Owyhee County, Idaho Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 26th-largest in Idaho
The population of Owyhee County, Idaho is 12,284 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 26th-largest county in Idaho. The median household income is $59,773, the median home value is $281,600, and the median age is 38.3.
The population of Owyhee County has grown 11.1% since 2010 (11,474 → 12,748), a +0.75% annualized rate.
12,284
Population
+0.75%
Annual growth
2
People / sq mi
$59,773
Median Income
$281,600
Median Home Value
Owyhee County covers 7,668 sq mi of land at 1.6 people per square mile.
About Owyhee County, ID
What distinguishes Owyhee County is density: among the most sparsely settled of US counties, around 2 people per square mile. Owyhee County is a county in Idaho with a population of 12,284. It ranks #26 among counties in Idaho by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $59,773 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.9%, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $281,600, with typical rent around $771.
Owyhee County is among the least college-educated US counties, at 13.7% — below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 9.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
Owyhee County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Owyhee County had a population of 11,474 in 2010 and 12,748 in 2024, a 11.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 12,762 in 2023. Average annual growth rate: 0.76%.
12,748
Population (2024)
11,474
Population (2010)
12,762
Peak (2023)
0.76%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 11,474 |
| 2011 | 11,378 |
| 2012 | 11,411 |
| 2013 | 11,396 |
| 2014 | 11,292 |
| 2015 | 11,294 |
| 2016 | 11,368 |
| 2017 | 11,632 |
| 2018 | 11,664 |
| 2019 | 11,823 |
| 2020 | 11,999 |
| 2021 | 12,362 |
| 2022 | 12,644 |
| 2023 | 12,762 |
| 2024 | 12,748 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 73.1% |
| Black or African American | 0.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 7.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.3
Median Age
48.2%
Female
51.8%
Male
19.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.0% · Seniors (65+): 19.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $59,773$-14,863 vs state |
| Mean household income | $72,147 |
| Per-capita income | $26,059 |
| Poverty rate | 7.9%+0.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Owyhee County is professional & business services, accounting for 17.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.7%
Drive alone
3.5%
Carpool
76.7%
Public transit
9.0%
Work from home
26.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$281,600$-94,400 vs state
Median home value
$771
Median rent
70.9%
Homeownership rate
4,803
Total housing units
88.4%
Occupied
11.6%
Vacant
29.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
78.9%
With health insurance
90.7%
With broadband internet
39.4%
Foreign-born
7.4%
Veterans (18+)
17.7%
With a disability
79.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
77.7%
High School+
13.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Idaho
Other counties in Idaho
Part of Idaho
Metro areas in Idaho
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Owyhee County, Idaho has a population of 12,284 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 26th-largest county in Idaho. Population density is 2 people per square mile.
The population of Owyhee County has grown 11.1% since 2010 (11,474 → 12,748), a +0.75% annualized rate.
The median household income in Owyhee County, Idaho is $59,773, with mean (average) household income of $72,147 and per-capita income of $26,059. 7.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Owyhee County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (73.1%), Hispanic or Latino (7.1%), Black or African American (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Owyhee County, Idaho is 38.3 years. Residents are 48.2% female and 51.8% male.
The median home value in Owyhee County is $281,600 and median monthly rent is $771. 70.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 4,803 total housing units, 11.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Owyhee County, Idaho is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 17.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.2%.
Boise City is among the largest cities associated with Owyhee County, Idaho, with a population of 235,701.
Owyhee County, ID Climate
Owyhee County, ID has an average annual temperature of 6.6°C (44°F) and receives about 344 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
6.6°C
Avg Temp
344
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 25° | 42 mm |
| February | -2° / 28° | 32 mm |
| March | 1° / 33° | 27 mm |
| April | 4° / 40° | 24 mm |
| May | 9° / 48° | 33 mm |
| June | 13° / 56° | 33 mm |
| July | 19° / 65° | 12 mm |
| August | 19° / 66° | 15 mm |
| September | 14° / 57° | 19 mm |
| October | 8° / 46° | 22 mm |
| November | 2° / 36° | 42 mm |
| December | -3° / 27° | 43 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Owyhee County, ID
The most comfortable months to visit Owyhee County, ID are typically August, July and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -9°C low). December is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Owyhee County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.