Idaho Policy Institute Formal Eviction Rate 2020 Shoshone County: The Idaho Policy Institute (IPI) at Boise State University conducted detailed research on eviction trends across Idaho, including the formal eviction rate in 2020 for counties such as Shoshone County. The year 2020 was particularly important because it coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which triggered economic disruptions, job losses, and temporary federal eviction moratoriums.
Despite these protections, eviction filings still occurred in several parts of the state. Understanding the formal eviction rate in Shoshone County during 2020 provides insight into housing stability, tenant protections, and the effectiveness of emergency policies during a crisis.
1. What Is the Idaho Policy Institute?
The Idaho Policy Institute (IPI) is a research organization within Boise State University’s School of Public Service. Its mission is to provide data-driven policy research to support better decision-making across Idaho.
Focus Areas of IPI Research
The institute studies topics such as:
- Housing and eviction trends
- Economic development
- Community policy issues
- Public health and social services
One of its most widely cited projects is the Evictions in Idaho study, which analyzes eviction filings across counties.
2. Understanding Formal Eviction Rates
A formal eviction refers to a case where a landlord files an eviction lawsuit in court to remove a tenant from a property.
How Formal Eviction Rates Are Measured
Researchers calculate eviction rates using:
- Number of eviction filings
- Total number of renter households
The formula used is:
Eviction Rate = (Eviction Filings ÷ Total Renter Households) × 100
This percentage shows how many renters experienced formal eviction filings during a specific year.
Difference Between Formal and Informal Evictions
Eviction studies often distinguish between two types:
- Formal evictions: court-filed legal cases
- Informal evictions: landlord pressure or lease termination without court involvement
IPI primarily tracks formal eviction filings because they are recorded in court systems.
3. Shoshone County Eviction Data in 2020
According to Idaho Policy Institute research and eviction infographics, eviction filings continued in 2020 despite the federal eviction moratorium introduced during the pandemic.
Estimated Formal Eviction Rate
Data from housing research sources shows that Shoshone County experienced a measurable eviction filing rate in 2020, although it remained lower than in some urban counties.
Several factors influenced this rate:
- Small population and rental market
- Economic challenges during COVID-19
- Temporary eviction restrictions
Context of the 2020 Housing Market
Shoshone County, located in northern Idaho, has a relatively small housing market. Many residents work in:
- mining
- tourism
- service industries
These sectors were heavily affected during the early stages of the COVID-19 economic slowdown, which increased the risk of housing instability.
4. Impact of COVID-19 Eviction Policies in Idaho
In 2020, the United States implemented several emergency housing protections.
Federal Eviction Moratorium
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a nationwide eviction moratorium to prevent tenants from being removed during the pandemic.
Key goals included:
- Reducing homelessness
- Limiting virus spread
- Stabilizing households during economic disruption
Idaho’s Policy Environment
According to the Eviction Lab COVID Policy Scorecard, Idaho implemented fewer statewide restrictions compared with some states.
While the federal moratorium applied nationwide, enforcement often depended on local courts and landlords.
As a result, some eviction filings still occurred during 2020.
5. Housing Challenges in Rural Counties Like Shoshone
Research from Idaho Housing and Finance Association and the Idaho Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice highlights unique challenges faced by rural communities.
Limited Rental Housing Supply
Small counties often experience:
- limited rental housing availability
- older housing stock
- low vacancy rates
These factors can increase housing pressure during economic downturns.
Economic Vulnerability
Many households in rural Idaho depend on seasonal or service-based employment.
When industries slow down, renters may struggle to cover:
- monthly rent
- utility bills
- housing costs
This economic vulnerability can contribute to higher eviction risk during crises.
6. Trends After 2020 and Future Outlook
Data from Idaho Policy Institute’s 2021 eviction reports shows that eviction filings began to shift as pandemic protections changed.
Post-Moratorium Changes
After the federal moratorium ended, many areas saw:
- increased eviction filings
- court backlogs
- renewed housing instability
However, housing assistance programs helped reduce some of the immediate impacts.
Importance of Housing Policy Research
Studies by organizations like the Idaho Policy Institute help policymakers understand:
- housing insecurity trends
- regional eviction patterns
- areas needing rental assistance programs
These insights support more effective housing stability policies in Idaho.
Conclusion
The formal eviction rate in Shoshone County in 2020, as studied by the Idaho Policy Institute, reflects the complex housing challenges that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. While federal protections slowed some eviction activity, court filings still occurred in certain areas.
Understanding eviction patterns in rural counties is essential for creating policies that protect renters, support landlords, and maintain stable housing markets. Research from Boise State University and other housing organizations continues to provide valuable data for addressing housing insecurity across Idaho.
