Nestled in a valley like no other, Emmett awaits you!
Taste
Experience county offerings from local growers, ranchers, and restaurants.
Play
Explore rivers, trails, and ridges in Gem County.
Treasure Hunt
Discover unique shops, markets, and makers of Emmett.
The Gem of the Payette
There is a special tranquility about Emmett and Gem County that evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminding you of your hometown. Neighbors know neighbors in the rural county, and it’s a place where you feel immediately welcome and instantly at ease. With over 150 years of tradition in farming, it has become a place to connect with people and the community.
You might call it the best little town on the Payette River, we believe it’s the Gem of the Payette.
Why Gem County?
Velvet foothills frame the lush farmland as the shadowy visage of Squaw Butte proudly watches in the distance. A lazy canal meanders through this valley of plenty and promises rich harvests for the farmers and shoppers alike.
Businesses of all shapes and sizes are finding a treasure in Gem County. From our local progressive family-owned shops producing local and Idaho made products to larger businesses with clients across the nation and world, Emmett and all of the Gem County communities are thriving.
Community festivals are a highlight for our citizens and bring approximately 100,000 visitors to the valley throughout the year. Outdoor recreational activities are as close as Black Canyon Dam. Business is booming for unique and local products and antique hunters as well.
Gem County is a wonderful place to live and work. It’s hometown-friendly lifestyle leaves you refreshed and invigorated. It’s citizens and community organizations engage in and support progressive business and we are proud and honored to welcome you and your family to your new home.
Making Emmett a better place to live, work, and visit.
In January 2025, the Downtown Economic Redevelopment Team held an organizational meeting to begin a two-year process to make Emmett and its downtown an even better place to live, work, invest in, and visit, thus making Emmett a great place to raise a family.
Emmett’s Mayor, the Gem County Commission Chair, and key local leaders have formed an executive committee to drive economic development and business growth in the valley. The committee includes representatives from local government, education, and the business community, working together to position downtown Emmett as a prime location for investment and job creation.
Collaborating with select city employees and business owners, the committee is outlining a vision to transform downtown into a hub for site selectors, venture capitalists, commercial real estate professionals, and entrepreneurs. This initiative aims to attract new businesses, create jobs, and ensure long-term economic sustainability for the community.
