Mountain Home AFB PCS Guide: BAH, Housing, Schools & Remote Idaho Intel

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

Mountain Home AFB is home to 3,000+ active duty personnel with F-15E Strike Eagle combat mission (366th Fighter Wing). Located in remote southwest Idaho (45 miles southeast of Boise), it offers low cost of living, outdoor recreation paradise, and tight-knit community—but limited spouse jobs, weak schools, and small-town isolation.

Key Numbers:

BAH vs. Rent: Very comfortable fit (Mountain Home rent is CHEAP—BAH covers 3BR house + $500-800 buffer)
Median 3BR Rent: $1,000-1,400/month (very affordable)
School Quality: Below average (Mountain Home-Bruneau 4-6/10, Boise 6-8/10 better but 45-min commute)
Deployment Tempo: HIGH (F-15E Strike Eagles deploy regularly, 6-9 months every 18-24 months)

What This Guide Covers: Mountain Home housing with real prices, remote Idaho survival guide, F-15E deployment culture, and Boise commute reality.

Quick Facts

Installation Overview:

Official Name: Mountain Home Air Force Base
Location: Mountain Home, ID (45 miles SE of Boise, remote high desert)
Size: 7,000+ acres
Population: 3,000+ active duty + 900 civilians
Branch: Air Force (ACC - Air Combat Command)
Major Units: 366th Fighter Wing (F-15E Strike Eagles), 726th Air Control Squadron
Mission: F-15E combat operations, close air support, strategic attack
Climate: High desert (cold winters 20-40°F, hot summers 90-105°F, low humidity)
Nearest Major City: Boise (45 miles northwest, 50-min drive)

Want real-time data? This guide provides current rates and static intel. For live housing prices, current school ratings, and personalized recommendations, use Base Navigator → (Premium)

BAH Rates

BAH Rates for Mountain Home AFB

Official rates from DFAS (updated annually in our database)

Select Your Rank

BAH rates are updated annually by DFAS. Actual amount depends on your rank, dependency status, and duty station. These rates are tax-free and designed to cover average housing costs in your area.

Key Insight: Mountain Home rent is VERY CHEAP—BAH comfortably covers rent with $500-800/month buffer. E5 BAH ($1,600-1,800) covers nice 3BR house in town ($1,000-1,400) with significant cash left over. Financial winner—use surplus for savings or debt payoff.

BAH rates sourced from Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), updated annually. See official source →

Housing Neighborhoods (Ranked)

Top Tier Off-Base (Best Option for Most)

1. Mountain Home City (Zip: 83647)

Distance: Adjacent to base (5-15 min via ID-51/Main St)
Median 3BR Rent: $1,200-1,500/month
School District: Mountain Home-Bruneau Schools (5-6/10 - adequate but not elite)
Why Here: Closest town, shortest commute, most military families live here
Commute: Shortest (5-15 min depending on neighborhood)
Grocery/Shopping: Walmart, Albertsons, small-town amenities
Reality: Best value for Mountain Home families—BAH comfortably covers rent ($1,200-1,500) with $300-600 buffer, short commute (5-15 min), and schools are adequate (5-6/10). Most airmen live here.

Mid-Tier Off-Base (Upgrade Options)

2. Boise (Zip: 83709, 83704, 83713)

Distance: 45 miles northwest (50-60 min via I-84)
Median 3BR Rent: $1,800-2,400/month
School District: Boise School District + West Ada (6-8/10 - better than Mountain Home)
Why Here: Better schools (6-8/10 vs 5-6/10), city amenities, spouse employment
Commute: LONG (50-60 min daily = 10 hours/week in car)
Reality: Better schools and spouse jobs but brutal commute (50-60 min each way = 10+ hours/week in car). Rent $1,800-2,400 exceeds BAH by $200-600/month. Only worth it if dual income + older kids need better schools.

