Crime has decreased in North Idaho and around the state in the past year, according to a new report published by the Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification. However, certain types of crime saw a dramatic increase in Kootenai County.

Idaho Gov. Brad Little said the latest crime report shows that Idaho is one of the safest places to live, work and raise a family. 

“Despite being one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, Idaho has seen decreases in nearly every major category of crime,” Little said in a statement on the report. “This progress does not happen by accident. It is the result of the dedication, professionalism and sacrifice of Idaho’s law enforcement officers, first responders, prosecutors, corrections workers and community partners who work every day to protect our neighborhoods and keep Idahoans safe.” 

Kootenai County saw an almost 4% decrease in reported crime in 2025, with a total of 6,797 offenses reported. That follows a nearly 10% decrease in crime the prior year. 

A total of 6,797 “Group A” offenses were reported in Kootenai County last year, according to ISP data. Group A offenses include a wide range of crimes, including violent and sexual offenses, drug-related violations and theft offenses. 

Certain offenses saw a dramatic increase last year. The county reported eight murders in 2025, a 700% increase over the single murder reported in 2024. There were 83 reported cases of rape and 10 cases of statutory rape, according to ISP, compared to 61 rapes and nine statutory rapes reported the year before. 

Drug-related crimes were the most frequently reported, with 1,198 drug/narcotic violations reported in total, a slight decrease from 2024, and 1,144 “drug equipment” violations, fewer than the prior year. 

There were 111 weapons law violations reported last year in Kootenai County, as well as 11 reported cases of animal cruelty, both a slight decrease from 2024. 

The county saw 565 reported DUI cases last year, 36 more than in 2024. There were 187 reported cases of disorderly conduct and 97 nonviolent family offenses. A total of 253 liquor law violations were reported, a decrease from the prior year. 

Police arrested 5,796 people in Kootenai County last year, a decrease of almost 10% since 2024. Total arrests have trended down in the past three years. The county’s arrest rate is 3,026 per 100,000 population. 

Statewide, a total of 66,889 Group A offenses were reported last year, a 7% decrease from 2024. Based on that figure, the statewide crime rate is 3,166 per 100,000 residents. 

Crimes against society, a category that includes prohibited activities like drug-related offenses, made up the majority of these offenses, totaling 25,001. This is a 3% decrease in such crimes since 2024. Drug-related offenses account for more than half of reported crimes against society. 

Property crimes decreased 13% statewide, totaling 23,879. Larceny and theft offenses account for about 40% of crimes against property. 

There were 35 reported murders in Idaho last year, a 16% increase over 2024 and a number that equates to one murder occurring every 10 days, according to ISP. A total of 688 rapes were reported, an increase of 8% over the prior year. ISP estimates that rape occurs every 12 hours in Idaho. 

Idaho saw 13 reported cases of human trafficking, the same number as the year before, as well as 89 reported cases of animal cruelty, an 11% decrease from the prior year.