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Pocatello, ID

Frequently asked questions

Pocatello, ID

Pocatello is the county seat and largest city of Bannock County, with a small portion on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation in neighboring Power County, containing the city's airport. It is the principal city of the Pocatello metropolitan area, which encompasses all of Bannock County in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Idaho.

As of the 2020 census, the population of Pocatello was 56,320. Pocatello is the 6th most populous city in the state, just behind Caldwell. The city is at an elevation of 4,462 feet (1.360 km) above sea level and it sits on the Portneuf River in the Snake River Plain ecoregion. Pocatello covers a land area of 33.36 square miles (86.4 square kilometers).

Pocatello is the home of Idaho State University and the manufacturing facilities of Amy's Kitchen and ON Semiconductor Corporation; it's served by the Pocatello Regional Airport.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 33.36 square miles (86.40 km²), of which 32.22 square miles (83.45 km²) is land and 0.16 square miles (0.41 km²) is water.

A main water feature of Pocatello is the Portneuf River, which runs southeast to northwest on the western side of the city. Since 1992, the city and the Portneuf Greenway Foundation  have worked to create a system of trails that follow the river and connect to other trails in the greater Portneuf Valley. Currently, 15+ miles of trails have been constructed with 27 planned total miles.

Shoshone and Bannock Indigenous tribes inhabited southeastern Idaho for hundreds of years before the Lewis and Clark Expedition across Idaho in 1805. The expedition's reports of the many riches of the region attracted fur trappers and traders to southeastern Idaho. The city is named after Chief Pocatello, a 19th-century Northern Shoshone leader.

Although thousands of immigrants passed through Idaho, it was not until the discovery of gold in 1860 that Idaho attracted settlers in large numbers. The gold rush brought a need for goods and services to many towns, and the Portneuf Valley, home of Pocatello, was the corridor initially used by stage and freight lines. The coming of the railroad provided further development of Idaho's mineral resources and "Pocatello junction" became an important transportation crossroads as the Union Pacific Railroad expanded its service.

After its founding in 1889, Pocatello became known as the "Gate City" for being a gateway to Idaho and the Pacific Northwest. As pioneers, gold miners and settlers traveled the Oregon Trail, they passed through the Portneuf Gap south of town. Stage and freight lines and the railroad soon followed, turning the community into a trade center and transportation junction.

Pocatello gives emphasis on health and wellness. Portneuf Medical Center is a vital component, providing comprehensive healthcare services to residents and contributing to the city's reputation as a hub for medical care in southeastern Idaho. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Pocatello 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 Jriven fitness, Gold's Gym and Elevate Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Pocatello, such as the Lower City Creek Trail, Caldwell Park and Centennial Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Pocatello, ID are Museum of Clean, Outer Limits Fun Zone, Holt Arena, and Zoo Idaho.

Population: 58,231 (2024). ZIP codes: 83201, 83204, 83205, 83206, 83209. Area codes: 208, 986. Elevation: 4,462 feet (1,360 meters). Area: 33.40 sq mi (86.50 km²).

FAQs

What is Pocatello, ID known for?

After its founding in 1889, Pocatello became known as the "Gate City" for being a gateway to Idaho and the Pacific Northwest. As pioneers, gold miners and settlers traveled the Oregon Trail, they passed through the Portneuf Gap south of town. Stage and freight lines and the railroad soon followed, turning the community into a trade center and transportation junction.

Is Pocatello, ID a good place to live?

Tucked beneath the mountain peaks of the Bannock Range and home to Idaho State, one of Idaho’s biggest public universities, Pocatello is a charming family-friendly valley city offering good schools and affordable homes. While the city’s low crime rates and good public schools (a third of which rank above average per GreatSchools) are a boon, Pocatello locals are likely most grateful to find that those benefits don’t come with a steep price tag. Its median home price is $303,452—a third less than the state average—and the overall cost of living is relatively low compared with that of similar spots across the U.S.

Is it illegal to not smile in Pocatello, ID?

In 1948, the Mayor of the City of Pocatello, George Phillips, passed an ordinance making it illegal not to smile in Pocatello. The "Smile Ordinance" was passed tongue in cheek as a result of an exceptionally severe winter, which had dampened the spirit of city employees and citizens alike. On December 10, 1987, in response to an invitation from Pocatello's Mayor, representatives from the American Bankers Association visited Pocatello and declared the community the "U.S. Smile Capital." Pocatello received a great deal of national and international media attention for the "Smile Ordinance," and in the spirit of fun, the event was perpetuated by making "Smile Days" an annual event.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Pocatello

Portneuf Medical Center 

Pocatello Parks and Recreation Department

Jriven fitness

Gold's Gym 

Elevate Fitness

Lower City Creek Trail

Caldwell Park 

Centennial Park

Museum of Clean

Outer Limits Fun Zone

Holt Arena

Zoo Idaho

Fortune

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