text:
East Hope, Idaho

East Hope is a city in Bonner County, Idaho, United States. The population was 210 at the 2010 census.

Geography
East Hope is located at 48.24194°N, -116.295°W (48.241882, -116.294925).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.46 sqmi, of which, 0.40 sqmi is land and 0.06 sqmi is water.

2010 census
At the 2010 census, there were 210 people, 109 households and 64 families living in the city. The population density was 525.0 /sqmi. There were 181 housing units at an average density of 452.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup was 98.1% White, 0.5% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.5% Pacific Islander, and 0.5% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.4% of the population.

There were 109 households, of which 13.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.0% were married couples living together, 3.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.3% were non-families. 34.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.93 and the average family size was 2.42.

The median age was 58.5 years. 12.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 1.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 16.2% were from 25 to 44; 39.6% were from 45 to 64; and 30% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup was 48.1% male and 51.9% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census, there were 200 people, 104 households and 68 families living in the city. The population density was 364.2 PD/sqmi. There were 150 housing units at an average density of 273.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.50% White, 0.50% Native American, 0.50% Asian, and 0.50% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.50% of the population.

There were 104 households, of which 9.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.5% were married couples living together, 2.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.7% were non-families. 29.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.92 and the average family size was 2.33.

10.5% of the population were under the age of 18, 2.5% from 18 to 24, 14.0% from 25 to 44, 31.0% from 45 to 64, and 42.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 58 years. For every 100 females, there were 112.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.7 males.

The median household income was $30,417 and the median family income was $37,500. Males had a median income of $35,938 and females $21,667. The per capita income was $18,184. About 3.2% of families and 7.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under the age of eighteen and 12.3% of those 65 or over.

title: East Hope, Idaho


text:
Hope, Idaho

Hope is a city in Bonner County, Idaho, United States. The population was 86 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Hope is located at 48.24861°N, -116.30917°W (48.248728, -116.309214), at an elevation of 2192 ft above sea level. The city sits on the northeast shore of Lake Pend Oreille.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.52 sqmi, of which, 0.47 sqmi is land and 0.05 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 86 people, 34 households, and 26 families living in the city. The population density was 183.0 PD/sqmi. There were 59 housing units at an average density of 125.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.8% White and 1.2% from two or more races.

There were 34 households, of which 35.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.8% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 23.5% were non-families. 20.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 2.77.

The median age in the city was 47 years. 22.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 12.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 13.9% were from 25 to 44; 38.3% were from 45 to 64; and 12.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.2% male and 48.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 79 people, 34 households, and 24 families living in the city. The population density was 197.0 PD/sqmi. There were 57 housing units at an average density of 142.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.00% White.

There were 34 households, out of which 29.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.7% were married couples living together, 2.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.4% were non-families. 23.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.75.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.5% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 22.8% from 25 to 44, 36.7% from 45 to 64, and 11.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $24,500, and the median income for a family was $26,875. Males had a median income of $50,833 versus $31,250 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,468. There were no families and 5.1% of the population living below the poverty line, including none under 18 and none of those over 64.

Popular culture
The town is mentioned in the 2009 video game Prototype as a town which was used by the government to test a virus. The virus mutated and killed the entire population except two survivors who were captured by the military to serve as test subjects.

The town was a lifetime home for artist Edward Kienholz.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Hope, Idaho


text:
Kootenai, Idaho

Kootenai is a city in Bonner County, Idaho. The population was 678 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Kootenai is located at 48.31056°N, -116.51583°W (48.310650, −116.515816).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.55 sqmi, all of it land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 678 people, 249 households, and 175 families living in the city. The population density was 1232.7 PD/sqmi. There were 284 housing units at an average density of 516.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.9% White, 0.3% Native American, 0.4% Asian, and 3.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.3% of the population.

There were 249 households, of which 41.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.2% were married couples living together, 12.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 29.7% were non-families. Of all households, 22.9% were made up of individuals, and 6.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.06.

The median age in the city was 33.7 years. 27.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 29.6% were from 25 to 44; 23% were from 45 to 64; and 12.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.0% male and 50.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 441 people, 171 households, and 107 families living in the city. The population density was 986.3 PD/sqmi. There were 187 housing units at an average density of 418.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.51% White, 0.45% Native American, 1.36% from other races, and 0.68% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.59% of the population.

There were 171 households, out of which 37.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.9% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.4% were non-families. Of all households, 28.1% were made up of individuals, and 5.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 28.6% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 32.0% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 11.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $29,432, and the median income for a family was $38,036. Males had a median income of $32,083 versus $23,750 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,698. About 12.0% of families and 18.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.0% of those under age 18 and 27.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Kootenai, Idaho


text:
Oldtown, Idaho

Oldtown is a city in Bonner County, Idaho and suburb of Newport, Washington, with a population of 184 at the 2010 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 700 ft 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
Originally named Newport, Idaho, the town gradually dwindled, and was renamed and incorporated as "Oldtown" in 1947. In October 2003, a 51-year-old man killed four people at Stateline Tavern in Oldtown, and then committed suicide.

Geography
Oldtown is located at 48.18556°N, -117.03028°W (48.185623, -117.030158), at an elevation of 2,134 ft.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.83 sqmi, of which, 0.82 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi is water.

2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 184 people in 80 households, including 47 families, in the city. The population density was 224.4 PD/sqmi. There were 109 housing units at an average density of 132.9 /sqmi. 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 819.4 PD/sqmi. There were 100 housing units at an average density of 431.2 /sqmi. 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.

title: Oldtown, Idaho


text:
Ponderay, Idaho

Ponderay is a city in Bonner County, Idaho. The population was 1,137 at the 2010 census, up from 638 in 2000. Ponderay's city motto is "Little City with the Big Future". Its name is an English phonetic spelling of the French words “Pend Oreille”, the name of the lake the city sits upon.

History
Ponderay's original plat was filed in Kootenai County on May 5, 1904. It was incorporated as the Village of Ponderay on May 27, 1947, and became the City of Ponderay on November 26, 1968. Ponderay was built on the site of the company town of the Panhandle Smelting and Refining Company.

Geography
Ponderay is located at 48.30306°N, -116.53833°W (48.303080, -116.538292), at an elevation of 2126 ft above sea level. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.02 sqmi, of which, 2.90 sqmi is land and 0.12 sqmi is water.

2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 1,137 people in 521 households, including 277 families, in the city. The population density was 392.1 PD/sqmi. There were 622 housing units at an average density of 214.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.5% White, 0.3% African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 0.9% from other races, and 3.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.2%.

Of the 521 households 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.7% were married couples living together, 12.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 46.8% were non-families. 38.2% of households were one person and 10.3% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.86.

The median age was 34 years. 23.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 11.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.3% were from 25 to 44; 27% were from 45 to 64; and 11.5% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.9% male and 53.1% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 638 people in 264 households, including 168 families, in the city. The population density was 237.9 PD/sqmi. There were 296 housing units at an average density of 110.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.02% White, 0.47% African American, 0.63% Native American, 1.10% Asian, 0.31% from other races, and 0.47% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.31%.

Of the 264 households 29.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.0% were non-families. 26.1% of households were one person and 8.0% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.88.

The age distribution was 25.7% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 27.0% from 45 to 64, and 11.6% 65 or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 117.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.1 males.

The median household income was $27,853 and the median family income was $30,227. Males had a median income of $26,875 versus $15,917 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,432. About 13.2% of families and 15.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.9% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

title: Ponderay, Idaho


text:
Priest River, Idaho

Priest River is a city in Bonner County, Idaho. The population was 1,696 at the 2020 census, and 1,751 at the 2010 census. Located in the Idaho Panhandle region of the state, the city is at the mouth of the Priest River on the Pend Oreille River.

Geography
Priest River is located at 48.18333°N, -116.90944°W (48.183388, -116.909555), at an elevation of 2139 ft above sea level.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.84 sqmi, of which, 3.69 sqmi is land and 0.15 sqmi is water.

Priest River is located on the west bank of the Priest River, which drains Priest Lake 68 miles to the north, where the Priest River joins the much larger Pend Oreille River on its north bank. U.S. Route 2 passes through the town from Sandpoint on the east to Newport and the state of Washington on the west.

