Rural Idaho counties see population decline

The number of people moving out of rural Idaho increased between mid-2008 and mid-2009 as the recession reached into every corner of the state.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimated that 23 rural Idaho counties saw more people moving out than moving in.

Idaho’s Silver Valley was among the hardest hit. Shoshone County lost 195 residents through a combination of deaths and outmigration during the 12-month period. Benewah County lost 125 residents; Bonner County lost 83.

Kootenai County’s population, meanwhile, grew by 2,392 people during the 12-month period. The county’s population estimate was 139,390 in June.

Boundary County’s population grew by 14 people during that same time period.