People search “shoshone county formal eviction rate 2020 idaho policy institute” when they want one clear answer: what the county’s court-ordered eviction rate was in 2020, and what that number truly measures in real life.
This guide explains the definition, the calculation, where the county figure is shown, and how to interpret 2020 responsibly. You’ll also learn what the number does not capture, so your conclusions stay accurate and fair.
What the Idaho Policy Institute Is and Why It Matters
The Idaho Policy Institute (IPI) is a research unit housed at Boise State University that publishes public-facing analysis on issues like housing stability, including eviction filings and court-ordered evictions across Idaho counties.
Its eviction work matters because it standardizes definitions and makes county comparisons easier. Instead of relying on anecdotes, readers can use a consistent “rate” framework to discuss risk, trends, and policy choices across time and geography.
Defining “Formal Eviction Rate” in Simple Terms
A formal eviction generally means the court process reached a final stage where the tenant is ordered out—so it is more than a warning notice, and more than a case that was merely filed. It is the “end-state” eviction in court data.
By contrast, an eviction filing is the start of the court process. A filing may end in dismissal, settlement, move-out, or payment plan. That’s why filing rates and formal eviction rates can diverge in the same year.
How IPI Calculates the Formal Eviction Rate
IPI’s formal eviction rate is calculated as: households with formal evictions ÷ total renter households, for a county or statewide. This denominator matters because it converts raw counts into comparable risk across counties of different sizes.
IPI also calculates related metrics, like the eviction filing rate and “evictions per day,” using the same renter-household denominator approach. Using a consistent method reduces confusion and helps you compare 2020 against nearby years more cleanly.
Where to Find shoshone county formal eviction rate 2020 idaho policy institute Data
The county-specific figure is typically shown in IPI’s interactive county map (“Mapping Evictions in Idaho”). You can select a county on the map to view its rates, including the formal eviction rate for a chosen year.
IPI also publishes annual infographics (including 2020), but infographics often highlight statewide totals and key findings more than every county detail. For the Shoshone County 2020 rate, the map view is usually the fastest path.
Shoshone County Context: Housing, Renters, and Local Conditions
Interpreting a county eviction rate starts with context: renter household counts can be smaller in rural counties, so a modest change in cases may move the rate noticeably. That doesn’t make the statistic “wrong”—it means it is more sensitive.
Local conditions also shape the “story behind the rate,” including job stability, seasonal work, rental supply, and access to legal help. Rates can signal stress points even when the county isn’t large, because small communities feel disruption quickly.
What Happened in 2020 and Why It Changed Eviction Patterns
The year 2020 is unusual in eviction data because the pandemic disrupted employment, schooling, and normal court operations. Some places saw fewer filings or slower case processing, even while households faced rising financial pressure behind the scenes.
In IPI’s statewide 2020 summary, eviction filings and formal evictions decreased compared to 2019, and IPI reports the statewide formal eviction rate at 0.6% for 2020. That statewide pattern frames county numbers from the same period.
Interpreting the Shoshone County Formal Eviction Rate in 2020
A rate answers: “Out of all renter households in the county, what share experienced a formal, court-ordered eviction in 2020?” It does not automatically tell you why it happened, who was at fault, or whether the case began months earlier.
To interpret it well, look at it alongside the filing rate and any change from 2019 or 2021. If filings are high but formal evictions are lower, that may reflect settlements, payment plans, moves, or case delays rather than “no housing stress.”
Comparing Shoshone County to Idaho Averages
When comparing counties, remember that a small county can look “volatile” year to year. The best comparison is often a multi-year view: 2019–2021 trends can show whether 2020 was a dip, a spike, or simply a temporary distortion.
Also, don’t rely only on rank (like “highest” or “lowest”). Compare absolute percentages and, where possible, the number of renter households. Rates help fairness in comparison, but context prevents overreaction to small numeric changes.
Who Is Most Affected by Formal Evictions in Shoshone County
Formal evictions tend to concentrate among renters with the least financial cushion—people living paycheck to paycheck, households facing medical bills, and workers hit by sudden income loss. Even one missed paycheck can trigger a chain of late fees and court action.
That said, court data typically records cases, not full life circumstances. So the rate is a signal of strain, not a full portrait of vulnerability. Use it to ask better questions about prevention, not to stereotype tenants or landlords.
Impacts of Formal Evictions on Community and Economy
Formal evictions can destabilize families quickly: forced moves disrupt schooling, healthcare continuity, and job attendance. Communities can feel the effects through increased demand for emergency housing, social services, and nonprofit support—especially when multiple households face pressure at once.
Research and policy reviews often emphasize that good measurement helps target resources. When you can identify where eviction risk clusters, you can design smarter interventions—legal aid, mediation, or emergency assistance—before housing loss becomes a wider crisis.
Policy and Prevention Options Referenced in IPI-Style Analysis
A practical prevention toolbox includes rental assistance, landlord-tenant mediation, and legal support for tenants who don’t understand timelines or rights. Even small programs can reduce unnecessary court escalation by resolving arrears earlier and more predictably.
For broader benchmarking, tools like Eviction Lab show how eviction measurement is handled nationally and why filings and completed evictions should be distinguished. That distinction helps policymakers avoid “false calm” when filings fall but hardship remains.
FAQs About shoshone county formal eviction rate 2020 idaho policy institute
Is the formal eviction rate the same as the filing rate?
No. Filing rate counts households with at least one eviction filing; formal eviction rate counts households that reached a court-ordered eviction outcome. Both use renter households as the denominator.
Does the rate include informal evictions?
No. IPI notes the data reflects court filings and formal evictions ordered by a judge; informal or extra-legal displacement is hard to measure and isn’t captured in this dataset.