It is 7 mi east of the border with Washington at Newport, and less than 60 mi south (as the crow flies) of British Columbia, Canada.

Climate
According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Priest River has a warm-summer mediterranean climate, abbreviated "Csb" on climate maps. The hottest temperature recorded in Priest River was 108 F on June 29, 2021, while the coldest temperature recorded was -36 F on December 30, 1968.

Highways

 * US 2.svg - US 2 - to Sandpoint (northeast) and Spokane, Washington (southwest)
 * ID-57.svg - SH-57 - to Priest Lake (north)

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,751 people, 713 households, and 474 families living in the city. The population density was 474.5 PD/sqmi. There were 798 housing units at an average density of 216.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.3% White, 0.1% African American, 1.1% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 0.8% from other races, and 3.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.1% of the population.

There were 713 households, of which 34.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.5% were married couples living together, 12.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 9.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.5% were non-families. 28.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.98.

The median age in the city was 38.1 years. 26.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.5% were from 25 to 44; 25.5% were from 45 to 64; and 15.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.2% male and 50.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,754 people, 692 households, and 469 families living in the city. The population density was 1,098.8 PD/sqmi. There were 762 housing units at an average density of 477.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.70% White, 1.43% Native American, 0.46% Asian, 0.51% from other races, and 2.91% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.60% of the population.

There were 692 households, out of which 35.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.9% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.2% were non-families. 26.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.09.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 28.9% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 14.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,765, and the median income for a family was $32,198. Males had a median income of $30,607 versus $16,034 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,125. About 14.0% of families and 18.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.7% of those under age 18 and 9.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Priest River, Idaho


text:
Sandpoint, Idaho

Sandpoint is the largest city in, and the county seat of, Bonner County, Idaho, United States. Its population was 9,777 as of the 2022 census.

Sandpoint's major economic contributors include forest products, light manufacturing, tourism, recreation and government services. As the largest service center in the two northern Idaho counties (Bonner and Boundary), as well as northwestern Montana, it has an active retail sector.

Sandpoint lies on the shores of Idaho's largest lake, 43-mile-long (69 km) Lake Pend Oreille, and is surrounded by three major mountain ranges, the Selkirk, Cabinet and Bitterroot ranges. It is home to Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Idaho's largest ski resort, and is on the International Selkirk Loop and two National Scenic Byways (Wild Horse Trail and Pend Oreille Scenic Byway). Among other distinctions awarded by national media in the past decade, in 2011 Sandpoint was named the nation's "Most Beautiful Small Town" by Rand McNally and USA Today.

History
Salish Tribes, specifically the Kalispel, and the Kootenai, built encampments on the shore of Lake Pend Oreille every summer, fished, made baskets of cedar, and collected huckleberries before returning to either Montana or Washington in the fall. The encampments ended before 1930.

The region was extensively explored by David Thompson of the North West Company starting in 1807. Disputed joint British/American occupation of the Columbia District led to the Oregon boundary dispute. This controversy ended in 1846 with the signing of the Oregon Treaty, whereby Britain ceded all rights to land south of the 49th parallel.

In the 1880s, the Northern Pacific Railroad brought European and Chinese settlement to the area.

In August 1888, 29-year-old author and civil servant Theodore Roosevelt visited Sandpoint on a caribou-hunting trip in the Selkirk Mountains. Roosevelt documented what a rough-and-tumble environment "Sand Point" was at that time (and for many decades following).

Sandpoint was officially incorporated in 1898.

Timber harvesting and railroads drove the economy for nearly a century as loggers moved in from the over-harvested Great Lakes region. Several lumber companies operated in the region from as early as 1896 to present, the most notable being the Humbird Lumber Company which operated from 1900 to around 1944. The lumber companies bought land from the Northern Pacific Railroad and built a major mill at Sandpoint and adjacent Kootenai. Lumber company-owned railroads extended into many of the local drainages including Grouse Creek, Gold Creek and Rapid Lightning Creek. Although the trees were never exhausted in the area, Humbird Lumber succumbed to the low timber prices of the Great Depression.

"Stump ranches" were sold by Humbird to many families who slowly cleared much of the valley land of tree stumps. Farming and ranching became the third largest business in the area, behind lumber and railroads, prior to the "discovery" of Lake Pend Oreille as a sports fishery in the 1950s. The economy was given a boost during World War II from Farragut Naval Station, a training center for the US Navy located at the southwestern end of Lake Pend Oreille.

The opening of Schweitzer Mountain Resort in 1963 turned the area into a year-round tourism destination. The beauty of the surrounding Selkirk and Cabinet Mountains and Lake Pend Oreille has kept Sandpoint a tourist favorite for water sports, hunting, hiking, horseback riding, fishing and skiing.

In the 1980s and 1990s, 30 miles south of Sandpoint, the areas of Coeur d'Alene and Hayden Lake attracted nationwide publicity when white supremacist Neo-Nazi groups (most notably the Aryan Nations) set up headquarters in the area. Many Sandpoint residents reacted negatively to such groups; some formed the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force in opposition. In 2001, the Aryan Nations lost a lawsuit filed against them. The lawsuit bankrupted the organization and forced them to give up their Hayden Lake property and disband. In December 2011, Sandpoint became the first city in Idaho to pass an ordinance prohibiting discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Community organizations stage a number of regionally known annual events, including Sandpoint Winter Carnival in February; the Lost in the 50s vintage car show in May; and the Festival at Sandpoint summer music festival in August. Sandpoint's historic vaudeville-era Panida Theater hosts frequent performing art events and an ongoing independent film series. The Music Conservatory of Sandpoint provides classical music classes and inaugurated its "Little Carnegie" concert hall in 2022. A robust visual arts community supported by the Pend Oreille Arts Council also contributes to Sandpoint's reputation as a center for arts and culture in northern Idaho and the Inland Northwest.

Geography and climate

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.79 sqmi, of which 3.98 sqmi is land and 0.81 sqmi is water.

Sandpoint has a fairly typical inland Northwestern humid continental climate (Köppen Dsb), with cold, snowy winters and dry summers with large diurnal temperature swings from hot in the day to very cool at night. The record low was −37 °F on December 30, 1968, while the record high was 104 °F recorded on both July 20, 1923 and July 24, 1994. The wettest month was December 1933 with 11.99 in of total precipitation and the most monthly snowfall 68.8 in in January 1969.

Demographics
The median income between 2016 and 2020 for a household in the city was $46,712. The per capita income for the city was $28,210. The percentage of persons below the poverty line (2016–2020) was 14.7%.

The median value of owner-occupied housing in the city was $228,800. The homeownership rate (2006–2010) was 49.6%.

Of the population over 25 years of age (2006–2010), 89.9% had graduated high school, 25.6% had achieved a bachelor's degree or higher.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 7,365 people, 3,215 households, and 1,811 families residing in the city. The population density was 1850 PD/sqmi. There were 3,769 housing units at an average density of 947 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.5% White, 0.1% African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 0.5% from other races, and 2.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.9% of the population.

There were 3,215 households, of which 29.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.4% were married couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.7% were non-families. 36.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.86.

The median age in the city was 38.8 years. 23.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.2% were from 25 to 44; 25.9% were from 45 to 64; and 16.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.2% male and 51.8% female.

Economy
Since 2002, Sandpoint has been home to aircraft manufacturer Quest Aircraft.

Education
Sandpoint is part of the Lake Pend Oreille School District. Sandpoint High School and Lake Pend Oreille Alternative High School educate students in grades 9 through 12.

Forrest Bird Charter School educates grades 6–12. History - First school in Sand Point all grades whose teacher was, Mary Murphy, wife of homesteader Thomas Murphy whose spring was used by the state fish hatchery for its water supply on opposite side of the lake. Property passed to Mary and then three of four sons, Leo, Ernest, and Arthur (who later became state senator and leader of the Democratic Party until 1977), oldest son, Charles (later a county commissioner) who had a nearby homestead. Arthur retained a spring on his property. On Arthur's death the property and spring passed to Terrence Murphy, Arthur's youngest son.

Rail transportation
Amtrak's Empire Builder carries passengers daily in both directions between Chicago, Illinois to the east and Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon to the west. Sandpoint's Amtrak station serves as the only stop in Idaho.

