Idaho is a state with many natural attractions, friendly people, and a low cost of living. However, not every city in the Gem State offers the same quality of life. According to a recent analysis by 24/7 Wall St., a financial news website, the worst city to live in Idaho is Mountain Home.
What Makes Mountain Home the Worst City to Live in Idaho?
Mountain Home is a small city located in the southern half of Idaho, about 40 miles southeast of Boise. It has a population of about 14,000 people, most of whom are connected to the nearby Mountain Home Air Force Base. The city’s economy depends largely on the military presence, which makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in defense spending and personnel changes.
According to 24/7 Wall St., Mountain Home ranks as the worst city to live in Idaho due to its poor economic conditions, low educational attainment, and high crime rate. Here are some of the statistics that illustrate the city’s problems:
1.) The median household income in Mountain Home is $48,472, which is about $10,000 lower than the state median and $15,000 lower than the national median.
2.) The poverty rate in Mountain Home is 15.8%, which is higher than the state rate of 11.2% and the national rate of 12.3%.
3.) The unemployment rate in Mountain Home is 6.5%, which is higher than the state rate of 3.7% and the national rate of 4.4%.
4.) The high school graduation rate in Mountain Home is 85.9%, which is lower than the state rate of 89.7% and the national rate of 88.3%.
5.) The violent crime rate in Mountain Home is 358 per 100,000 people, which is higher than the state rate of 230 and the national rate of 368.
6.) The property crime rate in Mountain Home is 2,951 per 100,000 people, which is higher than the state rate of 1,695 and the national rate of 2,110.
Are There Any Positives About Living in Mountain Home?
Despite its many challenges, Mountain Home is not a hopeless place. The city has some positive aspects that may appeal to some residents or visitors. For example:
1.) Mountain Home has a relatively low cost of living, with a median home value of $156,800, which is lower than the state median of $221,800 and the national median of $217,500.
2.) Mountain Home has a diverse population, with a racial and ethnic composition of 75.6% white, 13.4% Hispanic, 3.8% Asian, 3.2% black, 2.1% Native American, and 1.9% other or mixed.
3.) Mountain Home has access to some natural attractions, such as the Snake River, the Bruneau Dunes State Park, and the Bennett Hills.
4.) Mountain Home has a strong sense of community, with several annual events, such as the Air Force Appreciation Day, the Mountain Home Country Music Festival, and the Christmas Parade.
Conclusion
Mountain Home is a city that faces many difficulties, such as a weak economy, a low education level, and a high crime rate. These factors make it the worst city to live in Idaho, according to 24/7 Wall St. However, the city also has some positive features, such as a low cost of living, a diverse population, and a natural beauty. Therefore, while Mountain Home may not be the best place to live in Idaho, it may not be the worst place to visit or explore.