How Does Idaho Compare to the Rest of America?
Today’s theme is maps… and what we can learn about Idaho, and America, from various data points from the following maps.
Okay, our first stop isn’t technically a map… but they do have the outlines of some states so let’s throw it into the mix.
Groceries in Idaho are Cheaper
In our part of the country, the Pacific Northwest, Idaho’s food is a bargain. I ran the numbers… Idaho is about $6,300 cheaper per year than Washington state. That savings right there would just about pay for your movers to move to Idaho!
Population Distribution
Isn’t this interesting… the orange population is the same as the red population. What does that mean… we’re all just people, right? Well, it seems the coastal areas have traditionally been the home of liberal hive-mind group-think. Not everyone in those areas, I’m sure… but enough for 50% +1 winner take all democracy to influence some degree of liberal-to-Marxist societal construct. Note that Patrick believes that only the orange areas of California and New York should elect the president… because people elsewhere are “bigots with no brains.”
Counties that Voted MORE Democrat in 2024
More interesting data… almost all of the coastal areas, except for some areas in Oregon and the Seattle area, voted less for Democrats in 2024 than in 2020. I’m sure there are many reasons for that… but can you think of a reason why more areas in the middle of the country? (My recent video about The Gem State Heist will help answer that question.)
Most Numerous Surnames by State
Just one of those gee-wiz things… the most numerous last names. Dang… a LOT of Smiths!! With that many, you’d think I’d know more Smiths… but I only know a few. But how does this map correlate to the next one?
Most Common Birthplace of US Immigrants
The most common birthplace (excluding Mexico) of US Immigrants. Well, this too is interesting. All of Europe is represented by one country, Germany, in only one US state; New Mexico. Canada (our 51st state?) has a pretty good showing as well. Other states, many that I’ve lived in or traveled in a lot, kind of caught me by surprise. What about you?
Could Save You Some Money by Moving to Idaho!
The average cost of a wedding! Moms and Dads in California… if you can get your daughter to Idaho before she falls in love, you could save some serious scratch!
Federal Government Land Ownership
Did you know that the Feds own such a massive amount of the western lands? Folks in the midwest and back east just have no idea. Is this a bad thing? Well yeah… individual owners or even the state has no control over the land; be it for forest management or oil drilling or cattle grazing. Also, there is no property tax collected from Federal lands like there would be with private ownership… meaning, current private land owners must pay MORE than their fair share to make up for this massive amount of exempted land.
Is Weed Legal in Idaho?
One state… yes, just ONE state where weed is totally banned. You guessed it… IDAHO! Maybe making marijuana legal in Colorado is what helped flip that state Blue. Certainly legalizing all drugs in Oregon didn’t do that state any favors. What do you think? Idaho is your only choice if you want to live weed-free!
How Many Identify or Lean Democrat by State
Yes, Idaho is again all by itself… the lowest number of folks who identify as or lean Democrat. Those that do are 26% of the Idaho population… and only 12.22% are registered Democrats. Even though many states have a huge number of conservatives, Republicans or Republican-leaning people, most functions of government only need a simple majority to advance an agenda. States with a majority of Dems will never see government behaving conservatively. In states that are close to that 50% simple majority threshold, the conservatives don’t have the numbers to make it “too big to rig”… so the slide into being like California is inevitable.
More On This in My Recent YouTube Video
Check out my recent YouTube video as I go through these maps and consider what the data means for Idaho… and I suppose the rest of the country!
2 Responses
I watch each and every one of your videos, T.V. Dave. The MAP DATA is particularly informative. I’m probably too old (nearly 76) to uproot and move away from family so I enjoy Idaho freedom vicariously through your videos. Love your politics and general common sense! Hope you’re a Christian since that’s THE MOST important thing. If you are, check out Dr. Andy Woods at Sugar Land Bible Church, Sugar Land, TX. And, if you aren’t, Andy has the clearest gospel message I have found anywhere. The good news can be heard at the end of most any of his sermons. Here are a couple of links:
Pastors’ Point of View (PPOV) no. 345. Prophecy update. Dr. Andy Woods. 3-14-25 (politics and current events from a biblical viewpoint): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQoNx-0T8gM
Dr. Andy Woods teaching: https://slbc.org/sermon-archives/
My very best to you and your team!
Hi Stephen! Thanks so much! Yes… very much a Christian! And I will check out Andy Woods… I always want to learn more. Sounds like you’re an Idahoan at heart! It is a huge event to move… especially away from family. But 76 is the new 50… so, turns out, you’re only barely middle age!!
Thanks for watching our videos… I appreciate that so much!!
Dave