Grangeville to Kamiah - General area (Blackfoot, Orofino: low income, crime, homes)

[devosays]

Looking to buy 20+ acres in this area potentially. Remember hearing from
a rancher from down towards Cascade that Grangeville is a bit, I forget the word he used but it was a negative connotation if I recall, could have been just joking. Have been through Oroville and along 12 and it seemed real pretty and close enough to our home to get their most of the year. Looking for a recreation spot that may someday serve a retirement purpose, just want to avoid an area where crime is more than average and people are overall friendly, recluses are to be expected I know. I would bet their are some backwoods preppers, illegal hunting and all of the business you would find generally in such a rural place. But hoping to hear some positives along with the have to drive for more than the basics. I may just have to drive down and talk to some folks to see about a guy from up near CDA moving a trailer and putting up a pole building might run into leaving for a month at a time might face...


Thanks in advance
Devo

[Clark Fork Fantast]

I don't think we have any members right now living in the general Orofino area who can answer your question. We were checking out the area years ago, and were told by locals to focus on Orofino to Kamiah, and not go as far as Kooskia. Honestly, Kooskia looked fairly run-down, last we passed through, but these things change. I would say that Grangeville doesn't sound really attractive as a retirement spot, up on the plateau. The small towns down along the Clearwater are much more attractive, IMO. But in all fairness I haven't been through in 5-6 years.

[NW Crow]

Kamiah is about 1300 folks. 1/3rd over 60 yrs old. Low income (about 20% below national average). 83% white, 7% native. Low reported crime rates.

Kooskia, half that size, a little older, a little more "white", low crime but a bit higher than Kamiah. Average home price was around $243k in fall 2019 compared to $177k in Kamiah. Is there a difference in land prices? I dunno. Maybe Kooskia on average has more or better land per property. But Kooskia is 40% below national average on reported income. Hmm...

Orofino, 3000 people. Only 17% over 60. 3% native. Home prices and income at Kamiah level. A bit higher than national average on property crime but better than average on violent crime.

Grangeville, 3200 people. 28% over 60. 1% native. Very safe. Average home price $200k. Family income only 10% below national average. Over 50 inches of snow per year. May vary be exact location. More than in the lower valley.

Winchester, 300 people. 40% over 60. 20% LDS. 4% native. Very safe.

In general area is relatively safe but vacant property probably needs a neighbor's eyes & ears and security devices.

[nowhereman427]

My friend who lives in Grangeville says they get lots of snow and ice on roads. Very windy and cold where they are located just outside the town of Grangeville in the rural part where the homes have acreage.

[NW Crow]

Big counties, small populations tend to mean small local road budgets and big road desires. Private roads are a partial answer to some needs at major cost. But indirect routes and limited maintaince funds are generslly also part of the reality.

[devosays]

Thanks for the information everyone. I will do some drives down here over the next few months.

I noticed my spell check changed the name to Oroville, instead of Orofino. jeez what a dope, sorry to anyone who lives their. I couldn’t edit it for some reason...

Appreciate the feedback!

[banjomike]

Originally Posted by devosays

Thanks for the information everyone. I will do some drives down here over the next few months.

I noticed my spell check changed the name to Oroville, instead of Orofino. jeez what a dope, sorry to anyone who lives their. I couldn’t edit it for some reason...

Appreciate the feedback!

Orofino is the home of Idaho's northern mental hospital. (There are two; the southern one is located in Blackfoot).

I don't know if its still true, but for many years, Orofino High's teams were called The Maniacs.

[nowhereman427]

Originally Posted by banjomike

Orofino is the home of Idaho's northern mental hospital. (There are two; the southern one is located in Blackfoot).

I don't know if its still true, but for many years, Orofino High's teams were called The Maniacs.

Because of these mental hospitals are there higher incidents of problems in northern Idaho or Southern Idaho in Blackfoot of the communities in close proximately to these two hospitals?

[banjomike]

Originally Posted by nowhereman427

Because of these mental hospitals are there higher incidents of problems in northern Idaho or Southern Idaho in Blackfoot of the communities in close proximately to these two hospitals?

Are you referring to the towns the hospitals are in?
If so, I don't think so.

The state hospitals aren't like they once were at all. The entire system of caring for those with mental problems has changed radically, and the hospitals' role have changed along with the other changes.

I can't say much about Orofino, but there's very little in the news about the hospital in Blackfoot any more, and there hasn't been much for decades.

[nowhereman427]

Originally Posted by banjomike

Are you referring to the towns the hospitals are in?
If so, I don't think so.

The state hospitals aren't like they once were at all. The entire system of caring for those with mental problems has changed radically, and the hospitals' role have changed along with the other changes.

I can't say much about Orofino, but there's very little in the news about the hospital in Blackfoot any more, and there hasn't been much for decades.