Total enrollment
2,472
-69 (-3%) vs SY 2017-18
Gem County
Idaho · Public K-12
Public schools in Gem County, Idaho total 9, with combined enrollment of about 2,472 students against a county population of 20,614. That breaks down as 5 elementary, 1 middle, and 3 high.
7-year change in Gem County
SY 2017-18 vs SY 2024-25School count
9
0 (0%) vs SY 2017-18
% White
79%
was 83%
% Hispanic
17%
was 14%
% Black
0%
was 0%
% Asian
1%
was 1%
Source: NCES Common Core of Data, enrollment-weighted demographic averages
Schools
9
1 districts
Enrollment
2,472
NCES CCD
Median income
$64,605
Below Idaho avg
Free/reduced lunch
51.7%
Above Idaho avg
Elementary
5
1,109 students
Middle
1
539 students
High
3
824 students
Combined / other
0
schools
LARGEST DISTRICT
EMMETT INDEPENDENT DISTRICT
2,472 students · 1 district in Gem County
County vs. school enrollment demographics
Left bar is the racial makeup of Gem County residents (Census ACS 5-year). Right bar is the enrollment-weighted makeup of public schools in the county (NCES CCD). NCES systematically under-reports Hispanic, Pacific Islander, and Native American enrollment for many schools; where the resident share is meaningful but the reported school share is zero, we mark the school bar "not reported".
County residents
School enrollment
Bachelor's+
20.7%
adults 25+
Poverty rate
8.3%
ACS 5-year
Unemployment
2.9%
civilian labor
Median age
44
21.9% under 18
Test scores in Gem County
Latest 2024-25 ELA proficiency, 4 schools ranked. Idaho state average: 53.7%.
Top 4 schools (ELA)
- KENNETH J CARBERRY ELEMENTARY· 57.7%
- EMMETT MIDDLE SCHOOL· 45.8%
- BUTTE VIEW SCHOOL· 38.4%
- SHADOW BUTTE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL· 37.8%
| Name | City | Level | Grades | Enrollment | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMMETT HIGH SCHOOL | Emmett | High | 09-12 | 680 | · |
| EMMETT MIDDLE SCHOOL | Emmett | Middle | 06-08 | 539 | · |
| SHADOW BUTTE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | Emmett | Elementary | KG-05 | 387 | · |
| KENNETH J CARBERRY ELEMENTARY | Emmett | Elementary | KG-05 | 376 | · |
| BUTTE VIEW SCHOOL | Emmett | Elementary | PK-05 | 294 | · |
| BLACK CANYON JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL | Emmett | High | 06-12 | 142 | · |
| SWEET MONTOUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | Sweet | Elementary | KG-05 | 39 | · |
| OLA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | Ola | Elementary | KG-06 | 13 | · |
| PAYETTE RIVER TECHNICAL ACADEMY | Emmett | High | 06-12 | 2 | · |
Cities in Gem County
About Gem County
In Idaho, Gem County is a sparse county of about 20,614 residents. 9 public schools across the county hosts about 2,472 students between them.
For perspective, census numbers show typical household earnings sit around $64,605, about 21% of adults have a bachelor's degree or above, and roughly 8% of residents live below the federal poverty line. That income level is 6% noticeably below the Idaho median.
In terms of grade levels, Gem County consists of 5 elementary schools (1,109 students), 1 middle school (539), and 3 high schools (824).
EMMETT INDEPENDENT DISTRICT dominates the local landscape, accounting for roughly 2,472 students on its own.
Trend over the past 7 years. Total public-school enrollment in Gem County has declined 3% since SY 2017-18, moving from about 2,541 students to 2,472. Demographically, the White share of enrollment fell from 83% to 79%.
In the discussion threads here, the community for Gem County discusses open enrollment windows, redistricting talk, and busing logistics. Members of the local community share what they see day-to-day.
Frequently asked questions
Gem County school rankings
DATA · Census ACS 5-year · NCES Common Core of Data