3. Meridian/Nampa (Boise Suburbs) (Zip: 83642, 83686)

Distance: 40-50 miles northwest (45-55 min via I-84)
Median 3BR Rent: $1,600-2,200/month
School District: West Ada Schools (7-8/10 - best in Idaho)
Why Here: Best schools near Mountain Home, Boise amenities without downtown prices
Commute: LONG (45-55 min daily = 9-10 hours/week)
Reality: West Ada has best schools in Idaho (7-8/10) but 45-55 min commute is exhausting and rent ($1,600-2,200) may exceed BAH. Good for officers/dual income families who prioritize education.

Budget-Friendly Off-Base (Lower Cost, Trade-offs)

4. Glenns Ferry / Hammett (Zip: 83623, 83627)

Distance: 20-30 miles southeast (25-35 min via I-84 east)
Median 3BR Rent: $900-1,200/month
School District: Glenns Ferry Schools (4-5/10 - below average)
Why Here: Cheapest rent near base, rural living
Commute: Moderate (25-35 min)
Reality: Cheapest option ($900-1,200) but schools are weak (4-5/10) and towns are tiny (Glenns Ferry 1,300 population). OK for single airmen or short tours, not ideal for families with school-age kids.

On-Base Housing (Available but Wait Times)

Mountain Home On-Base Housing:

Managed by Balfour Beatty Communities
800+ units (2BR-4BR townhomes, single-family homes)
Wait Times: 3-6 months typical (varies by unit size/rank)
Cost: No rent (covered by BAH), utilities included (electric cap, overages charged)
Pros: No commute (5-min to work), secure, community, base schools (K-5)
Cons: Older construction (many units 1980s-90s), wait times, base restrictions

Reality: On-base housing is excellent value—no rent/utilities, short commute, on-base elementary school (K-5). Worth the wait for families who value convenience and community.

Avoid These Areas

Downtown Mountain Home (older neighborhoods): Aging infrastructure, higher maintenance rentals

Pro Tip: Mountain Home City = best value (short commute 5-15 min, BAH covers rent + $300-600 buffer, schools adequate 5-6/10). Boise/Meridian only if spouse employment + better schools justify brutal commute (50-60 min) and BAH gap ($200-600/month).

Schools

Local School Districts

Mountain Home-Bruneau Schools (Adequate but Not Elite):

Mountain Home High School - 6/10 rating - Adequate programs, small school (600 students)
Mountain Home Junior High - 5/10 rating - Below-average test scores
Reality: Schools are adequate but not elite (5-6/10 range). OK for families with young kids or short tours. Not ideal for high school students needing competitive academics.

Boise/West Ada Schools (Better but Commute Trade-off):

Boise High School - 7/10 rating - Solid academics, city school
Meridian High School - 8/10 rating - Best in Idaho, competitive programs
Reality: Better schools (6-8/10) but 45-60 min commute is brutal. Only worth it if dual income + older kids need elite education.

On-Base Elementary School

Mountain Home AFB Elementary School:

K-5th grade only (no middle/high school)
On-base, short walk/bike for on-base housing kids
Rating: 5/10 - Adequate, small school
Reality: Convenient for elementary kids (on-base families walk to school) but middle/high schoolers attend Mountain Home or Boise public schools.

No DoDEA Schools (Except Base Elementary)

Mountain Home has on-base elementary (K-5) only. All military kids attend local public schools for grades 6-12. This makes choosing the right district critical for school quality.

Pro Tip: Idaho ranks 38th in nation for education—even "good" schools (Meridian 8/10) are average by national standards. Manage expectations. If elite education is priority, Mountain Home is NOT the assignment.

