Moving to Bliss, Idaho

Bliss, Idaho is a small rural town located in the southwestern corner of the state. It has a population of just over 400 people, making it one of the smallest towns in Idaho. Geographically, Bliss is situated on rolling hills and farmland, with the Snake River winding through its center. The climate is typical for an area in this part of the country, with cold winters and hot summers.

The history of Bliss dates back to the early 1800s when fur trappers and pioneers first settled in the area. In 1864 it became an official town after being incorporated by the county government. Since then it has remained largely unchanged and remains a small farming community today.

Politically Bliss is a reliably Republican town with most residents voting for conservative candidates in elections at both local and national levels. As such, many of their local representatives are also Republicans who support traditional values such as limited government intervention and fiscal responsibility.

The economy of Bliss is largely based on agriculture and related businesses such as farming equipment stores and feed stores. It also has several small businesses that provide services to its citizens including restaurants, grocery stores, auto repair shops, etc.

Bliss has two schools: an elementary school (K-6) and a high school (7-12). Both schools have excellent academic programs that prepare students for college or other post-secondary pursuits after graduation. The schools are well-funded due to generous donations from local businesses and organizations as well as from private individuals who care deeply about providing quality education for their children’s future success.

One of Bliss’s most notable landmarks is The Old Mill which was built in 1872 by Charles Ewing Smith who was one of the town’s first settlers. The mill was used for grinding grain into flour until it closed down in 1934 when modern mills took over production due to their greater efficiency. Today it stands as a reminder of Bliss’s long history as well as its importance to local farmers during its heyday.

Population: 275. Estimated population in July 2024: 260 (-5.5% change)
Males: 131 (47.6%), Females: 144 (52.4%)

Gooding County

Zip code: 83314

Demographics

Median resident age: 32.3 years
Median household income: $25,313
Median house value: $61,300

Population by Race

Races in Bliss:

• White Non-Hispanic (72.4%)
• Hispanic (27.6%)
• Other race (12.7%)
• Black (2.2%)
• American Indian (1.8%)
• Two or more races (1.1%)

(Total can be greater than 100% because Hispanics could be counted in other races)

Ancestries: United States (9.5%), English (8.4%), Dutch (5.1%), German (3.6%), Scottish (3.3%), Swedish (2.5%).

Elevation: 3262 feet

Land area: 0.5 square miles

Population by Education

Bliss, Idaho is a small rural town located in the western part of the state. The population of Bliss is estimated to be around 2,500 people. The majority of the population is made up of families who have lived in the area for generations. The town is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, which has helped it to become a popular destination for retirees.

The cost of living in Bliss is relatively low compared to other areas in Idaho. The median home price is about $150,000, which makes it an affordable option for those looking to settle down and start a family. Renting an apartment or house can range from $500-$700 per month depending on size and location. Groceries are also fairly inexpensive with the average cost of food being around $50 per week for a family of four. Utilities such as electricity and water are also quite affordable with an average monthly bill being around $100. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy such as camping, fishing, hiking and biking that are free or low cost as well. Overall Bliss is an affordable place to live with plenty of things to do within reach!

For population 25 years and over in Bliss

• High school or higher: 63.7%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 7.3%
• Graduate or professional degree: 0.0%
• Unemployed: 3.5%
• Mean travel time to work: 21.7 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Bliss city

• Never married: 20.3%
• Now married: 52.9%
• Separated: 5.3%
• Widowed: 4.0%
• Divorced: 17.6%

27.6% Foreign born (27.6% Latin America).

Population change in the 1990s: +90 (+48.6%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Bliss:

• GOODING COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 17 miles; GOODING, ID)
• ST BENEDICT’S FAMILY MEDICAL CENTER (about 37 miles; JEROME, ID)
• MAGIC VALLEY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (about 43 miles; TWIN FALLS, ID)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Bliss:

• JOSLIN FIELD – MAGIC VALLEY RGNL (about 46 miles; TWIN FALLS, ID; Abbreviation: TWF)
• FRIEDMAN MEMORIAL (about 61 miles; HAILEY, ID; Abbreviation: SUN)
• BOISE AIR TERMINAL/GOWEN FLD (about 98 miles; BOISE, ID; Abbreviation: BOI)

Other public-use airports nearest to Bliss:

• GOODING MUNI (about 14 miles; GOODING, ID; Abbreviation: GNG)
• GLENNS FERRY MUNI (about 26 miles; GLENNS FERRY, ID; Abbreviation: U89)
• BUHL MUNI (about 27 miles; BUHL, ID; Abbreviation: U03)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Bliss:

• COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN IDAHO (about 43 miles; TWIN FALLS, ID; Full-time enrollment: 3,433)
• BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY (about 97 miles; BOISE, ID; Full-time enrollment: 12,033)
• IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY (about 184 miles; POCATELLO, ID; Full-time enrollment: 10,057)
• UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY (about 229 miles; LOGAN, UT; Full-time enrollment: 16,384)
• RICKS COLLEGE (about 233 miles; REXBURG, ID; Full-time enrollment: 8,670)
• WEBER STATE UNIVERSITY (about 240 miles; OGDEN, UT; Full-time enrollment: 12,112)
• UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX-UTAH CAMPUS (about 261 miles; SALT LAKE CITY, UT; Full-time enrollment: 2,021)

Public primary/middle school in Bliss:

• BLISS SCHOOL (Students: 194; Location: 601 EAST HIGHWAY 30; Grades: PK – 12)