GEM COUNTY
County Offices
415 E. Main St.
Emmett 208-365-4561
http://www.gemcounty.org/
City of Emmett
City Offices
501 E. Main St.
Emmett 208-365-6050
https://www.cityofemmett.org/
Chamber of Commerce
1022 S. Washington Ave.
Emmett 208-365-3485
https://emmettidaho.com
Located thirty miles northwest of Boise on Highway 16, the “Gem of the Payette” is 48 miles long and averages 22 miles wide. The town of Emmett, sitting at 2373 feet above sea level, is the County seat. In the early 1900’s fruit packers adopted the label of “Gem of Plenty” because of the fertility of the valley. During the mining era the valley was known as the “garden” for the mining regions. The county is home to more than 15,500 residents who enjoy a high quality of life in this rural area.
Lifestyle
Nestled in the southeastern corner of the beautiful state of Idaho, Gem County is a diverse region with many unique attributes. Since its establishment on March 15, 1915, Gem County has evolved to become a vibrant area home to significant economic, cultural, and tourist activity. From sprawling fields rich with the bounty of the land to quaint communities like Emmett, Letha, and Ola, Gem County has plenty to offer its visitors and residents. The area is known for its orchards, historic landmarks, the Black Canyon Reservoir, and its natural beauty. Numerous events throughout the year help residents and visitors celebrate the local area, with the Emmett Cherry Festival and Harvest Festival and Street Fair serving to highlight the agricultural activity that occurs across the County. Community festivals are a highlight for our citizens and bring approximately 100,000 visitors to the valley throughout the year. Outdoor recreational activities are as close as Black Canyon Dam with watersports being the highlight there. Outdoor activites like fishing and hiking are common. The City of Emmett has several parks and miles of trails for residents to enjoy. The small town feel of the local communities is seen throughout the businesses and residents that make up the community.
Close proximity to Boise and convenient position on the banks of the Payette River have made Gem County a key agricultural part of Idaho. From fruit orchards to manufacturing facilities, business developments continue to grow and succeed in Gem County. The impact of these businesses can be felt near and wide, with local producers exporting their products across the nation. Emmett is home to countless small businesses and entrepreneurs. Service-based businesses, retailers and niche boutiques make up the local economic fabric and offer a little something to everyone. Visitors to Gem County enjoy the beauty and charm of this incredible region. Whether spending time touring southeastern Idaho’s sensational wineries, or simply looking for recreation off the beaten path, residents have a lot to choose from. Neighbors know neighbors in this rural county, and it’s a place that’s easy to call home. And with Boise a short drive away, residents have access to the urban amenities of the city if they feel the need to leave the tranquility behind.
Services
Quality educational opportunities are available in and near Gem County, underlined by excellent public-school districts and options for select private and parochial schools. The Emmett Independent School District provides a high-quality education to more than 2500 students in Gem County. The school district uses nationally recognized programs and detailed planning to ensure the highest education possible for students. For those seeking higher education, there are a number of online opportunities available from state and regional colleges and universities for students of all ages. Boise and its many educational resources are a short drive away.
While Gem County may offer newcomers a breathtaking environment of unspoiled natural beauty, the healthcare services are highly developed. Serving the community’s health needs is Valor Health. This 16 bed critical care access hospital is dedicated to delivering the personalized care of a community hospital in an atmosphere of advanced technology for the best of all worlds. Comprehensive services include critical care, family practice and urgent care , social services, surgical specialties, laboratory and state-of-the-art imaging, immediate care and family-centered maternity. In addition to diagnostics and treatment, the hospital takes a proactive approach to health and wellness through community educational programs, special events, and public health screenings. For more immersive or specialty care, residents have close access to all of the outstanding medical facilities in Boise.
