Page Contents for Payette, Idaho

Statistics & Facts

Location

Weather & Climate

History & History-related items

City Attractions

Government

Historical Events

Chamber of Commerce.

Community news

Libraries.

Schools.

Miscellany

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Statistics & Facts

The Idaho state capital is Boise.
The population of Payette is approximately 7,298 (2000), 7433 (2010).
The approximate number of families is 2,270 (1990), 2816 (2010).
The amount of land area in Payette is 5.74 sq. kilometers.
The amount of land area in Payette is 3.4 sq. miles.
The amount of surface water is 0 sq kilometers.
The distance from Payette to Washington DC is 2219 miles.
The distance to the Idaho state capital is 49 miles. (as the crow flies)
Payette is positioned 44.07 degrees north of the equator and 116.92 degrees west of the prime meridian.
Payette elevation is 2,150 feet above sea level.
Payette median income is $ 29,375 (2000).
The Payette median home price is $ 79,500 (2000).
Payette average annual precipitation is 10.9 inches peryear.
Payette average annual snowfall is 21.5 inches per year.

Location

on the Oregon-Idaho border at the confluence of the Snake and Payette Rivers, across from the city of Ontario, Oregon. Other nearby communities include Fruitland, New Plymouth, Weiser, Parma and Notus, all in Idaho. Also nearby across the border in Oregon are Nyssa and Vale.
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Climate

moderate. The winters are usually cold but without extremely cold weather. They are usually dry for the most part. Summers tend to be warm, again with few extremely hot temperatures. Summers also tend to be on the dry side.
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History & History Related Items

Early times brought many miners, explorers and pioneers through the area. Homesteaders quickly followed with irrigation and agriculture following. A base campe for the ORegon Shortline Railraod was constructed here in the mid 1800's. The camp, named Boomerang, was renamed Payette for Fancois Payette, the first settler here. The community grew rapidly bringing business, beautiful homes and many buildings. The valley became famous for its fruit and row crop farming.

Payette was incorporated in 1891 and was named the county seat of Payette County in 1917.
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Attractions

Payette Swim Completx
A year-round facility with many options for play, classes and instruction.
Phone: 208-642-6030

Apple Blossom Festival
held each year in May
Carnival, food and game booths, arts and crafts, a community yard sale, pretty baby contest, a rodeo, a talent show, entertainment and a fun run are only a few of the many events taking place each year at the Festival. This event has occurred for over 75 years!

Payette County Historical Museum
90 South 9th Street.
Open Wednesday thru Saturday, Noon to 4:00 P.M.
Phone: 208-642-4883
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Payette City Government

City of Payette
700 Center Avenue
Payette, ID 83661
Phone: 208-642-6024

Payette has a mayor-council form of government, Council members are elected to four year terms. Three seats are voted upon every two years. The Mayor's position is elected every four years.

Payette Historical Events

1875, Winter
The winter of 1875 has gone down in Idaho annuals as the worst one on record. The January 16 issue of the Idaho Statesman stated, "We have just had one of the most severe storms ever experienced here. Snow is from 18 inches to 3 feet deep. Weather now clear, 10 to 12 degrees below zero. If continued there will be great suffering among dumb animals." Three days later the newspaper reported, "Still cold and snowing. Stock of all kinds cannot long survive without feed. It is feared, a large portion of them will perish from cold and hunger. Snoke River is frozen over." The winter continued with below zero readings, and, as a result, southwestern Idaho's stock almost didn't survive. Yet, when spring came, new life flowed through the valley, bringing hope and trust, as thanksgiving was offered for the survival of the few. The hills bordering the eastern side of the valley blossomed with flowers of all colors, calves and foals were dropped on lush green fields, and lives went forward. Sons of one family were marrying daughters of the neighbors. Life was a constant challenge to keep ahead of nature, but they managed, grew and prospered. Children were born and families kept the land.
The History of Payette written by Dee Klenck.

Payette Chamber

Payette Chamber of Commerce 2 North Main Street Payette, ID 83661 Phone: 208-642-2362

Payette Community News

The Independent Enterprise
21 South Main
Payette, ID 83661
Phone: (208) 642-3357

Payette Organizations

Payette Chamber of Commerce 2 North Main Street Payette, ID 83661 Phone: 208-642-2362

Payette Libraries

Payette Public Main Library
24 South 10th Street
Payette, ID 83661
Phone: 208-642-6029

Payette Schools

Payette School District
20 N 12th St.
Payette, ID 83661-0349
Phone: (208) 642-9366

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Payette High School - Home of the Pirates
1500 6th Ave S
Payette, ID 83661-3300
Phone: (208) 642-3327
Fax: (208) 642-3368
Grades 9-12 Payette

Miscellany

The population of Payette was:
1990 - 5,592
2000 - 7,298