Challis ZIP Code List — Custer County, ID

There is one unique ZIP code in Challis, Idaho and it is 83226. Area code: 208.

ZIP codes

2,010.38

sq mi land

2.58

sq mi water

208

area code

Challis, ID ZIP code map

About Challis, ID

Challis is a charming city located in Custer County, Idaho. With a rich history and stunning natural surroundings, it serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures and relaxed living. Visitors and residents alike revel in the friendly atmosphere and the beauty of the nearby mountains and rivers.

Location & geography

Situated in central Idaho, Challis is surrounded by a breathtaking landscape that features the Salmon River and the magnificent Sawtooth National Forest. Nearby cities include Mackay, located approximately 34 miles to the south, and Arco, about 55 miles to the southeast. The city covers a vast land area of 2,010.38 square miles, with an additional 2.58 square miles of water, showcasing its diverse geography.

Community & economy

Challis is known for its small-town character, where community events and gatherings are a staple in daily life. The local industries primarily revolve around agriculture, tourism, and outdoor recreational activities. Residents enjoy a tranquil lifestyle, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring the rich history of the area.

Transportation

Challis is accessible via U.S. Route 93, which runs through the city and connects it to other parts of Idaho. The nearest major airport is the Idaho Falls Regional Airport, located approximately 80 miles away. Public transportation options are limited, but the area's scenic highways make for easy travel by car.

History

Founded in the late 19th century during the region's mining boom, Challis has seen various industries come and go, particularly in mining and agriculture. In later years, it became known as a hub for tourism, attracting visitors to explore the natural beauty of the surrounding wilderness. Notable events in Challis's history include the establishment of local festivals that celebrate its rich heritage.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Challis is that it hosts the annual Challis Rodeo, drawing visitors from all over to experience traditional Western culture. Additionally, the city is located near the scenic Salmon River, which is renowned for its white-water rafting opportunities.

ZIP codes for Challis, ID (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
83226	Challis	Custer	View map

Demographics & statistics

2,296

Population

53.4

Median age

$51,250

Median household income

$24,583

Per capita income

$259,700

Median home value

$663

Median monthly rent

70.4%

Home ownership

12.2%

Poverty rate

0.5%

Unemployment

1,159

Housing units

16.0%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

25–34

129

35–44

110

194

45–54

166

55–59

100

60–64

260

65–74

223

161

75–84

138

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	399	17.4%
18 and over	1,897	82.6%
65 and over	789	34.4%
Median age	53.4 years

Race & ethnicity

White 90.6%

Two or more races 3.3%

Hispanic or Latino 2.9%

Other race 1.8%

American Indian / Alaska Native 1.4%

Group	Count	%
White	2,142	90.6%
Two or more races	79	3.3%
Hispanic or Latino	68	2.9%
Other race	42	1.8%
American Indian / Alaska Native	32	1.4%

Household income

Under $10k 4.4%

$10k–$15k 5.0%

$15k–$25k 24.4%

$25k–$35k 5.3%

$35k–$50k 10.8%

$50k–$75k 24.0%

$75k–$100k 11.0%

$100k–$150k 12.4%

$150k–$200k 2.6%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	4.4%
$10k–$15k	5.0%
$15k–$25k	24.4%
$25k–$35k	5.3%
$35k–$50k	10.8%
$50k–$75k	24.0%
$75k–$100k	11.0%
$100k–$150k	12.4%
$150k–$200k	2.6%
Median income	$51,250

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 4.9%

$50k–$100k 8.0%

$100k–$150k 13.7%

$150k–$200k 10.3%

$200k–$300k 38.0%

$300k–$500k 21.8%

$500k–$1M 3.3%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$259,700
Median rent / month	$663
Owner occupied	70.4%
Renter occupied	29.6%
Vacant	36.8%
Single-family detached	62.7%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	27.0%
Median rooms	5.3
Avg household size (owned)	2.67

