Likely, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Likely
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Location of Likely in Modoc County, California.
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 Likely
Location in California
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  California |
| County | Modoc |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.334 sq mi (3.454 km2) |
| • Land | 1.329 sq mi (3.442 km2) |
| • Water | 0.005 sq mi (0.012 km2) 0.34% |
| Elevation | 4,449 ft (1,356 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 58 |
| • Density | 43.5/sq mi (16.79/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| ZIP code |
96116
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| Area code(s) | 530 |
| FIPS code | 06-41390 |
| GNIS feature IDs | 262452; 2583057 |
Likely (which used to be called South Fork) is a small community in Modoc County, California. It's known as a census-designated place, which means it's a special area counted by the government for population. Likely is located near the South Fork of the Pit River, about 18 miles (29 km) south of Alturas, the main town in the county. It sits high up, at an elevation of 4,449 feet (1,356 meters) above sea level.
In 2020, 58 people lived in Likely. This was a small decrease from 63 people in 2010. The town is somewhat protected from strong winds because it's near Likely Mountain. This gives it a slightly drier and calmer weather pattern compared to other nearby places. The special mail code for Likely is 96116.
Contents
Likely's Location and Surroundings
Likely is found in the northeastern part of California. It's on the south side of the South Fork of the Pit River, at the southern end of the South Fork Valley. The exact spot is 41°13′50″N 120°30′15″W / 41.23056°N 120.50417°W.
The area around Likely is surrounded by parts of the southern edge of the Modoc Plateau. A plateau is a large, flat area of land that is higher than the land around it.
Likely's Climate and Weather
The weather in Likely is generally dry, especially in the summer. Winters can be cold with snow, while summers are warm. A nearby weather station in Jess Valley, which is a bit higher up, helps us understand the climate.
The History of Likely
Likely was first a village for the Achumawi people, also known as the Pit River people. Their village was called Hamawe or Hammawi.
The town was originally named South Fork because of its location near the South Fork of the Pit River. However, the United States Post Office wanted all post offices to have short, unique names. The people living there couldn't agree on a new name. One day, a local rancher said that they would "most likely" never agree on a name. Someone then suggested "Likely," and everyone voted for it! That's how the town got its unusual name. The South Fork post office was open from 1878 to 1882, and the Likely post office opened in 1886.
A long time ago, one of the last American Indian Wars happened near Likely, at a place called Infernal Caverns.
In 1913, a book mentioned that Likely had about 75 people living there. It was also on the main road for cars traveling between Madeline and Bayley.
For many years, a company called Likely Peat Moss Company, Radel Inc. operated in Likely. They collected a special type of moss called hypnum peat moss from Jess Valley. This moss was used for gardening and other things. The company stopped working in 1987 because the supply of moss ran out. They used to truck the moss to Likely, process it, and then ship it out by truck and train.
Likely's Population and People
Likely is a small community. In 2010, there were 63 people living there. Most of the people were White, and a small number were Native American. About 9.5% of the people were of Hispanic or Latino background.
The population is quite spread out in terms of age. In 2010, about 7.9% of the people were under 18. A large number of residents, about 39.7%, were 65 years old or older. The average age in Likely was about 59.1 years.
Most people in Likely own their homes. In 2010, about 85.3% of the homes were owned by the people living in them, while 14.7% were rented.
Likely's Economy and Jobs
Today, the main ways people make a living in Likely and the surrounding areas are through ranching (raising animals like cattle) and tourism. People sometimes joke that the main products of this part of Modoc County are "rocks, junipers, or sagebrush" because there are so many of them!
The biggest employers in Modoc County are the local, state, federal, and tribal governments. In the 1980s, industries like timber (wood) and peat moss stopped being as important. This was because it became too expensive to operate, and the railroad services to Likely were stopped.
There is a small, privately owned airport near Likely called Likely Airport. It's about 3 miles (5 km) west of the town.
Internet access in Likely is mostly limited to dial-up service, which is a slower type of internet connection.
See also
In Spanish: Likely (California) para niños
