Median Income
$72,411
4% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
34.8%
3% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,821
57% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.3%
1% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.6%
83% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.7%
86% lower than US avg
How Mountain Home AFB Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,198
Median Age22.4 yrs
Density321/mi²
Male / Female62% / 38%
Largest GroupWhite 64%
Veterans21.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$72,411
Per Capita$26,517
Unemployment6.6%
Poverty1.7%
County GDP$1,908M
Commute11 min
Housing
B+
Rent$1,821
Ownership0.4%
Zillow$353,405
Housing Units863
Rent Burden30.3%
Health
Obesity32.3%
Uninsured3.3%
Smoking11.3%
Depression19.8%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
Rain7.4 in/yr
Elevation2,990 ft (911 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+34.8%
High School+99.7%
Graduate+3.9%
School Score4.94
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 24%
Commute11 min
Broadband97.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Mountain Home AFB a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mountain Home AFB receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Mountain Home AFB offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mountain Home AFB is $72,411, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.6% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 1.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $1,821 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 34.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 99.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Mountain Home AFB experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 7.4 inches.
Mountain Home AFB has a population of 3,198 with a density of 321 people per square mile, spread across 10.0 square miles. The median age is 22.4 years, 42% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 37.9% female and 62.1% male. The city is predominantly White (64.3%), with 16.2% Hispanic, 13.1% Black, 4.9% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.9% of residents, while 11.9% speak Spanish. 21.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 4.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
3,198
Total Population
2023 Census
22.4yrs
Median Age
42% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Mountain Home AFB vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.9%
16% above US avg
Spanish
11.9%
11% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Mountain Home AFB vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Mountain Home AFB is $72,411, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,517 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $908, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 1.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 771 business establishments, including 70 restaurants. The cost of living index is 95.5, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Mountain Home AFB vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,411 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,517 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $908 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,567 |
| Gini Index | 0.418 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.6% |
| 83% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.7% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 771 |
| County GDP | $1,908M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 70 |
| Healthcare | 54 |
| Retail | 67 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,924 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 95.50 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 10.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.9% |
| Work from Home | 3.2% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $353,405. Monthly rent averages $1,821 (57% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $950 for a one-bedroom to $1,173 for a two-bedroom apartment. 0.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 863 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2006. The average annual property tax is $2,924 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 30.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,821 |
| 57% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $898 |
| 1 Bedroom | $950 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,173 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,619 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 0.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 0.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 99.6% |
| Housing Units | 863 |
| Median Year Built | 2006 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,924 |
| 16% below US avg |
In Mountain Home AFB, 32.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 29.1% have high blood pressure. 11.3% are current smokers. 14.9% report binge drinking. 20.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 19.8% report depression. 15.7% experience frequent mental distress. 3.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,802. The dentist ratio is 1:1,225. 92.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mountain Home AFB vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.3% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.1% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Cancer | 4.9% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.3% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.4% |
| Depression | 19.8% |
| Mental Distress | 15.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 38.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.7% |
| Uninsured | 3.3% |
| 62% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,802 |
| Dentists | 1:1,225 |
| Mental Health | 1:540 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.4% |
| Dental Visits | 61.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,344/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 54 |
Mountain Home AFB experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 7.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 2,990 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 52.3°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,990 ft (911 m) |
| Area | 10.0 sq mi (25.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 321/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.0492°N, 115.8659°W |
| Timezone | America/Boise |
| County | Elmore County County |
| Nearest Airport | Boise Air Trml/Gowen Field (BOI)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
7.4"
81% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
1.17"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 52.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 8.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
299 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Jun 17, 2025.
| Jul 10, 2020 |
18 km SW of Stanley, Idaho |
M4.1 |
132 km |
| May 31, 2020 |
16 km SW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.9 |
135 km |
| Jul 10, 2020 |
14 km SW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.9 |
136 km |
| Jan 1, 2021 |
15 km SSW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.9 |
135 km |
| Jun 27, 2020 |
17 km SW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.8 |
134 km |
| Sep 14, 2000 |
4 km W of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.7 |
141 km |
| May 2, 2020 |
8 km WNW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.7 |
150 km |
| Apr 8, 2020 |
15 km SW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.7 |
135 km |
| May 8, 2020 |
12 km WSW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.7 |
142 km |
| Jul 1, 2020 |
15 km SW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.6 |
135 km |
| Apr 1, 2020 |
20 km WNW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.6 |
147 km |
| Apr 1, 2020 |
23 km WNW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.6 |
149 km |
| Apr 22, 2020 |
14 km W of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.6 |
145 km |
| Mar 1, 2024 |
8 km N of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.5 |
149 km |
| Apr 25, 2021 |
1 km WSW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.5 |
149 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
37 km NE of Mountain Home, Idaho |
M3.5 |
54 km |
| Mar 12, 2024 |
8 km NNW of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.5 |
149 km |
| Jun 22, 2020 |
11 km SW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.5 |
139 km |
| Aug 3, 2002 |
8 km NNW of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.5 |
149 km |
| May 21, 2020 |
12 km WNW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.5 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
