The Community of Sandpoint, Idaho

The community of Sandpoint, at an elevation just over 2,000 ft., serves as the county seat of Bonner County (population 35,226 in 1999). For more than a century, its economy depended heavily on the lumber industry. Beginning in the late 1980's, the tourism industry began to grow rapidly in response to increasing awareness of the region's four season climate.

With an annual average rainfall of 33.5 inches and annual snowfall of 71.7 inches, residents experience few sub-zero days in the winter, while summer days rarely exceed 90°. The average year-round temperature is 47° and there are close to 125 frost-free days each year. The humidity level is comparatively low, the nights are generally comforting and summertime typically offers weeks of blue sky, sunny days. This is, of course, to the delight of boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing and hiking enthusiasts!

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Amenities

The people of Sandpoint enjoy community amenities quite remarkable for a "small town." Bonner General Hospital (BGH) is a nonprofit hospital (62 beds) providing care for more than 25,000 patients each year. Its 24-hour emergency department is capable of handling trauma, cardiac, pediatric and neurological emergencies for Bonner County and the surrounding areas. They also use a helicopter service out of Spokane, WA. for emergency services which cuts the response time in half.  Around 30 physicians in the area are on active medical staffs, providing comprehensive specialty needs to Bonner County.

Government

Sandpoint's government includes a mayor and six councilors elected to four-year terms. Police protection is provided by 16 sworn officers and 14 department vehicles, and crime is low at 6,919 total crimes per 100,000 population (1997 figures). Sandpoint's fire department employs seven full-time fire fighters and 20 volunteers.

Air Travel

The Sandpoint Airport offers private and chartered aircraft a 5,500 foot asphalted surface runway.

Commercial airline travel accessibility is available at Spokane International Airport, which is located just 78 miles from Sandpoint.

Outlying Areas

Many people choose to live in other areas of Bonner County. These nearby areas have their own unique character, but also benefit from their close proximity to Sandpoint.