Sandpoint is on the main line of the BNSF Railroad, 80 railroad miles northeast of Spokane. Traffic flow was improved in 2023 by paralleling a 2.2-mile segment including the lake crossing that had been constricted by a single-track bridge.

Local media

 * Radio
 * KSPT AM 1400 (News/Talk)
 * KRFY FM 88.5 (Alternative)
 * KPND FM 95.3 (Adult Hits)
 * KTAQ-LP FM 97.7 (3ABN Radio)
 * KIBR FM 102.5 (Country music)
 * KTPO FM 106.7 (KPND 95.3 repeater)
 * FM 105.3 (Sandpoint's Hit Music)

Television stations serving Sandpoint originate from the Spokane, Washington market:
 * Television
 * KREM 2 (CBS)
 * KXLY-TV 4 (ABC)
 * KHQ-TV 6 (NBC)
 * KSPS-TV 7 (PBS)

 * Print
 * The Bonner County Daily Bee, daily paper since 1965
 * The Sandpoint Reader, weekly paper since 2004

Notable people

 * Forrest Bird, aviator, biomedical inventor, recipient of Presidential Citizens Medal
 * Allie Brosh, humorist blogger and novelist
 * Leon Cadore, baseball pitcher who pitched a 26-inning game in 1920, graduate of Sandpoint High School
 * John Craigie, folk singer, lived there for a summer and wrote the song "All of July" about Sandpoint
 * James C. Fry, United States Army major general, recipient of Distinguished Service Cross
 * Mark Fuhrman, former LAPD detective primarily known for his role in the O. J. Simpson murder case
 * Tinker Hatfield, athletic shoe designer and Nike Air Jordan architect
 * Nate Holland, two-time Olympian, five-time X Games gold medalist, US Snowboard team
 * Nell Kruegel Irion, city councilor and first woman to run for Congress in Idaho
 * Jerry Kramer, National Football League right guard, author
 * Joe Mather, Major League Baseball outfielder
 * Patrick F. McManus, outdoor writer and humorist
 * Viggo Mortensen, actor and producer
 * Alex R. Munson (born 1941), chief judge of the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands (1988-2010). After his retirement, he became a resident of Sandpoint, Idaho.
 * Don Osborn, former minor league baseball pitcher and manager and pitching coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates
 * Kristy Osmunson, singer and fiddle player of the country music duo Bomshel
 * Sarah Palin, former governor of Alaska and 2008 Republican nominee for Vice President
 * Genevieve Pezet (1913–2009), American artist who lived in France.
 * Jake Plummer, former NFL quarterback
 * Shook Twins, folk music duo who grew up in Sandpoint
 * Lucy Ann Polk, big-band singer
 * Marilynne Robinson, writer and winner of the 2005 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction
 * Jake Rosholt, mixed martial artist and former collegiate wrestler at Oklahoma State
 * Don Samuelson, 25th Governor of Idaho (1967−1971)
 * Edgar Steele, attorney found guilty of a murder-for-hire plot (from the nearby town of Sagle)
 * Ben Stein, writer, lawyer, actor, comedian, and commentator on political and economic issues
 * Tim Thomas, retired National Hockey League goaltender

title: Sandpoint, Idaho


text:
Ammon, Idaho

Ammon is a suburb city in Bonneville County, Idaho, United States. As of the 2010 US Census, the population of Ammon was 13,816. By the 2020 census, Ammon's population had grown to 17,694. It lies directly to the east of Idaho Falls and to the west of the Ammon foothills, and is the second most populous city in the Idaho Falls metropolitan area.

As of 2020, Ammon is the 15th most populous city in Idaho. It was one of the state's fastest growing cities from 2000 to 2010, experiencing a 123.3% growth rate based on the 2010 US Census.

History
Ammon was founded by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1888. It was originally called South Iona because it was the dependent branch in the south end of the Iona, Idaho ward. The area was made a ward in the church in 1889 with Arthur M. Rawson as bishop, who renamed the town in honor of Ammon, a figure in the LDS book of scripture, the Book of Mormon. Since it was now independent of the Iona Ward, a new name seemed appropriate. On February 9, 1893, the name of the town was changed from South Iona Ward to Ammon.

By 1930 the village of Ammon had 270 inhabitants, but the total district of Ammon, which is how the name is usually used and is closer to the modern borders, had a population of about 1100.

Ammon was an early agricultural center and later was home to several general stores, a grain elevator and a brickyard. The city was officially incorporated on October 10, 1905. It became a Second Class City under Idaho law in 1963. In the early 1900s a spur line was built by the Union Pacific Railroad to the Ammon Elevator. Beginning in the 1940s housing divisions have aided the city's growth and it has become a suburb for the adjacent city of Idaho Falls. Building boomed in the 1990s in both the business and housing sectors, and the city was one of the fastest growing in Idaho from 2000 to 2010.

Geography
Ammon is located at 43.47639°N, -111.96806°W (43.476268, -111.967964).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.27 sqmi, of which, 7.26 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 13,816 people, 4,476 households, and 3,352 families residing in the city. The population density was 1903.0 PD/sqmi. There were 4,747 housing units at an average density of 653.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.1% White, 0.5% African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 2.2% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.4% of the population.

There were 4,476 households, of which 46.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.4% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 25.1% were non-families. 21.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.05 and the average family size was 3.61.

The median age in the city was 29.6 years. 36.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.5% were from 25 to 44; 18.7% were from 45 to 64; and 9.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.9% male and 51.1% female.

2000 census
As of the 2000 Census there were 1,843 households, out of which 49.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 72.0% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.1% were non-families. 13.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.27 and the average family size was 3.62.

In 2000 the city the population was spread out, with 36.3% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 18.4% from 45 to 64, and 9.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city in 2000 was $47,820, and the median income for a family was $51,544. Males had a median income of $41,126 versus $21,301 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,535. About 3.4% of families and 5.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.0% of those under age 18 and 9.6% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Ammon is served by the Bonneville Joint School District. District #93 serves about 10,758 students in 19 schools, making it the fifth-largest by enrollment in the state of Idaho. The district has 14 elementary schools serving students in K–6, three middle schools serving students in grades 7–8, and three high schools serving students in grades 9–12, along with an alternative high school.

High schools

 * Bonneville High School
 * Bonnevile Online High School
 * Hillcrest High School
 * Thunder Ridge High School

Alternative high schools

 * Lincoln Alternative High School

Middle schools

 * Black Canyon Middle School
 * Rocky Mountain Middle School
 * Sandcreek Middle School

Elementary schools

 * Ammon Elementary School
 * Bridgewater Elementary School
 * Cloverdale Elementary School
 * Discovery Elementary School
 * Fairview Elementary School
 * Falls Valley Elementary School
 * Hillview Elementary School
 * Iona Elementary School
 * Mountain Valley Elementary School
 * Rimrock Elementary School
 * Summit Hills Elementary School
 * Tiebreaker Elementary School
 * Ucon Elementary School
 * Woodland Hills Elementary School

Fiber Optics
Ammon builds, owns, and operates a fiber-to-the-premises system. Ammon provides the fiber to the premises, and relies on third party ISPs to connect customers to the Internet and other services.

title: Ammon, Idaho


text:
Idaho Falls, Idaho

Idaho Falls is the fourth most populous city in Idaho and the county seat of Bonneville County. It is the state's most populous city outside the Boise metropolitan area. As of the 2020 census, the population of Idaho Falls was 64,818. In the 2010 census, the population of Idaho Falls was 56,813 (2019 estimate: 62,888), with a metro population of 133,265. Idaho Falls serves as the commercial, cultural, and healthcare hub for Eastern Idaho, as well as parts of western Wyoming and southern Montana. It is served by the Idaho Falls Regional Airport and is home to the College of Eastern Idaho, Museum of Idaho, Idaho Falls Idaho Temple, and the Idaho Falls Chukars minor league baseball team. It is the principal city of the Idaho Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Idaho Falls–Blackfoot-Rexburg, Idaho Combined Statistical Area.

