Nez Perce County is a county located in the northern part of the state of Idaho along the border with Washington state. The county is named for the Nez Perce Tribe of Native Americans. As of 2000, the population is 37,410. The county seat is Lewiston.

Geography

Two rivers, the Clearwater River and the Snake River, run through the county.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,218 km² (856 mi²). 2,199 km² (849 mi²) of it is land and 19 km² (7 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.85% water.

Major Highways

• U.S. Highway 12
• U.S. Highway 95
• U.S. Highway 195

Adjacent Counties

• Latah County, Idaho north
• Clearwater County, Idaho northeast
• Lewis County, Idaho east
• Idaho County, Idaho southeast
• Wallowa County, Oregon southwest
• Asotin County, Washington west
• Whitman County, Washington northwest

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 37,410 people, 15,286 households, and 10,149 families residing in the county. The population density is 17/km² (44/mi²). There are 16,203 housing units at an average density of 7/km² (19/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 91.58% White, 0.28% Black or African American, 5.31% Native American, 0.65% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.50% from other races, and 1.60% from two or more races. 1.93% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 15,286 households out of which 29.00% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.80% are married couples living together, 9.30% have a female householder with no husband present, and 33.60% are non-families. 26.70% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.30% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.40 and the average family size is 2.90.

In the county the population is spread out with 23.80% under the age of 18, 10.00% from 18 to 24, 26.70% from 25 to 44, 23.00% from 45 to 64, and 16.50% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 38 years. For every 100 females there are 96.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 93.80 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $36,282, and the median income for a family is $44,212. Males have a median income of $34,688 versus $23,014 for females. The per capita income for the county is $18,544. 12.20% of the population and 8.60% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 15.40% of those under the age of 18 and 6.70% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Cities and towns

• Culdesac
• Lapwai
• Lewiston
• Peck

See also: Idaho counties