38 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1. Total: 1 injury.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 10, 1990 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1988 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1986 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1986 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 26, 1984 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1984 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1969 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1961 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1961 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1956 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1956 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 2024 |
EF0 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2023 |
EF0 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2023 |
EF0 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2022 |
EF0 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF0 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2013 |
EF0 |
15 km |
0 |
| Apr 6, 2003 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2000 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2000 |
EF0 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
3 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Black Butte Crater Lava Field (124 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Black Butte Crater Lava Field |
Shield |
1,478 m (4,849 ft) |
-8400 |
124 km |
| Jordan Craters |
Volcanic field |
1,473 m (4,833 ft) |
-1250 |
130 km |
| Craters of the Moon |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
2,005 m (6,578 ft) |
-130 |
196 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LONG BUTTE (302,546 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
LONG BUTTE |
302,546 |
73 km |
| 2015 |
SODA |
282,888 |
86 km |
| 1992 |
FOOTHILLS |
228,631 |
54 km |
| 2005 |
CLOVER |
199,023 |
71 km |
| 2012 |
KINYON ROAD |
171,409 |
75 km |
| 2013 |
PONY COMPLEX |
148,188 |
41 km |
| 2012 |
TRINITY RIDGE |
141,807 |
84 km |
| 2013 |
ELK COMPLEX |
129,565 |
57 km |
| 1995 |
TUANA COMPLEX |
80,638 |
78 km |
| 2019 |
POT HOLE |
67,826 |
60 km |
| 1987 |
BROWNS CRK |
66,024 |
40 km |
| 2011 |
BIG HILL |
65,416 |
58 km |
| 1985 |
CROWS NEST |
62,780 |
68 km |
| 2006 |
SAILOR CAP |
62,699 |
69 km |
| 1986 |
BLUE BUTTE |
62,445 |
63 km |
| 2012 |
JACKS |
47,219 |
56 km |
| 1984 |
BIG DRAW 2 |
45,805 |
29 km |
| 2011 |
BLAIR |
40,086 |
58 km |
| 2012 |
EAST ROCK |
39,774 |
46 km |
| 2017 |
LOVERIDGE |
39,630 |
30 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
1.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
0.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
0.1 in |
Driest |
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
Mountain Home AFB has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 31°F in December to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 7.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (1.2") and August the driest (0.1").
Average costs for common services in Mountain Home AFB. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$239 ($143-$382) |
| Specialist Visit |
$334 ($191-$525) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$191 ($96-$334) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,101 ($764-$4,775) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$124 ($72-$191) |
| Dental Filling |
$239 ($143-$382) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24-$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48-$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$287 ($143-$478) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$573 ($382-$955) |
| Battery Replacement |
$191 ($96-$334) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($57-$143) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$86 ($48-$134) |
| HVAC Repair |
$382 ($143-$764) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,685 ($3,820-$11,460) |
| Roof Repair |
$955 ($382-$1,910) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,595 ($5,253-$14,325) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,433 ($478-$3,343) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,325 ($4,775-$28,650) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,775 ($1,910-$9,550) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,433 ($764-$2,865) |
| Will Preparation |
$478 ($191-$955) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,388 ($955-$4,775) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29-$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$143 ($72-$239) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$62) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$76 ($48-$124) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.92 ($2.87-$5.25) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.34 ($2.39-$4.78) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.63 ($2.39-$5.25) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.30 ($2.87-$6.21) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.25 ($3.82-$7.16) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.57-$1.72) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$134 ($76-$239) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$143) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$62 ($29-$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$81 ($48-$143) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$191 ($72-$478) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,910 ($1,146-$3,343) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$124) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.64-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29-$239) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14-$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,146 ($573-$2,388) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$955 ($478-$1,910) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$382 ($191-$669) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24-$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$955 ($382-$2,388) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,938 ($4,775-$28,650) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($29-$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48-$191) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($29-$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$287 ($143-$478) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$191 ($96-$382) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $521 |
| Toddler | $502 |
| Preschool | $463 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $456 |
| Toddler | $457 |
| Preschool | $428 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mountain Home AFB
What is the population of Mountain Home AFB?
Mountain Home AFB has a population of 3,198 residents and is located in Idaho. The population density is 321 people per square mile, spread across 10.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 22.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 37.9% female and 62.1% male.
Is Mountain Home AFB expensive to live in?
Mountain Home AFB has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 95.5 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $72,411, 4% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $1,821 per month, above the national average of $1,163.
What is the weather like in Mountain Home AFB?
Mountain Home AFB has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 7.4 inches.
How is the job market in Mountain Home AFB?
The unemployment rate in Mountain Home AFB is 6.6%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $908. There are 771 business establishments in the area, including 70 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 11 minutes, and 3.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mountain Home AFB?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,821. Fair market rent is $950 for a 1-bedroom and $1,173 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 0.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,924.
How are the schools in Mountain Home AFB?
Schools in Mountain Home AFB have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 34.8% of adults in Mountain Home AFB hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 99.7% have completed high school. 3.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mountain Home AFB?
The obesity rate in Mountain Home AFB is 32.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.3% of adults are smokers. 20.4% are physically inactive. 19.8% of residents report depression. 3.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 92.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,802.
What is transportation like in Mountain Home AFB?
The average commute in Mountain Home AFB is 11 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mountain Home AFB?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mountain Home AFB is 64.3% White, 13.1% Black or African American, 16.2% Hispanic or Latino, 4.9% Asian. 90.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 11.9% speak Spanish. 21.8% of the population are military veterans. 4.7% of residents have a disability. 96.7% have health insurance coverage.