ERIC ED441624: Profile of Rural Idaho: A Look at Economic and Social Trends Affecting Rural Idaho.

39 Pages·1999·0.86 MB·English

by  ERIC

DOCUMENT RESUME
RC 022 050
ED 441 624
Profile of Rural Idaho: A Look at Economic and Social Trends
TITLE
Affecting Rural Idaho.
Idaho State Dept. of Commerce, Boise.
INSTITUTION
IDC-99-33120-4M
REPORT NO
1999-00-00
PUB DATE
37p.; Some figures may not reproduce adequately.
NOTE
Idaho Dept. of Commerce, 700 W. State Street, P.O. Box
AVAILABLE FROM
83720, Boise, Idaho 83720-0093. Tel: [phone]. For full
text:
http://www.idoc.state.id.us/business/pdfs/ruralprofile.pdf.
Descriptive
Reports
Numerical/Quantitative Data (110)
PUB TYPE
(141)
MF01/PCO2 Plus Postage.
EDRS PRICE
Educational Attainment; Elementary Secondary Education;
DESCRIPTORS
Employment Patterns; Health Services; Income; *Population
Trends; Poverty; Quality of Life; *Rural Areas; *Rural
Population; *Rural Urban Differences; *Social Indicators
*Idaho
IDENTIFIERS
ABSTRACT
This document examines population trends and economic and
social indicators in rural Idaho. The first few sections discuss the
definition of "rural," rural challenges and strengths, and outside economic
and political forces impacting Idaho's rural areas. Subsequent sections
present data on population trends, migration patterns, race and ethnicity,
age groups, economic bases, employment, business and banking, agriculture,
educational attainment, access to libraries, income, poverty, health care,
infrastructure, housing, and quality of life. Maps and other figures are
included in each section. Eight data tables provide details on Idaho counties
and state, both urban and rural averages. Education-related information in
these tables includes percentage of the population under age 18, percentage
with a high school diploma or higher, percent with a bachelor's degree or
higher, percentage with less than a ninth-grade education, high school
dropout rate, percentage of limited-English-speaking children of school age,
percentage served by library service, child poverty rate, and teen pregnancy
rate. Data sources and rural Idaho contacts are listed.
(SV)
Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made
from the original document.
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PROFILE
A look at economic
OF
C
and social trends
RURAL
affecting rural Idaho
IDAHO
V
DIRK KEMPTHORNE, GOVERNOR
GARY MAHN, DIRECTOR
!MHO DITARTMLN 1 Of COMMI.RCE
3
DIRK KEMPTHORNE
GOVERNOR
Dear Idahoan:
Most rural Idahoans I speak with share common
goals. They want their communities to be prosperous,
provide job opportunities for their children, and
enhance rural values and lifestyles. Idahoans
understand that to provide a brighter future for their
children they need to make wise investments in their
communities and their businesses.
This report, by focusing on the differences between
urban and rural Idaho, can be a useful tool for
achieving those goals. By highlighting rural and urban
strengths, vulnerabilities, and differences, it provides
policymakers in business and government with
statistics crucial to identifying challenges and to improving opportunities for all Idahoans.
While some of Idaho's rural areas have experienced an economic rebound during the last
decade, many of Idaho's natural resource-based industries are experiencing difficult times.
Worldwide oversupply, decreased prices, technological change, and increased competition
are creating problems for many communities. The policy implications of these market
conditions will demand our attention well into the next century.
I am convinced Idaho's "can-do" attitude and community spirit can enhance the
state's prosperity and well being. Sustaining our communities, creating new employment
opportunities and protecting the high quality of our environment will require partnerships at
many levels. With cooperation between the private and public sectors, and with committed
community leaders, we can keep Idaho vibrant.
