Oldtown is a city in Bonner County, Idaho and suburb of Newport, Washington, with a population of 221 at the 2020 census. It is located on the Pend Oreille River, just east of Newport. There are no natural or physical barriers, and it is strictly a political division, separated by the straight-line state boundary. Oldtown is squeezed between this boundary to the west and the river to the east, leaving the main business district on U.S. Route 2 with only of space in which to operate on the Idaho side. Many homes are located in the south end on the other side of the railroad, as the Pend Oreille is somewhat further away here.
History
The community that became Oldtown developed as an extension of Newport, Washington, during the rapid growth of the Pend Oreille River valley in the late nineteenth century. Following the arrival of the Great Northern Railway in the region during the 1890s, commerce and settlement expanded on both sides of the Idaho–Washington border. Lumber mills, river transportation, and railroad activity became central to the local economy, with timber harvested from surrounding forests shipped throughout the Inland Northwest.
Before adopting its current name, the Idaho-side settlement was commonly referred to as “Newport, Idaho.” The proximity of the two communities led to frequent confusion in postal service, rail shipments, and commercial records. Local historians have noted that the name “Oldtown” likely emerged informally as residents referred to the older settlement area east of Newport before the name was formally adopted by the city. Throughout the early twentieth century, Oldtown functioned as part of a closely connected interstate community with Newport. Residents commonly crossed the state line daily for employment, schooling, shopping, and civic activities. The construction of U.S. Route 2 further integrated the two communities into a regional transportation corridor linking Spokane with northern Idaho and western Montana.
The timber industry remained one of the largest economic influences in the Oldtown area throughout much of the twentieth century. --Logging camps and sawmills operated throughout Bonner County and neighboring Pend Oreille County, contributing to regional population growth. Declines in the timber industry during the late twentieth century affected employment throughout the region, leading to increased reliance on service industries, tourism, and cross-border commerce with Washington communities.
Because of its location directly along the Idaho–Washington border, Oldtown became known for interstate commercial activity. Differences in taxation and regulations between Idaho and Washington contributed to the development of businesses intended to serve travelers and customers from both states. Gas stations, convenience stores, and small retailers along the state line became an important component of the local economy during the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries.
In October 2003, the Stateline Tavern shooting in Oldtown received national media attention after four people were killed before the gunman died by suicide. Local officials described the event as one of the most significant criminal incidents in the history of the surrounding region. Memorials and community vigils were held in both Oldtown and Newport following the shooting.
During the early twenty-first century, Oldtown increasingly developed as a residential community connected economically to Newport and the greater Spokane metropolitan region. Population growth remained modest, though regional recreation opportunities along the Pend Oreille River and nearby forests contributed to tourism and seasonal visitation. Community events shared with Newport, including local fairs and river celebrations, continued to reinforce the close relationship between the two border communities.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , of which, is land and is water.
Demographics
2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 184 people in 80 households, including 47 families, in the city. The population density was . There were 109 housing units at an average density of . The racial makup of the city was 98.4% White, 0.5% African American, 0.5% from other races, and 0.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.7%.
Of the 80 households 35.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 32.5% were married couples living together, 18.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 41.3% were non-families. 35.0% of households were one person and 10% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.87.
The median age was 41.1 years. 25% of residents were under the age of 18; 3.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.4% were from 25 to 44; 30.4% were from 45 to 64; and 15.2% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.5% male and 50.5% female.
2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 190 people in 81 households, including 46 families, in the city. The population density was . There were 100 housing units at an average density of . The racial makup of the city was 93.68% White, 3.16% Native American, and 3.16% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.11%.
Of the 81 households 27.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.0% were married couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.0% were non-families. 34.6% of households were one person and 12.3% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 3.00.
The age distribution was 26.8% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 30.0% from 25 to 44, 18.9% from 45 to 64, and 15.3% 65 or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.5 males.
The median household income was $23,542 and the median family income was $23,125. Males had a median income of $26,250 versus $10,625 for females. The per capita income for the city was $11,893. About 21.6% of families and 22.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.5% of those under the age of eighteen and 6.3% of those sixty five or over.
See also
- List of cities in Idaho