Mountain Home, ID Utility & Living Guide

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Mountain Home, ID Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$270/mo
1BR Rent$900/mo
Sales Tax6%
COL Index96 (-4% below national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$280,000
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$130/mo

Idaho Power
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

City of Mountain Home Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Waste Management
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$270/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$900/mo
2 Bedrooms$1200/mo
3 Bedrooms$1600/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate1.1%
Avg Childcare/mo$800

The housing market in Mountain Home is relatively affordable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. The city has seen some growth in recent years, but the market remains relatively stable. Rentals are also available, with a range of options from apartments to single-family homes.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

96

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

-4% below national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

88

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$800

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6%
Property Tax Rate1.1%
<p>State 6% + No County tax + No City tax</p>

Idaho has a state income tax with a top rate of 6.925%, but there are no local income taxes in Mountain Home.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$800/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries including healthcare, education, and manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Economic growth, education, public safety
🚌 Transit for Families

Mountain Home has limited public transportation options, but the city is relatively walkable and bikeable, with some sidewalks and bike lanes available.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Mountain Home Air Force Base Museum
  • 🎯
    Bruneau Dunes State Park
  • 🎯
    Rattlesnake Creek Recreation Area

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods offer a mix of older and newer homes, with easy access to shops, restaurants, and parks. The city also has several newer subdivisions with more modern amenities.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Mountain Home based on your household profile.

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📊 Mountain Home — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Mountain Home tend to be higher in the winter months due to heating needs, with average electricity bills increasing by 20-30% from December to February. In the summer, cooling costs are relatively low due to the city's dry climate.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 83647 has a property tax millage rate of 1.1%, with no local surtaxes. Elmore County, where Mountain Home is located, has a relatively low property tax rate compared to other counties in Idaho.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6, Mountain Home has some sidewalks and bike lanes, but the city's infrastructure is not particularly stroller-friendly, with some areas lacking curb cuts and other accessibility features.

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