Benewah County

Benewah County is located in northern Idaho’s Panhandle region, along the western edge of the Bitterroot Mountains and within the Coeur d’Alene River basin. Established in 1915 from portions of Kootenai County, it is part of a region shaped by timber, mining, and railroad-era development, as well as long-standing Indigenous presence, including the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. The county is small in population, with roughly ten thousand residents, and is characterized by a predominantly rural settlement pattern anchored by small communities. St. Maries serves as the county seat and primary local service center. Benewah County’s landscape includes forested mountains, river valleys, and nearby lakes and wetlands, supporting forestry, outdoor recreation, and public-land uses alongside local government, education, and small businesses. Cultural and economic life reflects a mix of natural-resource traditions and contemporary rural communities in North Idaho.

Benewah County is located in northern Idaho in the state’s Panhandle region, with its county seat in St. Maries. The county includes portions of the St. Joe River watershed and lies south of Kootenai County within the Inland Northwest.

Population Size

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s QuickFacts for Benewah County, Idaho, the county’s population was 9,285 (2020), with a 2023 estimate of 9,462. Source: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Benewah County, Idaho.

Age & Gender

According to the U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts for Benewah County, Idaho (2018–2022 ACS 5-year):

• Age (selected indicators)
  • Under age 5: 4.5%
  • Under age 18: 19.5%
  • Age 65+: 27.4%
• Gender
  • Female persons: 49.9% (male persons: 50.1% by remainder)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Benewah County, Idaho.

Racial & Ethnic Composition

According to the U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts for Benewah County, Idaho (2018–2022 ACS 5-year):

• White alone: 87.2%
• Black or African American alone: 0.3%
• American Indian and Alaska Native alone: 5.8%
• Asian alone: 0.5%
• Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone: 0.0%
• Two or more races: 5.9%
• Hispanic or Latino (of any race): 2.5%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Benewah County, Idaho.

Household & Housing Data

According to the U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts for Benewah County, Idaho (2018–2022 ACS 5-year):

• Households: 3,978
• Persons per household: 2.31
• Owner-occupied housing unit rate: 77.4%
• Median value of owner-occupied housing units: $252,300
• Median selected monthly owner costs (with a mortgage): $1,415
• Median selected monthly owner costs (without a mortgage): $425
• Median gross rent: $904

Source: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Benewah County, Idaho.

Local Government Reference

For local government information and planning resources, visit the Benewah County official website.

Benewah County is a largely rural, forested county in North Idaho, where low population density and dispersed housing increase the cost and complexity of fixed broadband buildout, shaping reliance on online communication such as email.

Direct county-level email usage statistics are not routinely published, so email adoption is inferred using proxy indicators from the U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), especially household internet subscriptions and computer availability. These measures track the practical ability to access webmail and email clients.

Digital access indicators show that broadband subscription and computer access are present but constrained by rural coverage gaps; connectivity limitations are reflected in federal mapping and planning resources such as the FCC National Broadband Map.

Age distribution influences likely email adoption because older populations tend to have lower rates of some digital activities and may rely more on traditional communication, while working-age residents typically depend on email for employment, school, and services; county age structure is available via QuickFacts for Benewah County. Gender distribution is tracked in the same sources and is generally less determinative of email access than broadband and device availability.

Benewah County is a rural county in northern Idaho (Idaho Panhandle) with extensive forested terrain and multiple small communities, including St. Maries (county seat). The county’s low population density, mountainous/forested topography, and long distances between settlements are persistent factors shaping mobile signal propagation and the economics of building dense cellular networks. General county demographics and housing patterns are documented through the U.S. Census Bureau and related federal datasets (see Census.gov QuickFacts for Benewah County).

Key distinction: network availability vs. household adoption

• Network availability refers to where carriers report coverage (voice/LTE/5G), or where regulators map serviceable locations.
• Adoption refers to whether residents actually subscribe to mobile service and/or use mobile broadband, which depends on affordability, device ownership, digital skills, and whether fixed alternatives exist.

County-level adoption statistics are often less granular than availability maps. The most consistent public sources for availability are the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) broadband maps and mobile coverage datasets; adoption is commonly available at state, regional, or survey-geography levels rather than for every county.