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	2.8%
2000–2009	9.5%
1990–1999	17.5%
1980–1989	34.9%
1970–1979	13.8%
1960–1969	14.0%
1950–1959	3.2%
1940–1949	1.0%
1939 or earlier	3.4%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	1.4%
1 bedroom	8.9%
2 bedrooms	24.7%
3 bedrooms	34.7%
4 bedrooms	23.1%
5+ bedrooms	7.2%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	6.4%
1 vehicle	11.8%
2 vehicles	37.1%
3 or more	44.7%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	1.8%
Electricity	64.3%
Propane / LP gas	5.1%
Fuel oil	1.0%
Wood	27.8%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	484	53.8%
Cohabiting couple	42	4.7%
Male householder, no spouse	218	24.2%
Female householder, no spouse	156	17.3%
Households with children under 18	148	16.4%
Households with seniors (65+)	462	51.3%
Average household size	2.48

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	20.6%	20.1%
Married	50.3%	54.6%
Separated	0.0%	3.5%
Widowed	0.4%	4.6%
Divorced	28.7%	17.2%

Education

Less than 9th grade 3.9%

Some HS, no diploma 9.4%

HS graduate 25.5%

Some college, no degree 35.1%

Associate's degree 9.9%

Bachelor's degree 13.6%

Graduate / professional 2.4%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	86.6%
Bachelor's or higher	16.0%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	0	0.0%
Kindergarten	20	5.9%
Elementary school	222	65.5%
High school	64	18.9%
College / grad school	33	9.7%

Employment

Industry of employment

Construction 18.9%

Agriculture & mining 17.3%

Retail trade 14.1%

Transportation & utilities 10.1%

Public administration 9.1%

Arts, food & hospitality 8.0%

Education & healthcare 6.6%

Finance & real estate 6.5%

Other services 3.3%

Wholesale trade 3.1%

Manufacturing 1.6%

Professional & management 1.3%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	43.7%
Service	13.2%
Sales & office	29.7%
Natural resources & construction	11.0%
Production & transportation	2.4%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	58.5%
Government	22.4%
Self-employed	19.0%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	63.5%
Carpool	15.9%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	3.4%
Other means	0.6%
Avg commute (minutes)	15.2

Poverty

All people 12.2%

Under 18 years 25.3%

18 and over 9.4%

Married-couple families 5.6%

Female-led households 30.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	56.2%
Retirement income	32.3%
Supplemental Security	3.7%
Cash public assistance	1.9%
Food stamps / SNAP	6.2%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	36.1%
High cholesterol	36.2%
Heart disease	8.1%
Stroke	3.8%
Asthma	9.8%
Arthritis	27.9%
Kidney disease	3.4%
Pulmonary disease	8.3%
Cancer	7.6%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	14.3%
No physical activity	23.0%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	30.2%
Fair or poor health	16.0%
Poor mental health	13.3%
Poor physical health	12.4%
No health insurance	15.2%
Visited doctor (checkup)	70.5%
Visited dentist	57.2%
Cholesterol screening	88.6%
Teeth loss	15.7%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	416	21.9%

Disability	%
Any disability	24.6%
Under 18	3.3%
18–64 years	6.6%
65 and over	60.5%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	52.3%
Public insurance	48.2%
Uninsured under 19	0.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	2,233	97.3%
Spanish	25	1.1%
Other Indo-European	25	1.1%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	2,276	99.1%
Born in same state	2,272	99.0%
Born in different state	849	37.0%
Foreign born	4	0.2%
Naturalized citizen	20	0.9%
Not a US citizen	0	0.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
French	437	19%
Italian	104	4.5%
Arab	60	2.6%
Dutch	49	2.1%

Ancestry	Count	%
English	21	0.9%
Polish	21	0.9%
German	1	0%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	39.2%
Internet access	98.0%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Challis, ID?

Challis, ID has one ZIP code: 83226.

What is the main ZIP code for Challis, ID?

The primary ZIP code for Challis, ID is 83226. The city uses area code 208 for phone service.

What county is Challis, ID in?

Challis is located in Custer County, Idaho.

How many ZIP codes are in Challis, ID?

Challis, ID has 1 ZIP code.

What is the ZIP code for downtown Challis and the surrounding historic mining district?

Downtown Challis and the historic mining areas in Custer County are served by ZIP code 83226, which covers the entire city and its surrounding region.

What ZIP code should I use for mailing packages to businesses along Main Street in Challis?

All addresses on Main Street and throughout Challis use ZIP code 83226 for mail delivery.