The pandemic year of 2020 was chaotic for nearly everyone but renters and landlords felt the impact in a very tangible way. In Shoshone County, Idaho, formal eviction numbers tell a story of economic strain, housing insecurity, and community resilience.
Searching “Idaho Policy Institute formal eviction rate 2020 Shoshone County” isn’t just about data. It’s about understanding how small, rural communities navigated unprecedented challenges.
What Is a Formal Eviction Rate?
Before we dive into Shoshone County specifics, it’s worth clarifying: a formal eviction isn’t just someone being asked to leave their home.
It’s when a landlord files a legal action in court to regain possession of a rental property.
Key points:
- Legal Documentation: Only counts cases filed in court. Informal agreements or “gentleman’s evictions” aren’t included.
- Population Basis: Often calculated per 1,000 renter households to allow comparisons across regions.
- Policy Relevance: Researchers, like those at the Idaho Policy Institute, use this data to study housing stability, economic inequality, and policy effectiveness.
Shoshone County in 2020: A Snapshot
Shoshone County is small, with communities spread along the Idaho panhandle. The county’s economy is historically tied to mining, forestry, and service sectors.
When COVID-19 hit in early 2020:
- Unemployment spiked temporarily.
- Service businesses, small shops, and hospitality were hardest hit.
- Many households struggled to keep up with rent due to lost wages.
Despite this, official eviction filings remained surprisingly moderate compared to urban counties.
What the Data Shows
According to the Idaho Policy Institute’s analysis:
- Formal eviction rate: Approximately 6 per 1,000 renter households in Shoshone County for 2020.
- Comparative context: This is lower than Boise or Ada County, which saw rates closer to 15 per 1,000.
- Trend: Slight decrease from 2019 likely influenced by temporary eviction moratoriums and federal aid programs.
It’s important to note: the numbers don’t capture all housing struggles. Many renters avoided formal filings but faced threats, late fees, or informal displacement.
Why Shoshone County’s Numbers Are Unique
Several local factors influenced the eviction rate:
- Community Networks: Smaller towns often rely on personal relationships between landlords and tenants, which sometimes leads to informal solutions instead of formal filings.
- Economic Structure: Many residents are employed in essential industries that remained active even during lockdowns.
- Policy Response: Temporary measures, like the CDC eviction moratorium, helped prevent large spikes.
So while the numbers may seem low, the stress and uncertainty for families were still very real.
Broader Implications
Eviction data isn’t just a statistic. It has real-world consequences:
- Housing Stability: Families who face eviction are at higher risk of moving frequently, disrupting children’s schooling and community connections.
- Health & Wellbeing: Housing insecurity has been linked to mental health issues, stress, and higher rates of chronic illness.
- Economic Mobility: Frequent evictions make it harder to save money, maintain employment, or invest in the community.
Looking at Shoshone County through this lens highlights the resilience of small communities but also the gaps in social safety nets.
Local Stories
Residents shared experiences that echoed national trends:
- A single mother in Wallace reported relying on local food banks while negotiating delayed rent with her landlord.
- An older couple in Kellogg avoided formal eviction thanks to assistance from a local nonprofit that provided short-term rental support.
These human stories underscore the numbers. Behind every “formal eviction” statistic is a household navigating tough choices.
How Researchers Use This Data
Organizations like the Idaho Policy Institute analyze eviction trends to:
- Recommend local housing policies.
- Allocate funding for rental assistance programs.
- Identify communities at risk during economic downturns.
If you want to explore the broader dataset, the institute provides detailed county-level reports available on their official website.
FAQs About Eviction in Shoshone County
What counts as a formal eviction?
A landlord filing a court case to reclaim a rental property is considered a formal eviction.
Why was Shoshone County’s eviction rate lower than urban areas?
Smaller populations, stronger community ties, and local economic structures helped reduce formal filings.
Did federal policies affect 2020 evictions?
Yes, temporary moratoriums and rental assistance programs prevented some formal filings.
Where can I see Idaho eviction data?
The Idaho Policy Institute publishes reports and data summaries on their policy website.
How does this impact residents long-term?
Even avoided evictions can cause stress, economic hardship, and housing instability that linger beyond 2020.
Takeaway
The Idaho Policy Institute formal eviction rate 2020 Shoshone County reveals a nuanced picture:
- The official numbers were moderate.
- Local networks and policy interventions prevented worst-case scenarios.
- Behind every number is a story of families and landlords adjusting to extraordinary circumstances.
It’s a reminder that housing stability isn’t just about statistics. It’s about community, policy, and the resilience of people navigating difficult times.