---

Network availability (coverage) in Benewah County

FCC broadband availability mapping (locations and mobile layers)

The primary federal reference for broadband availability is the FCC’s Broadband Data Collection and the national broadband map. This includes location-based fixed broadband data and mobile broadband coverage layers reported by providers:

• FCC National Broadband Map (includes mobile broadband and fixed broadband availability views)
• FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC) overview (methodology and filing framework)

Limitations (availability data):

• Mobile coverage shown in FCC layers is provider-reported and model-based; it does not directly measure on-the-ground performance in forested canyons, valleys, and remote road corridors.
• Coverage can vary materially with handset model, antenna design, indoor vs. outdoor use, and terrain shielding. The FCC map is best treated as a baseline depiction of reported service areas, not a guarantee of usable signal at every point.

4G LTE vs. 5G availability (high-level, county context)

• 4G LTE is generally the dominant mobile broadband technology across rural northern Idaho and is typically the baseline for wide-area coverage in sparsely populated areas. County-specific LTE coverage must be read from carrier/FCC maps rather than inferred from statewide patterns.
• 5G availability in rural counties is often concentrated along highways, around population centers, or where mid-band spectrum deployments have been economically justified. County-specific 5G presence and footprint should be validated directly using the FCC map’s mobile layer and carrier coverage maps rather than assumed.

For state-level broadband planning context and map references, Idaho’s broadband office provides program and planning materials that frequently point to statewide and local coverage assessments:

• Idaho Broadband Office

---

Adoption (subscriptions and use) indicators for Benewah County

Mobile penetration / access indicators (county-level availability vs. adoption)

Publicly comparable county-level mobile subscription rates are not consistently published in a single standardized dataset for every U.S. county. The most widely cited public adoption indicators are:

• Household internet subscription and device measures from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), typically published for counties.
• Telephone service measures (often including cellular-only households) are more commonly published in national surveys and may not be available as a stable county estimate for all counties.

For county-level household internet subscription and device characteristics, the Census Bureau’s ACS is the primary reference:

• data.census.gov (ACS tables for Benewah County)
• American Community Survey (ACS) program documentation

Limitations (adoption data):

• ACS does not directly report “4G vs. 5G adoption.” It measures whether households subscribe to internet service and what types of computing devices they have, not the radio access technology used.
• ACS internet subscription categories do not fully separate mobile broadband-only reliance from fixed broadband in all cases, and estimates are subject to margins of error—especially in smaller, rural counties.

Mobile internet usage patterns (measured usage vs. technology presence)

County-level statistics on how residents use mobile internet (streaming, telework frequency via mobile, mobile-only internet reliance) are typically not published as definitive administrative records. Usage patterns are more often available through:

• National surveys (often not county-representative),
• Proprietary carrier analytics,
• State or regional studies that may not isolate Benewah County.

Accordingly, county-specific “usage pattern” claims beyond adoption proxies (internet subscription and device availability) are limited by public data granularity.

---

Device ecosystem (smartphones vs. other devices)

Common device types (what can be measured publicly)

At the county level, the most defensible public indicators come from ACS household device ownership measures (desktop/laptop, smartphone, tablet, and other internet-capable devices). These provide a proxy for the prevalence of smartphones relative to other devices, but they are reported as household-level access, not individual ownership or primary device.

Primary source for device and internet subscription tables:

• ACS device and internet subscription tables on data.census.gov

Interpretation boundaries:

• Household smartphone availability does not equal exclusive smartphone dependence; many households have multiple device types.
• “Smartphone vs. feature phone” splits are not typically available in ACS at the county level; the ACS focuses on internet-capable device categories.

---

Geographic and demographic factors influencing mobile connectivity and usage

Terrain, land cover, and settlement patterns (connectivity constraints)

• Forested and mountainous terrain common in the Idaho Panhandle can reduce line-of-sight and increase signal attenuation, affecting outdoor coverage continuity and indoor signal strength.
• Dispersed housing and long travel corridors raise per-customer infrastructure costs (more tower sites or backhaul investment per user), often correlating with larger coverage gaps outside towns.
• Seasonal recreation and travel can create localized demand peaks in specific corridors or destinations, while not justifying ubiquitous high-capacity buildouts across all remote areas.

County context and geography references:

• Benewah County official website
• Census.gov QuickFacts for Benewah County

Population density, income, and age structure (adoption constraints)

• Lower population density tends to correlate with fewer competitive network options and fewer retail/service touchpoints.
• Income and affordability influence subscription decisions and device replacement cycles; these factors are typically evaluated using ACS socioeconomic indicators at the county level (income, poverty, household composition).
• Older age distributions can correlate with lower rates of smartphone-centric internet use and slower device turnover, though county-specific behavioral conclusions require survey evidence rather than inference.