Sincerely,
DIRK KEMPTHORNE
GOVERNOR
3
[phone]
STATE CAPITOL ° BOISE, 1p,AHO 83720
CONTENTS
Introduction
2
Highlights
3
Rural Definitions
4
Rural Differences
5
Outside Forces
6
Demographics
7
Economy
12
Agriculture
15
Education
16
Income
17
Poverty
18
Healthcare
19
Infrastructure
20
Housing
21
Quality of Life
22
Appendix Tables
23
Data Sources
32
Rural Idaho Contacts
33
DIRK KEMPTHORNE, Governor
GARY MAHN, Director
RURAL IDAHO
Profile of
is published by the Idaho Department of Commerce,
Division of Economic Development.
For further assistance, please contact:
Idaho Department of Commerce
700 West State Street
P.O. Box 83720, Boise, Idaho 83720-0093
[phone] FAX [phone]
IDAHO
Internet: http://www.idoc.state.id.us
E-mail: [email protected]
IDAHO
kge444'
RURAL
IDC 99-33120-4M
PARTNERSHIP
RURAL IDAHO
Profile of
1
INTRODUCTION
The vigorous growth Idaho's economy experienced in the late 1980s
continued through much of the 1990s. Between 1990 and 1998, Idaho's
population growth rate ranked third in the nation. Idaho ranked seventh in
population growth from 1997 to 1998 behind other Western states including
Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah. Idaho's civilian labor force increased 32.3
percent from 1990 to 1998. The strength of Idaho's economic performance was
fueled by the growth in three urban counties, Ada, Canyon, and Kootenai. Fifteen
counties, all rural except one, experienced a decline in population from 1997 to
1998. In addition, personal income has not kept pace with the rest of the nation.
Part of Idaho's below average income growth can be explained by the decline in
farm earnings.
High technology manufacturing, business services, health services, tourism,
and trade continue to be strong sectors in the state's economy, while natural
resource based economic activities, notably timber and mining, continue to
decline. While the agricultural sector has been affected, food processing has
eased the historical decline in number of farms and jobs. Both high technology
manufacturing and agriculture have been hit by the decline in the Asian
economy, a strong US dollar, decreased demand, and oversupply resulting in
lower prices for Idaho's exports. Despite Idaho's economic growth, not all areas
have benefitted. Fourteen counties had an unemployment rate of 4.0 percent or
less in 1998. Five counties, each dependent on timber or mining had double digit
unemployment.
Disparities in employment, income and the availability of social services
between rural and urban areas are not unique to Idaho. Rural economic distress
occurs in many states. This report is intended to help clarify the degree and
extent of the "two-Idaho" phenomenon. We do not intend to suggest there are not
any solutions to rural problems or that no one is working to lessen rural
disparities. Throughout rural Idaho, individuals and community groups are taking
action to improve life in rural areas, assisted by the Idaho Department of
Commerce's Gem Community Program, the Idaho Rural Partnership, and the
cooperative efforts of many other state and federal agencies.
It is hoped this report will serve as a useful planning tool for people
throughout Idaho working at local, state, and federal levels to accomplish this
goal. By better defining the issues facing rural Idaho, better solutions can be
devised and implemented.
The Idaho Department of Commerce published this profile, the third of its
kind, in cooperation with the Idaho Rural Partnership and the Idaho Office of
Rural Health. We wish to thank Dr. Dick Gardner and the members of the Idaho
Rural Partnership for their contributions and support.
5
Profile of RURAL IDAHO
2
HIGHLIGHTS
Rural areas cover 88.3 percent of the state of
Due to productivity gains and changes in the
Idaho. These areas are home to 36.2 percent of
global economy, the percent of total
the total population.
employment in agriculture and mining has
fallen over the last century while jobs in
manufacturing, trade, services, and
Idaho's population has grown steadily since
the first census, amid cycles of boom and bust.
government have increased.
During tough economic times in the 1980s,
Although urban counties show higher
more people left the state than moved in.
Rural areas were hardest hit. Since 1990,
proportions of high school and college
graduates, rural areas continue to improve.
three-fourths of the growth in population has
Both urban and rural areas exceed the
occurred in urban areas, especially Ada,
Canyon, and Kootenai counties.
national average in percent of high school
graduates.
