Cities and Towns in Gooding County, Idaho

Founded in 1913, Gooding County is one of 44 counties in the state of Idaho. Historically, Gooding County was formed from Lincoln County. The city of Gooding is the county seat. With FIPS code of 47, Gooding County has a population of 15,772 and area of 731 square miles (1,893 km²).

List of all cities in Gooding County, ID alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Bliss, ID 83314 208
Gooding, ID 83330 208
Hagerman, ID 83332 208
Mellon Valley, ID 83314 208
Tuttle, ID 83314 208
Wendell, ID 83355 208

Major Cities and Towns in Gooding County, Idaho

Gooding

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 1.49 square miles
  • Population: 3,567 (approx.)
  • Zip Codes: 83330
  • Latitude: 42.9385° N
  • Longitude: 114.7132° W

City Location and History

Gooding is the county seat and largest city in Gooding County, located in south-central Idaho. The city was founded in 1907 by Frank R. Gooding, a former governor of Idaho and U.S. senator, who played a significant role in the development of the region’s agriculture and irrigation systems. Gooding was strategically positioned along the Oregon Short Line Railroad, which facilitated its growth as an agricultural center. The city quickly became known for its dairy farms, livestock, and crop production, thanks to the fertile soil and access to water from the nearby Snake River. Gooding’s history is closely tied to agriculture, and it remains a central part of the community’s economy and identity.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Gooding is served by the Gooding School District, which includes Gooding High School, Gooding Middle School, and North Valley Academy. The Idaho School for the Deaf and the Blind, established in 1906, is also located in Gooding and serves students from across the state. Key landmarks in Gooding include the historic Schubert Theatre, which hosts live performances and community events, and the Gooding County Historical Museum, which offers exhibits on local history, including the city’s agricultural heritage. The nearby Malad Gorge State Park, with its dramatic canyon views and waterfalls, is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Gooding’s annual rodeo and the Gooding County Fair are major events that celebrate the region’s agricultural traditions and bring the community together.

Wendell

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 1.17 square miles
  • Population: 2,828 (approx.)
  • Zip Codes: 83355
  • Latitude: 42.7752° N
  • Longitude: 114.7034° W

City Location and History

Wendell is a small town located in Gooding County, just a few miles southeast of the county seat, Gooding. The town was established in 1909 as a result of the agricultural boom facilitated by the development of irrigation systems in the region. Wendell was named after Wendell Newton, the son of a prominent land developer. The town grew rapidly as a farming community, with its economy focused on dairy farming, livestock, and crop production. Wendell’s strategic location along the Oregon Short Line Railroad and the Union Pacific Railroad contributed to its growth by providing essential transportation links for agricultural products. Today, Wendell remains a vibrant agricultural community, known for its strong ties to farming and ranching.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Wendell is served by the Wendell School District, which includes Wendell High School, Wendell Middle School, and Wendell Elementary School. Notable landmarks in Wendell include the historic Wendell Grain Elevator, a symbol of the town’s agricultural heritage. The town is also close to the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, which preserves a rich fossil record and offers hiking trails and educational exhibits. The nearby Snake River provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Wendell’s annual events, such as the Wendell Dairy Days, celebrate the town’s agricultural roots with parades, rodeo events, and community gatherings, reflecting the close-knit nature of this rural community.

Hagerman

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.82 square miles
  • Population: 872 (approx.)
  • Zip Codes: 83332
  • Latitude: 42.8141° N
  • Longitude: 114.8973° W

City Location and History

Hagerman is a small town located in the southern part of Gooding County, along the Snake River. The town was established in the early 20th century, named after Stanley Hagerman, a prominent local landowner. Hagerman became known for its warm springs and the fertile land of the Snake River Plain, which supported a thriving agricultural community. The development of irrigation systems in the area allowed for extensive farming and ranching, with the town becoming a center for crop production, particularly potatoes and alfalfa. The nearby Hagerman Valley is also famous for its rich fossil beds, which have yielded important paleontological discoveries, including the Hagerman Horse.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Hagerman is served by the Hagerman School District, with Hagerman High School and Hagerman Elementary School being the primary educational institutions. The town’s key landmarks include the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, which offers visitors the chance to explore one of the richest fossil sites in North America. The nearby Thousand Springs State Park is another major attraction, featuring stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, and opportunities for fishing and picnicking along the Snake River. The town also hosts the annual Hagerman Fossil Days, a community celebration that includes parades, fossil exhibits, and various family-friendly activities, reflecting Hagerman’s unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance.

Bliss

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.45 square miles
  • Population: 318 (approx.)
  • Zip Codes: 83314
  • Latitude: 42.9218° N
  • Longitude: 114.9467° W

City Location and History

Bliss is a small town located in the southwestern corner of Gooding County, near the Snake River. The town was established in the early 1900s, named after Frank Bliss, an early settler and rancher who played a significant role in the development of the area. Bliss grew as a result of its strategic location along the Oregon Short Line Railroad, which provided vital transportation links for agricultural products and livestock. The town’s economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and crop farming. Despite its small size, Bliss has maintained its rural charm and continues to serve as a gateway to the nearby natural attractions of the Snake River Plain.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Bliss is served by the Bliss School District, with Bliss School offering education from kindergarten through high school in a single facility. Key landmarks in Bliss include the historic Bliss Train Depot, which reflects the town’s early ties to the railroad industry. The town is also close to the Snake River, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and exploring the scenic canyons and cliffs that characterize the region. The nearby Malad Gorge State Park is a popular destination for hiking and picnicking, offering dramatic views of the deep gorge carved by the Malad River. Bliss hosts several community events throughout the year, including local fairs and agricultural showcases, which celebrate the town’s strong ties to farming and ranching.