About Shoshone County
Shoshone County is located in the panhandle region of northern Idaho, covering approximately 2,635 square miles of mountainous terrain in the Silver Valley. The county seat is Wallace, a historic mining town located at 752 Bank Street, Wallace, ID 83873. With a population of approximately 13,000 residents as of recent estimates, Shoshone County is one of Idaho's most historically significant counties, famous for its rich silver mining heritage dating back to the 1880s.
- The entire town of Wallace is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The county is home to the Sierra Silver Mine Tour, the Route of the Hiawatha Trail, and portions of the Coeur d'Alene National Forest. Key county offices include the Shoshone County Recorder at 700 Bank Street, Wallace, ID 83873, the County Clerk's office at the same address within the Shoshone County Courthouse, and the Assessor's office which maintains property tax records and valuations. The county stretches from the Montana border to the east and includes communities such as Kellogg, Osburn, Mullan, Pinehurst, Smelterville, and Silverton.
Known as the Silver Capital of the World, Shoshone County produced more silver than any other mining district in U.S. history. The county's rugged geography includes the Bitterroot Range and features significant outdoor recreation opportunities including skiing at Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg, one of Idaho's premier ski destinations.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Shoshone County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of the county. It oversees the Shoshone County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is committed to community safety and offers programs such as neighborhood watch and crime prevention education. The Sheriff's Office also has specialized divisions, including a search and rescue team that operates in the county's challenging terrain.
Police Departments
In addition to the Shoshone County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county is provided by municipal police departments in cities like Kellogg, Wallace, and Osburn. Each city department handles local policing within its jurisdiction, focusing on community safety and crime prevention. These agencies collaborate with the Sheriff's Office on major investigations and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive law enforcement coverage throughout the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Shoshone County Sheriff's Office, located at 700 Bank Street in Wallace, ID 83873, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the county. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (208) 752-1146 and maintains the county detention facility. Inmates housed at the Shoshone County Jail can be searched through the Sheriff's Office during business hours by calling directly, as the county currently relies on phone inquiries rather than a comprehensive online inmate roster.
- Citizens may submit written public records requests to the Sheriff's Office or individual police departments to obtain arrest reports, incident records, and booking logs.
- Processing times for records requests vary, and agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying and research time as permitted under Idaho Code § 74-102.
Municipal police departments operate in several incorporated cities within Shoshone County, including the Wallace Police Department, Kellogg Police Department, and Osburn Police Department, each providing law enforcement services within their respective city limits. Arrest records and booking information in Shoshone County are considered public records under Idaho Code § 74-101 et seq., the Idaho Public Records Act, which requires agencies to provide access to public records upon request unless specifically exempted. Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the Sheriff's Office, though some records may be subject to redaction if they involve ongoing investigations or juvenile offenders.
The Sheriff's Office also coordinates search and rescue operations in the mountainous terrain of Shoshone County and works cooperatively with the Coeur d'Alene Tribe on certain jurisdictional matters within tribal boundaries.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Shoshone County's criminal records system includes documentation of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registrations. The Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Idaho Bureau of Criminal Identification provides background checks for residents. Individuals can request a background check through the Bureau, which includes statewide criminal history information. The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, ensuring community awareness and safety.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Shoshone County are maintained by the Shoshone County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and any subsequent court proceedings. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, adhering to the guidelines set forth by the Idaho Public Records Law. Arrest records typically contain the individual's personal information, the nature of the offense, and the arresting agency's details.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Shoshone County Jail, located in Wallace, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested in the county. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting the detainee, after which they may be held until bail is posted or they appear in court. Inmate information can be accessed through the jail's online inmate lookup tool. Visitation is allowed but must be scheduled in advance, with specific rules regarding the duration and frequency of visits. Bail can be posted according to Idaho state guidelines, allowing for the release of inmates pending trial.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Shoshone County are taken and retained by the Shoshone County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images 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 for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can petition for removal in certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related charges.
Courts & Case Records
Shoshone County is served by the First Judicial District Court of Idaho, with the courthouse located at 700 Bank Street, Wallace, ID 83873. The District Court handles 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) 752-1264. Idaho's court system also includes Magistrate Court in Shoshone County, which has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary hearings for felonies, civil cases under $10,000, small claims up to $5,000, infractions, and protection orders.