Throughout the 1990s, most rural areas
experienced modest growth rates. Substantial
Rural per capita income in Idaho is two-
population growth is evident in those areas
thirds of the national average. Areas adjacent
adjacent to urban counties. Between 1997 and
to urban counties often attract new businesses
1998, fifteen counties lost population.
and individuals with higher incomes. As a
result, living expenses and taxes may increase.
All communities, urban and rural, are poised
The costs associated with increased
differently to react to changes in economic and
infrastructure and social services demands due
social conditions. Smaller towns often lack the
to new residents and new businesses may also
resources available in urban areas to help them
present challenges to rural areas.
adapt smoothly.
While poverty is more common among rural
The demographic makeup of Idaho counties
residents, they receive fewer welfare dollars.
is changing. The state's population is aging, an
issue which may be critical in rural areas with
The social fabric is stronger in rural areas
inadequate healthcare facilities and support.
with significantly fewer problems of crime,
divorce, and teen pregnancy and greater
While economic diversification is
community cohesiveness and spirit.
strengthening many local economies, some
areas continue to rely heavily on single
Physician shortages have eased in recent
industries, while other areas may be affected
years. Managed care and other factors are
by downsizing industries or business closures.
changing Idaho's health care structure toward
integrated regional networks. Some rural
The number of rural businesses grew
residents travel long distances for care.
substantially during the 1990s, although at a
Emergency medical services, most volunteer
slower rate than firms in urban counties.
based, are important in these areas.
Two counties, both rural and dependent on
Two-thirds of rural Idaho is public land
agriculture, lost employment from 1990-98. In
managed by the federal government. While
1998, five rural counties dependent on timber
outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities
and mining had double digit unemployment.
are readily available, land use decisions are
Fifty-seven percent of Idaho's population base
often made by others, outside of the area. Due
lives in a natural resource dependent area.
to its management, residents face limited
access and development options concerning the
land.
;4
6
RURAL IDAHO 3
Profile of
RURAL DEFINITIONS
Counties with No Cities of 20,000 or More -
coding an acceptable definition of rural is
11 no easy task. Is a rural area one with no
As with earlier editions of the Rural Profile of
Idaho, the authors of this report chose to define
McDonalds? One where cattle outnumber
rural as those counties that do not have a city of
people? The appropriate breaking point between
rural and urban seems to vary with the subject
20,000 or greater population. Twenty thousand
seems to be an appropriate threshold population
discussed. Data are often unavailable. Some
for a significant trading center. In Idaho, Boise,
commonly used definitions include:
Census Bureau Rural - The U.S. Census
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls, Lewiston, Moscow,
Nampa, Pocatello, and.Twin Falls meet this
Bureau defines rural as any place of fewer than
criterion. These cities all have higher education
2,500 residents or one of any size which is not
facilities, regional medical centers, and paid
included in an urbanized area. (The urbanized
economic development staff. The eight urban
areas in Idaho include the vicinities of Boise,
counties are Ada, Bannock, Bonneville, Canyon,
Pocatello, and Idaho Falls.) In 1996, according to
this definition, 40 percent of Idaho was rural.
Kootenai, Latah, Nez Perce, and Twin Falls. The
remaining 36 counties are classified as rural (see
This definition excludes such places as
map) and include 36.2 percent of the state's
Montpelier, Sandpoint, Jerome, St. Anthony, and
Grangeville, which are clearly rural in character. population. In order to draw a comparison
Nonmetropolitan - The Census Bureau
between 1990 and 1998 and so as not to
defines a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) as
minimize the rural and urban trends over time,
Latah County is included as an urban county for
a county or group of counties containing a place
of 50,000 or more. In Idaho, there are twothe
both 1990 and 1998. This is true only for those
instances where the net change is analyzed,
Boise MSA, which includes Ada and Canyon
counties, and the Pocatello MSA, which includes
notably, net migration, net business growth,
civilian employment, and housing.
