Statistics show how Sandpoint, Bonner County differ from the nation

With the end of 2024 approaching, the nation is halfway between the 2020 and 2030 censuses. Between the official counts, the U.S. Census Bureau continues to gather and publish data on the national and local levels; examining these statistics gives context to issues our communities face. 

People and growth 

USCB statistics show that Idaho, Bonner County and Sandpoint have recently experienced higher-than-average population growth. 

For the U.S., the change between the official census count in 2020 and the estimated population in July 2023 was a 1.04% increase. In Idaho, Bonner County and Sandpoint, the growth was 6.8%, 11.6% and 15.8%, respectively, for the same period. 

For certain demographic categories, Bonner County stood out from the state, nation and Sandpoint. 

Both Sandpoint and Idaho mirrored the 2023 national proportion of residents over 65 of 17.7%, but Bonner County’s rate was higher at 26.7%.

Additionally, while Sandpoint and Idaho were close to the U.S. rate, 8.8% of Bonner County residents between 2019 and 2023 classified as veterans — almost twice the national average of 4.9% for the same period.  

Housing and income 

Statistics indicate that income in Idaho, Bonner County and Sandpoint doesn’t align with higher-than-average housing prices. 

The 2019-2023 national owner-occupied housing unit rate was 65.0%. Idaho and Bonner County exceeded the U.S. rate at 72.4% and 77.6%, respectively, while Sandpoint fell below at 55.9%. 

For the same period, the U.S. median value of owner-occupied housing units was $303,000. The median value in Idaho, Bonner County and Sandpoint was 23.9%, 42.8% and 48.2% higher, respectively. 

For median household income, the opposite was true. Earnings in Idaho, Bonner County and Sandpoint were 5.0%, 17.0% and 13.7% lower than the national average of $78,538, respectively. 

In 2023, Bonner County and Idaho were just below the 11.1% national poverty rate, while Sandpoint was above at 16.1%. 

All data and statistics included were sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 census, Population Estimates Program, and American Community Survey.