Caribou County is a rural county in the United States. It lies in the U.S. state of Idaho and is officially designated as a county (county). According to the 2010 census, 6,963 people lived within its boundaries. The county seat and largest town is Soda Springs, which serves as the center for local government and services (county seat).

Geography and landscape

Caribou County occupies a portion of southeastern Idaho characterized by a mix of high valleys, agricultural benches and nearby mountain ranges. The landscape supports ranching and hay production on private lands, while forested highlands and public lands at higher elevations provide habitat for wildlife and opportunities for hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation.

History and development

The area was used for centuries by Indigenous peoples before Euro‑American exploration, trapping and later settlement. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, mining, ranching and small‑scale agriculture drew settlers and helped shape local towns. The county developed institutional structures typical of rural western counties, with a focus on community services centered in Soda Springs.

Economy and communities

Economic activity is dominated by agriculture and livestock, supplemented by government employment, local services and seasonal tourism tied to outdoor recreation and a few unique local attractions. Soda Springs is notable for natural carbonated springs and community features that draw visitors; smaller towns and unincorporated communities support the county’s dispersed population.

Quick facts

Caribou County is often described as representative of many rural Intermountain West counties: small population centers, dependence on natural‑resource uses, and close connections to surrounding public lands and mountain landscapes. For further administrative or statistical details see county resources and regional references.