Editing Latah County, Idaho

{{short description|County in Idaho, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox U.S. county
 | county               = Latah County
 | state                = Idaho
 | ex image             = Moscow Post Office and Courthouse.jpg
 | ex image size        = 220px
 | ex image cap         = [[Moscow City Hall (Idaho)|Moscow Post Office and Courthouse]]
 | seal                 = Latah County, Idaho seal.png
 | founded date         = May 14
 | founded year         = 1888
 | seat wl              = Moscow
 | largest city wl      = Moscow
 | area_total_sq_mi     = 1077
 | area_land_sq_mi      = 1077
 | area_water_sq_mi     = 0.9
 | area percentage      = 0.09
 | population_as_of     = 2020
 | population_total     = 39517
 | population_density_sq_mi = auto
 | time zone            = Pacific
 | district             = 1st
 | web                  = latah.id.us
 | named for            = [[Latah Creek]]
|
}}
[[File:UI-admin-east-moscow-id-us.png|thumb|160px|[[University of Idaho]] Administration Building (1909) in Moscow]]

'''Latah County''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|l|eɪ|t|ə}} {{respell|LAY|tə}}) is a [[County (United States)|county]] located in the [[North Central Idaho|north central]] region of the [[U.S. state]] of [[Idaho]]. As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the population was 39,517.<ref name="2020 Census" /> The [[county seat]] and largest city is [[Moscow, Idaho|Moscow]],<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|access-date=June 7, 2011|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref> the home of the [[University of Idaho]], the state's flagship university.

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 [[Western white pine|white pine]] trees for doing their work and stones suitable for use in pulverizing [[Camassia|camas]] roots to process as one of their food staples.<ref name=latcent90>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=34NfAAAAIBAJ&pg=4653%2C2955563|newspaper=Lewiston Morning Tribune|location=(Idaho)|title=Latah County|date=February 25, 1990|page=15–centennial }}</ref><ref>[http://www.state.id.us/aboutidaho/county/latah.html Idaho.gov – Latah County] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040816083620/http://www.state.id.us/aboutidaho/county/latah.html |date=August 16, 2004}} – accessed June 6, 2009</ref>

Latah County comprises the Moscow, ID [[Micropolitan Statistical Area]], which is included in the [[Pullman, Washington|Pullman]]-Moscow, [[Washington (state)|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]].<ref name=coproa>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qONVAAAAIBAJ&pg=6434%2C2729567 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |agency=(Moscow (Idaho) Star-Mirror) |last=Nessly |first=J.E. |title=Latah County is prosperous |date=November 28, 1918 |page=6}}</ref> Latah County is the only county in the U.S. established by an act of [[United States Congress|Congress]];<ref name=lc37abit>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=eK9fAAAAIBAJ&pg=3688%2C275736|newspaper=Lewiston Morning Tribune|location=Idaho|last=Arney|first=C.E.|title=Latah County only one in nation created by an act of Congress; bitter Lewiston protests futile|date=April 4, 1937|page=1–sec.2 }}</ref><ref name=loocin>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=JLpeAAAAIBAJ&pg=2299%2C743300|newspaper=Lewiston Morning Tribune|location=Idaho|title=Latah only county in nation created by act of Congress |date=October 6, 1955|page=7–LCSE}}</ref><ref name=laco5870>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=lIJfAAAAIBAJ&pg=5912,1784209|newspaper=Lewiston Morning Tribune|location=Idaho|title=Latah County established by Congress 70 years ago today|date=May 14, 1958|page=10}}</ref> it was originally part of [[Nez Perce County, Idaho|Nez Perce County]], which was reluctant to lose its most populated area.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.latah.id.us/history.php|title=History - Latah County, Idaho|last=Department|first=Latah County, Idaho - Information Technology Services|website=www.latah.id.us|language=en|access-date=April 4, 2018}}</ref><ref name=lat62co>{{Cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=T7BeAAAAIBAJ&pg=4089,1869192|newspaper=Lewiston Morning Tribune|location=Idaho|agency=Idaho Writers League|last=Swank|first=Gladys Rae|title=Latah County created by Congress|date=November 11, 1962 |page=8 }}</ref><ref name=lchhb>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ljMuAAAAIBAJ&pg=4865%2C1471489|newspaper=Idahonian |location=Moscow |last=Harriman |first=Peter |title=Latah County has 100th birthday |date=May 13, 1988 |page=1A }}</ref>

