About Benewah County
Benewah County is located in the northern panhandle region of Idaho, established in 1915 from portions of Kootenai County. The county seat is St. Maries, situated along the St. Joe River, which is famously known as the 'shadiest stream' due to the dense forest canopy along its banks. Benewah County encompasses approximately 776 square miles of land characterized by mountainous terrain, dense forests, and significant waterways including the St. Joe River and parts of Lake Coeur d'Alene. The county population is approximately 9,200 residents according to recent census estimates.
A significant portion of the county lies within the Coeur d'Alene Indian Reservation, creating a unique jurisdictional landscape. The county economy historically centered on timber harvesting and forest products, with the St. Maries region serving as a major logging hub.
Major landmarks include the St. Joe National Forest, Heyburn State Park (Idaho's oldest state park, established in 1908), and the scenic St. Joe River corridor.
The Benewah County Courthouse is located at 701 College Avenue in St. Maries, ID 83861, housing the County Recorder, County Clerk, and other administrative offices. The County Assessor's office maintains property valuation records at the same address.
The County Recorder manages all land records, deeds, and mortgages. The region's natural beauty attracts outdoor recreation enthusiasts for fishing, hunting, hiking, and water sports, making tourism an increasingly important economic sector alongside traditional forestry and agriculture.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Benewah County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across the unincorporated areas of the county. This office oversees the operations of the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community programs aimed at crime prevention and public safety. Notable divisions within the office include patrol, investigations, and a dedicated team for handling emergency situations.
Police Departments
In addition to the Benewah County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county is supported by municipal police departments such as the St. Maries Police Department and the Plummer Police Department. These agencies have jurisdiction within their respective city limits and work in coordination with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional law enforcement initiatives. The collaboration ensures comprehensive coverage and response to incidents across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Benewah County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the county, headquartered at 701 College Avenue, St. Maries, ID 83861. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (208) 245-2540 and operates the Benewah County Detention Facility for housing inmates. Current inmate information and jail roster can be obtained by contacting the detention facility directly at the Sheriff's Office number during business hours; however, Benewah County does not currently maintain a publicly accessible online inmate search database.
- Arrest records are considered public records under Idaho Code Title 74, Chapter 1 (Idaho Public Records Act) and can be requested from the Sheriff's Office in writing or in person.
- Requests should include the name and date of birth of the subject, and there may be copying fees associated with fulfilling records requests.
- Mugshot and booking photos are maintained by the detention facility and Sheriff's Office and may be released pursuant to public records requests, though certain restrictions may apply for ongoing investigations.
- Citizens should specify which law enforcement agency they need records from when making requests.
- Processing times for arrest records typically range from several days to two weeks depending on the complexity of the request and available staffing.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Benewah County include felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Benewah County Sheriff's Office and the Idaho Bureau of Criminal Identification maintain these records. Residents can run background checks through the Idaho Bureau of Investigation, which provides comprehensive criminal history reports. The system ensures that individuals and organizations can access necessary information for security and employment purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Benewah County are maintained by the Benewah County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records through formal applications to the Sheriff's Office, in compliance with the Idaho Public Records Law. Arrest records typically contain the date of arrest, charges filed, and any court proceedings related to the arrest.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Benewah County Jail, located in St. Maries, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are strict, requiring prior scheduling and adherence to specific guidelines. The bond and bail process follows Idaho state laws, allowing for release upon posting the required amount set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Benewah County are taken and retained by the Benewah County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. Idaho does not have specific laws regarding the removal of mugshots from public records, making them generally accessible unless sealed by court order.
Courts & Case Records
Benewah County is served by the Idaho First Judicial District Court, with the Benewah County Courthouse located at 701 College Avenue, St. Maries, ID 83861. The District Court has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $10,000, divorce and family law matters, probate, and appeals from lower courts. The court can be reached at (208) 245-3212. Idaho maintains a statewide case search system through the Idaho Supreme Court's iCourt Portal at idcourts.gov, where the public can search Benewah County case records by party name, case number, or attorney.
- The Benewah County Magistrate Division hears misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims (up to $5,000), infractions, preliminary hearings in felony cases, and civil cases under $10,000.
- Copies of court documents cost $1.00 per page, and certified copies are $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee.
- Case file searches can be conducted in person at the Clerk of Court's office or through the online iCourt system.
- Remote access to court records is available through the Idaho Repository portal for registered users who wish to view and download documents electronically for a fee.
Property & Public Records
The Benewah County Recorder's Office, located at 701 College Avenue, St. Maries, ID 83861, maintains all real property records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, easements, subdivision plats, and other documents affecting title to real property. The Recorder's Office can be reached at (208) 245-3206. Idaho law (Idaho Code § 31-2401 et seq.) requires the County Recorder to maintain an indexed system of all recorded documents, which are public records available for inspection and copying.
- Document copies cost $1.00 per page for standard letter-sized documents, and certified copies add a $5.00 certification fee.
The Benewah County Assessor's Office, also located at the courthouse, maintains property tax assessment records, parcel maps, and ownership information, reachable at (208) 245-2851. Property tax payment information is handled through the County Treasurer's Office. While Benewah County does not currently offer a comprehensive online property records database, property information can be researched in person at the Recorder's or Assessor's office during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The Assessor's office maintains property tax records and may have limited online access to assessment information. Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and parcel viewer services may be available through direct contact with county offices. For historical property research or title searches, researchers can examine the grantor-grantee indexes maintained by the Recorder, which date back to the county's establishment in 1915.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Benewah County are maintained by the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics, located at 450 West State Street, Boise, ID 83702. Under Idaho Code § 39-259, certified copies of birth certificates are available to the registrant (if 18 or older), parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, legal representatives, and individuals with a direct and tangible interest. Birth certificates cost $20.00 for the first copy and $13.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates follow similar eligibility requirements and cost the same.