Bannock County. Using this measure, 61.7
This last definition is not perfect. Each urban
percent of the state's population is
county contains some very rural areas. The towns
nonmetropolitan. However, because of Idaho's
of Downey in Bannock County, Parma in Canyon
sparse population and sprawling geography,
County, Worley in Kootenai County, Bovill in
smaller cities such as Idaho Falls, Lewiston, Twin
Falls, and Coeur d'Alene function as important
Latah County, and Buhl in Twin Falls County,
serve as good examples of rural areas in urban
trading centers.
counties. This definition of rural represents a
compromise and appears to be the most workable
for Idaho.
7
Rural Counties
Urban Counties
Profile of RURAL IDAHO
4
RURAL DIFFERENCES
Periods of rapid change directly impact communities. Both rural and urban areas are faced with
changing family structures, cultural diversification, shifts in technology, and periodic economic
fluctuations. However, there are some important differences in rural areas that set them apart and help
them adapt to change. Although these differences are often strengths, many times they take the form of
challenges that must be overcome in order for rural areas to survive and prosper.
Rural Strengths
Rural Challenges
Residents of rural areas are generally more
Rural communities tend to have narrower
business basesoften a single industrywhich
attached and committed to their communities.
Such a stable population translates into life-long
increases economic volatility and vulnerability.
residence and stronger community ties. Residents
Economic decline can translate to social distress.
of rural areas tend to know more people
Location issues contribute to problems of
intimately, which serves to strengthen and
isolation in rural areas.
solidify community values. Sense of place tends
Rural area residents may be negatively
to be stronger in rural areas.
impacted by population growth (increases in
Scenic beauty, a cleaner environment,
prices for goods and services and the crime rate).
proximity to natural amenities, and less
Many rural communities do not have
congestion contribute to a higher quality of life
infrastructure (roads, utilities, communications,
for rural residents.
etc.) in place that will allow them to grow.
A significant number of new residents Rural residents tend to enjoy a lower cost of
living when compared with urban residents.
moving into a community can overwhelm the
However, an influx of new businesses or residents
infrastructure capacity, creating social conflict.
can increase prices for goods and services.
Population loss creates excess capacity and
Rural areas hold the majority of the state's
increased per capita operating costs.
natural resources. The foundation of the
Due to smaller tax bases, community
agriculture, timber, and mining industries also
investment and infrastructure improvements are
hold the possibility for recreation and tourism
limited and often difficult to finance.
Rural communities are dependent upon
development in some areas.
The crime rate in rural areas tends to be
fewer leaders, sometimes volunteers, who must
work multiple roles and become susceptible to
lower than in urban areas.
Rural Idahoans possess a strong work ethic
burnout.
Rural areas often depend on urban centers
and represent a quality labor force.
for investment capital and other financial Lower business operating costs and the
proximity of natural amenities contribute to the
services.
attractiveness of rural areas as a place to operate
Social services, including basic medical
care, are often lacking in rural towns.
a business.
Rural areas are often characterized by a
lack of jobs. Available jobs tend to be lower
skilled and lower paying.
it
Profile of RURAL IDAHO 5
OUTSIDE FORCES
Both rural and urban Idaho are impacted
Technological Change - Rural resource-
by economic and political factors that
based industries are increasingly vulnerable to
originate beyond Idaho's borders. Changes in
changes in technology. Fewer raw materials go
economic and regulatory policies, international
into finished products. Substitute products
markets, technology, and the public perception of
replace many natural inputs. The agriculture
the appropriate role of government are but a few
industry has also been affected by technological
of these external factors.
changes. Former waste materials now have uses.
From a policy perspective however, it is
Fewer employees are needed to support a given
useful to distinguish between factors that affect
level of production.
