Cities and Towns in Bonner County, Idaho
Founded in 1907, Bonner County is one of 44 counties in the state of Idaho. Historically, Bonner County was formed from Kootenai County. The city of Sandpoint is the county seat. With FIPS code of 17, Bonner County has a population of 49,491 and area of 1,738 square miles (4,501 km²).
List of all cities in Bonner County, ID alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Blanchard, ID | 83804 | 208 |
| Cabinet, ID | 83811 | 208 |
| Careywood, ID | 83809 | 208 |
| Clark Fork, ID | 83811 | 208 |
| Cocolalla, ID | 83813 | 208 |
| Colburn, ID | 83865 | 208 |
| Coolin, ID | 83821 | 208 |
| Dover, ID | 83825 | 208 |
| 83864 | 208 | |
| East Hope, ID | 83836 | 208 |
| Hope, ID | 83836 | 208 |
| Kootenai, ID | 83840 | 208 |
| Laclede, ID | 83841 | 208 |
| Naples, ID | 83865 | 208 |
| Nordman, ID | 83848 | 208 |
| Oldtown, ID | 83822 | 208 |
| Ponderay, ID | 83852 | 208 |
| Priest Lake, ID | 83856 | 208 |
| Priest River, ID | 83856 | 208 |
| Sagle, ID | 83809 | 208 |
| 83860 | 208 | |
| Sandpoint, ID | 83864 | 208 |
Major Cities and Towns in Bonner County, Idaho
Sandpoint
Area and Population
- Area: 4.79 square miles
- Population: Approximately 8,703
- Zip Codes: 83864
- Latitude: 48.2766° N
- Longitude: 116.5535° W
Location and History
Sandpoint is the largest city in Bonner County and serves as its county seat. It is located on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest lake, and is surrounded by the Selkirk, Cabinet, and Bitterroot mountain ranges. Founded in the late 19th century, Sandpoint developed as a timber and railroad town, with the Northern Pacific Railroad establishing a key hub here. The city’s strategic location near major transportation routes and natural resources contributed to its growth. Today, Sandpoint is known for its vibrant arts community, outdoor recreation opportunities, and as a gateway to the popular Schweitzer Mountain Resort. The city’s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural offerings make it a sought-after destination for both residents and tourists.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Sandpoint is served by the Lake Pend Oreille School District, with Sandpoint High School being the primary high school in the area. The city is home to several notable landmarks, including the historic Panida Theater, which hosts live performances and film screenings. Sandpoint City Beach, located on Lake Pend Oreille, is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and boating. Additionally, the nearby Schweitzer Mountain Resort offers year-round activities, including skiing in the winter and mountain biking and hiking in the summer.
Priest River
Area and Population
- Area: 3.78 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,750
- Zip Codes: 83856
- Latitude: 48.1822° N
- Longitude: 116.9127° W
Location and History
Priest River is a small town located in western Bonner County, near the confluence of the Priest and Pend Oreille rivers. The town was established in the late 19th century and named after the nearby Priest River, which was in turn named by early French-Canadian trappers. Priest River developed as a lumber town, with logging and sawmills serving as the main economic drivers. The town’s proximity to abundant forests made it an important center for the timber industry in the region. Today, Priest River retains its small-town charm and continues to be an important community for those working in forestry and related industries.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Priest River is part of the West Bonner County School District, with Priest River Lamanna High School serving the local population. The town is known for its access to outdoor recreation, with the nearby Priest Lake offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The annual Timber Days festival celebrates the town’s logging heritage and is a major event in the community. Additionally, the historic Beardmore Block, a beautifully restored building, stands as a testament to the town’s early 20th-century architecture and is home to various businesses and cultural events.
Ponderay
Area and Population
- Area: 3.98 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,188
- Zip Codes: 83852
- Latitude: 48.3108° N
- Longitude: 116.5336° W
Location and History
Ponderay is a small city located just north of Sandpoint, along the northern shore of Lake Pend Oreille. The city was incorporated in 1947, making it one of the newer municipalities in Bonner County. Ponderay developed as a residential and commercial area, benefiting from its proximity to Sandpoint and the growing tourism industry centered around Lake Pend Oreille and Schweitzer Mountain. The name “Ponderay” is derived from the French words “pend d’oreille,” meaning “ear pendant,” and refers to the nearby lake. Today, Ponderay serves as a commercial hub for the region, with numerous shopping centers and businesses catering to both locals and tourists.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ponderay is part of the Lake Pend Oreille School District, with schools in nearby Sandpoint serving the city’s students. The city is known for its proximity to major attractions like Schweitzer Mountain Resort and Lake Pend Oreille, both of which offer year-round recreational opportunities. The Northside School, a historic building in Ponderay, is a notable landmark that reflects the community’s early 20th-century history. Additionally, the city is home to several parks and recreational facilities, making it a family-friendly destination.
Kootenai
Area and Population
- Area: 0.62 square miles
- Population: Approximately 838
- Zip Codes: 83840
- Latitude: 48.3083° N
- Longitude: 116.5107° W
Location and History
Kootenai is a small city located east of Sandpoint in Bonner County. The city was established in the early 20th century as a residential community for workers in the nearby lumber and railroad industries. Kootenai’s development was closely tied to the growth of Sandpoint and the surrounding area, with many residents commuting to nearby towns for work. The city’s name is derived from the Kootenai Tribe, which has long inhabited the region. Kootenai has maintained its small-town character, offering a quiet, residential environment with easy access to the amenities of Sandpoint and the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Kootenai is part of the Lake Pend Oreille School District, with students attending schools in Sandpoint. The city is known for its peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere and its proximity to outdoor recreational areas like Lake Pend Oreille and the Selkirk Mountains. The Kootenai Bay Wildlife Management Area, located nearby, is a significant landmark that provides opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and enjoying the natural environment. Kootenai’s small size and close-knit community make it an attractive place for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle.
Clark Fork
Area and Population
- Area: 0.53 square miles
- Population: Approximately 536
- Zip Codes: 83811
- Latitude: 48.1507° N
- Longitude: 116.1766° W
Location and History
Clark Fork is a small town located in eastern Bonner County, near the Montana border, along the Clark Fork River. The town was founded in the late 19th century as a logging and mining community, with its location along the river providing a natural transportation route for timber and other goods. Clark Fork was named after the nearby river, which was in turn named after William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The town has remained small and relatively undeveloped, maintaining a quiet, rural character that appeals to those seeking a slower pace of life.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Clark Fork is served by the Lake Pend Oreille School District, with Clark Fork Junior-Senior High School being the main educational institution in the area. The town is known for its access to outdoor recreation, with the nearby Cabinet Mountains offering opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation. The Clark Fork River is also a popular destination for fly fishing and rafting. The Cabinet Gorge Dam, located just outside of town, is a significant landmark that provides hydroelectric power to the region and is an important part of the local economy.
