00%
1952 10,864 55.25% 8,771 44.61% 27 0.14%
1948 5,580 35.86% 9,679 62.20% 301 1.93%
1944 5,413 35.84% 9,681 64.09% 11 0.07%
1940 5,419 34.05% 10,493 65.94% 1 0.01%
1936 3,830 28.60% 9,443 70.51% 120 0.90%
1932 4,676 35.81% 8,271 63.34% 112 0.86%
1928 5,297 53.22% 4,602 46.24% 54 0.54%
1924 4,520 44.99% 1,612 16.05% 3,914 38.96%
1920 4,871 62.00% 2,986 38.00% 0 0.00%
1916 2,950 40.10% 4,084 55.52% 322 4.38%
1912 2,316 48.04% 1,486 30.82% 1,019 21.14%
1908 2,690 56.75% 1,892 39.92% 158 3.33%
1904 2,826 68.58% 1,063 25.79% 232 5.63%
1900 1,684 51.58% 1,581 48.42% 0 0.00%
1896 228 14.27% 1,363 85.29% 7 0.44%

Similar to other Idaho counties, an elected three-member county commission heads the county government. Other elected officials include clerk, treasurer, sheriff, assessor, coroner, and prosecutor.[17]

Like the rest of eastern Idaho, Bannock County has a significant Latter Day Saint population which tends to strongly vote Republican. However, a substantial trade union presence in the county - as well as the Idaho State University community - often gives Democrats an overall advantage, especially in local races. Bannock County routinely elects more Democrats than Republicans to county-level offices.

At the state level, Bannock County is located in Legislative Districts 28 and 29.[18] Democrats currently control two of these six seats in the Idaho Legislature.[19] In 2016, Republicans were able to win House Seat A in District 29.

Idaho Department of Correction operates the Pocatello Women's Correctional Center (PWCC) in Pocatello and in Bannock County.[20]

Communities

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Cities

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Census-designated places

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Unincorporated communities

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Education

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School districts include:[25]

There is also a Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)-affiliated school, Shoshone Bannock Jr./Sr. High School.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ^ Idaho.gov - Bannock County Archived August 10, 2009, at the Wayback Machine - accessed May 31, 2009
  4. ^ "The 'Scream' Murder of Cassie Jo Stoddart". Retrieved May 2, 2022.
  5. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  6. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  7. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
  8. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
  9. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
  10. ^ "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 June 28, 2014.
  11. ^ a b c "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.
  12. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
  13. ^ "Selected Social Characteristics in the US – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
  14. ^ "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.
  15. ^ Dave Leip's Atlas of US Presidential Elections
  16. ^ Leip, David. "Atlas of US Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  17. ^ Bannock County Elections
  18. ^ Idaho Legislative District Map Archived November 17, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  19. ^ Idaho Legislative Districts Archived November 10, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  20. ^ Static Printable Map of Pocatello & Chubbuck Archived September 27, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. City of Pocatello. Retrieved June 4, 2011.
  21. ^ Blackrock ID Google Maps (accessed January 16, 2019)
  22. ^ Portneuf ID Google Maps (accessed January 16, 2019)
  23. ^ Robin ID Google Maps (accessed January 16, 2019)
  24. ^ Zenda ID Google Maps (accessed January 16, 2019)
  25. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Bannock County, ID" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 21, 2021. Retrieved July 21, 2022. - Text list

Further reading

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42°40′N 112°13′W / 42.67°N 112.22°W / 42.67; -112.22