Cities and Towns in Boise County, Idaho
Founded in 1864, Boise County is one of 44 counties in the state of Idaho. The city of Idaho City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 15, Boise County has a population of 8,094 and area of 1,902 square miles (4,926 km²).
List of all cities in Boise County, ID alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Banks, ID | 83602 | 208 |
| Centerville, ID | 83631 | 208 |
| Crouch, ID | 83622 | 208 |
| Garden Valley, ID | 83622 | 208 |
| Gardena, ID | 83629 | 208 |
| Horseshoe Bend, ID | 83629 | 208 |
| Idaho City, ID | 83631 | 208 |
| Lowman, ID | 83637 | 208 |
| New Centerville, ID | 83631 | 208 |
| Pioneerville, ID | 83631 | 208 |
| Placerville, ID | 83666 | 208 |
| Silver Creek Plunge, ID | 83622 | 208 |
| Star Ranch, ID | 83631 | 208 |
| Steirman, ID | 83631 | 208 |
Major Cities and Towns in Boise County, Idaho
Idaho City
Area and Population
- Area: 0.67 square miles
- Population: Approximately 485
- Zip Codes: 83631
- Latitude: 43.8282° N
- Longitude: 115.8373° W
Location and History
Idaho City is the county seat of Boise County, located in the mountains northeast of Boise along State Highway 21. Founded in 1862 during the Boise Basin gold rush, Idaho City was once the largest city in the Pacific Northwest, attracting thousands of prospectors seeking their fortunes. The city quickly became a bustling hub of activity, with hotels, saloons, and businesses catering to miners and their families. However, as the gold rush waned, so did the city’s population, leaving behind a rich history and numerous historic buildings that remain today. Idaho City is now a popular destination for tourists interested in exploring its well-preserved Old West architecture and learning about its gold rush past.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Idaho City is served by the Basin School District, which includes Idaho City High School and Basin Elementary School. Notable landmarks include the Idaho City Historical Museum, which offers exhibits on the town’s gold rush history, and the Boise Basin Museum, housed in a historic building that was once a Masonic Lodge. The city is also known for its nearby hot springs, such as The Springs, a popular destination for relaxation and recreation in a scenic mountain setting.
Horseshoe Bend
Area and Population
- Area: 0.89 square miles
- Population: Approximately 707
- Zip Codes: 83629
- Latitude: 43.9124° N
- Longitude: 116.2007° W
Location and History
Horseshoe Bend is a small town located along the Payette River in southwestern Boise County, just north of Boise. The town was named after the large bend in the river that encircles the community. Founded in the late 19th century, Horseshoe Bend developed as a lumber town, with the river serving as a vital transportation route for logs. The town’s economy was historically based on logging and agriculture, but in recent years, it has become known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Horseshoe Bend is a gateway to the Payette River Scenic Byway, a popular route for travelers exploring the region’s natural landscapes.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Horseshoe Bend is served by the Horseshoe Bend School District, which includes Horseshoe Bend High School and Horseshoe Bend Elementary School. The town is known for its picturesque setting along the Payette River and its proximity to outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting, fishing, and hiking. Notable landmarks include the Banks-Lowman Road, which offers access to some of the best whitewater rafting in Idaho, and the historic Emmett-Chamberlain Bridge, a steel truss bridge that spans the Payette River.
Garden Valley
Area and Population
- Area: 9.18 square miles
- Population: Approximately 394
- Zip Codes: 83622
- Latitude: 44.0780° N
- Longitude: 115.9685° W
Location and History
Garden Valley is a small unincorporated community located in the central part of Boise County, nestled in the mountains along the South Fork of the Payette River. The area was originally settled by miners and homesteaders in the late 19th century, attracted by the fertile valley and abundant natural resources. Garden Valley has since evolved into a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, hiking, and hot springs soaking. The community is known for its scenic beauty and tranquil environment, making it a desirable place for both residents and visitors seeking a peaceful mountain retreat.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Garden Valley is served by the Garden Valley School District, with Garden Valley School providing education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The community is home to several notable landmarks, including the Garden Valley Center for the Arts, which hosts local art exhibits and cultural events, and the nearby Silver Creek Plunge, a natural hot spring resort that offers relaxation in a beautiful mountain setting. The area is also known for the Banks-Lowman Road, which connects Garden Valley to other scenic and recreational areas in the region.
Placerville
Area and Population
- Area: 0.18 square miles
- Population: Approximately 53
- Zip Codes: 83666
- Latitude: 43.9430° N
- Longitude: 115.9474° W
Location and History
Placerville is a small historic town located in Boise County, northeast of Idaho City. The town was founded in 1862 during the gold rush that swept through the Boise Basin, and it quickly became one of the most important mining towns in the region. Placerville was named after the placer deposits of gold found in the area, which attracted a large number of miners and fortune seekers. The town thrived during the gold rush but saw a significant decline in population as the gold ran out. Today, Placerville is a quiet community that preserves its rich history through well-preserved buildings and sites from its mining past.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Placerville is part of the Basin School District, with students attending schools in nearby Idaho City. The town’s landmarks include the Placerville Historic District, which features several original buildings from the gold rush era, including old cabins, a church, and a cemetery. Another notable landmark is the Pioneer Cemetery, which dates back to the 1860s and offers a glimpse into the lives of the early settlers and miners who once called Placerville home. The town’s history and scenic setting make it a popular destination for those interested in Idaho’s mining heritage.
Crouch
Area and Population
- Area: 0.20 square miles
- Population: Approximately 162
- Zip Codes: 83622
- Latitude: 44.1080° N
- Longitude: 115.9777° W
Location and History
Crouch is a small town located in the central part of Boise County, along the Middle Fork of the Payette River. The town was established in the early 20th century and named after an early settler, William Crouch. Originally a farming and ranching community, Crouch has become known as a gateway to outdoor recreation in the surrounding mountains and forests. The town is part of the larger Garden Valley area and shares its reputation for scenic beauty and tranquility. Crouch is a popular destination for those looking to explore the natural wonders of central Idaho, from rivers and hot springs to hiking trails and wildlife viewing.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Crouch is served by the Garden Valley School District, with students attending Garden Valley School in nearby Garden Valley. The town is home to several notable landmarks, including the Starlight Mountain Theatre, an outdoor theater that hosts performances and events during the summer months. Crouch is also known for its proximity to the Payette River, which offers excellent opportunities for whitewater rafting, fishing, and other water-based activities. The nearby Terrace Lakes Resort, with its golf course and geothermal pools, is another popular attraction for both residents and visitors.
