The settlement began as a waystation on the road to the forests at Bovill, Idaho.

Owned by two African-Americans, Joe and Lou Wells, the waystation location was first called "Spud Hill", and then "Anderson".

[5] The town was founded in 1907, and named for William Deary, a businessperson in the lumber industry.

[8] Deary is located at the base of Potato Hill,[5] or as the locals call it, "Spud Hill" and close to outdoor recreation, including camping and fishing: between Spring Valley Reservoir and Moose Creek.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.65 square miles (1.68 km2), all of it land.

21.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

21.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.