Boulder-White Cloud gateway cities
Challis
Population in 2002: 873
Named after A.P. Challis, surveyor. Grew
as a commercial center for area mining operations.
Median age in 2000: 41.8 years
Custer County average monthly wage in
2001: $2,005
Largest employers: Challis Schools, U.S
Forest Service, Custer County
Mackay
Population 2002: 546
Named for George Mackay, who built a
smelter at the town site. Developed as a copper-mining community in the 1880s.
Median age 2000: 44.3 years
Largest employers: Custer County School
District, INEEL, U.S. Forest Service
Stanley
Population 2002: 95
Named for John Stanley, prospector. Ranked
in 1999 by Weatherwise magazine as the sixth coldest spot in the country.
Median age in 2000: 39.1 years
Largest employers: Stanharrah Corporation,
U.S. Forest Service, Idaho Fish and Game
Ketchum
Population 2002: 3,100
Named for David Ketchum, settler.
Developed in the 1880s as a shipping center for area mines. As mining faded,
sheep herders moved into the region. Became a tourist destination with opening
of Sun Valley Resort. Ranked 16 on "50 Best Places to Live" list by Men's
Journal magazine in 2002.
Median age in 2000: 39.0 years
Blaine County average monthly wage in
2001: $2,650
Largest employers: Atkinson’s Markets,
Premier Resorts, Smith Sports Optics, U.S. Forest Service
Sun Valley
Population 2002: 1,447
A resort community that was put on the map
with the opening of Sun Valley resort in 1936.
Median age in 2000: 47.5 years
Largest employers: Sun Valley Company,
Elkhorn Golf Club
Source: Idaho Department of Commerce