==History==
===Settlement===
American 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Moscow History|url=https://www.ci.moscow.id.us/about-moscow/history|publisher=City of Moscow, Idaho|access-date=February 23, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Genesee Marks its 100th Birthday|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-5QrAAAAIBAJ&pg=6439%2C2508683|publisher=Moscow-Pullman Daily News|access-date=February 23, 2017}}</ref>  Settlement of Troy commenced in 1895 with Bovill being first settled by Lord Hugh Bovill in 1899.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bovill's history tied to English lord and his lady|url=http://dnews.com/neighbors/bovill-s-history-tied-to-english-lord-and-his-lady/article_a2b2dd60-b807-51f7-93d3-aaa8929c215e.html|publisher=Moscow-Pullman Daily News|access-date=February 23, 2017}}</ref>  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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Company Town - Potlatch Idaho|url=http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMAAJR_Company_Town_Potlatch_Idaho|website=waymarking.com|access-date=February 23, 2017}}</ref>

===Development of cities===
Moscow first shows in the 1880 census with a population of 76.<ref>{{cite book|title=Statistics of the Population of the United States at the Tenth Census (June 1, 1880)|date=1882|publisher=Government Printing Office|location=Washington|page=130|url=http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1880a_v1-01.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050413081350/http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1880a_v1-01.pdf |archive-date=April 13, 2005 |url-status=live|access-date=February 23, 2017}}</ref>  It was incorporated as a village in 1887. Genesee was established as a town in 1889.<ref>{{cite web|title=Genesee: From Boom Times to Bedroom Town|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=U5UrAAAAIBAJ&pg=2101%2C1102417|publisher=Spokane Daily Chronicle|access-date=February 23, 2017}}</ref>  Julieatta, Kendrick, and Troy were established as towns by the 1900 Census, with each incorporating as a village prior to 1910.<ref>{{cite book|title=Census Reports&mdash;Volume I: Twelfth Census of the United States, Taken in the Year 1900|date=1901|publisher=United States Census Office|location=Washington|page=112|url=http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/33405927v1.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914182802/http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/33405927v1.pdf |archive-date=September 14, 2015 |url-status=live|access-date=February 23, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Thirteenth Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1910|date=1913|publisher=Government Printing Office|location=Washington|page=417|url=http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/36894832v2.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912170833/http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/36894832v2.pdf |archive-date=September 12, 2015 |url-status=live|access-date=February 23, 2017}}</ref>  Bovill and Deary were incorporated as villages prior to 1920.<ref>{{cite book|title=Fourteenth Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1920|date=1921|publisher=Government Printing Office|location=Washington|page=391|url=http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/41084484v1.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100810065118/http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/41084484v1.pdf |archive-date=August 10, 2010 |url-status=live|access-date=February 23, 2017}}</ref>  Potlatch and Onaway remained unincorporated as late as 1960. They were returned at the 1950 Census as a single unincorporated area.<ref>{{cite book|title=A Report of the Seventeenth Decennial Census of the United States Census of Population: 1950|date=1952|publisher=Government Printing Office|location=Washington|pages=12–17|url=http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/23761117v1.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912173656/http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/23761117v1.pdf |archive-date=September 12, 2015 |url-status=live|access-date=February 23, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=The Eighteenth Decennial Census of the United States Census of Population: 1960|date=1963|publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office|location=Washington|pages=14–18|url=http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/37722850v1p14.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914180339/http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/37722850v1p14.pdf |archive-date=September 14, 2015 |url-status=live|access-date=February 23, 2017}}</ref>

===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.<ref>{{cite book|title=LAWS OF THE TERRITORY OF IDAHO, SECOND SESSION: AN ACT CREATING THE COUNTIES OF LAH-TOH AND KOOTENAI|date=1866|publisher=Frank Kenyon, Territorial Printer|location=Boise City|pages=432–433|url=https://archive.org/stream/lawsofterritoryo00idah#page/n7/mode/2up|access-date=February 23, 2017}}</ref>  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.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Local and Special Laws of Idaho Territory Remaining in Force June 1, 1887: Special and Local Laws Applicable to Kootenai County|date=1887|publisher=Territory of Idaho|location=Boise City|page=142|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=krowAQAAMAAJ&q=An+Act+creating+the+counties+of+Lah-Toh+and+Kootenai+1867&pg=PA142|access-date=February 23, 2017}}</ref>  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.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Richards|first1=Ellen H|title=An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho|publisher=Western Historical Publishing Company|page=145|url=http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/ellen-h-ellen-henrietta-richards/an-illustrated-history-of-north-idaho--embracing-nez-perces-idaho-latah-koot-hci/page-145-an-illustrated-history-of-north-idaho--embracing-nez-perces-idaho-latah-koot-hci.shtml|access-date=February 23, 2017}}</ref>  The Idaho Territorial Legislature failed to address creation of a county for the residents of Moscow. As a result, [[Fred Dubois|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.<ref>{{cite web|title=IDAHO STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY REFERENCE SERIES: EARLY NEZ PERCE COUNTY|url=https://history.idaho.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/reference-series/0334.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503184227/http://www.history.idaho.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/reference-series/0334.pdf |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |url-status=live|publisher=Idaho State Historical Society|access-date=February 23, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Idaho Atlas of Historical County Boundaries|date=2010|publisher=The Newberry Library|location=Chicago|pages=122, 153, 197}}</ref>