Montana Trail origins
The area around Idaho Falls was first sparsely settled by cattle and sheep ranchers. No significant development took place until 1864, when a man named Harry Rickets built and operated a ferry on the Snake River at 43.60187°N, -112.0588°W. The ferry served a new tide of westward migration and travel on the Montana Trail following the Bear River Massacre of Shoshone Indians in 1863.

The present-day site of Idaho Falls became a permanent settlement when freighter Matt Taylor built a timber-frame toll bridge across a narrow black basaltic gorge of the river 7 mi downstream from the ferry. The bridge improved travel for settlers moving north and west, and for miners, freighters, and others seeking riches in the gold fields of Idaho and Montana—especially the boom towns of Bannack and Virginia City.

Eagle Rock
By the end of 1865, a private bank, small hotel, livery stable, eating house, post office, and stage station had sprung up near the bridge. The settlement was initially known as Taylor's Crossing, but postmarks indicate that by 1866, the emerging town had become known as Eagle Rock. The name was derived from an isolated basalt island in the river near the ferry, where approximately twenty eagles nested.

In 1874, water rights were established on nearby Willow Creek and the first grain was harvested. Settlement was sparse, and consisted of only a couple of families and small irrigation ditches. The first child of European descent was born at Eagle Rock in 1874.

Soon, the Utah and Northern Railway (U&NR) was built, stretching north from Utah through Eagle Rock and crossing the Snake River at the same narrow gorge as Taylor's bridge. The railway would eventually connect to the large new copper mines at Butte, Montana. The U&NR had the backing of robber baron Jay Gould, as Union Pacific Railroad had purchased it a few years prior. Grading crews reached Eagle Rock in late 1878, and by early 1879, a wild camp-town with dozens of tents and shanties had moved to Eagle Rock with a collection of saloons, dance halls, and gambling halls. The railroad company had 16 locomotives and 300 train cars working between Logan, Utah and the once-quiet stage stop. A new iron railroad bridge was fabricated in Athens, Pennsylvania at a cost of $30,000 and shipped by rail to the site, where it was erected in April and May 1879. The bridge was 800 ft long and had two spans, with an island in the center. The camp-town moved on, but Eagle Rock now had regular train service and several U&NR buildings, shops, and facilities which expanded and transformed the town.

As soon as the railroad came through, settlers began homesteading the upper Snake River Valley in earnest. The first new settlers carved out homesteads to the north at Egin (near present-day Parker) and at Pooles Island (near present-day Menan). The Utah & Northern Railway provided easy access, especially to homesteaders from Utah, who soon populated much of the area surrounding Eagle Rock. Some of these men had initially worked building the railroad, then later returned with their families to stake out new farms. These Utah families brought irrigation know-how developed in Utah's Great Basin settlements. Through their and others' canal systems, water from the Snake River made the Upper Snake River Valley into one of the most successful irrigation projects in the Mountain West. Large-scale settlement ensued and within a decade, there appeared roads, bridges, and dams, which brought most of the Upper Snake River Valley under cultivation.

Then, in 1887, following the construction of the Oregon Short Line and a railroad workers' strike in Eagle Rock, most of the railroad facilities were moved to Pocatello, where the new line branched off the U&NR. This caused a sharp and immediate drop in population, which nearly killed the town. In 1891, marketers convinced town leaders to change the name to Idaho Falls in reference to the rapids below the bridge. Some years later, the construction of a retaining wall for a hydroelectric power plant transformed the rapids into waterfalls. On June 22, 1895, the world's then-largest irrigation canal, the Great Feeder (located 5 miles northeast of Ririe), began diverting water from the Snake River, helping to convert tens of thousands of more acres of desert into green farmland. The area grew sugar beets, potatoes, peas, grains, and alfalfa, and became one of the most productive agricultural regions of the United States. The city once again began to flourish, growing continuously into the 20th century.

Nuclear reactors

In 1949, the Atomic Energy Commission opened the National Reactor Testing Station (NRTS) in the desert west of Idaho Falls. On December 20, 1951, a nuclear reactor there produced useful electricity for the first time in history. There have been more than 50 unique reactors built at the facility for testing—only three remain active.

On January 3, 1961, NRTS became the scene of the only fatal nuclear reactor incident in U.S. history. The event occurred at an experimental U.S. Army plant known as the Argonne Low-Power Reactor, which the Army called the Stationary Low-Power Reactor Number One (SL-1). Due to poor design and maintenance procedures, a single control rod was manually pulled out too far from the reactor, causing the reactor to become prompt critical, leading to a destructive power excursion. Three trained military men had been working inside the reactor room when a mistake was made while reattaching a control rod to its motor assembly. With the central control rod nearly fully extended, the nuclear reactor rated at 3 MW rapidly increased power to 20 GW. This rapidly boiled the water inside the core. As the steam expanded, a pressure wave of water forcefully struck the top of the reactor vessel, upon which two of the men stood. The explosion was so severe that the reactor vessel was propelled nine feet into the air, striking the ceiling before settling back into its original position. One man was impaled by a shield plug and lodged into the ceiling, where he died instantly. The other men died from their injuries within hours. The three men were buried in lead coffins, and that entire section of the site was buried. The core meltdown caused no damage to the area, although some radioactive nuclear fission products were released into the atmosphere.

The site has since developed into the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), a national laboratory operated by the United States Department of Energy. INL and its contractors are a major economic engine for the Idaho Falls area, employing more than 8,000 people between the desert site and its research and education campus in Idaho Falls. Among other projects, INL operates and manages the world-famous Advanced Test Reactor (ATR).

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 22.80 sqmi, of which 22.35 sqmi, 98% is land and 0.45 square miles (1.17 km2, 2%) is water.

Natural disasters are rare in the area, although an F2 tornado hit the Idaho Falls area on April 7, 1978, causing up to $5 million in damage.

River Walk
Idaho Falls has an extensive river walk trail featuring running and bike trails, art installations, and points of interest along several miles of the Snake River. It is maintained by the city and periodically receives donations and grants that allow for expansion.

Neighborhoods
Notable Idaho Falls neighborhoods include:
 * Downtown - Historic downtown Idaho Falls sits on several blocks of the original townsite along the east side of the river. It features restaurants, plazas, shops, and cultural amenities including the Museum of Idaho, Colonial Theatre, Art Museum of Eastern Idaho, Idaho Falls Public Library, and Japanese Friendship Garden. It is home to the Idaho Falls Farmers' Market and many other community events.
 * The Numbered Streets - The numbered streets area was the first planned neighborhood in Idaho Falls. The streets run west and east between South Boulevard and Holmes Avenue. Traffic on the odd-numbered streets travels east, and west on the even-numbered streets. Kate Curley Park is located in the neighborhood, as is the Wesley W. Deist Aquatic Center and the Eleventh Street Historic District.
 * West Side - The West Side houses Idaho Falls Regional Airport and I-15. It has retained more of a small-town feel than the east side, which has grown and developed much more rapidly since the 1980s.
 * Snake River Landing - SRL is a large, mixed-use development on the west side of the river near I-15, which includes residential, restaurant, park, and community event space, including a planned mid-sized indoor arena. It now hosts the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration, a large Independence Day event.

Climate
Idaho Falls experiences a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters (Köppen Dfb). Precipitation is relatively sparse, but not low enough to classify the climate as semi-arid.

2020 census
As of the census of 2020, there were 64,818 people, and 23,875 households in the city. The population density was 2,700.5 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the city was 85.1% White, 0.6% African American, 0.8% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, and 5.5% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 17.5% of the population.

28.4% of the population was under 18, and 7.3% were under 5. 13.5% of the population were over 65. The gender makeup was 50.5% female, 49.5% male.

The median household income was $57,412, and the per capita income was $29,395. 12.6% of the population were under the poverty line.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 56,813 people, 21,203 households, and 14,510 families residing in the city. The population density was 2542.0 PD/sqmi. There were 22,977 housing units at an average density of 1028.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 89.3% White, 0.7% African American, 1.0% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 5.6% from other races, and 2.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12.9% of the population.

There were 21,203 households, of which 37.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.4% were married couples living together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.6% were non-families. 26.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.20.

The median age in the city was 32.2 years. 29.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.5% were from 25 to 44; 23.4% were from 45 to 64; and 11.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.5% male and 50.5% female.

