Cities and Towns in Idaho County, Idaho

Founded in 1864, Idaho County is one of 44 counties in the state of Idaho. The city of Grangeville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 49, Idaho County has a population of 17,040 and area of 8,485 square miles (21,976 km²).

List of all cities in Idaho County, ID alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Clearwater, ID 83552 208
Cooperville, ID 83554 208
Cottonwood, ID 83522 208
83533 208
Dixie, ID 83525 208
Elk City, ID 83525 208
Fenn, ID 83531 208
Ferdinand, ID 83526 208
Grangeville, ID 83530 208
83531 208
Greencreek, ID 83533 208
Harpster, ID 83552 208
Keuterville, ID 83522 208
Kooskia, ID 83539 208
Lowell, ID 83539 208
Lucile, ID 83542 208
Pollock, ID 83547 208
Riggins, ID 83549 208
Stites, ID 83552 208
Syringa, ID 83539 208
Warren, ID 83671 208
White Bird, ID 83554 208

Major Cities and Towns in Idaho County, Idaho

Grangeville

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 1.45 square miles
  • Population: 3,141 (approx.)
  • Zip Codes: 83530
  • Latitude: 45.9260° N
  • Longitude: 116.1224° W

City Location and History

Grangeville is the county seat and largest city in Idaho County, located in the west-central part of the state. The city was founded in 1866, originally as a hub for miners and farmers in the surrounding region. The name “Grangeville” reflects its agricultural roots, derived from “grange,” a term used to describe farming communities in the 19th century. Grangeville quickly became a center for commerce and trade, serving as the primary gateway to the Nez Perce National Forest and the surrounding mining areas. Over the years, the city has retained its small-town charm while continuing to be a vital agricultural and logging center. Its location on the Camas Prairie provides stunning views of the nearby mountains, making it a picturesque place to live and visit.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Grangeville is served by the Mountain View School District, which includes Grangeville High School, Grangeville Elementary-Middle School, and several other schools. Significant landmarks in the city include the Bicentennial Historical Museum, which offers exhibits on local history, including the early pioneer days and the Nez Perce War. The nearby Snowhaven Ski & Tubing Area provides winter sports opportunities, while the surrounding Nez Perce National Forest offers hiking, fishing, and camping. Grangeville’s annual Border Days Rodeo, held over the Fourth of July weekend, is one of Idaho’s oldest rodeos and a major community event, featuring parades, rodeo competitions, and family-friendly activities that celebrate the city’s western heritage.

Cottonwood

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 1.24 square miles
  • Population: 900 (approx.)
  • Zip Codes: 83522
  • Latitude: 46.0496° N
  • Longitude: 116.3491° W

City Location and History

Cottonwood is a small town located in the northern part of Idaho County, nestled on the Camas Prairie. The town was established in the late 19th century by German-speaking settlers, primarily farmers and ranchers who were drawn to the fertile soil of the prairie. Cottonwood was named after the cottonwood trees that lined Cottonwood Creek, which runs through the town. The town grew steadily as an agricultural center, with wheat and other grains being the primary crops. Over the years, Cottonwood has maintained its agricultural character while also becoming known for the nearby Monastery of St. Gertrude, a significant religious and cultural landmark.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Cottonwood is served by the Prairie School District, which includes Prairie High School and Prairie Elementary School. The Monastery of St. Gertrude, founded in 1909, is a key landmark in Cottonwood, offering spiritual retreats and housing a museum that features exhibits on local history and the lives of the Benedictine sisters. The town’s picturesque setting on the Camas Prairie provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and photography. Cottonwood’s annual Prairie Day celebration is a major community event, featuring parades, games, and local food, reflecting the town’s strong sense of community and agricultural heritage.

Riggins

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.50 square miles
  • Population: 415 (approx.)
  • Zip Codes: 83549
  • Latitude: 45.4185° N
  • Longitude: 116.3156° W

City Location and History

Riggins is a small town located in the southwestern part of Idaho County, nestled in the Salmon River Canyon. The town was founded in the early 20th century and was originally a supply center for miners and loggers in the region. Named after early settler William Riggins, the town quickly developed into a hub for outdoor recreation, particularly due to its location at the confluence of the Salmon River and the Little Salmon River. Riggins is known as the “Whitewater Capital of Idaho,” attracting visitors for its world-class rafting and fishing opportunities. The town’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism, with outdoor activities such as hunting, hiking, and jet boating being popular attractions.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Riggins is served by the Salmon River School District, which includes Salmon River High School and Riggins Elementary School. Key landmarks in the area include the Salmon River, also known as the “River of No Return,” which offers some of the best whitewater rafting and fishing in the United States. The town is also close to the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, one of the largest wilderness areas in the lower 48 states, providing endless opportunities for backcountry adventures. Riggins hosts the annual Riggins Rodeo, one of Idaho’s oldest and most popular rodeos, as well as the Big Water Blowout, a whitewater festival that draws kayakers and rafters from across the country.

