Cities and Towns in Caribou County, Idaho
Founded in 1919, Caribou County is one of 44 counties in the state of Idaho. Historically, Caribou County was formed from Bannock County. The city of Soda Springs is the county seat. With FIPS code of 29, Caribou County has a population of 7,111 and area of 1,766 square miles (4,574 km²).
List of all cities in Caribou County, ID alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bancroft, ID | 83217 | 208 |
| Bench, ID | 83241 | 208 |
| Central, ID | 83241 | 208 |
| Chesterfield, ID | 83217 | 208 |
| Conda, ID | 83230 | 208 |
| Grace, ID | 83241 | 208 |
| Gray, ID | 83285 | 208 |
| Henry, ID | 83230 | 208 |
| Lago, ID | 83241 | 208 |
| Lund, ID | 83217 | 208 |
| Niter, ID | 83241 | 208 |
| Pebble, ID | 83217 | 208 |
| Soda Springs, ID | 83230 | 208 |
| 83276 | 208 | |
| 83285 | 208 | |
| Turner, ID | 83241 | 208 |
| Wayan, ID | 83285 | 208 |
Major Cities and Towns in Caribou County, Idaho
Soda Springs
Area and Population
- Area: 4.59 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,058
- Zip Codes: 83276
- Latitude: 42.6541° N
- Longitude: 111.6044° W
Location and History
Soda Springs is the county seat and largest city in Caribou County, located in southeastern Idaho. The city was named after the numerous natural carbonated springs found in the area, which were well-known to Native American tribes long before European settlers arrived. Soda Springs was established in the mid-19th century as a rest stop for travelers along the Oregon Trail. The city’s unique geologic features, including the famous Soda Springs Geyser, which is the world’s only man-made captive geyser, have made it a significant tourist attraction. The geyser was accidentally created during a drilling project in the 1930s and has been a central part of the city’s identity ever since. Soda Springs has a rich history tied to its natural resources, and it remains a key location for industries such as phosphate mining and processing.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Soda Springs is served by the Soda Springs Joint School District, with Soda Springs High School and Tigert Middle School being the main educational institutions. The city is home to several landmarks, including the Soda Springs Geyser, which erupts every hour on the hour, and the Hooper Springs Park, where visitors can taste the naturally carbonated water directly from the springs. Additionally, the nearby Alexander Reservoir offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and picnicking, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities. The city’s history and natural attractions continue to draw visitors interested in its unique geological features and its role in the early westward expansion.
Grace
Area and Population
- Area: 0.81 square miles
- Population: Approximately 915
- Zip Codes: 83241
- Latitude: 42.5799° N
- Longitude: 111.7313° W
Location and History
Grace is a small city located north of Soda Springs in Caribou County. The town was established in the early 20th century and named after Grace Thiel, the daughter of a local businessman who played a significant role in the community’s development. Grace grew as an agricultural center, with its economy based on farming, particularly the cultivation of grains, potatoes, and hay. The city has maintained its agricultural roots while developing into a quiet, close-knit community. Grace’s location in the Bear River Valley provides it with a picturesque setting, surrounded by rolling hills and farmland.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Grace is part of the Grace Joint School District, with Grace High School and Grace Elementary School serving the local population. The city is known for its peaceful rural atmosphere and its community events, such as the annual Pioneer Day celebration, which honors the area’s early settlers with parades, games, and festivities. Notable landmarks include the Grace Fish Hatchery, which plays a vital role in the region’s fisheries management, and the nearby Blackfoot River, a popular spot for fishing, rafting, and enjoying the natural beauty of southeastern Idaho.
Bancroft
Area and Population
- Area: 0.70 square miles
- Population: Approximately 377
- Zip Codes: 83217
- Latitude: 42.7224° N
- Longitude: 111.8878° W
Location and History
Bancroft is a small city located west of Soda Springs in Caribou County. The town was established in the early 20th century and named after a railroad official, reflecting its origins as a railroad town. Bancroft developed as a farming and ranching community, with agriculture remaining a central part of its economy. The city’s location in the Gem Valley, an area known for its fertile soil and scenic beauty, has contributed to its agricultural success. Bancroft has remained a small, rural community with a strong sense of history and a commitment to preserving its agricultural heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bancroft is part of the North Gem School District, with North Gem High School and North Gem Elementary School serving the local population. The town is known for its community-oriented events and its quiet, rural lifestyle. Notable landmarks include the nearby Chesterfield Historic Townsite, a preserved pioneer settlement that offers a glimpse into the area’s early history, and the Gem Valley Scenic Byway, which provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Bancroft’s small size and close-knit community make it a peaceful and welcoming place to live.
Wayan
Area and Population
- Area: Not formally incorporated; rural community
- Population: Approximately 200 (includes surrounding areas)
- Zip Codes: 83285
- Latitude: 42.9735° N
- Longitude: 111.3322° W
Location and History
Wayan is a small, unincorporated community located in eastern Caribou County, near the Wyoming border. The town was established in the early 20th century as a farming and ranching community, with its name derived from a Shoshone Indian word meaning “smoke on the water.” Wayan’s remote location in the Grays Lake Valley provides it with a unique and picturesque setting, surrounded by mountains and wetlands. The community has remained small and rural, with a focus on agriculture and a commitment to preserving its natural environment. Wayan’s proximity to Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge makes it an important location for wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Wayan is part of the Soda Springs Joint School District, with students typically attending schools in nearby Soda Springs. The community is known for its scenic beauty and its access to outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation. The Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge, located just outside of Wayan, is a key landmark that provides habitat for a wide variety of bird species, including sandhill cranes, and offers opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography. Wayan’s remote location and natural surroundings make it a unique and tranquil place to live.