Clark County, Idaho facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clark County
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Location within the U.S. state of Idaho
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 Idaho's location within the U.S. |
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| Country |  United States |
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| State |  Idaho |
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| Founded | February 1, 1919 | |
| Named for | Sam K. Clark (1857–1933), state senator & pioneer |
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| Seat | Dubois | |
| Largest city | Dubois | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 1,765 sq mi (4,570 km2) | |
| • Land | 1,764 sq mi (4,570 km2) | |
| • Water | 1.0 sq mi (3 km2) 0.1% | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 790 | |
| • Estimate
(2022)
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806  |
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| • Density | 0.56/sq mi (0.22/km2) | |
| Time zone | UTC−7 (Mountain) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−6 (MDT) | |
| Congressional district | 2nd | |
Clark County is a quiet, rural area in the state of Idaho. Its main town and county seat is Dubois. As of the 2020 census, about 790 people lived here. This makes it the least populated county in Idaho. It is a place with wide-open spaces and beautiful nature.
Contents
History of Clark County
In 1864, stops for stage coaches were set up in this area. These coaches traveled between Salt Lake City and the mining towns in Montana. Two important stops were at Beaver Canyon and Dry Creek. Dry Creek is now known as Dubois.
Over time, these areas became part of different counties. First, they were in Alturas County. Then, in 1877, they moved to Oneida County. Later, in 1885, they became part of Bingham County.
A notable event happened here during the Nez Perce War. It was called the Battle of Camas Creek. This battle took place near Kilgore on August 20, 1872.
The Utah and Northern Railway reached Beaver Canyon in 1879. By 1890, Beaver Canyon had 216 residents. The settlement later moved to Spencer in 1897.
Most of Clark County became part of Fremont County when it was created in 1893. The rest of the land joined Fremont County in 1896. By 1900, about 1,199 people lived in the area. They were spread across five main areas: Birch Creek, Dubois, Kilgore, Medicine Lodge, and Spencer.
Dry Creek was renamed Dubois in 1892. It became an official town before 1920. Spencer became an official town in 1947.
Clark County was officially created in 1919. It was formed from parts of Fremont County. The state legislature passed the bill to create it. Governor D. W. Davis signed the bill on February 1. The county was named after Sam K. Clark. He was a state senator and an early pioneer in the area.
Geography of Clark County
Clark County covers a total area of about 1,765 square miles. Almost all of this area, 1,764 square miles, is land. Only about 1 square mile is water.
The northern edge of the county is formed by the Bitterroot Range. These are mountains that are part of the Rocky Mountains. This mountain range also forms the border between Idaho and Montana. It is also where the continental divide is located. This means that rivers on one side flow to the Pacific Ocean, and rivers on the other side flow to the Atlantic Ocean.
Interstate 15 crosses these mountains at Monida Pass. This pass is about 6,820 feet above sea level. Monida Pass also divides the Bitterroot mountains. The Beaverhead Mountains are to the west. The Centennial Mountains are to the east.
Neighboring Counties
Clark County shares borders with these other counties:
- Lemhi County – to the west
- Butte County – to the southwest
- Jefferson County – to the south
- Fremont County – to the east
- Beaverhead County, Montana – to the north
Main Roads in Clark County
Interstate 15 – goes through Monida Pass
SH-22
Protected Natural Areas
Parts of these national protected areas are found in Clark County:
- Caribou-Targhee National Forest
- Nez Perce National Historical Park
- Salmon-Challis National Forest
Population in Clark County
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1920 | 1,886 | — | |
| 1930 | 1,122 | −40.5% | |
| 1940 | 1,005 | −10.4% | |
| 1950 | 918 | −8.7% | |
| 1960 | 915 | −0.3% | |
| 1970 | 741 | −19.0% | |
| 1980 | 798 | 7.7% | |
| 1990 | 762 | −4.5% | |
| 2000 | 1,022 | 34.1% | |
| 2010 | 982 | −3.9% | |
| 2020 | 790 | −19.6% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 801 | −18.4% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 1790–1960 1900–1990 1990–2000 2010–2020 |
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According to the 2010 census, there were 982 people living in Clark County. These people lived in 345 households. About 243 of these were families. The population density was about 0.6 people per square mile. The average household had 2.84 people. The average family had 3.41 people. The median age of people in the county was 32.7 years old.
Education in Clark County
The only school district in Clark County is Clark County School District #161. Its main office is in Dubois.
Clark County High School has sports teams. They compete in the Rocky Mountain Conference. This is part of the IHSAA 1A Division II. The school colors are orange and black. Their mascot is a bobcat.
The College of Eastern Idaho serves this county. However, residents here do not pay taxes to support it.
Towns and Communities
Official Towns
Other Communities
These communities are not officially incorporated towns:
See also
In Spanish: Condado de Clark (Idaho) para niños
