Cities and Towns in Latah County, Idaho

Founded in 1888, Latah County is one of 44 counties in the state of Idaho. Historically, Latah County was formed from Nez Perce County. The city of Moscow is the county seat. With FIPS code of 57, Latah County has a population of 40,313 and area of 1,077 square miles (2,789 km²).

List of all cities in Latah County, ID alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Bovill, ID 83806 208
Deary, ID 83823 208
Genesee, ID 83832 208
Harvard, ID 83834 208
Helmer, ID 83823 208
Juliaetta, ID 83535 208
Kendrick, ID 83537 208
Moscow, ID 83843 208
83844 208
Onaway, ID 83855 208
Potlatch, ID 83855 208
Princeton, ID 83857 208
Southwick, ID 83537 208
Troy, ID 83871 208
University, ID 83843 208
University of Idaho, ID 83844 208
Viola, ID 83872 208

Major Cities and Towns in Latah County, Idaho

Moscow

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 6.85 square miles
  • Population: 25,702 (approx.)
  • Zip Codes: 83843, 83844
  • Latitude: 46.7324° N
  • Longitude: 117.0002° W

City Location and History

Moscow is the county seat and largest city in Latah County, located in the north-central part of Idaho, near the Washington border. The city was established in 1871 as a trading post and grew rapidly after the arrival of the railroad in the 1880s. The name “Moscow” was chosen by early settlers, though its origins are debated, with some attributing it to the city’s resemblance to Moscow, Russia, while others believe it was named after the area’s original Native American name. Moscow is home to the University of Idaho, which was established in 1889 and has since played a central role in the city’s development. The university’s presence has made Moscow a cultural and educational hub in the region, with a vibrant arts scene and a diverse community.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Moscow is served by the Moscow School District, which includes Moscow High School, Moscow Middle School, and several elementary schools. The University of Idaho is the city’s most significant landmark, offering a wide range of academic programs and cultural events. The university’s historic Administration Building, with its distinctive Gothic architecture, is a key feature of the campus. Downtown Moscow is known for its historic buildings, eclectic shops, and vibrant farmers market, which is one of the largest in the state. The Appaloosa Museum and Heritage Center, dedicated to the famous horse breed developed by the Nez Perce Tribe, is another important landmark. Moscow Mountain, located just northeast of the city, offers hiking, biking, and winter sports, providing outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

Potlatch

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.86 square miles
  • Population: 791 (approx.)
  • Zip Codes: 83855
  • Latitude: 46.9208° N
  • Longitude: 116.9002° W

City Location and History

Potlatch is a small town located in the northern part of Latah County, near the Idaho-Washington border. The town was founded in 1905 by the Potlatch Lumber Company as a company town to house workers for what was then the world’s largest white pine sawmill. Potlatch was designed as a planned community, with houses, schools, and amenities provided by the company. The town’s name comes from the Native American word “potlatch,” meaning a gift-giving feast, reflecting the region’s cultural heritage. Potlatch thrived as a lumber town until the sawmill closed in 1981, after which the town transitioned to a more diversified economy while maintaining its historical character.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Potlatch is served by the Potlatch School District, with Potlatch Junior-Senior High School and Potlatch Elementary School being the main educational institutions. The historic Potlatch Depot, now a museum, is one of the town’s key landmarks, showcasing the history of the lumber industry and the town’s development. Scenic landscapes surround Potlatch, including the nearby Palouse Range, which offers opportunities for hiking, hunting, and exploring the natural beauty of the region. The town hosts various community events throughout the year, including the annual Potlatch Days, which celebrates the town’s heritage with parades, games, and local crafts. The town’s historic buildings and layout still reflect its origins as a company town, making it a unique and charming place to visit.

Kendrick

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.30 square miles
  • Population: 303 (approx.)
  • Zip Codes: 83537
  • Latitude: 46.6122° N
  • Longitude: 116.6505° W

City Location and History

Kendrick is a small town located in the southeastern part of Latah County, nestled in the Potlatch River Valley. The town was founded in 1889 as a stop along the Northern Pacific Railroad and was named after James Madison Kendrick, a railroad official. Kendrick quickly grew as an agricultural center, with the fertile valley supporting wheat, barley, and other crops. The town also became a hub for logging and milling, contributing to its early prosperity. Despite its small size, Kendrick has maintained a strong sense of community and continues to celebrate its history and agricultural heritage.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Kendrick is served by the Kendrick Joint School District, with Kendrick Junior-Senior High School and Juliaetta Elementary School being the primary schools for local students. Notable landmarks in Kendrick include the historic Kendrick Fraternal Temple, which now serves as a community center and event space. The Potlatch River, which flows through the town, offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the valley. The town is also home to the annual Kendrick Locust Blossom Festival, which celebrates the arrival of spring with parades, games, and local entertainment. Kendrick’s historic downtown area, with its well-preserved buildings from the early 20th century, adds to the town’s charm and reflects its rich history.

Genesee

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.62 square miles
  • Population: 969 (approx.)
  • Zip Codes: 83832
  • Latitude: 46.5504° N
  • Longitude: 116.9276° W

City Location and History

Genesee is a small town located in the southwestern part of Latah County, approximately 15 miles south of Moscow. The town was founded in the 1870s by settlers who were drawn to the fertile soil of the Palouse region, ideal for wheat and grain farming. Genesee quickly became an agricultural center, with its economy heavily dependent on farming. The town was named after the Genesee Valley in New York, reflecting the origins of some of its early settlers. Over the years, Genesee has maintained its agricultural roots while evolving into a tight-knit community known for its small-town charm and friendly atmosphere.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Genesee is served by the Genesee School District, with Genesee School providing education from kindergarten through high school in a single facility. The town’s key landmarks include the historic Genesee Creamery, which was once a major dairy processing facility and now serves as a reminder of the town’s agricultural heritage. The surrounding Palouse Hills offer beautiful landscapes, with rolling wheat fields and open skies, making it a picturesque area for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and photography. Genesee’s annual Community Day brings residents together for a day of celebration, including parades, games, and a barbecue, reflecting the town’s strong sense of community and pride in its heritage.

Juliaetta

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.29 square miles
  • Population: 579 (approx.)
  • Zip Codes: 83535
  • Latitude: 46.5714° N
  • Longitude: 116.7114° W

City Location and History

Juliaetta is a small town located in the southeastern part of Latah County, along the Potlatch River. The town was established in the late 19th century and was named after Juliaetta Schupfer, the daughter of an early settler. Juliaetta developed as an agricultural community, with its location in the fertile river valley supporting a variety of crops, including fruit orchards, wheat, and barley. The arrival of the railroad further boosted the town’s growth, making it a key shipping point for agricultural products. Juliaetta has retained its rural charm and continues to be a center for farming and small-scale agriculture.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Juliaetta is part of the Kendrick Joint School District, and students attend Juliaetta Elementary School before moving on to Kendrick Junior-Senior High School in nearby Kendrick. Key landmarks in Juliaetta include the historic Juliaetta Community Church, which has been a focal point of the town since the early 1900s. The Potlatch River offers opportunities for fishing, swimming, and enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The town is also known for its wineries, which produce local wines from the fertile valley. Juliaetta’s annual Blackberry Festival is a popular event that celebrates the town’s agricultural heritage with a parade, music, and blackberry-themed treats, reflecting the community’s close ties to the land and its traditions.