==Geography==
[[Image:Moscow mountain.jpg|thumb|right|view from Moscow Mountain]]

According to the [[United States Census Bureau|U.S. Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|1077|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|1076|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|0.9|sqmi}} (0.09%) is water.<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=April 23, 2011|date=February 12, 2011|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> It is part of the [[Palouse]], a wide and rolling portion of the middle [[Columbia River|Columbia basin]].

===Adjacent counties===
* [[Benewah County, Idaho|Benewah County]] – north
* [[Shoshone County, Idaho|Shoshone County]] – northeast
* [[Clearwater County, Idaho|Clearwater County]] – east
* [[Nez Perce County, Idaho|Nez Perce County]] – south
* [[Whitman County, Washington|Whitman County]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]] – west

===Major highways===
*[[Image:US 95.svg|20px]] [[U.S. Route 95 in Idaho|US 95]]
*[[Image:ID-3.svg|20px]] [[Idaho State Highway 3|SH-3]]
*[[Image:ID-6.svg|20px]] [[Idaho State Highway 6|SH-6]]
*[[Image:ID-8.svg|20px]] [[Idaho State Highway 8|SH-8]]
*[[Image:ID-9.svg|20px]] [[Idaho State Highway 9|SH-9]]
*[[Image:ID-99.svg|20px]] [[Idaho State Highway 99|SH-99]]

===National protected area===
* [[St. Joe National Forest]] (part)

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1890= 9173
|1900= 13451
|1910= 18818
|1920= 18092
|1930= 17798
|1940= 18804
|1950= 20971
|1960= 21170
|1970= 24891
|1980= 28749
|1990= 30617
|2000= 34935
|2010= 37244
|2020= 39517
|estyear=2024
|estimate=42180
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2024">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-counties-total.html|title=County Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2024|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=May 17, 2025}}</ref>
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=July 1, 2014}}</ref><br />1790–1960<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=July 1, 2014}}</ref> 1900–1990<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/id190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=July 1, 2014}}</ref><br />1990–2000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327165705/http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2010 |url-status=live|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=July 1, 2014}}</ref> 2010–2020<ref name="QF">{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/16/16057.html|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=July 1, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717015836/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/16/16057.html|archive-date=July 17, 2011}}</ref> 2020<ref name="2020 Census">{{cite web |title=2020 Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=0500000US16057 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>
}}

===2000 census===
As of the [[2000 United States Census|2000 census]],<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> there were 34,935 people, 13,059 households, and 7,770 families residing in the county. The [[population density]] was {{convert|32|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people&nbsp;|people}}. There were 13,838 housing units at an average density of {{convert|13|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}. The racial makeup of the county was 93.94% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 0.59% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.75% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 2.10% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.09% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.77% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.76% from two or more races. 2.12% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race. 20.4% were of [[Germans|German]], 13.5% [[English people|English]], 8.7% [[Irish people|Irish]], 7.8% [[United States|American]] and 5.9% [[norwegian people|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 [[Marriage|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, Washington|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.<ref name="census-dp1">{{cite web
  |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US16057
  |title=DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data
  |access-date=January 9, 2016
|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]
  |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213030730/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US16057
  |archive-date=February 13, 2020
|url-status=dead
  }}</ref> The population density was {{convert|34.6|PD/sqmi}}. There were 15,988 housing units at an average density of {{convert|14.9|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}.<ref name="census-density">{{cite web
  |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US16057
  |access-date=January 9, 2016
|title=Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 – County
  |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]
  |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213233724/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US16057
  |archive-date=February 13, 2020
|url-status=dead
  }}</ref> 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.<ref name="census-dp1"/> In terms of ancestry, 31.0% were [[Germans|German]], 16.8% were [[English people|English]], 15.3% were [[Irish people|Irish]], 6.9% were [[Norwegians|Norwegian]], 5.5% were [[Swedes|Swedish]], and 3.0% were [[Americans|American]].<ref name="census-dp2">{{cite web
  |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US16057
  |title=DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
  |access-date=January 9, 2016
|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]
  |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213015545/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US16057
  |archive-date=February 13, 2020
|url-status=dead
  }}</ref>

