Cities and Towns in Benewah County, Idaho
Founded in 1915, Benewah County is one of 44 counties in the state of Idaho. Historically, Benewah County was formed from Kootenai County. The city of St. Maries is the county seat. With FIPS code of 9, Benewah County has a population of 9,931 and area of 776 square miles (2,010 km²).
List of all cities in Benewah County, ID alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Desmet, ID | 83824 | 208 |
| Fernwood, ID | 83830 | 208 |
| Plummer, ID | 83851 | 208 |
| Saint Maries, ID | 83861 | 208 |
| Sanders, ID | 83870 | 208 |
| Santa, ID | 83866 | 208 |
| Tensed, ID | 83870 | 208 |
Major Cities and Towns in Benewah County, Idaho
St. Maries
Area and Population
- Area: 1.21 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,402
- Zip Codes: 83861
- Latitude: 47.3155° N
- Longitude: 116.5632° W
Location and History
St. Maries, the county seat of Benewah County, is situated along the St. Joe River in northern Idaho. The city was established in the late 19th century and named after the river, which itself was named by French-Canadian fur trappers. St. Maries developed as a logging town, with the timber industry playing a central role in its economy. The city grew rapidly in the early 20th century as logging and milling operations expanded, fueled by the rich forests surrounding the area. Today, St. Maries retains its historical charm, with many buildings and structures reflecting its logging heritage, while also serving as a gateway to outdoor recreation in the surrounding forests and rivers.
Major Schools and Landmarks
St. Maries is home to St. Maries High School and UpRiver Elementary, both part of the St. Maries Joint School District. The city is known for the Paul Bunyan Days festival, a popular event celebrating its logging history. Additionally, St. Maries boasts landmarks such as the St. Joe River, which offers excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation, and the Heyburn State Park, one of the oldest state parks in the Pacific Northwest.
Plummer
Area and Population
- Area: 1.13 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,017
- Zip Codes: 83851
- Latitude: 47.3344° N
- Longitude: 116.8887° W
Location and History
Plummer is located in the western part of Benewah County, near the Coeur d’Alene Reservation. The town was named after Charles Plummer, a railroad official, and developed in the early 20th century as a key location along the railroad. Plummer’s growth was closely tied to the expansion of the railroad and agriculture, with farming and logging serving as the primary economic drivers. The town’s proximity to the Coeur d’Alene Reservation has also made it a significant cultural center for the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, influencing its development and community life.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Plummer is served by the Plummer-Worley School District, including Lakeside High School and Lakeside Elementary. The town is known for its rich Native American heritage, which is celebrated through events and institutions such as the Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s Wellness Center and the Marimn Health medical center. Plummer is also close to the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, a scenic bike trail that stretches for 73 miles through beautiful landscapes, providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
Tensed
Area and Population
- Area: 0.12 square miles
- Population: Approximately 123
- Zip Codes: 83870
- Latitude: 47.1586° N
- Longitude: 116.9167° W
Location and History
Tensed is a small town located in southern Benewah County, along U.S. Route 95. The town was originally known as Desmet, but it was renamed to Tensed, an anagram of Desmet, to avoid confusion with another town of the same name in Idaho. Established in the early 20th century, Tensed grew as a small farming and logging community. The town has remained small and rural, with agriculture continuing to play a key role in its local economy. Tensed is characterized by its quiet, close-knit community and its scenic surroundings.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Tensed is part of the Plummer-Worley School District, with students attending schools in nearby Plummer. The town is known for its peaceful rural setting and proximity to natural attractions such as the St. Joe National Forest, which offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring the region’s natural beauty.
DeSmet
Area and Population
- Area: 0.20 square miles
- Population: Approximately 175
- Zip Codes: 83824
- Latitude: 47.1497° N
- Longitude: 116.8983° W
Location and History
DeSmet is a small community located in southern Benewah County, on the Coeur d’Alene Reservation. Named after the Jesuit priest Father Pierre-Jean De Smet, the town was established as a mission settlement in the late 19th century. DeSmet holds historical significance as one of the early sites of interaction between European missionaries and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. The community has remained small, with a strong connection to its Native American heritage, and continues to be an important cultural and religious center for the local population.
Major Schools and Landmarks
DeSmet is home to the DeSmet School, which serves the local community. The town’s key landmarks include the Sacred Heart Mission, a historic church that dates back to the late 19th century and serves as a reminder of the area’s mission history. The surrounding landscape offers access to the natural beauty of the Coeur d’Alene Reservation, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural experiences.
