Idaho is a state full of natural beauty, welcoming residents, and affordable living. But the standard of living varies between the Gem State’s cities. In a recent investigation, the financial news website 24/7 Wall St. determined that Mountain Home is the worst place to live in Idaho.
What Makes Mountain Home the Worst City to Live in Idaho?
About 40 miles southeast of Boise, in the southern part of Idaho, sits the small city of Mountain Home. About 14,000 people live there, the majority of them are employed at the neighboring Mountain Home Air Force Base. The city’s economy is heavily reliant on the military presence, making it susceptible to shifts in personnel and defense budget.
Based on low educational attainment, high crime rate, and unfavorable economic conditions, 24/7 Wall St. names Mountain Home as the worst place to live in Idaho. The following data shows some of the issues facing the city:
At $48,472, the median household income in Mountain Home is roughly $10,000 less than that of the state and $15,000 less than that of the entire country.
2.) Mountain Home has a greater poverty rate—15.7 percent—than both the state (11.2%) and the federal (12.3%) rates combined.
3.) Mountain Home’s unemployment rate is 6.5%, higher than both the state’s 3.7% and the federal 4.4% rates.
4.) Mountain Home’s high school graduation rate is 85.9%, which is below than both the 89.7% state and 88.3% federal rates.
5.) Compared to the state rate of 230 and the national rate of 368, Mountain Home has a violent crime rate of 358 per 100,000 residents.
6.) Mountain Home has a higher property crime rate than both the state (1,695) and the national (2,110) rates, with 2,951 per 100,000 residents.
Are There Any Positives About Living in Mountain Home?
Even with all of its difficulties, Mountain Home is not a place without hope. There are some good things about the city that some locals or tourists might find appealing. As an illustration:
1.) With a median house value of $156,800, Mountain house has a comparatively low cost of living when compared to the state’s $221,800 and the national median of $217,500.
2.) The population of Mountain Home is diversified, comprising 2.1% Native Americans, 3.8% Asian, 3.2% Black, 13.4% Hispanic, 75.6% White, 2.1% Asian, and 1.9% other or mixed racial or ethnic groups.
3.) Mountain Home is close to a number of natural landmarks, including the Bennett Hills, the Snake River, and Bruneau Dunes State Park.
4.) With a number of yearly events like the Christmas Parade, the Mountain Home Country Music Festival, and Air Force Appreciation Day, Mountain Home boasts a strong feeling of community.
Conclusion
The city of Mountain Home is beset by a number of issues, including a poor economy, low levels of education, and a high crime rate. According to 24/7 Wall St., these reasons make it the worst city in Idaho to live in. Positive aspects of the city include its diversified population, affordable cost of living, and scenic surroundings. Consequently, even while Mountain Home might not be the ideal location for a person to live in Idaho, it might not be the worst to travel to or explore.
