
Custer County, Idaho Demographics
Custer County, Idaho is a beautiful and diverse area located in the mountains of central Idaho. It is bordered to the north by Blaine County, to the east by Lemhi County, to the south by Butte County, and to the west by Elmore County. The county was established in 1881 and is named after General George Armstrong Custer. It has an area of 2,918 square miles and a population of 4,547 people as of 2020.
The terrain of Custer County is characterized by high mountain peaks and deep canyons formed by rivers such as the Salmon River and Big Lost Creek. The highest point in Custer County is Mount Borah which stands at 12,662 feet above sea level. Other notable landmarks include the Sawtooth Mountains and White Cloud Mountains which are both located within its borders.
According to findjobdescriptions, the climate in Custer County consists of hot summers with temperatures ranging from 78-90 degrees Fahrenheit during July and August; cold winters with temperatures ranging from -2 to 22 degrees Fahrenheit during December through February; and milder temperatures during spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November). The average annual precipitation for this region is around 15 inches per year.
The population of Custer County consists mostly of Caucasians (95%), with small percentages of Native Americans (3%) and other ethnicities (2%) making up the rest. The majority of residents are employed in agriculture or related industries such as timber harvesting or logging, while others work in education or government services or are self-employed entrepreneurs.
Custer County offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors including hiking, biking, camping, fishing, boating, rafting/kayaking on local rivers such as Salmon River or Big Lost Creek; hunting; snowmobiling; skiing/snowboarding at nearby Sun Valley Resort; rock climbing at City Of Rocks National Reserve; horseback riding at Redfish Lake Corral; bird watching at Snake River Birds Of Prey National Conservation Area; golfing at Challis Golf Course; visiting historical sites such as Fort Hall Replica/Indian Agency House Museum or Mackay Mansion Museum & Cultural Center; exploring nearby Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve; or simply enjoying nature’s beauty throughout this region’s many parks and trails.
Custer County offers something for everyone – from outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventures amidst its rugged terrain to history buffs seeking out its many historical sites – making it an ideal destination for those seeking an escape from everyday life while still being close enough to larger cities such as Boise for day trips or weekend getaways.
Economy of Custer County, Idaho
The economy of Custer County, Idaho is largely based on agriculture and related industries. The county is home to a variety of farms and ranches, from family-owned operations to large corporate agribusinesses. Cattle ranching and dairy farming are two of the biggest agricultural activities in the area, with wheat, hay, alfalfa, barley, potatoes, and sugar beets also being produced in significant quantities.
In addition to agriculture, Custer County’s economy is bolstered by timber harvesting and logging. The region is home to a number of sawmills and lumber yards that employ hundreds of local workers. Other important industries include tourism (due to the area’s abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities), mining (gold and silver), transportation (railroads), manufacturing (primarily food processing), government services, healthcare services, education services, retail stores/services, financial services/banking institutions, construction businesses/contractors as well as professional/technical services such as engineering firms or accounting firms.
The unemployment rate in Custer County has remained low over the past several years due in part to its diversified economic base. In fact, the average wage for all jobs in this region was approximately $45K per year in 2019 according to U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics data – slightly higher than Idaho’s statewide average wage for all jobs ($43K).
As a result of its strong economic foundation and robust job market – coupled with its stunning natural beauty – Custer County has become an increasingly popular destination for those seeking an escape from city life while still being within easy driving distance from larger cities such as Boise or Twin Falls for day trips or weekend getaways.
Libraries in Custer County, Idaho
According to babyinger, Custer County, Idaho is home to a number of libraries that offer a variety of resources to the public. The county’s main library is the Custer County Library, located in the town of Challis. This library serves as the hub for all other libraries in the county and has an extensive collection of books, magazines, newspapers, audio books, videos, CDs and DVDs. It also provides access to computers with internet access and offers free Wi-Fi.
In addition to the Custer County Library, there are several branch libraries located throughout the county. These include libraries in Mackay, Mayfield, Stanley, Sunbeam and Yellow Pine. Each branch library offers a unique selection of materials as well as access to computers with internet access and Wi-Fi.
The Custer County Library also offers a variety of programs such as storytimes for children and adults; book clubs; computer classes; genealogy classes; art classes; movie nights; workshops on different topics including health and wellness; author talks; summer reading programs for kids; and many more events throughout the year. In addition to these services, patrons can also borrow materials from any library in Custer County via Interlibrary Loan or request items from other libraries outside of Custer County through Idaho State Library Card Services (ISLCS).
The staff at all of these libraries are knowledgeable and friendly – always willing to help patrons find what they need or answer any questions they may have about their services or collections. The atmosphere at each library is welcoming – making it easy for people to come in and find what they’re looking for without feeling overwhelmed or intimidated by the size or complexity of their collections.
In short, Custer County’s public library system provides an invaluable resource for residents – offering knowledge, entertainment and community engagement all under one roof.
Landmarks in Custer County, Idaho
Custer County, Idaho is home to a number of beautiful and iconic landmarks. One of the most recognizable landmarks in the county is the Challis National Forest. This 1.3 million-acre forest is one of the largest national forests in the United States and offers a wide variety of outdoor activities including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and more.
Another popular landmark in Custer County is the Custer County Courthouse. Built in 1889, this historic building has served as the county seat for over a century and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The courthouse features beautiful Romanesque architecture with a red brick facade and stunning stained glass windows. Inside, visitors can explore the courtroom, where many important decisions have been made throughout Custer County’s history.
The Salmon River is another major landmark in Custer County. This river winds its way through the county offering a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, rafting, kayaking, and swimming. Along its banks are several camping areas and scenic views that make it one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Idaho.
The Chilly Water Hot Springs is another popular attraction in Custer County. Located on the edge of Challis National Forest, this hot springs offers a natural geothermal pool with therapeutic waters that are said to have healing properties. Visitors can soak in the mineral-rich waters while enjoying spectacular views of Salmon River Canyon and its surrounding mountains.
Finally, no trip to Custer County would be complete without visiting Mackay Bar Recreation Area. This area offers miles of hiking trails along with breathtaking views of Mackay Reservoir and Valley Creek Canyon. There are also plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, camping, picnicking and more.
Custer County is home to some truly amazing landmarks that offer something for everyone – from natural wonders to historic sites – making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.