Compare school ratings across neighborhoods: Base Navigator → shows real-time school data for Idaho

Local Intel

Cost of Living

Overall: 15% lower vs. national average — Mountain Home is VERY affordable
Housing: 25% lower vs. national average — Rent is cheap ($1,000-1,400 typical)
Groceries: 10% lower vs. national average — Walmart + commissary competitive
Gas: National average — $3.00-3.50/gallon typical

Monthly Budget for E5 with 2 Kids:

Rent (3BR Mountain Home): $1,300
Utilities (electric, gas heat, internet, trash): $200 (high desert = low AC costs)
Groceries: $800 (commissary + Walmart mix)
Gas: $200 (short 10-mile daily commute)
Childcare (if needed): $800-1,200/month (daycare) or $0 (on-base CDC wait list 3-6 months)
Misc (dining, entertainment): $350 (limited options in small town)

Total: $3,850/month (with childcare) or $2,650 (without)

BAH Coverage: E5 BAH with dependents (Mountain Home) = ~$1,700/month (2025). BAH covers rent + utilities + $200 buffer. Groceries/gas/childcare come from base pay, but Mountain Home is cheap—savings potential is EXCELLENT.

Savings Potential: EXCELLENT—expect to save $700-1,200/month if disciplined. Mountain Home is a top financial assignment (comparable to Minot/Cannon/Dyess for savings).

State Taxes: Idaho has state income tax (1-5.8% progressive). Military pay is taxable. E5 with dependents expect $100-200/month withheld.

Pro Tip: Mountain Home = savings champion—cheap rent + BAH surplus + low cost of living = aggressive debt payoff or investment opportunity. Use surplus wisely.

Traffic & Commute Reality

AM Rush (0630-0800):

ID-51/Main St from Mountain Home City: Light (5-15 min)
I-84 from Boise: Moderate (50-60 min)

PM Rush (1600-1730):

ID-51/Main St to Mountain Home City: Light (5-15 min)
I-84 to Boise: Moderate (50-60 min)

Weekend Traffic:

Virtually none—rural Idaho has no traffic

Pro Tip: Mountain Home City commute is effortless (5-15 min, no traffic). Boise commute is brutal (50-60 min daily = 10 hours/week in car). Not worth it unless spouse employment + better schools justify.

Remote Idaho Reality (CRITICAL)

What "Remote" Means:

Population: Mountain Home = 15,000 people (tiny town)
Nearest City: Boise (560,000 metro) = 45 miles (50-min drive)
High Desert: Sagebrush, rattlesnakes, coyotes, wide-open spaces
Entertainment: Limited—Walmart, bowling alley, movie theater, outdoor recreation
Restaurants: Chain restaurants (McDonald's, Taco Bell, Subway), few local spots
Healthcare: Mountain Home has small hospital, Boise has major medical (50-min drive)

Isolation Reality:

Not for everyone: If you need city amenities (concerts, pro sports, fine dining, nightlife), Mountain Home will feel isolating
Perfect for some: If you love outdoor recreation (hiking, fishing, hunting, camping) and small-town life, Mountain Home is paradise
Spouse employment: Limited—most jobs are retail/service ($12-18/hr), Boise offers better opportunities (50-min commute)

Pro Tip: Mountain Home = remote living—embrace outdoor recreation (hunting, fishing, hiking, camping) or you'll go stir-crazy. Boise is 50 min away for city amenities (weekends). This is NOT San Diego or Colorado Springs.

Commissary & Exchange

Mountain Home Commissary:

Small but adequate (basic grocery selection)
Open 7 days/week (0900-1900 weekdays, 0800-1800 weekends)
Save 20-30% vs Walmart (commissary prices competitive)

Mountain Home Exchange (BX):

Small (electronics, clothing, food court, barber, Class Six)
Gas station (5-10 cents/gallon cheaper than off-base)

Off-Base Shopping:

Walmart (Mountain Home) - Best off-base option for groceries/household
Albertsons (Mountain Home) - Standard grocery, more expensive than Walmart
Boise Shopping: Costco, Target, malls (50 min away)

Reality: Commissary and Walmart cover basics. For big shopping trips (Costco, Target, specialty stores), plan monthly Boise runs (50 min).