- The Idaho Supreme Court provides the iCourt Portal at idcourts.gov, which offers public access to case records, though the extent of online records varies by case type and date.
- Copies of court documents cost $1.00 per page, and certified copies require an additional fee.
Court records in Idaho are generally public under Idaho Court Administrative Rule 32, which governs public access to court records, though certain sensitive documents such as sealed cases, juvenile records, and confidential adoption records are restricted. To search court records in person, visitors may access the Clerk of Court's public terminal at the Wallace courthouse during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM excluding holidays. Remote access through the iCourt system allows searching by party name, case number, or attorney, though some historical records may only be available in paper form at the courthouse.
Justice Court in Wallace also handles certain traffic violations and magistrate-level matters specific to the city limits.
Property & Public Records
The Shoshone County Recorder's Office, located at 700 Bank Street, Wallace, ID 83873, maintains all land and property records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, reconveyances, liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment), easements, rights-of-way, subdivision plats, and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings. The Recorder's office can be reached at (208) 752-1264. Recording fees vary by document type, with standard deeds typically costing around $10.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page, though fees are subject to change.
- Property tax information can be accessed by contacting the Assessor at (208) 752-1264.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in writing or in person with proper identification and payment of applicable fees.
Idaho law requires real property conveyances to be recorded with the county recorder to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers under Idaho Code § 55-811 and § 55-812. The Shoshone County Assessor's Office, also located at 700 Bank Street, maintains property tax assessment records, ownership information, parcel maps, and agricultural exemption data. The County Treasurer, located in the same building, collects property taxes and maintains payment histories.
While some Idaho counties offer online GIS parcel viewers and searchable property databases, Shoshone County's online access is more limited, and many searches require in-person visits or phone inquiries to county offices. The Recorder's office indexes all documents by grantor, grantee, and legal description, making historical title searches possible, though abstractors and title companies frequently conduct more comprehensive searches for real estate transactions.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates in Shoshone County, Idaho are maintained by the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics, located at 450 West State Street, Boise, ID 83702, as vital records in Idaho are centralized at the state level rather than county level. The Shoshone County Recorder's Office at 700 Bank Street, Wallace, ID 83873, can provide information and application forms, but certified copies must be obtained from the state office.
- Birth certificates cost $18.00 for the first copy and $11.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, while death certificates cost $13.00 for the first copy and $11.00 for additional copies.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks by mail, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at idaho.gov/vitalrecords with credit card payment and additional service fees.
Applicants must be immediate family members or have a legal interest and must provide valid photo identification along with their application as required by Idaho Code § 39-259. Marriage licenses are issued by the Shoshone County Recorder's Office, and couples must apply in person with valid identification; the license costs approximately $30.00 and has no waiting period in Idaho, though it is valid for one year from issuance. Marriage certificates documenting completed marriages are also available from the county Recorder for recent marriages or from the state Bureau of Vital Records for marriages prior to 1947.
Divorce decrees are obtained from the Clerk of Court at the Shoshone County Courthouse at 700 Bank Street, as these are court records rather than vital records, and copies cost $1.00 per page plus certification fees if needed.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Shoshone County involves multiple levels of government depending on the business type and location. The Shoshone County Clerk's Office at 700 Bank Street, Wallace, ID 83873, handles certain local business filings including certificates of assumed business name (DBA or "Doing Business As" filings) for sole proprietors and partnerships operating under a name different from the owner's legal name, as required by Idaho Code § 53-504.
- The filing fee is approximately $25.00 and the certificate must be published in a local newspaper of general circulation.
For corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other formal business entities, registration is handled by the Idaho Secretary of State's office in Boise. The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online business entity database at sos.idaho.gov/corp where anyone can search by business name, registered agent, or filing number to verify business status, view formation dates, and access certain filed documents. Individual cities within Shoshone County, including Wallace, Kellogg, Osburn, Mullan, and Pinehurst, may require separate city business licenses or permits for businesses operating within their jurisdictions; applicants should contact the respective city clerk's office.
