To determine if Mountain Home, Idaho is a good place to live for you and your family, it’s important to understand a little bit more about Mountain Home, including general information like population and major employers in the area, as well as livability information like things to do, amenities, proximity to quality healthcare, and more.
It’s also important to determine what aspects of a city or area you consider to be important. Is urban infrastructure and entertainment important? Do you value a quieter location with a more relaxed atmosphere? Is proximity to specific recreation options like fishing or snowmobiling important? How important is a location’s affordability? There are many aspects to consider when determining if a place is a good place for you to live. Ultimately, what you value most will help you decide if Mountain Home, Idaho is a good place to live.
General Information About Mountain Home, Idaho
Mountain Home is the county seat of Elmore County and is also the largest city in Elmore County, Idaho. The city is known primarily for the Mountain Home Air Force Base. It is also known for its access to outdoor recreation like Bruneau Dunes State Park and Anderson Ranch Reservoir.
Location: 44 miles southeast of Boise, Idaho (a 45-minute drive from Boise on I-84)
Population: approximately 16,000 (Source: data.census.gov)
Major Employers: US Air Force, Marathon Cheese Corporation, Mountain Home School District, Walmart, St. Luke’s Health System
Climate: Mountain Home has a high desert climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are typically shorter with high temperatures in the 20s and 30s, and a longer summer season with average high temperatures ranging in the low 90s. The area also has more than 200 days of sun each year.
Things To Consider Before Moving To Mountain Home, Idaho
Safety in Mountain Home, Idaho
Mountain Home is considered a safe place to live, with a violent crime rate that is half the national average and lower than the rate across the state of Idaho. Property crime is also less than one-third the national average and well below the state average. [Source: Neighborhood Scout]
Schools
The primary school district in Mountain Home, Idaho, is the Mountain Home School District, which has 8 schools, including two high schools, two middle schools, and four elementary schools. There are also a number of private school options for students of all levels living in Mountain Home. While each school’s rating varies, school ratings in Mountain Home are not the highest in the state; however, with small school and classroom sizes, students may experience a more personal and community feel when attending schools in Mountain Home.
Affordability
Mountain Home, Idaho is currently one of the most affordable cities in southwestern Idaho. It’s also growing with the expansion of entertainment options in the area and recent interest from Boise area residents looking for more affordable housing options.
Affordability and the cost of living in Mountain Home are just a couple of the reasons we’ve seen more interest in real estate investment in Mountain Home. Learn more about why savvy investors are investing in Mountain Home, Idaho.
If you are looking for an affordable place to buy or build a home in southwestern Idaho, Mountain Home is one of the best options in the area.
Access to Amenities
Although Mountain Home is a small town, its proximity to Boise means residents still have access to excellent amenities like exceptional medical care, a larger regional airport (Boise Airport), and cultural opportunities. The city of Mountain Home also has its own amenities, including over 20 city parks, the Mountain Home Municipal Airport, and medical services at St. Luke’s Medical Center.
Things To Do In Mountain Home
Outdoor Recreation
Like many areas in Treasure Valley and southwestern Idaho, Mountain Home is known for its proximity to outdoor recreation. This includes camping, hiking, and exploring the many parks and natural areas in the region, in addition to fishing and boating. Mountain Home is also just a short drive away from excellent winter recreation areas, mountain biking, and natural hot springs.
Parks & Natural Areas
- Three Island Crossing State Park: A site along the historic Oregon Trail where the trail crossed the Snake River.
- Bruneau Dunes State Park: The site of the tallest single-structured sand dune in North America. It is 470 feet tall. The park also has one of Idaho’s largest telescopes at the Observatory, which offers free tours and solar viewing.
- Crater Rings National Landmark: An area comprising two volcanic pit craters, among the few examples of this type of crater in the continental US.
Fishing
Opportunities for fishing abound in the area around Mountain Home, including at the C.J. Strike Reservoir, the Mountain Home Reservoir, Anderson Ranch Reservoir, and Arrowrock Reservoir in addition to access points along the Snake River. The area is home to many different species of fish, including Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Bass, Yellow Perch, Kokanee, and Catfish.
Boating
Many of the same reservoirs that are known for fishing are also excellent places to enjoy boating near Mountain Home. This includes the C.J. Strike Reservoir and the Mountain Home Reservoir. Boaters can also enjoy the Little Camas Reservoir and the South Fork of the Boise River.
Arts & Entertainment
Although Mountain Home is a small town, there is still an abundance of entertainment options within the city limits, not to mention all of the entertainment opportunities that exist in nearby Boise.
Mountain Home has recently been named the Mural Capital of Idaho. There are more than 200 murals to see in downtown Mountain Home. The city’s Arts Council has more information on art venues and related events to enjoy.
Other entertainment opportunities include a bowling alley, the Mountain Home Historical Museum, several local wineries, golf, disc golf, and the local farmers market in Railroad Park.
FAQs About Mountain Home, Idaho
Technically & historically, yes, Mountain Home, Idaho is a part of Treasure Valley Idaho, which is an area that spans from Ontario, Oregon all the way to Mountain Home in Elmore County. However, different organizations and individuals use different definitions of the area that makes up Treasure Valley. Organizations like BoiseDev and KTVB consider Mountain Home to be a part of Treasure Valley, while others, like We Know Boise, leave Mountain Home out of their definition of Treasure Valley.
According to the 2020 census, the population of Mountain Home, Idaho was 15,979. The 2024 American Community Survey calculated the population of Mountain Home, Idaho at 16,493. This represents 3% population growth over this four year period.
The average home price in Mountain Home, Idaho is $350,309, which is a 1% increase versus January 2025. This is 28% lower than the average home price in Boise, which currently sits at $487,717. [Source: Zillow]
Final Thoughts: Is Mountain Home A Good Place To Live?
If you are looking for a more affordable location to live in southwestern Idaho with easy access to the amenities and job opportunities in Boise and Idaho’s incredible outdoor recreation, Mountain Home is a great place to live. Mountain Home is also a great place to live if you are looking for a quieter, small town vibe with more space than you might find in neighboring cities in Treasure Valley.
Considering a move to Mountain Home, Idaho? Learn more about current build on your land opportunities in Mountain Home and take a look at our custom floor plans. All plans are fully customizable to meet your needs and you can get an instant quote today with an estimate of the cost to build a custom home on your land in Elmore County.
If you have questions about building on your land in Mountain Home or would like to start the process, contact us for a free consultation.
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