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Lewiston, ID

Frequently asked questions

Lewiston, ID

Lewiston is a city and the county seat of Nez Perce County, Idaho, United States, in the state's north central region. It is the third-largest city in the northern Idaho region, behind Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene, and the twelfth-largest in the state. Lewiston is the principal city of the Lewiston, ID-WA Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Nez Perce County and Asotin County, Washington. As of the 2020 census, the population of Lewiston was 34,203, up from 31,894 in 2010. 

Lewiston is located at the confluence of the Snake River and Clearwater River, thirty miles (50 km) upstream and southeast of the Lower Granite Dam. Because of dams (and their locks) on the Snake and Columbia River, Lewiston is reachable by some ocean-going vessels. The Port of Lewiston (Idaho's only seaport) has the distinction of being the farthest inland port linked to the West Coast. The Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport serves the city by air.

Lewiston was founded in 1861 in the wake of a gold rush which began the previous year near Pierce, northeast of Lewiston. The city was incorporated by the Washington Territorial Legislature in January 1863. In March 1863, Lewiston became the first capital of the newly created Idaho Territory. Its stint as seat of the new territory's government was short-lived, as a resolution to have the capital moved south to Boise was passed by the Idaho Territorial Legislature on December 7, 1864. 

Lewiston's main industries are agriculture, paper, and timber products, and light manufacturing. Ammunition manufacturing maintains a very important and growing presence in Lewiston, being the headquarters of ammunition makers CCI and Speer Bullet. The city is the primary regional transportation, retail, health care, and entertainment center of the surrounding area and serves as a recreation destination for the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. Lewiston is home to Lewis–Clark State College, a public undergraduate college. Community events in Lewiston include the Dogwood Festival, Hot August Nights, and the Lewiston Roundup.

Lewiston is located at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers. Immediately west of Lewiston is the smaller twin city of Clarkston, Washington. The north-flowing Snake River departs Hells Canyon and forms the state boundary with Washington, while west-flowing Clearwater River defines the northern border of the city. At their confluence at the city's northwest corner, the lower Snake River turns west into Washington, and after passing four dams, empties into the Columbia River at Burbank.

Health and wellness are integral aspects of life in Lewiston, with the city providing various resources to support residents' well-being. St. Joseph Regional Medical Center serves as a leading healthcare facility, offering a range of medical services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Lewiston Parks and Recreation Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Footnotes Dance & Fitness, CrossFit LC Valley and Snap Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Lewiston, such as the Lewiston Levee Parkway and Sunset Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Lewiston, ID are Nez Perce County Historical Society and Museum, Jack O'Connor Center, and Hells Gate State Park.

Population: 34,693 (2024). ZIP code: 83501. Area codes: 208, 986. Elevation: 738 ft (225 m). Area: 18.11 sq mi (46.89 km²).

FAQs

What is special about Lewiston, ID?

Lewiston is navigable by some ocean-going vessels and is the home of Idaho’s only seaport, the Port of Lewiston. The Port of Lewiston is the most inland seaport on the West Coast, located 465 river miles from the ocean, and serves as a hub for intermodal transportation, with immediate access to river, road, rail and a nearby airport. As the metropolitan hub of the Lewis-Clark Valley, Lewiston is the primary regional transportation, retail, health care, wholesale and professional services, and entertainment center.

Is Lewiston, ID a nice place to live?

Living in Lewiston offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Lewiston there are a lot of bars and parks. Many young professionals and retirees live in Lewiston and residents tend to be conservative. The public schools in Lewiston are above average.

What is the main industry in Lewiston, ID?

The economy of Lewiston, ID-WA employs 29.4k people. The largest industries in Lewiston, ID-WA are Health Care & Social Assistance (4,726 people), Manufacturing (3,613 people), and Retail Trade (3,541 people), and the highest paying industries are Mining, Quarrying, & Oil & Gas Extraction ($91,411), Utilities ($71,087), and Finance & Insurance ($67,952). From 2021 to 2022, employment in Lewiston, ID-WA declined at a rate of −0.638%, from 29.6k employees to 29.4k employees.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Lewiston

St. Joseph Regional Medical Center 

Lewiston Parks and Recreation Department

Footnotes Dance & Fitness

CrossFit LC Valley 

Snap Fitness

Lewiston Levee Parkway 

Sunset Park

Nez Perce County Historical Society and Museum

Jack O'Connor Center

Hells Gate State Park

Niche

Data USA

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