2000 census
The 2000 census reported there were 50,730 people, 18,793 households, and 13,173 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,972.2 PD/sqmi. There were 19,771 housing units at an average density of 1,158.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.09% White, 0.62% African American, 0.76% Native American, 1.05% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 3.81% from other races, and 1.61% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.18% of the population.

There were 18,793 households, out of which 37.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.5% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.9% were non-families. 25.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.21.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 30.3% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 11.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $40,512, and the median income for a family was $47,431. Males had a median income of $39,082 versus $23,001 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,857. About 7.8% of families and 10.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.7% of those under age 18 and 6.3% of those age 65 or over.

The top five ethnic groups in Idaho Falls are:
 * English - 22%
 * German - 16%
 * Irish - 7%
 * Mexican - 5%
 * Swedish - 4%

Economy
Idaho Falls serves as a regional hub for health care, travel, and business in eastern Idaho.

The community's economy was mostly agriculturally focused until the opening of the National Reactor Testing Station in the desert west of Idaho Falls in 1949. The city subsequently became largely dependent on high-income jobs from the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), known locally simply as "The Site." Since the 1990s, the city has added a significant retail, entertainment, and restaurant sector, as well as a regional medical center.

Idaho Falls hosts the headquarters of the United Potato Growers of Idaho and District 7 of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. It is the home to several small-to-medium-sized national corporations such as North Wind, Inc. and Melaleuca, Inc.

The median home price in Idaho Falls was $224,800 in January 2007.

Idaho Falls, Idaho / U.S. average:
 * Area population 122,995 / 647,500
 * Median home price $224,800 / $235,000
 * Cost-of-living index 99.8 / 100.0
 * Unemployment rate 2.7% / 4.6%
 * Job growth—5 years 18.84% / 4.90%
 * Job growth—1 year 2.74% / 1.66%
 * Median household income $47,719 / $46,326

Public transport in Idaho Falls is run by the Greater Idaho Falls Transit, which runs the GIFT On Demand demand-responsive transport system.

Arts and culture
The Willard Arts Center, The Colonial Theatre, and Frontier Center for the Performing Arts host musical concerts, plays, and events.

The Mountain America Center, a multi-purpose arena and convention center, opened to the public in November 2022.

The Museum of Idaho showcases local artifacts and history. It also brings in major traveling exhibits such as fossilized dinosaurs, Gutenberg Bibles, Titanic remnants, and "Bodies: the Exhibition."

Downtown Idaho Falls once struggled as the city expanded eastward, but it has been revitalized in recent years due to the efforts of local business owners, the City of Idaho Falls, and other organizations such as the Downtown Development Corporation and the Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce. Today, it is home to a handful of locally owned shops, stores, restaurants, galleries, theaters, and future revitalization efforts.

The city attracts many tourists visiting nearby Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Jackson Hole, and fishing on the Snake River.

Parks and recreation
There are three 18-hole golf courses in Idaho Falls, and four disc golf courses.

Higher education
The College of Eastern Idaho was established in 1969 as a vocational-technical college named Eastern Idaho Technical College. In 2017 it transitioned into Eastern Idaho's only community college.

A campus of the University of Idaho in Idaho Falls provides access to the university's resources.

Primary and secondary education

Schools located in Idaho Falls administered by the Idaho Falls School District #91 include:

 * A.H. Bush Elementary School Logo
 * Career Technical Education
 * Compass Academy
 * Dora Erickson Elementary School
 * Eagle Rock Middle School
 * Edgemont Elementary School
 * Emerson Alternative High School
 * Ethel Boyes Elementary School
 * Fox Hollow Elementary School
 * Hawthorne Elementary School
 * Idaho Falls High School
 * Linden Park Elementary School
 * Longfellow Elementary School
 * Skyline High School
 * Sunnyside Elementary School
 * Taylorview Middle School
 * Temple View Elementary School
 * Theresa Bunker Elementary School
 * Westside Elementary School

Schools located in Idaho Falls administered by the Bonneville Joint School District #93 include:

 * Black Canyon Middle School
 * Bonneville Online High School
 * Bridgewater Elementary School
 * Cloverdale Elementary School
 * Discovery Elementary School
 * Fairview Elementary School
 * Falls Valley Elementary School
 * Praxium Mastery Academy
 * Summit Hills Elementary School
 * Tiebreaker Elementary School
 * Ucon Elementary School
 * Lincoln High School

Each fall, the varsity football teams of Idaho Falls and Skyline compete in a rival football game called the Emotion Bowl. Each year, after the game, the winning team and its fans traditionally paint the goalposts of the stadium in their school colors (orange for Idaho Falls and blue for Skyline). Bonneville and Hillcrest participate in a similar event known as the Civil War.

Media
The Post Register, a daily newspaper, serves the Idaho Falls area. The area is also served by seven radio stations. The Idaho Falls/Pocatello region is served by five major television stations. There are four major news outlets in the area: KIDK (Dabl, also broadcast on sister Fox station KXPI-LD), KIFI-TV (ABC/CBS), KPVI-DT (NBC, licensed to Pocatello), and Idaho Public Television. Online media outlet East Idaho News also serves the area with news coverage.

Notable people

 * Chandler Brossard - beat novelist, author of Who Walk in Darkness
 * Gregory C. Carr - telecommunications entrepreneur and philanthropist; head of Gorongosa National Park restoration in Mozambique
 * Steven E. Carr - only American ever elected to Standing Commission of International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, organization's highest governing body worldwide
 * Barzilla W. Clark - Governor of Idaho 1937–1939. Mayor of Idaho Falls 1913–15, 1926–36
 * Bethine Clark Church - Scion of the Clark family and wife of Frank Church
 * Chase A. Clark - Governor of Idaho 1941-1942. Mayor of Idaho Falls 1937-1938. U.S. district judge 1943-1966
 * D. Worth Clark - U.S. Senator 1939-1945. U.S. Congressman 1935-1939
 * Mike Crapo - U.S. Senator 1999–present. U.S. Congressman 1993-1999
 * Dame Darcy - avant-garde cartoonist and author of Meatcake
 * Jared Gold - fashion designer, featured on America's Next Top Model
 * Gregg Hale - guitar player for multi-platinum selling British band Spiritualized
 * Michael Jon Hand - former CIA operative, arms dealer, drug dealer and international fugitive; co-founder of the defunct Nugan Hand Bank
 * Orval H. Hansen - U.S. Congressman 1969-1975
 * Mary Kornman - actress, best known for Our Gang comedies
 * Rachel Martin - NPR journalist, host of Morning Edition
 * Janice McGeachin - Lieutenant Governor of Idaho 2019–2023
 * Edgar Miller - designer and artist
 * David Neiwert - freelance journalist and blogger
 * Yo Murphy - former CFL/NFL wide receiver; played at Idaho Falls High School
 * Ryan Nelson - federal judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (2018–present)
 * Martha Raddatz - ABC News Chief Global Affairs Correspondent, recipient of 4 Emmy Awards
 * Wilson Rawls - author of Where the Red Fern Grows and Summer of the Monkeys
 * Brandi Sherwood - Miss Idaho Teen USA 1989, Miss Teen USA 1989, Miss Idaho USA 1997, Miss USA 1997 (succeeded)
 * John L. Smith - head football coach at Michigan State, Louisville, Utah State, Idaho, and Arkansas
 * Frank L. VanderSloot - businessman, owner of Melaleuca Inc., a home-goods/health-product marketing company; national finance co-chair for Mitt Romney's 2012 presidential campaign

Sister city
Idaho Falls has a sister city, as designated by Sister Cities International:
 * 🇯🇵 Tokai, Ibaraki, Japan

title: Idaho Falls, Idaho


text:
Iona, Idaho

Iona is a city in Bonneville County, Idaho, United States. It is part of the Idaho Falls, Idaho Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,803 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Iona is located at 43.52639°N, -111.92861°W (43.526319, -111.928478).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.10 sqmi, all of it land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,803 people, 578 households, and 481 families residing in the city. The population density was 1639.1 PD/sqmi. There were 601 housing units at an average density of 546.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.7% White, 0.2% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 0.7% from other races, and 1.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.9% of the population.

There were 578 households, of which 45.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 72.7% were married couples living together, 6.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 16.8% were non-families. 14.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.12 and the average family size was 3.44.

