Community and Economic Development

UI Extension works with Butte County Economic Development to provide opportunities for leadership, community and economic development.

The economy of Butte County is highly dependent on the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Due to INL, the county has the highest average wage in the state. Most of those working at the INL live in other counties which leaves about 20 percent of the population of Butte County living below the poverty line. The high average wage makes grant funding more challenging even with the high portion of the population living below the poverty line.

Local business is challenged by the lack of commercial amenities in the county and having other communities nearby along the Snake River.

Tourism around the Craters of the Moon National Monument is part of the economy. Butte County also has a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities: ATV trails, camping, hunting, fishing, rock climbing, hang gliding, snow machining and more. Many of these recreational options are spread throughout the county. Businesses in the community are looking for ways to benefit more from tourism.