Idaho in general and those that have unique
Information Technology - The information
impacts on rural Idaho:
age continues to send waves of change across
rural Idaho. Opportunities to link rural people
Changes in Federal Funding - The federally
and make rural businesses competitive are
mandated shift of responsibility for funding many
provided through telecommunications. However,
social services from the federal to state and local
technology is a two-edged sword. To the extent
government levels has placed increased pressure
that rural areas lack transmission capacity, and
on state and local budgets. This has increased the
residents lack computer literacy and equipment,
difficulty of providing quality social services in
rural Idaho is at risk. This risk comes in the form
rural areas at a reasonable cost. While agencies
of consolidation of jobs and services in urban
are under pressure, an atmosphere for effective
areas. Most rural areas have local call capability
change and collaboration has also been created.
allowing Internet access.
Deregulation - Decreasing government
Environmental Concerns - National public
oversight of the financial, transportation,
values have shifted toward more non-consumptive
healthcare, and communication industries has
uses of our environment. Resource sustainability
created more competition and efficiency. While
is a growing concern. The unique natural
population centers have been able to capture the
resources of the Pacific Northwest, coupled with
benefits of deregulation, rural areas with higher
unavoidable pressure from a growing economy,
per-unit costs pay higher market prices and
continue as subjects of intense regional and
receive lower levels of service.
national debate.
International Competition - Market prices
Public Land Management - Nearly two-
for resource-based rural economies are more
thirds of Idaho is public land managed by the
vulnerable to changes in world prices and resource
federal government. The potential extent of
supplies than are prices in markets of the more
private investment is constrained, as well as the
differentiated, technology-driven and information-
local tax base to finance infrastructure. Some
based urban economies. Consequently, increased
revenue is generated through PILT, Payment in
international production of basic commodities has
Lieu of Taxes. As PILT revenues decline, less
profoundly affected Idaho's rural economy. Recent
money is available to the counties for services.
trade agreements and the 1996 farm bill serve to
Rural areas are often subject to the values of
increase price risk.
urban residents on public land policies and
regulations. This is particularly true in the West.
9
Profile of RURAL IDAHO
6
DEMOGRAPHICS
Idaho Population Growth
1,400,000
1,200,000
1,000,000
800,000
600,000
400,000
200,000
n
I
0
1
1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 1998
1890
Urban Idaho
Rural Idaho
Idaho's population has grown steadily from the first census. The rural population, however, has
been relatively stable since 1920, peaking in 1950. Part of this variation in rural population may
be a result of the methodology used. Some counties grew to become urban and as such were no longer
counted as rural.
Idaho was 100 percent rural until 1920, when the city of Boise reached a population of 21,393. Ada
County was Idaho's first urban area. Bannock County was the next area to become urban when
Pocatello grew to over 20,000 in 1950. The 1960 Census made it possible to include Bonneville and
Twin Falls counties. In 1970, Canyon and Nez Perce counties were added. Kootenai County joined the
list of urban counties in 1990. With the 1996 city population estimates, Latah County is the latest urban
county addition.
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DM
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MD
MID
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aS193)
Ettud
444,635
415,536
362,657 409,928
435,641
396,653 407,107 474,472 476,243
325,594
161,772
88,548
Wm]
534,199
591,213 784,049
231,550 350,358
112,394
35,213 37,925
50,401
0
0 0
Tall
1,228,684
713,015 944,127
1,006,749
588,637
524,873 667,191
431,866
325,594 445,032
161,772
88,548
Eighteen Idaho counties, all rural, saw population declines in the 1980s. From 1990-98, four
counties lost population. Fourteen rural counties and one urban county, Latah, experienced a population
decrease from 1997 to 1998. While the majority of population growth continues to occur in Idaho's
urban areas, rural high amenity counties have also experienced population growth. Teton County has
received national attention for its population growth. Between 1990 and 1998, Teton County ranked
first in Idaho and 19th in the nation in percent change in population.
sts.
/
Profile of RURAL IDAHO 7