Malta, Idaho

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Malta, Idaho is a small city in Cassia County, in southern Idaho, United States. It sits at about 4,500 feet in elevation and covers roughly 1.4 square miles of land. As of the 2020 census, Malta had 167 residents, making it a quiet, close-knit community that’s part of the Burley, Idaho Micropolitan Statistical Area. The ZIP code is 83342 and the area code is 208.

History and naming
In the early 1880s, residents needed a local mail delivery point. The Condit family helped establish a post office, which opened in 1883. The town’s name, Malta, came from the feeling that the post office was like an island in a wide sea, reminding settlers of the island of Malta in the Mediterranean.

Climate and geography
Malta has a semi-arid climate (BSk). It’s part of the Cassia County School District, serving local students in the area.

Population and demographics
The population has fluctuated a bit over the decades:
- 2000: 177 people
- 2010: 193 people
- 2020: 167 people

Historically, the community has been mostly White, with a visible Hispanic or Latino presence. Details from each census year show small changes in households and family makeup, reflecting Malta’s quiet, rural character.

Local features
Malta is a small rural town with a history connected to the nearby Valley Vu Cemetery and local schools in the area. It remains a simple, close-knit Idaho community.