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Arco, Idaho Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

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The current estimated population of Arco is 1,000, with a gender distribution of 51% male and 49% female. The population has remained relatively stable, supported by tourism, agriculture, and its historical significance as the first city powered by nuclear energy.

City Facts

  • Year founded: 1901
  • County: Butte County
  • Land area: 1.1 square miles
  • Population density: 909 people per square mile
  • Area code: 208
  • Zip code: 83213

Geography and Location

Arco is located in central Idaho, within Butte County, and is nestled at the edge of the Snake River Plain. The town lies about 70 miles west of Idaho Falls and 25 miles from the entrance to Craters of the Moon National Monument, making it a popular stop for travelers exploring this unique volcanic landscape. Arco is historically significant as the first city in the world to be powered by nuclear energy, thanks to its proximity to the Idaho National Laboratory. The town experiences a semi-arid climate, with hot, dry summers and cold winters, common in this part of Idaho. The local economy is driven by agriculture, tourism, and the nearby research and energy industries. U.S. Route 20 runs through the town, providing connections to Idaho Falls and other parts of the state. Arco’s unique history, combined with its proximity to natural attractions, makes it a small but notable community in Idaho.

Demographics

Median resident age: 40.2 years
Median household income: $27,993
Median house value: $51,200

Population by Race

Races in Arco:

  • White Non-Hispanic (93.9%)
  • Hispanic (3.6%)
  • American Indian (2.4%)
  • Other race (1.8%)
  • Two or more races (1.3%)

Ancestries: English (22.6%), German (12.1%), United States (10.6%), Irish (7.9%), Scottish (5.2%), Danish (5.0%).

Elevation: 5325 feet

Land area: 0.9 square miles

Map of Arco, ID

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Arco

  • High school or higher: 76.4%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 12.7%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 4.5%
  • Unemployed: 7.7%
  • Mean travel time to work: 18.1 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Arco city

  • Never married: 16.0%
  • Now married: 55.3%
  • Separated: 1.5%
  • Widowed: 9.3%
  • Divorced: 17.9%

2.0% Foreign born (1.2% Latin America, 0.4% Europe, 0.3% Asia).

Population change in the 1990s: 0 (0.0%).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in Arco:

  • LOST RIVERS DISTRICT HOSPITAL (551 HIGHLAND DRIVE PO BOX 145)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Arco:

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Arco:

  • FRIEDMAN MEMORIAL (about 69 miles; HAILEY, ID; Abbreviation: SUN)
  • POCATELLO REGIONAL (about 71 miles; POCATELLO, ID; Abbreviation: PIH)
  • IDAHO FALLS RGNL (about 86 miles; IDAHO FALLS, ID; Abbreviation: IDA)

Other public-use airports nearest to Arco:

  • ARCO-BUTTE COUNTY (about 4 miles; ARCO, ID; Abbreviation: AOC)
  • ANTELOPE VALLEY (about 21 miles; GROUSE, ID; Abbreviation: U92)
  • BIG SOUTHERN BUTTE (about 23 miles; ATOMIC CITY, ID; Abbreviation: U46)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Arco:

  • IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY (about 97 miles; POCATELLO, ID; Full-time enrollment: 10,057)
  • COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN IDAHO (about 112 miles; TWIN FALLS, ID; Full-time enrollment: 3,433)
  • RICKS COLLEGE (about 112 miles; REXBURG, ID; Full-time enrollment: 8,670)
  • UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY (about 168 miles; LOGAN, UT; Full-time enrollment: 16,384)
  • WEBER STATE UNIVERSITY (about 192 miles; OGDEN, UT; Full-time enrollment: 12,112)
  • BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY (about 204 miles; BOISE, ID; Full-time enrollment: 12,033)
  • MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY-BOZEMAN (about 216 miles; BOZEMAN, MT; Full-time enrollment: 10,380)

Schools

Public high school in Arco:

  • BUTTE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 157; Location: 120 SOUTH WATER STREET; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Arco:

  • IDAHO VIRTUAL ACADEMY (Students: 1,893; Location: 250 S WATER ST; Grades: KG – 07)
  • ARCO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 207; Location: 250 SUNSET DRIVE; Grades: PK – 05)
  • BUTTE COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 122; Location: 250 SOUTH WATER STREET; Grades: 06 – 08)

Libraries

Library in Arco:

  • LOST RIVERS DISTRICT (Operating income: $80,277; Location: 126 S FRONT ST; 37,979 books; 1,971 audio materials; 465 video materials; 68 serial subscriptions)

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