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.<ref name="census-dp1"/>

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.<ref name="census-dp3">{{cite web
  |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US16057
  |title=DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
  |access-date=January 9, 2016
|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]
  |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213034947/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US16057
  |archive-date=February 13, 2020
|url-status=dead
  }}</ref>

==Government and politics==

{{PresHead|place=Latah County, Idaho|source=<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections|last=Leip|first=David|website=uselectionatlas.org|access-date=April 4, 2018}}</ref>}}
<!-- PresRow should be {{PresRow|Year|Winning party|GOP vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} -->
{{PresRow|2024|Republican|10,669|9,039|753|Idaho}}
{{PresRow|2020|Democratic|9,472|10,236|902|Idaho}}
{{PresRow|2016|Democratic|7,265|8,093|2,815|Idaho}} 
{{PresRow|2012|Democratic|7,589|8,306|1,229|Idaho}} 
{{PresRow|2008|Democratic|7,988|9,195|733|Idaho}} 
{{PresRow|2004|Republican|8,686|8,430|437|Idaho}} 
{{PresRow|2000|Republican|8,161|5,661|1,489|Idaho}} 
{{PresRow|1996|Democratic|6,311|7,741|2,238|Idaho}} 
{{PresRow|1992|Democratic|5,353|7,233|3,744|Idaho}} 
{{PresRow|1988|Democratic|6,367|6,544|225|Idaho}} 
{{PresRow|1984|Republican|7,709|5,571|220|Idaho}} 
{{PresRow|1980|Republican|6,967|5,037|2,888|Idaho}} 
{{PresRow|1976|Republican|6,846|5,314|310|Idaho}} 
{{PresRow|1972|Republican|6,043|4,548|327|Idaho}} 
{{PresRow|1968|Republican|4,708|3,782|636|Idaho}} 
{{PresRow|1964|Democratic|3,475|5,249|0|Idaho}} 
{{PresRow|1960|Republican|4,789|4,636|0|Idaho}} 
{{PresRow|1956|Republican|5,024|3,682|0|Idaho}} 
{{PresRow|1952|Republican|5,440|3,254|8|Idaho}} 
{{PresRow|1948|Democratic|3,805|3,810|274|Idaho}} 
{{PresRow|1944|Republican|3,526|3,514|43|Idaho}} 
{{PresRow|1940|Democratic|3,971|4,494|35|Idaho}} 
{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|2,838|4,359|261|Idaho}} 
{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|3,079|3,554|118|Idaho}} 
{{PresRow|1928|Republican|4,472|1,681|72|Idaho}} 
{{PresRow|1924|Republican|3,053|1,949|838|Idaho}} 
{{PresRow|1920|Republican|3,855|1,568|0|Idaho}} 
{{PresRow|1916|Democratic|2,777|2,811|584|Idaho}} 
{{PresRow|1912|Progressive|904|1,507|2,809|Idaho}} 
{{PresRow|1908|Republican|3,101|1,802|623|Idaho}} 
{{PresRow|1904|Republican|3,287|940|452|Idaho}} 
{{PresRow|1900|Republican|2,013|2,004|0|Idaho}}
{{PresRow|1896|Democratic|1,036|1,870|16|Idaho}}
{{PresFoot|1892|Populist|1,242|0|1,490|Idaho}}

