Moscow

Moscow is a county seat in Latah County, northern Idaho, United States. The town sits at roughly 786 meters elevation among rolling hills and grain fields of the Palouse region.

The town received its official incorporation in 1887 when it counted just 76 residents, then grew rapidly into a regional administrative center. The founding of the University of Idaho two years later accelerated development and drew newcomers to the small settlement.

The Latah County administrative building serves as a hub for property records, electoral matters, and local government tasks that organize daily life across the region. Inside, clerks handle documents and meet residents filing paperwork or seeking information on tax and legal affairs.

The county courthouse opens Monday through Friday between eight in the morning and five in the afternoon for administrative visits and government business. Parking is available near the main streets, and most offices are located on the ground floor.

Latah County came into existence through a direct act of Congress, making it the only county in the United States not created by state legislation. This rare administrative move occurred before Idaho formally became a state in 1890.

Location: Latah County

Inception: 1871

Elevation above the sea: 786 m

Website: http://moscow.id.us

GPS coordinates: 46.73167,-116.99722

Latest update: December 12, 2025 20:50