Authoritative demographic baselines:

• U.S. Census Bureau tables for Benewah County on data.census.gov

---

Practical summary (what is known from public sources vs. what is not)

• Well-supported at county scale: reported network availability via the FCC National Broadband Map; household internet subscription and device access via ACS tables on data.census.gov; geographic and demographic context via Census.gov QuickFacts and the county website.
• Not consistently available at county scale in public datasets: definitive mobile “penetration” (subscriptions per capita), smartphone vs. feature phone breakdown, and measured 4G/5G usage behavior. These are commonly available only through provider analytics, specialized surveys, or studies not uniformly produced for every county.

Benewah County is in north-central Idaho’s “Panhandle,” with St. Maries as the county seat and Coeur d’Alene located to the north in neighboring Kootenai County. The county’s rural settlement pattern, logging and natural-resource legacy, and strong outdoor/recreation orientation tend to align with heavier reliance on mobile connectivity, community Facebook groups, and locally shared information compared with large-metro markets.

User statistics (penetration and local context)

• County-specific social media penetration is not published in standard federal datasets; most reliable figures are available at the U.S. and state level rather than the county level.
• As a benchmark, U.S. adult social media use is commonly reported at roughly 7-in-10 adults. Pew Research provides the most-cited national baseline in its ongoing social media fact work, including platform reach and demographic patterns: Pew Research Center: Social Media Fact Sheet.
• Local adoption in Benewah County is primarily constrained by rural broadband and cellular coverage variability, which affects frequency of use and the mix of platforms (mobile-first apps tend to dominate where fixed broadband is limited). For county context on population and rurality, see U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Benewah County, Idaho.

Age group trends (who uses social media most)

National survey data consistently show a strong age gradient:

• 18–29: highest usage across most platforms; highest concentration of heavy users.
• 30–49: high usage, often more “utility-oriented” (news, local information, groups, messaging).
• 50–64: moderate usage; Facebook remains a dominant platform in this group.
• 65+: lowest overall usage, but Facebook use remains substantial relative to other platforms. Sources summarizing age patterns across platforms: Pew Research Center platform-by-demographic tables.

Gender breakdown

Nationally, gender differences vary by platform more than for “any social media”:

• Women tend to over-index on visually oriented and community platforms (e.g., Pinterest; often higher Facebook and Instagram usage in many survey waves).
• Men tend to over-index on some discussion/news and video-heavy platforms in certain measures (patterns vary by year and definition). Pew’s demographic breakouts by platform are the most consistently cited source for gender splits: Pew Research Center demographic detail.

Most-used platforms (with percentages where possible)

County-level platform shares are not published in reputable public datasets; the most defensible approach is to use national benchmarks and apply them as directional indicators for a rural county (especially where Facebook-centered local groups are common).

U.S. adult platform use (widely cited benchmark ranges; varies by survey year):

• YouTube: highest reach among U.S. adults
• Facebook: among the top platforms, especially for local/community information
• Instagram: strong among younger adults
• TikTok: concentrated among younger adults; rapidly growing in many years
• Pinterest: higher among women
• X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, LinkedIn: smaller overall reach; more niche audiences

For current platform penetration percentages by age and gender, reference: Pew Research Center: Social Media use by platform. For complementary, regularly updated U.S. usage estimates (including time spent and ad-audience indicators), see DataReportal: Digital 2024 United States.

Behavioral trends (engagement patterns and preferences)

Patterns most relevant to Benewah County’s rural, small-town context, aligned with national research on how Americans use platforms:

• Community information and local networks: Facebook pages and groups commonly serve as “digital bulletin boards” for events, school updates, road/weather notices, and buy/sell activity; this usage aligns with Facebook’s strength among adults 30+ in national surveys.
  Reference for platform demographics: Pew Research Center demographic tables.
• Video-first consumption: YouTube’s broad reach supports high passive consumption (how-to, local/regional news clips, outdoor/recreation content).
  Benchmark platform reach: Pew Research Center: YouTube usage.
• Age-driven platform selection: Younger adults concentrate engagement on short-form video and messaging (e.g., TikTok/Instagram), while older residents concentrate engagement on Facebook and YouTube; this produces split-channel local communication where official entities often post primarily to Facebook but younger audiences discover content via video and reposts.
• Mobile-centric use: In rural areas, mobile access often substitutes for fixed broadband, supporting higher reliance on lightweight apps, messaging, and scrolling feeds rather than desktop-heavy behaviors. County connectivity context can be tracked via federal broadband reporting frameworks such as the FCC National Broadband Map (coverage varies within the county).
• Engagement cadence: Rural-community pages often show spikes around events and disruptions (weather, road closures, school schedule changes, wildfire smoke, community fundraisers), with higher comment activity than share activity on hyperlocal posts; platform behavior research shows that commenting and sharing patterns differ substantially by topic and social tie strength. General U.S. behavior patterns are summarized in Pew’s internet and social media research: Pew Research Center: Social Media topic hub.

Benewah County, Idaho maintains family and associate-related public records through county offices and state systems. Vital records (birth and death certificates) are administered at the state level by Idaho Vital Records, with certified copies generally restricted to eligible requestors; county offices may provide information on procedures but typically do not issue certified statewide vital records. Marriage records and divorce decrees are commonly reflected in county court filings; older records may be archived. Adoption records are generally sealed and access is restricted under state law.

Publicly accessible databases relevant to family/associates include property and indexing tools that can connect individuals by address or transactions. The Benewah County Assessor provides property ownership and parcel information via the county site (Benewah County Assessor). Recorded documents (deeds, liens, some marriage-related filings where recorded) are handled by the Benewah County Recorder (Benewah County Recorder). Court case access and copies are managed through the Benewah County Clerk / District Court (Clerk / District Court).

Records are accessed online through linked county portals where available, and in person at the respective offices during business hours. Privacy restrictions commonly apply to certified vital records, sealed adoption matters, certain juvenile cases, and protected personal identifiers in court and recording systems.

Types of records available

• Marriage licenses and certificates (Benewah County)
  Benewah County issues marriage licenses through the county clerk’s office. A completed license is typically returned and recorded as the county’s marriage record.

• Divorce records (Idaho District Court cases filed in Benewah County)
  Divorces are handled as civil court cases in the Idaho District Court for the county. The court maintains the divorce case file (pleadings, orders, and the final judgment/decree).

• Annulments (Idaho District Court cases filed in Benewah County)
  Annulments are also handled in the Idaho District Court and maintained as court case records similar to divorces. The final court order is commonly titled a Decree of Annulment or similar.

• State-level vital records (marriage and divorce)
  Idaho maintains statewide vital records (including marriage and divorce records) through the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics. County and court records remain primary for local filing and case documentation.

Where records are filed and how they can be accessed

• Marriage records

  • Filed/recorded: Benewah County Clerk/Auditor (marriage licensing and recording).
  • Access: Common access routes include in-person requests to the county clerk’s office and written requests under county procedures. Some counties also provide recorded-document search tools or indexes; availability varies by county practice.

• Divorce and annulment court records

  • Filed: Idaho District Court serving Benewah County; the Clerk of the District Court maintains the official case file.
  • Access: Public court records are generally available through the clerk’s office for in-person inspection and for copies, subject to Idaho court access rules and redactions. Idaho’s statewide electronic court records system may provide docket-level access to some case information depending on case type and access level.

• State vital records

  • Filed/maintained: Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics.
  • Access: Certified copies and certain verifications are issued under Idaho vital records statutes and administrative rules. Requests typically require identity verification and payment of statutory fees.

Typical information included in these records

• Marriage license/record

  • Full legal names of both parties (and prior names as applicable)
  • Date and place of marriage (or license issuance and ceremony date)
  • Ages or dates of birth
  • Residences at time of application
  • Names of parents (commonly included on applications)
  • Officiant name, title, and signature; witness information (when used)
  • License/certificate numbers and filing/recording dates

• Divorce decree and court file

  • Names of parties; case number; court and county of filing
  • Date of filing and date of final judgment/decree
  • Findings and orders addressing:
    • Dissolution of the marriage
    • Property and debt division
    • Child custody and visitation (when applicable)
    • Child support (when applicable)
    • Spousal maintenance/alimony (when applicable)
    • Restoration of a former name (when ordered)
  • Related pleadings and attachments may include addresses, financial affidavits, and information about children; these are more likely to be restricted or redacted than the final decree.