The Shoshone County Planning and Building Department handles building permits, zoning compliance, and land use permits for construction and development projects in unincorporated areas; this office can be reached through the county courthouse. Professional and occupational licensing (contractors, cosmetologists, healthcare providers, etc.) is regulated by various Idaho state boards and bureaus rather than at the county level. The Silver Valley Chamber of Commerce serves Shoshone County communities and can be reached through their website for business development resources and networking opportunities.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Shoshone County are administered by the Shoshone County Clerk's Office, located at 700 Bank Street, Wallace, ID 83873. The County Clerk serves as the election official and can be reached at (208) 752-1264. The office manages voter registration, coordinates polling places, processes absentee ballots, certifies election results, and maintains election records for the county. Idaho voters can register online through the Idaho Secretary of State's website at idahovotes.gov, or by submitting a paper application to the County Clerk's office.
Voter registration deadlines in Idaho require registration to be completed no later than 25 days before an election, either online or by mail, though same-day registration is available at county election offices and polling places with proof of residency. To find your polling place in Shoshone County, voters can contact the County Clerk's office or check their voter registration status at idahovotes.gov, which provides polling location information based on residential address. Idaho is primarily a polling place state, though absentee voting is available.
To request an absentee ballot in Shoshone County, voters must submit a written request to the County Clerk including their name, residence address, mailing address for the ballot, and signature; requests can be made beginning 45 days before an election and must be received by 11 days before Election Day for mail delivery or 5:00 PM the day before the election for in-person pickup. Election records available to the public include the voter registration list (excluding certain protected information), candidate filing documents, campaign finance reports filed with the county, precinct-level election results, and pollbooks, all accessible under Idaho Code § 74-101 (Public Records Act) and Idaho Code § 34-437. Shoshone County typically experiences voter turnout ranging from 55-70% in presidential election years and 40-55% in midterm elections, consistent with rural Idaho patterns.
The 2024 general election saw strong turnout across Idaho's northern counties. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, potential U.S.
Senate races, Idaho state legislative seats, county commissioners, and various local offices and ballot measures. Campaign finance disclosure requirements apply to candidates and political committees, with reports filed both with the Idaho Secretary of State and the County Clerk depending on the office sought. The County Clerk's office maintains transparency by making election results available shortly after certification and providing public access to voter history (who voted, not how they voted) and precinct data upon request.
Economy & Demographics
Shoshone County's economy has historically centered on silver and lead-zinc mining, with the Silver Valley producing over 1.2 billion ounces of silver since the 1880s, making it one of the most productive mining districts in world history. While large-scale mining operations have declined since their peak in the mid-20th century, mining heritage and remediation continue to influence the local economy. Today's economic base includes outdoor recreation and tourism, with Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg serving as a major employer offering year-round gondola rides and winter skiing.
- Median household income in Shoshone County is approximately $48,000-$52,000, below both state and national averages, reflecting the county's rural character and economic transition from industrial mining.
The resort features the world's longest gondola at 3.1 miles and attracts visitors from across the Pacific Northwest. The Route of the Hiawatha Trail, a 15-mile rail-to-trail conversion featuring spectacular trestles and tunnels through the Bitterroot Mountains, generates significant tourism revenue during the summer season. Healthcare, education, and government services provide stable employment, with Shoshone Medical Center in Kellogg serving as a key healthcare provider.
Retail, hospitality, and small businesses in Wallace, Kellogg, and other communities serve both residents and tourists. The Bunker Hill Superfund site cleanup, managed by the Environmental Protection Agency, has created remediation jobs over several decades. Timber and forest products contribute modestly to the economy, though less significantly than in earlier decades.
The county faces economic challenges including population decline, limited diversification, and infrastructure aging, though efforts to promote heritage tourism and outdoor recreation show promise for sustainable economic development.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ Limited Online (iCourt Portal) | Property: ⚠️ In-Person/Phone Primarily | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone Inquiry | Vital Records: ⚠️ State Office/In-Person | Business: ✅ State Online (SOS) | Elections: ⚠️ County Office/State Portal | Overall Score: 5/10 — Shoshone County maintains traditional in-person and phone-based access to most records with limited digital infrastructure, though state-level resources provide some online business and voter registration functions.
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Cities & Towns in Shoshone County
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