Twin Falls, Idaho
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| Twin Falls, Idaho | |
|---|---|
| Name | Twin Falls |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | The Gateway to the Snake River Canyon |
| Pushpin label | Twin Falls |
| Coordinates | 42, 34, N, 114... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Idaho |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Twin Falls |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1904 |
| Established title1 | Incorporated |
| Established date1 | 1905 |
| Founder | Ira Burton Perrine |
| Government type | Mayor-Council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Ruth Pierce |
| Leader title1 | City council |
| Leader name1 | Twin Falls City Council |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total km2 | 49.80 |
| Area total sq mi | 19.23 |
| Area land km2 | 49.50 |
| Area land sq mi | 19.11 |
| Area water km2 | 0.30 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.12 |
| Elevation m | 1141 |
| Elevation ft | 3742 |
| Population total | 51,807 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 1046.6 |
| Population density sq mi | 2711.1 |
| Timezone | Mountain (MST) |
| Utc offset | -7 |
| Timezone DST | MDT |
| Utc offset DST | -6 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 83301 |
| Area code | 208 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 16-82810 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0398325 |
| Website | https://www.tfid.org/ |
Twin Falls, Idaho is the county seat of Twin Falls County and the principal city of the Twin Falls micropolitan area. Located on the southern rim of the Snake River Canyon, the city is a regional commercial and cultural hub for south-central Idaho. Its development was catalyzed by the completion of the Milner Dam and the expansive irrigation projects of the Twin Falls South Side Irrigation Tract, transforming the surrounding Snake River Plain into productive agricultural land.
History
The area's modern history began with the establishment of a ferry service by Ira Burton Perrine in the 1880s, which later became the site of the Perrine Bridge. The city itself was founded in 1904 during the Carey Act land rush, officially incorporated in 1905, and named for the twin waterfalls on the Snake River downstream from the canyon rim. The completion of the Twin Falls South Side Irrigation Tract by the Twin Falls Land and Water Company, led by investors like Frank Buhl, enabled large-scale farming. Key historical events include the 1974 Evel Knievel jump attempt across the canyon and the construction of successive bridges, culminating in the current Perrine Bridge in 1976.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 19.23 square miles, predominantly land. It is situated at an elevation of approximately 3,740 feet on the northern edge of the Snake River Plain, directly overlooking the deep Snake River Canyon. The Snake River flows west through the canyon below the city, with significant local landmarks including the Perrine Bridge, Shoshone Falls, and the Centennial Waterfront Park. The region's geography is characterized by its basalt cliffs and the fertile irrigated farmland of the Magic Valley.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 51,807, making it the seventh-largest city in Idaho. The Twin Falls micropolitan area encompasses all of Twin Falls County and Jerome County. Demographic data from the American Community Survey indicates a diverse population with a median age lower than the national average. Major educational institutions include the College of Southern Idaho and the presence of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is historically significant in the area's settlement.
Economy
The economy is historically anchored by agriculture, with the region being a major producer of dairy, potatoes, sugar beets, and barley, supported by irrigation from the Snake River system. Major employers include Chobani, which operates one of the world's largest yogurt plants, Clif Bar, Glanbia, and the College of Southern Idaho. The Magic Valley is also a center for food processing and agribusiness. Retail and healthcare, centered around institutions like St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center, serve the broader south-central Idaho region.
Culture and recreation
The city is a gateway to outdoor recreation, most notably at the Snake River Canyon which offers rock climbing, kayaking, and base jumping from the Perrine Bridge. Shoshone Falls, often called the "Niagara of the West," is a major attraction within Shoshone Falls Park. Cultural venues include the Herrett Center for Arts and Science on the campus of the College of Southern Idaho, the Twin Falls County Fair, and the Faulkner Planetarium. The city hosts events like the annual Heritage Festival and is home to the minor league baseball team the Twin Falls Cowboys.
Government
Twin Falls operates under a mayor-council government system. The elected Twin Falls City Council works alongside the mayor to set policy. The city provides a full range of municipal services, including police through the Twin Falls Police Department, fire protection, and public works. It is part of Idaho's 2nd congressional district for federal representation. Key local government facilities include the Twin Falls County Courthouse and the joint city-county Twin Falls Public Library.
Category:Cities in Idaho Category:Twin Falls County, Idaho Category:County seats in Idaho