• Annulment decree and court file

  • Names of parties; case number; court and county of filing
  • Legal basis for annulment and date of decree
  • Orders addressing property/debt, children, support, and name changes where applicable

Privacy or legal restrictions

• Vital records restrictions (state)
  Idaho treats certified vital records as restricted and typically releases certified copies only to eligible requesters under state law and rule. Marriage and divorce records held as vital records may be subject to eligibility requirements even when similar information exists in county or court files.

• Court record access limits and confidentiality

  • Idaho court records are generally public, but some information is sealed or confidential by law or court rule, including certain family law records, information about minors, and protected personal identifiers.
  • Courts commonly apply redaction requirements to protect sensitive information (for example, Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain identifying information).
  • Sealed cases or sealed documents (by statute or court order) are not available to the public through the clerk’s office or electronic access systems.

• Identity and misuse safeguards
  Agencies frequently require identification for certified copies and may limit the form of records released (certified copy vs. informational copy) to reduce identity theft and protect legally protected data.

Benewah County is a largely rural county in north-central Idaho, centered on the communities of St. Maries and Plummer and including significant forest and lake country (notably the St. Joe River corridor and nearby Lake Coeur d’Alene). The county has a small-population, low-density settlement pattern, with services concentrated in its incorporated towns and dispersed housing in surrounding timber and agricultural areas. (Population and demographic context are typically reported through the U.S. Census Bureau; see the county profile in the U.S. Census Bureau data portal.)

Education Indicators

Public school systems, school counts, and school names

Benewah County’s public education is primarily provided through:

• St. Maries Joint School District No. 41
• Plummer-Worley Joint School District No. 44

School names and the current list of campuses are maintained by districts and the state; the most reliable public directory sources are the district websites and the Idaho State Department of Education’s school/district listings (see the Idaho State Department of Education and district pages for up-to-date school rosters). A single authoritative “number of public schools in the county” varies by how programs are counted (elementary/middle/high, alternative programs, and charter participation); the most consistent approach is to use the state directory for active campuses.

Student–teacher ratios and graduation rates

• Student–teacher ratios: Reported ratios vary by district and year; rural districts commonly show lower ratios than urban Idaho districts due to smaller enrollments. The most comparable official measures are district-level staffing and enrollment reports published by the state (reference: Idaho SDE).
• Graduation rates: Idaho’s on-time graduation rate is published annually at the state and district level; countywide graduation performance should be treated as an aggregation of district outcomes rather than a single “county school system” measure. The most recent cohort graduation data are published through the state’s accountability reporting (reference: Idaho SDE accountability and report cards).

Data note: County-specific, single-number student–teacher ratios and graduation rates are not consistently published as county aggregates; district report cards are the standard proxy for Benewah County.

Adult educational attainment (age 25+)

Adult educational attainment is most consistently reported via the American Community Survey (ACS). For Benewah County, ACS profiles typically show:

• A majority of adults holding at least a high school diploma (or equivalent)
• A smaller share holding a bachelor’s degree or higher than Idaho’s most urban counties

The definitive current percentages (high school completion; bachelor’s+) should be taken from the latest 5-year ACS table outputs for Benewah County in the U.S. Census Bureau data portal.

Notable programs (STEM, CTE, AP, dual credit)

• Career Technical Education (CTE): Idaho districts commonly participate in state-supported CTE pathways (trade, business, and technical programs), often coordinated with regional technical centers and community college partnerships. Program availability is district-specific and published in district course catalogs and CTE plans (reference: Idaho Career & Technical Education).
• Advanced opportunities (dual credit/AP): Idaho’s “Advanced Opportunities” funding supports dual credit and other accelerated coursework statewide. Participation and course offerings (including AP where available) are school-by-school (reference: Idaho Advanced Opportunities).

School safety measures and counseling resources

Idaho school safety and student support typically includes:

• School safety planning aligned with state guidance (emergency operations planning, visitor procedures, drills)
• Access to counseling/mental health supports through school counseling staff and, in some cases, partnerships with local providers

The most specific and current measures (e.g., SRO presence, building access controls, counseling staffing levels) are documented in district policies and annual school safety planning materials; state-level guidance is summarized by the Idaho State Department of Education.

Employment and Economic Conditions

Unemployment rate (most recent year available)

The official local unemployment measure is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (LAUS) for counties. The most recent annual and monthly Benewah County unemployment rates are available via the BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics series (county detail) and Idaho labor-market summaries published by the state labor agency (reference: Idaho Department of Labor).

