This City Has Been Named the Worst City to Live in Idaho

Idaho is known for its beautiful landscapes, friendly residents, and affordable living. However, not all cities in the Gem State offer the same quality of life. A recent analysis by the financial news website 24/7 Wall St. named Mountain Home as the worst city to live in Idaho.

Why Mountain Home is Considered the Worst City in Idaho

Mountain Home is a small city in southern Idaho, about 40 miles southeast of Boise, with a population of around 14,000 people. Many residents are connected to the nearby Mountain Home Air Force Base, making the city’s economy heavily reliant on the military. This dependence makes the city vulnerable to changes in defense spending and military staffing.

24/7 Wall St. ranked Mountain Home as the worst city to live in Idaho due to its weak economy, low educational achievement, and high crime rates. Here are some statistics that highlight the city’s issues:

  1. Median Household Income: $48,472, which is about $10,000 lower than Idaho’s median income and $15,000 lower than the national median.
  2. Poverty Rate: 15.8%, higher than Idaho’s rate of 11.2% and the national rate of 12.3%.
  3. Unemployment Rate: 6.5%, compared to Idaho’s rate of 3.7% and the national rate of 4.4%.
  4. High School Graduation Rate: 85.9%, below Idaho’s rate of 89.7% and the national rate of 88.3%.
  5. Violent Crime Rate: 358 incidents per 100,000 people, higher than Idaho’s rate of 230 and close to the national rate of 368.
  6. Property Crime Rate: 2,951 incidents per 100,000 people, higher than Idaho’s rate of 1,695 and the national rate of 2,110.

Positive Aspects of Living in Mountain Home

Despite its challenges, Mountain Home has some appealing features:

  1. Low Cost of Living: The median home value is $156,800, which is lower than both the state median of $221,800 and the national median of $217,500.
  2. Diverse Population: The city’s demographic makeup includes 75.6% white, 13.4% Hispanic, 3.8% Asian, 3.2% black, 2.1% Native American, and 1.9% other or mixed races.
  3. Natural Attractions: Proximity to natural sites like the Snake River, Bruneau Dunes State Park, and the Bennett Hills.
  4. Community Spirit: Mountain Home hosts several annual events, including the Air Force Appreciation Day, the Mountain Home Country Music Festival, and the Christmas Parade.

Conclusion

Mountain Home faces significant challenges such as a struggling economy, lower education levels, and higher crime rates, making it the worst city to live in Idaho according to 24/7 Wall St. However, it also offers some advantages like a lower cost of living, a diverse community, and access to natural beauty. While it might not be the best place to live, it has qualities that make it worth visiting or exploring.

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