The median age in the city was 31.5 years. 35.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.8% were from 25 to 44; 21.1% were from 45 to 64; and 11.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.1% male and 50.9% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,201 people, 372 households, and 318 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,526.0 PD/sqmi. There were 385 housing units at an average density of 489.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.42% White, 0.08% African American, 0.17% Native American, 0.08% Asian, 0.83% from other races, and 0.42% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.91% of the population.

There were 372 households, out of which 44.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 76.3% were married couples living together, 5.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 14.5% were non-families. 12.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.23 and the average family size was 3.55.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 35.6% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 24.5% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 11.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $39,904, and the median income for a family was $42,692. Males had a median income of $32,105 versus $21,818 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,334. 17.6% of the population and 14.0% of families were below the poverty line. 11.6% of those under the age of 18 and 6.1% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Education
Iona is served by the Bonneville Joint School District, with Iona Elementary School within the Iona city limits. Students are bussed to Black Canyon Middle School and Thunder Ridge High School.

title: Iona, Idaho


text:
Irwin, Idaho

Irwin is a city in Bonneville County, Idaho, United States. It is part of the Idaho Falls, Idaho Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 259 at the 2020 census, and 219 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Irwin is located at 43.38833°N, -111.26806°W (43.388220, -111.268118).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.45 sqmi, all of it land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 219 people, 103 households, and 70 families residing in the city. The population density was 89.4 PD/sqmi. There were 166 housing units at an average density of 67.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.1% White, 0.5% Asian, and 0.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.5% of the population.

There were 103 households, of which 15.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.1% were married couples living together, 4.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 1.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.0% were non-families. 25.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.53.

The median age in the city was 52.4 years. 11.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21% were from 25 to 44; 38.4% were from 45 to 64; and 23.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.6% male and 48.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 157 people, 71 households, and 47 families residing in the city. The population density was 73.8 PD/sqmi. There were 125 housing units at an average density of 58.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.09% White, 0.64% Asian, 1.27% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.91% of the population.

There were 71 households, out of which 22.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.6% were married couples living together, 2.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.4% were non-families. 31.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.73.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 19.1% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 17.2% from 25 to 44, 34.4% from 45 to 64, and 23.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,250, and the median income for a family was $42,813. Males had a median income of $28,333 versus $27,250 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,896. About 3.5% of families and 9.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.4% of those under the age of eighteen and none of those 65 or over.

title: Irwin, Idaho


text:
Ririe, Idaho

Ririe is a city in Bonneville and Jefferson counties in the eastern part of the U.S. state of Idaho. It is part of the Idaho Falls metropolitan area. The population was 656 at the time of the 2010 census.

History
The city of Ririe was named for one of its first homesteaders, David Ririe. A Utah resident, Ririe settled in the area in 1888 and began cultivating a small claim of land. In 1891, Joseph Hyrum Lovell and his family settled on an adjoining area and began farming. That winter, however, Joseph died of illness, leaving his family alone and isolated. David Ririe helped the widowed family to establish their farm, and eventually married one of the Lovell daughters, Leah Ann. The families flourished in the area, and David eventually built a large stone house, which stands today, to house his large family. As more residents settled in the area, the common need for schools and churches help foster a community. However, the city of Ririe was formally established in 1914. That year, the railroad was routed through the city and Ririe was given its name by railroad officials. The small community of Shelton was absorbed by Ririe, but several buildings and sites continue to bear the Shelton name, such as the Ririe-Shelton Cemetery.

A large fire in the summer of 1919 destroyed much of the southern half of the town, but since then, the elementary school/high school complex, an athletic field, and an LDS Stake Center have been built in the area. Since 2007, nearly a thousand acres (4 km$2$) have been annexed into the town, ostensibly in anticipation of future development.

Geography
Ririe is located at 43.63°N, -111.77306°W (43.629998, -111.773012).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.50 sqmi, of which, 0.49 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi is water.

Culture
Ririe and its surrounding area are largely dependent on a farming economy. The major crops grown in the area are wheat, barley, alfalfa, and potatoes. Many community residents either farm their own land or work in some aspect of farm support, including supplying farm equipment, coordinating crop buyers, etc. In addition to those who farm, many residents work at the Idaho National Laboratory (a.k.a. "the Site"), a regional division of the Department of Energy that focuses on nuclear energy and security technology. Others work in various occupations in the surrounding communities.

Ririe is one of only three cities in Idaho situated astride county lines. Ririe is nearby to three larger cities--Idaho Falls, Rexburg, and Rigby, Idaho Falls and Rexburg both being about a half-hour away, and Rigby about 15 minutes away. These communities provide Ririe residents with easy access to shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and other city amenities.

Because of its unique location and small size, Ririe has become, in effect, a "bedroom" community with little retail commerce of its own. There have been several startup business attempts in the city, most failing within the first year or two. In addition to the several local grain elevators, the few small-town businesses that have succeeded are loyally supported. These include three gas stations, three restaurants, two convenience stores, a bank, an auto parts store, an auto repair shop, a metal design and fabrication shop, and one bar. The city also includes a post office, a senior citizen community center, a community library, a city park, and a community cemetery.

The community has a small independent public school system, consisting of the Ririe Elementary School complex located in the heart of the city, and the Ririe High School complex located just to the south of the city. Ririe also has its own community fire station, which provides volunteer EMS and fire-fighting to the area.

The predominant religion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is widespread in city culture. The majority of city residents identify themselves as members, and two large church buildings serve as centers for many community activities. There is also a small non-denominational church in the community supported by a handful of loyal members.

Based in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and near the south fork of the Snake River, a large number of outdoor activities are available, including snowmobiling, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, hunting, boating, camping, and fishing. Heise Hot Springs, a local recreation area, provides facilities for golfing, camping and year-round swimming. The Kelly Canyon Ski Area, a small ski resort with 4 chairlifts, offers day and night skiing in the winter.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 656 people, 239 households, and 166 families residing in the city. The population density was 1338.8 PD/sqmi. There were 267 housing units at an average density of 544.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 86.3% White, 1.1% Native American, 6.4% from other races, and 6.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13.7% of the population.

There were 239 households, of which 43.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.6% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 30.5% were non-families. 25.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 3.34.

The median age in the city was 30.5 years. 33.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.8% were from 25 to 44; 22.4% were from 45 to 64; and 11% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.6% male and 51.4% female.

title: Ririe, Idaho


text:
Swan Valley, Idaho

Swan Valley is a city in Bonneville County, Idaho, United States. It is part of the Idaho Falls, Idaho Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 204 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Swan Valley is located at 43.45361°N, -111.35111°W (43.453741, -111.351090).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.62 sqmi, of which, 11.51 sqmi is land and 0.11 sqmi is water.

Climate
According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Swan Valley has a warm-summer humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps. The hottest temperature recorded in Swan Valley, was 103 F on September 4, 2022, while the coldest temperature recorded was -43 F on January 19, 1963, and December 22, 1990.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 204 people, 92 households, and 66 families living in the city. The population density was 17.7 PD/sqmi. There were 135 housing units at an average density of 11.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.6% White, 1.0% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 1.5% from other races, and 0.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.5% of the population.

There were 92 households, of which 20.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.2% were married couples living together, 3.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 28.3% were non-families. 26.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.67.

The median age in the city was 47.8 years. 18.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.5% were from 25 to 44; 35.3% were from 45 to 64; and 20.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.0% male and 50.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 213 people, 79 households, and 57 families living in the city. The population density was 20.7 /mi2. There were 117 housing units at an average density of 11.4 /mi2. The racial makeup of the city was 91.08% White, 0.47% Native American, 0.47% Asian, 1.41% from other races, and 6.57% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.35% of the population.

There were 79 households, out of which 26.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.6% were married couples living together, 1.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.6% were non-families. 19.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.16.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.8% under the age of 18, 4.2% from 18 to 24, 23.5% from 25 to 44, 27.7% from 45 to 64, and 18.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 113.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $37,083, and the median income for a family was $41,071. Males had a median income of $37,083 versus $17,813 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,527. About 3.8% of families and 9.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.3% of those under the age of eighteen and 5.7% of those 65 or over.