Data note: This summary does not embed a single rate because the “most recent year available” changes monthly; the BLS/Idaho Department of Labor series is the definitive source.

Major industries and employment sectors

Benewah County’s economy is characteristic of rural northern Idaho, with employment and business activity commonly concentrated in:

• Education and health services (schools, clinics, public services)
• Retail trade and accommodation/food services (local services and seasonal tourism demand)
• Manufacturing and wood products-related activity (regionally influenced by forestry and wood products supply chains)
• Construction (housing, infrastructure, and seasonal work)
• Public administration
• Agriculture/forestry and resource-based activities (more prominent than in urban counties)

County-level sector shares are most consistently measured through ACS “industry” tables and state workforce reports (reference: ACS industry tables; Idaho Department of Labor).

Common occupations and workforce breakdown

Occupational composition typically reflects a rural service and trades mix, often including:

• Management, business, and financial occupations (smaller share than urban areas)
• Service occupations (healthcare support, food service, protective services)
• Sales and office occupations
• Construction, extraction, and maintenance
• Production and transportation/material moving

The definitive occupational distribution is available in ACS occupation tables for Benewah County (reference: ACS occupation tables).

Commuting patterns and mean commute time

• Commuting mode: Rural counties generally have high shares of driving alone, limited fixed-route transit, and some carpooling; work-from-home shares vary by year.
• Mean commute time: Benewah County residents often commute to job sites within the county and to nearby regional centers in adjacent counties. The official mean travel time to work is reported in ACS commuting tables (reference: ACS commuting (travel time) tables).

Local employment vs. out-of-county work

Out-of-county commuting is common in smaller counties, particularly to larger employment hubs in the region (including nearby Kootenai County). The cleanest measure is the Census “county-to-county commuting flows” and workplace geography products (reference: Census OnTheMap (LEHD)), which show where residents work versus where jobs are located.

Housing and Real Estate

Homeownership rate and rental share

Benewah County’s housing tenure is measured through ACS; rural counties in Idaho commonly show higher homeownership rates and a smaller rental market relative to urban counties. The definitive homeownership/renter shares are in ACS housing tenure tables (reference: ACS housing tenure tables).

Median property values and recent trends

• Median home value: The official “median value of owner-occupied housing units” is reported by ACS, while market-trend measures are tracked by regional real estate reporting (which may not be fully county-specific in small markets).
• Trend context: Like much of Idaho, northern Idaho counties experienced notable home-price increases in the early 2020s, followed by slower growth as interest rates rose; smaller rural counties can show higher volatility due to low transaction counts.

For the most recent median value estimate, use the county’s latest ACS housing value table (reference: ACS median home value). For assessed values and tax roll context, use the county assessor (reference: Benewah County government).

Typical rent prices

The ACS “median gross rent” provides the standard countywide benchmark. Benewah County’s rental market is relatively small and may include a higher share of single-family rentals and manufactured-home rentals than urban counties. The definitive median gross rent is available in ACS rent tables (reference: ACS median gross rent).

Types of housing

Housing stock in Benewah County is dominated by:

• Single-family detached homes (including rural homesteads)
• Manufactured homes in some areas
• A limited supply of small multifamily properties (duplexes/small apartment buildings) concentrated near town centers (e.g., St. Maries and Plummer)
• Rural lots/acreage and recreational properties, with some seasonal-use units in lake/river-adjacent areas

These distributions are quantified in ACS “units in structure” tables (reference: ACS housing structure type).

Neighborhood characteristics (proximity to schools/amenities)

• St. Maries functions as the primary service center, with the highest proximity to schools, municipal services, and retail.
• Plummer serves as another key community node and is influenced by regional connectivity to the Coeur d’Alene area.
• Outside incorporated areas, neighborhoods are generally rural with longer travel times to schools, healthcare, and shopping, and a higher reliance on personal vehicles.

Property tax overview (average rate and typical homeowner cost)

Idaho property taxes are based on assessed value and local levy rates, so a single statewide “rate” is not uniform. The most defensible county-specific references are:

• Effective property tax rate and median tax paid as estimated by ACS (owner-occupied tax tables), and/or
• Local levy and assessment information published by the county assessor/treasurer and Idaho property tax oversight entities

For county-specific effective tax indicators, use ACS “selected monthly owner costs” and property tax tables (reference: ACS owner costs and property taxes). For local levy administration and billing, use county government resources (reference: Benewah County offices).