About Banks
Banks, ID is a small unincorporated community located in western Idaho.
Officially, Banks is a census-designated place — a real, named community that residents call home, governed at the county level. The community covers 2.21 square miles.
📰 Banks News Today
- SH-55 closed between Banks and Smiths Ferry Idaho Transportation Department (.gov) · Aug 13
- Idaho 55 fully open after wildfire near Banks contained Valley Lookout · Aug 14
- Mile Marker 81 Fire along Highway 55 near Banks is expected to be contained Friday KBOI · Aug 14
- Heading north this weekend? Rest easier. Idaho Highway 55 is fully open Idaho Statesman · Aug 14
- Containment pushed back to noon on Friday for wildfire burning near Banks kivitv.com · Aug 13
Live headlines via Google News — updates through the day.
What Makes Banks Unique
- An unincorporated community — no city hall of its own, which often means lower local taxes and county-managed services.
- Positioned in western Idaho, convenient to the region's corridors and crossings.
- Part of the fabric of Idaho — one of 236 recognized communities statewide.
Why People Love It Here
- Small-town pace of life: less traffic, more community, and neighbors who wave.
- Housing dollars stretch further here than in the nearest metro.
- Well connected: 3+ neighboring communities within 12 miles.
🍽️ Where to Eat in Banks
- Ola Inn Cafe
- Banks Store & Cafe — american
Local spots mapped by the OpenStreetMap community.
🏫 Schools in Banks
- OLA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Public schools, U.S. Dept. of Education (NCES) 2023–24 directory.
⚡ Quick Facts
StateIdaho
TypeCDP
Population (2024)—
Land area2.21 sq mi
Coordinates44.0722, -116.1317