Trivia

 * The former mayor of Swan Valley Tom Walsh was hired by the NFL's Oakland Raiders American football team to be their offensive coordinator in February 2006. He was previously the offensive coordinator of the organization in the early 1990s.
 * According to an 1868 account, a monster simply dubbed the Swan Valley Monster was sighted in the Snake River.

title: Swan Valley, Idaho


text:
Ucon, Idaho

Ucon is a city in Bonneville County, Idaho, United States. It is part of the Idaho Falls, Idaho Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,108 at the 2010 census. Ucon was first settled in 1883.

Geography
Ucon is located at 43.59306°N, -111.95972°W (43.593175, -111.959594).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.79 sqmi, all of it land.

Education
Ucon is served by the Bonneville Joint School District, with Ucon Elementary School within city limits. Students are bussed to Rocky Mountain Middle School, and Bonneville High School.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,108 people, 336 households, and 277 families residing in the city. The population density was 1402.5 PD/sqmi. There were 368 housing units at an average density of 465.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.9% White, 0.1% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 2.3% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.0% of the population.

There were 336 households, of which 50.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.3% were married couples living together, 11.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 17.6% were non-families. 14.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.30 and the average family size was 3.69.

The median age in the city was 28.6 years. 38.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.2% were from 25 to 44; 19.6% were from 45 to 64; and 9.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 53.1% male and 46.9% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 943 people, 280 households, and 236 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,230.3 PD/sqmi. There were 288 housing units at an average density of 375.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.33% White, 0.11% African American, 0.42% Native American, 2.44% from other races, and 1.70% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.14% of the population.

There were 280 households, out of which 43.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 74.6% were married couples living together, 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 15.7% were non-families. 12.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.30 and the average family size was 3.62.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 34.7% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 22.4% from 45 to 64, and 7.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 111.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $39,375, and the median income for a family was $41,250. Males had a median income of $30,809 versus $19,911 for females. The per capita income for the city was $12,964. About 7.2% of families and 9.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.6% of those under age 18 and 9.8% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * N. M. Jorgensen, football coach
 * Dean Mortimer, member of the Idaho Senate (raised in Ucon)
 * Kristen Tracy, fiction writer and Emily Dickinson Prize winning poet (raised in Ucon)

title: Ucon, Idaho


text:
Bonners Ferry, Idaho

Bonners Ferry (Kutenai language: ʔaq̓anqmi ) is the larger city in and the county seat of Boundary County, Idaho, United States. The population was 2,543 at the 2010 census.

History

When gold was discovered in the East Kootenays of British Columbia in 1863, thousands of prospectors from all over the West surged northward over a route that became known as the Wildhorse Trail. Edwin Bonner, a merchant from Walla Walla, Washington, established a ferry in 1864 where the trail crossed the broad Kootenai River. In 1875, Richard Fry, and his Sinixt wife, Justine Su-steel Fry, leased the business, but the location retained the name of the original founder and later became the town of Bonners Ferry.

Before the gold rush, only a few visitors had come to the region; one of the first was explorer David Thompson, a cartographer for the North West Company. Thompson and four fellow fur traders arrived in 1808 to trade with the Lower Kootenais. The local natives gave Thompson's party dried fish and moss bread. Thompson returned the next year and established a trading post on Lake Pend Oreille. He was followed in 1846 by Jesuit Priest Father DeSmet, a missionary to the Kootenai Tribe.

The Oregon Question was settled by the Oregon Treaty of 1846 which established the 49th Parallel north as the boundary between the US and British North America. Government surveyors of the Boundary Commission came in 1858 to establish the border between the United States and British Columbia.

Bonners Ferry in the 1880s flourished due to the mines in the north. Entering service in 1883 the Norwegian-built steamer Midge transported passengers and freight between Bonners Ferry and British Columbia for 25 years. In 1892 The Great Northern Railway was built, followed by the Spokane International and the Kootenai Valley lines.

The village of Bonners Ferry was formally established in 1893, along the south bank of the Kootenai River. Scattered along the valley and benchland were a few ranches and homesteads. Numerous mines were developed in the nearby mountains, including the Continental Mine in the Selkirks. The lumber industry also grew rapidly. Bonners Ferry, perched on stilts to avoid the inevitable spring floods, appeared to be a boom town.

Moving into the 20th century, the town became the center of a lumbering and farming community. The valley land was drained, levees were constructed and farms were cleared on the benches. The rich Kootenai Valley became known as the "Nile of the North," while the Bonners Ferry Lumber Company grew to be one of the world's largest lumber mills. The downtown took shape as brick buildings were constructed, replacing those on stilts. Completion of the Libby Dam in 1975 lessened the threat of serious flooding. Today, much of Main Street dates from this initial period of solid, permanent construction.

On September 20, 1974, the Kootenai Tribe, headed by chairwoman Amy Trice, declared war on the United States government. Their first act was to post soldiers on each end of the highway that runs through the town who would ask people to pay a toll to drive through what had been the tribe's aboriginal land. The money would be used to house and care for elderly tribal members. Most tribes in the United States are forbidden to declare war on the U.S. government because of treaties, but the Kootenai Tribe never signed a treaty. The dispute resulted in the concession by the United States government and a land grant of 10.5 acre that is now the Kootenai Reservation.

Bonners Ferry is 8 miles (13 km) from the site of the Ruby Ridge confrontation and siege in 1992, which occurred just outside Naples, Idaho.

Geography and climate
Bonners Ferry is located 27 miles (43.5 km) south of the Canada-United States border at 48.69222°N, -116.3175°W (48.692110, −116.317626), at an altitude of 1,896 feet (578 m). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.61 sqmi, of which 2.44 sqmi is land and 0.17 sqmi is water.

Bonners Ferry has a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb/Dsb) with cold, snowy winters and dry summers with hot days and cool nights. It is almost warm enough to be classed as a Mediterranean climate or oceanic climate, and snow depths above 10 in occur on 23.6 days on average.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 2,543 people, 1,117 households, and 631 families residing in the city. The population density was 1042.2 PD/sqmi. There were 1,254 housing units at an average density of 513.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.3 percent White, 0.2 percent African American, 2.0 percent Native American, 0.6 percent Asian, 0.2 percent Pacific Islander, 0.5 percent from other races, and 2.2 percent from 2 or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.7 percent of the population.

There were 1,117 households, of which 27.6 percent had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.1 percent were married couples living together, 12.5 percent had a female householder with no husband present, 4.8 percent had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.5 percent were non-families. 38.6 percent of all households were made up of individuals, and 20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.91.

The median age in the city was 41.9 years. 23.7 percent of residents were under the age of 18; 7.5 percent were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.9 percent were from 25 to 44; 27.4 percent were from 45 to 64; and 19.5 percent were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.0 percent male and 52.0 percent female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,515 people, 1,027 households, and 650 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,186.9 PD/sqmi. There were 1,120 housing units at an average density of 528.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.67 percent White, 0.04 percent African American, 1.59 percent Native American, 0.52 percent Asian, 1.31 percent from other races, and 0.87 percent from 2 or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.29 percent of the population.

There were 1,027 households, out of which 31.7 percent had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.0 percent were married couples living together, 11.2 percent had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.7 percent were non-families. 32.9 percent of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.5 percent had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.9 percent under the age of 18, 8.2 percent from 18 to 24, 24.5 percent from 25 to 44, 21.3 percent from 45 to 64, and 19.1 percent who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $24,509, and the median income for a family was $35,237. Males had a median income of $28,558 versus $16,776 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,343. About 17.3 percent of families and 20.0 percent of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.6 percent of those under age 18 and 10.9 percent of those age 65 or over.

Transportation
Boundary County Airport is a county-owned, public-use airport located 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) northeast of the central business district of Bonners Ferry.

The railroad reached town in 1892; the then Great Northern Railroad as part of its transcontinental line over Maria's Pass, now BNSF. The Kootenai Valley Railway existed 1898-1915. In 1910 a second railroad was built through Bonners Ferry: Spokane International Railroad connecting the US to Canada, now Union Pacific.

While Amtrak's Empire Builder runs through town, the nearest station is at Sandpoint (the only Amtrak station in Idaho).