Kooskia

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.57 square miles
  • Population: 607 (approx.)
  • Zip Codes: 83539
  • Latitude: 46.1419° N
  • Longitude: 115.9769° W

City Location and History

Kooskia is a small town located in the central part of Idaho County, at the confluence of the Clearwater River and the South Fork of the Clearwater River. The town was established in 1895 as a supply center for miners and loggers in the surrounding forests. Kooskia’s name is derived from the Nez Perce word “Koos-koos-kia,” meaning “clear water,” reflecting its location by the Clearwater River. The town developed as an agricultural and logging community, with its economy historically based on timber and farming. Kooskia also served as a gateway to the Nez Perce Indian Reservation and the surrounding wilderness areas.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Kooskia is part of the Mountain View School District, and students typically attend Clearwater Valley High School and Clearwater Valley Elementary School in nearby communities. Key landmarks in Kooskia include the historic Kooskia National Fish Hatchery, which plays a significant role in the restoration of salmon and steelhead populations in the Clearwater River. The town is also close to the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Lochsa River is famous for its challenging whitewater rapids, attracting kayakers and rafters. Kooskia hosts various community events, including the annual Kooskia Days, which features parades, games, and local entertainment, celebrating the town’s history and connection to the natural environment.

Stites

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.20 square miles
  • Population: 221 (approx.)
  • Zip Codes: 83552
  • Latitude: 46.0903° N
  • Longitude: 115.9727° W

City Location and History

Stites is a small town located in the central part of Idaho County, along the South Fork of the Clearwater River. The town was established in 1897 as a railroad and logging town, named after Jacob Stites, an early settler and entrepreneur who played a key role in the town’s development. Stites quickly grew as a result of the logging boom, serving as a transportation hub for timber and other goods being shipped downriver. The town’s location along the Clearwater River made it an important center for trade and transportation in the region. Although the logging industry has declined, Stites has maintained its small-town character and continues to be a quiet, rural community.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Stites is served by the Mountain View School District, with students typically attending schools in nearby Kooskia, such as Clearwater Valley High School. The town’s key landmarks include the historic Stites Schoolhouse, which has been preserved as a symbol of the town’s early days. The surrounding forests and rivers provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing, hunting, and hiking. The nearby Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests offer additional activities such as camping and exploring the rugged Idaho wilderness. Stites hosts community events that bring residents together, reflecting the town’s close-knit community spirit and its connection to the natural landscape that surrounds it.

White Bird

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.39 square miles
  • Population: 91 (approx.)
  • Zip Codes: 83554
  • Latitude: 45.7555° N
  • Longitude: 116.3001° W

City Location and History

White Bird is a small town located in the southern part of Idaho County, near the Salmon River. The town was established in the late 19th century and was named after Chief White Bird, a leader of the Nez Perce Tribe who played a significant role in the Nez Perce War of 1877. White Bird developed as a ranching and agricultural community, with its economy based on farming, livestock, and the transportation of goods along the Salmon River. The town’s history is closely tied to the Nez Perce War, with the Battle of White Bird Canyon, the first battle of the war, taking place nearby. Today, White Bird remains a small, rural community with a deep connection to its historical roots and the surrounding natural landscape.

Major Schools and Landmarks

White Bird is part of the Mountain View School District, and students typically attend schools in nearby Grangeville, such as Grangeville High School. The town’s key landmarks include the historic White Bird Grade, a scenic highway that offers stunning views of the Salmon River and the surrounding canyon. The nearby White Bird Battlefield is a significant historical site, with interpretive trails and signs that provide insights into the events of the Nez Perce War. The Salmon River offers opportunities for fishing, rafting, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. White Bird hosts an annual community celebration on the Fourth of July, featuring parades, games, and local food, reflecting the town’s strong sense of community and pride in its historical heritage.