Pocatello, Idaho
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| Pocatello, Idaho | |
|---|---|
| Name | Pocatello |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | "Gateway to the Northwest" |
| Pushpin label | Pocatello |
| Coordinates | 42, 52, 30, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Idaho |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Bannock |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1889 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1893 |
| Government type | Mayor–council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Brian Blad |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total km2 | 84.61 |
| Area total sq mi | 32.67 |
| Area land km2 | 84.50 |
| Area land sq mi | 32.63 |
| Area water km2 | 0.11 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.04 |
| Elevation ft | 4459 |
| Elevation m | 1359 |
| Population total | 56902 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Timezone | Mountain |
| Utc offset | −7 |
| Timezone DST | MDT |
| Utc offset DST | −6 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 83201–83209, 83214 |
| Area code | 208 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 16-64090 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0397021 |
| Website | https://www.pocatello.gov/ |
Pocatello, Idaho is a city in and the county seat of Bannock County, serving as a major commercial and cultural hub for southeastern Idaho. Located along the Portneuf River, it is the principal city of the Pocatello metropolitan area and the fifth-largest city in the state. The city's development has been historically intertwined with the Union Pacific Railroad and the presence of Idaho State University.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Shoshone and Bannock peoples, with the city named for a prominent 19th-century Shoshone leader, Chief Pocatello. Settlement accelerated with the establishment of Fort Hall by the American Fur Company and the subsequent arrival of Mormon pioneers along the Oregon Trail. The city's modern founding is tied to the 1882 decision by the Union Pacific Railroad to route its main line through the Portneuf Gap, leading to the official incorporation in 1893. Key historical events include the 1915 founding of the Academy of Idaho, which later became Idaho State University, and the city's role as a major rail center for the Union Pacific Railroad and the Oregon Short Line Railroad.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 32.67 square miles, predominantly land. Pocatello is situated in the Snake River Plain at an elevation of 4,459 feet, nestled against the northern foothills of the Portneuf Range. The Portneuf River flows through the city, and the region is characterized by a semi-arid climate under the Köppen climate classification. Notable nearby geographic features include the Caribou National Forest, Massacre Rocks State Park, and the American Falls Reservoir.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 56,902, making it the most populous city in the Pocatello metropolitan area. The racial makeup is predominantly White, with significant populations identifying as Hispanic or Latino, along with smaller communities of Native American, Asian, and African American residents. The presence of Idaho State University contributes to a notable student demographic. Population density is approximately 1,744 people per square mile.
Economy
The economy has historically been anchored by transportation, with the Union Pacific Railroad maintaining a major locomotive repair facility, the Pocatello Yard. Idaho State University is a leading employer and driver of research and healthcare services, including the Portneuf Medical Center. Major industrial employers include ON Semiconductor and the Simplot phosphate processing plants. The city serves as a regional retail and service center for southeastern Idaho, supported by operations at the Pocatello Regional Airport.
Culture and recreation
The city is home to the Idaho Museum of Natural History on the campus of Idaho State University and hosts annual events like the Gate City Stampede Rodeo and the Idaho International Film Festival. Outdoor recreation is centered on the extensive Portneuf Greenway trail system, the Pocatello Zoo, and nearby public lands such as the Caribou National Forest and City Creek canyon. The Stephens Performing Arts Center is a major venue for theater and music, and the local sports scene includes the Idaho State Bengals athletic teams.
Government
Pocatello operates under a Mayor–council government system. The elected Mayor and a six-member City council govern the city, with administrative services managed by a City manager. The city provides essential services including the Pocatello Police Department and Pocatello Fire Department. It is part of Idaho's 2nd congressional district, represented in the United States House of Representatives, and falls under the jurisdiction of the Sixth Judicial District of Idaho.
Category:Cities in Idaho Category:County seats in Idaho Category:Bannock County, Idaho