Local media
Bonners Ferry has been home to KBFI AM 1450 since 1983. It is owned by local licensee Radio Bonners Ferry, Inc, owned by Blue Sky Broadcasting, Inc. While licensed to Bonners Ferry and having its transmitter site located there, KBFI shares studios and offices with its sister stations (KSPT, KIBR, and KPND), in nearby Sandpoint, Idaho.

A prominent newspaper in Bonners Ferry is the weekly Bonners Ferry Herald, owned by Hagadone Publishing.

Sports
Bonners Ferry High School has physical education programs such as wrestling, football, baseball, soccer, cheer, dance, golf, and basketball.

There are teams fielded for Little league baseball, in association with nearby Sandpoint, Idaho.Bonners Ferry Little League registration open

Education
There is one school district in Boundary County: Boundary County School District 101.

Boundary County is in the catchment area, but not the taxation zone, for North Idaho College.

Other languages
Some of the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho speak the city name of their language as Bonners Ferry (Ktunaxa: k̓akanmituk ʔa·kaq̓ǂaʔhaǂ, ʔaq̓anqmi ).

Notable people

 * Christopher John Boyce, American spy
 * Denis Johnson, author, journalist
 * Claire Du Brey, silent film actress
 * Johnny James, baseball player
 * Rita La Roy, silent film actress

title: Bonners Ferry, Idaho


text:
Moyie Springs, Idaho

Moyie Springs is a city in Boundary County, Idaho, United States. The population was 718 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Moyie Springs is located at 48.72472°N, -116.19361°W (48.724599, -116.193585).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.52 sqmi, all of it land.

Moyie Springs is located near the confluence of the Moyie and Kootenai rivers.

2010 census
At the 2020 census, there were 718 people, 270 households and 190 families residing in the city. The population density was 472.4 /sqmi. There were 297 housing units at an average density of 195.4 /sqmi. The racial make-up of the city was 93.6% White, 0.8% African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 1.7% from other races, and 3.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.7% of the population.

There were 270 households, of which 41.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.1% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 8.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 29.6% were non-families. 24.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.12.

The median age was 32.3 years. 31.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.8% were from 25 to 44; 24.1% were from 45 to 64; and 10.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender make-up was 48.6% male and 51.4% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census, there were 656 people, 240 households and 177 families residing in the city. The population density was 432.5 /sqmi. There were 254 housing units at an average density of 167.5 /sqmi. The racial make-up was 98.02% White, 0.76% Native American, 0.15% Asian, 0.61% from other races, and 0.46% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.44% of the population.

There were 240 households, of which 38.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.8% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.3% were non-families. 18.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.14.

32.8% of the population were under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 20.7% from 45 to 64, and 11.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.9 males.

The median household income was $35,781 and the median family income was $36,042. Males had a median income of $32,788 and females $30,500. The per capita income was $15,516. About 13.6% of families and 17.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.9% of those under age 18 and 6.1% of those age 65 or over.

Education
There is one school district in Boundary County: Boundary County School District 101.

Boundary County is in the catchment area, but not the taxation zone, for North Idaho College.

title: Moyie Springs, Idaho


text:
Arco, Idaho

Arco is a city in Butte County, Idaho, United States. The population was 879 as of the 2020 United States census, down from 995 at the 2010 census. Arco is the county seat and largest city in Butte County.

History
Arco was named as early as 1860 based on the name of a local rancher, Louis Arco. Louis Arco is also mentioned in the National Park Service’s Teacher's Guide to Craters of the Moon with the line “[around] 1862 Louis Arco establishe[d] a ranch and trading post at Arco."

Arco was the first community in the world ever to be lit by electricity generated solely by nuclear power. This occurred for about an hour on July 17, 1955, powered by Argonne National Laboratory’s BORAX-III reactor at the nearby National Reactor Testing Station (NRTS), now the Idaho National Laboratory. NRTS made further history on January 3, 1961, when the SL-1 reactor was destroyed through an operator maintenance error, with the ensuing steam explosion causing the deaths of all three personnel present. It was the world's first and the United States' only fatal reactor accident.

Economy
The town's economic base is primarily derived from the Idaho National Laboratory (formerly the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory or INEL), agricultural products, and recreation in the Lost River Valley.

Highways

 * US 20.svg US 20 — to Mountain Home (west) and Idaho Falls (east)
 * US 26.svg US 26 — to Shoshone (west) and Blackfoot (east)
 * US 93.svg US 93 — to Challis (north) and Twin Falls (south)

Geography
Arco is located along the Big Lost River and is a gateway to the Lost River Range from the Snake River Plain. Craters of the Moon National Monument is located along U.S. Route 20, southwest of the city. The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is located east of Arco.

Arco Peak, located two mile north of the community at an elevation of 7547 feet, rises 2220 feet above the city.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.07 sqmi, of which, 1.06 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi is water.

In town, the most striking physical feature is Number Hill, a rocky hill with numbers painted all over it. Butte County High School has a tradition of each class since 1920 painting its graduation year on the face of hill.

2010 census
As of the 2010 United States Census of 2010, there were 995 people, 417 households, and 254 families living in the city. The population density was 938.7 PD/sqmi. There were 504 housing units at an average density of 475.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.1% White, 0.3% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 1.7% from other races, and 2.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.0% of the population.

There were 417 households, of which 30.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.4% were married couples living together, 13.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.1% were non-families. 34.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 3.03.

The median age in the city was 41.2 years. 26.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.6% were from 25 to 44; 26.1% were from 45 to 64; and 18.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.8% male and 48.2% female.

2000 census
As of the 2000 United States Census of 2000, there were 1,026 people, 427 households, and 269 families living in the city. The population density was 1,163.9 PD/sqmi. There were 505 housing units at an average density of 572.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.13% White, 0.49% African American, 1.36% Native American, 1.75% from other races, and 1.27% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.61% of the population.

There were 427 households, out of which 29.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.2% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.0% were non-families. 34.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.9% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 22.4% from 25 to 44, 25.8% from 45 to 64, and 17.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,993, and the median income for a family was $34,688. Males had a median income of $34,688 versus $17,386 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,744. About 19.6% of families and 22.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 33.8% of those under age 18 and 15.8% of those age 65 or over.

Notable residents

 * C. A. Bottolfsen, Governor of Idaho, (1939–1941, 1943–1945)
 * Warren Jones — justice, Idaho Supreme Court, valedictorian of Butte County High School in 1961

title: Arco, Idaho


text:
Butte City, Idaho

Butte City is a city in Butte County, Idaho, United States. The population was 74 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Butte City is located at 43.60833°N, -113.24556°W (43.608243, -113.245449).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.16 sqmi, all of it land.

2010 census
At the 2010 census, there were 74 people, 41 households, and 22 families in the city. The population density was 462.5 /sqmi. There were 51 housing units at an average density of 318.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup was 86.5% White, 2.7% African American, 4.1% Native American, 5.4% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13.5% of the population.

There were 41 households, of which 9.8% had children under 18 living with them, 51.2% were married couples living together, 2.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 46.3% were non-families. 41.5% of all households comprised individuals, and 14.7% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 1.80 and the average family size was 2.36.

The median age was 58.5 years. 9.5% of residents were under 18; 1.4% were between 18 and 24; 16.3% were from 25 to 44; 39.2% were from 45 to 64; and 33.8% were 65 or older. The gender makeup was 58.1% male and 41.9% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census, there were 76 people, 36 households, and 19 families in the city. The population density was 378.9 PD/sqmi. There were 46 housing units at an average density of 229.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup was 90.79% White, 1.32% Native American, 2.63% Asian, 5.26% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.53% of the population.

There were 36 households, of which 22.2% had children under 18 living with them, 41.7% were married couples living together, 2.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 47.2% were non-families. 38.9% of all households comprised individuals, and 11.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years or older. The average household size was 2.11 and the average family size was 2.74.

23.7% of the population were under 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 36.8% from 45 to 64, and 7.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 123.1 males.

The median household income was $17,250, and the median family income was $31,250. Males had a median income of $35,625 and females $22,500. The per capita income was $11,889. There were 25.0% of families and 30.7% of the population living below the poverty line, including 45.8% of under eighteens and none over 64.

title: Butte City, Idaho