Cities and Towns in Butte County, Idaho
Founded in 1917, Butte County is one of 44 counties in the state of Idaho. Historically, Butte County was formed from Bingham, Blaine, and Jefferson Counties. The city of Arco is the county seat. With FIPS code of 23, Butte County has a population of 2,654 and area of 2,233 square miles (5,783 km²).
List of all cities in Butte County, ID alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Arco, ID | 83213 | 208 |
Clyde, ID | 83244 | 208 |
Craters of the Moon National, ID | 83213 | 208 |
Darlington, ID | 83255 | 208 |
Howe, ID | 83244 | 208 |
Moore, ID | 83255 | 208 |
Major Cities and Towns in Butte County, Idaho
Arco
Area and Population
- Area: 1.05 square miles
- Population: Approximately 879
- Zip Codes: 83213
- Latitude: 43.6363° N
- Longitude: 113.3008° W
Location and History
Arco, the county seat of Butte County, is located in southeastern Idaho, nestled in the Lost River Valley. The town was originally known as “Root Hog” but was renamed Arco in 1901 in honor of Georg von Arco, a German radio pioneer. Arco holds a unique place in history as the first community in the world to be powered by nuclear energy, which occurred on July 17, 1955, as part of an experiment conducted by the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The town’s economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, with farming and ranching playing significant roles. Today, Arco is also known for its proximity to Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, which draws visitors interested in exploring the area’s volcanic landscape.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Arco is served by the Butte County School District, with Butte County High School and Arco Elementary School being the main educational institutions. The town’s most notable landmarks include the “Number Hill,” where graduating classes from Butte County High School have painted their class years on the side of a mountain since the 1920s, and the Experimental Breeder Reactor-I (EBR-I) Museum, which commemorates Arco’s role in nuclear history. Additionally, the nearby Craters of the Moon National Monument offers a unique landscape of lava flows, caves, and volcanic formations, making it a must-see destination for visitors.
Moore
Area and Population
- Area: 0.34 square miles
- Population: Approximately 189
- Zip Codes: 83255
- Latitude: 43.7438° N
- Longitude: 113.3669° W
Location and History
Moore is a small town located north of Arco in Butte County, along U.S. Route 93. The town was established in the early 20th century as a farming and ranching community, with its name likely derived from a local settler or a geographic feature in the area. Moore has remained a small, rural community with a focus on agriculture, particularly in the cultivation of hay, potatoes, and grains. The town’s quiet, laid-back atmosphere and its scenic location in the Lost River Valley make it a peaceful place to live and work.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Moore is part of the Butte County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Arco. The town is known for its agricultural heritage and its proximity to outdoor recreational areas, including the Lost River Range, which offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and hunting. Moore’s small size and rural charm are its defining characteristics, providing residents with a close-knit community and a strong connection to the land. While the town itself is modest, its location makes it a gateway to the natural beauty of southeastern Idaho.
Howe
Area and Population
- Area: Not formally incorporated; rural community
- Population: Approximately 70 (includes surrounding areas)
- Zip Codes: 83244
- Latitude: 43.7838° N
- Longitude: 113.0891° W
Location and History
Howe is a small, unincorporated community located in the northeastern part of Butte County, near the Lemhi Mountain Range. The town was established in the early 20th century as a farming and ranching settlement, with its name likely derived from a local settler or a nearby geographic feature. Howe has remained a small, rural community with a strong emphasis on agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and hay production. The town’s remote location and close-knit community provide a quiet, peaceful environment for residents who enjoy the rural lifestyle and the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Howe is part of the Butte County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Arco and Moore. The community is known for its wide-open spaces and its proximity to outdoor recreational areas, including the Lemhi Range and the Lost River Range, which offer excellent opportunities for hiking, hunting, and exploring the rugged landscapes of southeastern Idaho. Howe’s small size and rural character are its defining features, making it an ideal location for those seeking a quiet, agricultural lifestyle in a remote, scenic setting.