Latah County has long been one of the most politically competitive counties in Idaho, while the state as a whole is strongly [[Republican Party (United States)|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 [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrats]], 290 are [[Libertarian Party (United States)|Libertarians]], and 83 belong to the [[Constitution Party (United States)|Constitution Party]].<!--  By percentage of the county's registered voters: Unaffiliated voters account for 47.27%, Republicans 32.06%, and Democrats 18.95%.--> 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 5, 2016 to January 3, 2016, Republicans increased their share of Latah voters by 6.4% while Democrats increased their share by 4.2%.-->From January <!--2,-->2014 to January<!-- 3,--> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Party Affiliation by County ‐ January 3, 2017|url=http://www.sos.idaho.gov/elect/VoterReg/Party%20Affiliation%20Totals/2017/2017_January_Party_Affiliation_Totals_by_County.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224134513/http://www.sos.idaho.gov/elect/VoterReg/Party%20Affiliation%20Totals/2017/2017_January_Party_Affiliation_Totals_by_County.pdf |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |url-status=live|publisher=Idaho Secretary of State|access-date=February 23, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Party Affiliation by County ‐ January 5, 2016|url=http://www.sos.idaho.gov/elect/VoterReg/Party%20Affiliation%20Totals/2016/2016_January_Party_Affiliation_Totals_by_County.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202174159/http://www.sos.idaho.gov/elect/VoterReg/Party%20Affiliation%20Totals/2016/2016_January_Party_Affiliation_Totals_by_County.pdf |archive-date=February 2, 2016 |url-status=live|publisher=Idaho Secretary of State|access-date=February 23, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Party Affiliation by County ‐ January 2, 2014|url=http://www.sos.idaho.gov/elect/VoterReg/Party%20Affiliation%20Totals/2014/2014_January_Party_Affiliation_Totals_by_County.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140909213725/http://www.sos.idaho.gov/elect/VoterReg/Party%20Affiliation%20Totals/2014/2014_January_Party_Affiliation_Totals_by_County.pdf |archive-date=September 9, 2014 |url-status=live|publisher=Idaho Secretary of State|access-date=February 23, 2017}}</ref>

Latah was one of two Idaho counties to vote for [[Hillary Clinton]] in [[United States presidential election in Idaho, 2016|2016]]  with 8,093 votes (44.5%), compared to 7,265 (40.0%) <!--votes-->for [[Donald Trump]] and 2,798<!-- votes --> (15.5%) for various {{nowrap|other candidates.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nov 08, 2016 General Election Results|url=http://www.sos.idaho.gov/elect/results/2016/General/president_by_county.html|publisher=Idaho Secretary of State|access-date=February 24, 2017}}</ref>}}
 
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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mar 08, 2016 Presidential Primary Election Results|url=http://www.sos.idaho.gov/elect/results/2016/PresidentialPrimary/united_states_by_county.html|access-date=February 23, 2017}}</ref> {{nowrap| Senator [[Bernie Sanders]]}} of [[Vermont]] won the Democratic county caucus with 84% of the vote.

County residents voted Republican in the [[2000 United States presidential election in Idaho|2000]] and [[2004 United States presidential election in Idaho|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<!--of the vote--> as the Democratic<!-- vote--> 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 United States presidential election in Idaho|2008]] over [[John McCain]], and won 49.6% to 45.3% in [[2012 United States presidential election in Idaho|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, Idaho|Blaine County]], with the resort area of [[Sun Valley, Idaho|Sun Valley]] and the state's sole Democratic stronghold (since [[United States presidential election in Idaho, 1992|1992]]), was the only other county to reject HJR 2.<ref>[http://www.uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/state.php?fips=16&year=2006&f=0&off=60&elect=0 Idaho HJR 2 Results by County]</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web
 |title        = Idaho Election Results
 |work         = Idaho Secretary Of State: Elections, Campaign Disclosure and Lobbyists
 |publisher    = Idaho Secretary of State
 |url          = http://www.idsos.state.id.us/ELECT/results.htm
 |access-date  = May 2, 2007
|url-status   = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20070518234827/http://www.idsos.state.id.us/elect/results.htm
 |archive-date = May 18, 2007
}}
</ref>

The county is part of the [[Idaho's 1st congressional district|first congressional district]] and is joined with [[Benewah County, Idaho|Benewah County]] (to the north) in the [[Idaho Legislative District 5|fifth legislative district]] at the [[Idaho Legislature|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]].<ref>Julie R. Monroe (2006) ''Latah County'', Arcadia Publishing, 127 pages  {{ISBN|0-7385-3133-2}}</ref> Faunal species include the [[Clay-colored sparrow]]<ref>[http://www.idahobirds.net/ibrc/reviewspecies/tanagers_longspurs.html Shirley Shurts, 2006, ''A Comprehensive List of Review Species Reports in Idaho'']</ref> and [[Rough-Skinned Newt]].<ref>C. Michael Hogan (2008) ''Rough-skinned Newt ("Taricha granulosa")'', GlobalTwitcher, ed. N. Stromberg {{cite web |url=http://www.globaltwitcher.com/artspec_information.asp?thingid=43182 |title=Rough-Skinned Newt (Taricha granulosa ) - - GlobalTwitcher.com |access-date=April 6, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090527153302/http://www.globaltwitcher.com/artspec_information.asp?thingid=43182 |archive-date=May 27, 2009 }}</ref>

