Franklin County, Idaho

Franklin County sits in the southeastern corner of Idaho, directly along the Utah border. Preston, the county seat, is best known as the setting of the movie Napoleon Dynamite, a connection that has become a familiar part of the community’s identity.

The county is predominantly rural, with small towns scattered throughout the valley. It has a strong Mormon community, while the Bear River winds through the region, providing water for local farms and ranches. The area is well suited for growing hay and raising cattle.

The reservoirs offer excellent opportunities for fishing, while the nearby mountains provide popular hunting grounds. The historic Oregon Trail also passed through the area. Residents value tradition, family, and community, while the countryside offers quiet beauty with rolling hills and distant mountain views.

CategoryDetails
County NameFranklin County
County SeatPreston
Population13,500
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesPreston, Dayton, and more
Interstates and HighwaysU.S. Route 91, Idaho State Highway 36
FIPS Code16-041
Total Area1,263 square miles (land: 1,256 sq mi; water: 7 sq mi)
Adjacent CountiesOneida County (West), Bannock County (Northwest), Caribou County (North), Bear Lake County (East), Cache County, Utah (South)
Time ZoneMountain Time Zone
StateIdaho
Coordinates42.1° N, 111.8° W
EtymologyNamed after Franklin D. Richards, an early LDS Church apostle
Major LandmarksBear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Franklin Historic District, Preston City Park
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