- Marriage licenses cost approximately $30.00 and require both parties to appear in person with valid photo identification.
- Certified copies of marriage certificates can be obtained from the County Clerk for $13.00.
- Divorce decrees are court records maintained by the Clerk of District Court at the Benewah County Courthouse and can be obtained by eligible parties for standard court copying fees.
- Online vital records ordering is available through the Idaho Vital Records website at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov for an additional convenience fee.
Business & Licensing
Business entity registration in Idaho is primarily handled by the Idaho Secretary of State's office, which maintains a searchable online database at sos.idaho.gov where the public can look up corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and other registered business entities operating in Benewah County and throughout Idaho. The search is free and provides information on business names, registered agents, formation dates, and current status. The Benewah County Clerk's Office at 701 College Avenue, St.
- DBA filing fees are typically $25.00 and must be renewed every five years.
- Building permits, zoning compliance, and land use applications are processed through the Benewah County Planning and Zoning Department, also located at the courthouse, phone (208) 245-2333.
- Maries Regional Chamber of Commerce, accessible online, provides resources for local businesses and economic development information.
Maries, ID 83861, phone (208) 245-2521, handles assumed business name (DBA) filings and trade name registrations for businesses operating under names different from their legal entity names. Local business licenses for operations within St. Maries city limits are issued by the St.
Maries City Hall. Professional licenses (contractors, cosmetologists, healthcare providers, etc.) are regulated by their respective Idaho state licensing boards, not at the county level. The St.
Sales tax permit information can be obtained from the Idaho State Tax Commission, as Idaho does not have a general sales tax but does have specific tax obligations for certain business activities. County business records, including professional licenses that may be required for certain activities within county jurisdiction, can be researched by contacting the appropriate county office directly.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Benewah County are administered by the Benewah County Clerk, who serves as the ex-officio election official, with offices located at 701 College Avenue, St. Maries, ID 83861. The Clerk's office can be reached at (208) 245-2521 for voter registration information, polling place locations, and absentee ballot requests. Idaho offers online voter registration through the Idaho Secretary of State's website at idahovotes.gov, where eligible citizens can register or update their registration.
- Absentee ballots are available to any registered voter in Idaho without requiring an excuse; requests can be made by contacting the County Clerk in writing, by phone, or through the online absentee ballot request portal.
- Absentee ballot requests for a specific election must be received by 11 days before election day, with completed ballots due by 8:00 PM on election day.
The voter registration deadline in Idaho is 25 days before any election, and residents must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by election day, and have resided in Idaho and the county for at least 30 days. Voters can find their polling place by contacting the County Clerk's office or checking online through the Idaho voter information portal.
Benewah County typically operates several polling locations on election day, with the main voting center often at the county fairgrounds or community facilities in St. Maries. Public election records include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted under Idaho Code § 34-437A), campaign finance reports filed with the Idaho Secretary of State, candidate declarations of candidacy, precinct-level election results, and canvass reports.
Benewah County, like most rural Idaho counties, tends toward high voter participation in presidential elections, with turnout in the 2024 general election estimated at approximately 65-70% of registered voters, consistent with rural Idaho patterns. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate races, Idaho statewide constitutional officers, state legislative seats, and various local offices.
Idaho law (Idaho Code Title 34) provides for public access to election records, and citizens may request copies of precinct results, voter history data (with restrictions on use), and other election administration records through the County Clerk's office, subject to applicable fees and privacy protections.
Economy & Demographics
Benewah County's economy has traditionally been dominated by the timber and forest products industry, reflecting the region's vast forest resources within the St. Joe National Forest and surrounding timberlands. Major employers historically included logging operations, sawmills, and wood product manufacturers, though the sector has contracted significantly from its peak in the mid-20th century. The Bennett Lumber Company and other forest product businesses have been significant economic contributors.
- As of recent economic data, the median household income in Benewah County is approximately $43,000, below both the Idaho state median and national averages.
The county faces economic challenges including geographic isolation, limited industrial diversity, and a small population base. Agriculture, particularly livestock ranching and hay production, represents another traditional economic sector. Tourism and outdoor recreation have emerged as increasingly important economic drivers, capitalizing on the county's natural assets including Lake Coeur d'Alene access, the St.
Joe River (popular for fishing and kayaking), Heyburn State Park, and extensive public lands for hunting, hiking, and camping. The service sector, retail trade, healthcare (with Benewah Medical Center in St. Maries), and government employment (including tribal government operations) provide important employment.
The Coeur d'Alene Tribe operates economic enterprises including the Circling Raven Golf Club and other ventures that contribute to regional employment. Unemployment rates in Benewah County typically run higher than state averages, with seasonal fluctuations related to tourism and natural resource extraction. Economic development efforts focus on diversifying the economic base, improving infrastructure, and promoting the county's quality of life and outdoor recreation opportunities to attract remote workers and retirees.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (iCourt Portal) | Property: ⚠️ Limited Online (In-Person Preferred) | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person Only | Vital Records: ⚠️ State Office Required | Business: ✅ Online (State Database) | Elections: ✅ Available via Clerk | Overall Score: 6/10 — Benewah County provides access to public records primarily through in-person requests and phone contact, with limited online databases compared to larger Idaho counties.
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Cities & Towns in Benewah County
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