==Communities==
[[File:Latah county (ID) roads.PNG|thumb|right|280 px]]

===Cities===
{|
|
*[[Bovill, Idaho|Bovill]]
*[[Deary, Idaho|Deary]]
*[[Genesee, Idaho|Genesee]]
|
*[[Juliaetta, Idaho|Juliaetta]]
*[[Kendrick, Idaho|Kendrick]] 
*[[Moscow, Idaho|Moscow]]
|
*[[Onaway, Idaho|Onaway]]
*[[Potlatch, Idaho|Potlatch]]
*[[Troy, Idaho|Troy]]
|
|}

===Census-designated place===

* [[Princeton, Idaho|Princeton]] 
* [[Viola, Idaho|Viola]]

===Unincorporated communities===
{|
|
*[[Avon, Idaho|Avon]]
*[[Harvard, Idaho|Harvard]]
|
* [[Helmer, Idaho|Helmer]]
*[[Joel, Idaho|Joel]]
|}

===Ghost towns===
{|
|
*Avon
*Blaine
*Brickaville
*Collins
*Cora
|
*Cornwall
*Crescent
*Estes
*Freeze
*Hampton
|
*Lenville
*Linden 
*Nora
*Park
|
*Pine Creek
*Taney
*Thorn Creek
*Woodfell
|}
<small>Source:</small><ref name=gtolc >{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ljMuAAAAIBAJ&pg=4418%2C1880319 |newspaper=Idahonian |location=Moscow |last=Lewis |first=Marilyn|title=Ghost towns of Latah County |agency=Latah County Centennial |date=May 14, 1988 |page=24}}</ref>

==Education==
School districts include:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st16_id/schooldistrict_maps/c16057_latah/DC20SD_C16057.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Latah County, ID|publisher=[[U.S. Census Bureau]]|access-date=March 30, 2024}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st16_id/schooldistrict_maps/c16057_latah/DC20SD_C16057_SD2MS.txt Text list]</ref>
* [[Genesee Joint School District 282]]
* [[Kendrick Joint School District 283]]
* [[Moscow School District 281]]
* [[Potlatch School District 285]]
* [[Troy School District 287]]
* [[Whitepine Joint School District 288]]
Higher education includes the [[University of Idaho]].

==See also==
*[[National Register of Historic Places listings in Latah County, Idaho]]
{{Clear}}

==Footnotes==
{{reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
* John M. Henderson and William S. Shiach, with Harry B. Averill, [https://archive.org/details/illustratedhisto00slwerich ''An Illustrated History of North Idaho: Embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone Counties, State of Idaho.''] n.c. [Chicago]: Western Historical Publishing Co., 1903.
* {{cite book|title=Latah County|series=Images of America|author1-first=Julie R.|author1-last=Monroe|publisher=[[Arcadia Publishing]]|year=2006|isbn=9781439614600}}

==External links==
*{{official website|http://www.latah.id.us}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20150905072057/http://www.idaho.gov/aboutidaho/county/latah State of Idaho] – Latah County
*[http://www.latahcountyhistoricalsociety.org/ Latah County Historical Society]
*{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20010406223943/http://www.latahtrailfoundation.org/ Latah Trail Foundation]}}
*[http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/ID/Latah/state.html National Register of Historic Places – Latah County]

{{Geographic Location
|Centre    = Latah County, Idaho
|North     = [[Benewah County, Idaho|Benewah County]]
|Northeast = [[Shoshone County, Idaho|Shoshone County]]
|East      = [[Clearwater County, Idaho|Clearwater County]]
|Southeast = 
|South     = [[Nez Perce County, Idaho|Nez Perce County]]
|Southwest = 
|West      = [[Whitman County, Washington]]
|Northwest = 
}} 
{{Latah County, Idaho}}
{{Idaho}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Latah County, Idaho| ]]
[[Category:Idaho counties]]
[[Category:Idaho placenames of Native American origin]]
[[Category:1888 establishments in Idaho Territory]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1888]]
[[Category:Chinook Jargon place names]]