Weather & Climate (High Desert)

High Desert Climate:

Spring (Mar-May): 50-70°F, windy, beautiful
Summer (Jun-Aug): 90-105°F, DRY (low humidity), hot afternoons
Fall (Sep-Nov): 50-70°F, best season (clear skies, mild temps)
Winter (Dec-Feb): 20-40°F, cold, occasional snow (10-20 inches/year)

High Desert Reality:

Low humidity: 30-40% typical, dry climate (skin/lips dry, hydration critical)
Hot summers: 95-105°F common (Jul-Aug), but DRY (not humid like South)
Cold winters: Below freezing nights, occasional snow (10-20 inches/year)
Wind: Spring is windy (gusts 20-30 mph common)

Military Considerations:

Perfect year-round flying weather (clear skies, low precipitation)
No hurricanes, tornadoes, or extreme weather
Cold weather gear needed (winter lows 20°F)

Pro Tip: High desert = extreme temperature swings (40°F mornings, 100°F afternoons in summer). Layer clothing. Hydration critical (3-4 liters water/day). Winter cold is dry (not humid like Midwest/Northeast).

What's It Like to Live at Mountain Home AFB?

F-15E Culture & Quality of Life

Mountain Home Mission Reality:
Mountain Home is F-15E Strike Eagle combat operations—the 366th Fighter Wing is ACC's premier composite wing with F-15E fighters. Most jobs are:

F-15E Pilots/WSOs: Fly Strike Eagles, deploy regularly (6-9 months every 18-24 months)
F-15E Maintainers: 12-hour shifts, deploy regularly, HIGH ops tempo
Support Units: Hospital, logistics, comm—moderate schedules
726th Air Control Squadron: Tactical air control, deployable

Typical Mountain Home Life:

F-15E Crews: HIGH deployment tempo (6-9 months every 18-24 months), intense work schedules, combat focus
Maintainers: 12-hour shifts (days/swings), weekend work common, deploy regularly
Support: Stable schedules, moderate TDYs

Quality of Life (Pros):

✅ Financial savings champion: Cheap rent ($1,000-1,400) + BAH surplus = save $700-1,200/month
✅ Tight-knit community: Small base = everyone knows everyone, strong camaraderie
✅ Outdoor recreation paradise: Hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, skiing (3 hours to Sun Valley)
✅ F-15E mission: Elite airframe, combat focus, career advancement (if aircrew/mx)
✅ No traffic: Short commutes (5-15 min), no gridlock

Quality of Life (Cons):

❌ HIGH deployment tempo: F-15E units deploy regularly (6-9 months)
❌ Remote isolation: Small town (15,000 people), limited amenities, Boise 50 min away
❌ Weak schools: Mountain Home 5-6/10, Boise 6-8/10 but brutal commute
❌ Limited spouse jobs: Most jobs retail/service ($12-18/hr), Boise better but 50-min commute
❌ Extreme climate: 105°F summers, 20°F winters, high desert dry

Honest Assessment:
Mountain Home is best for aggressive savers + outdoor enthusiasts + those who embrace small-town life—LOW cost of living, HIGH savings potential, tight-knit community—but HIGH deployment tempo, remote isolation, and weak schools are real. Best for: Single airmen prioritizing savings, outdoor recreation enthusiasts (hunting/fishing/hiking), families OK with small-town schools. Worst for: Families needing elite schools, spouses needing high-paying jobs, those who hate isolation/small towns.

Cost of Living Breakdown

Real Numbers (E5 with Dependents):

Mountain Home Example (Best Value):

Rent: $1,300/month (3BR in town, 6/10 schools)
Utilities: $200/month
Commute: 10 min (gas $200/month)
Groceries: $800/month
Childcare: $1,000/month (off-base) or $0 (on-base CDC)
Misc: $350

Total Monthly: $3,850 (with childcare) or $2,850 (without)

Boise Example (Better Schools but Commute):

Rent: $2,000/month (3BR Meridian, 8/10 schools)
Utilities: $200/month
Commute: 50 min (gas $350/month - 100 miles daily)
Groceries: $800/month
Childcare: $1,200/month
Misc: $500

Total Monthly: $5,050 (with childcare) or $3,850 (without)

BAH Reality:
E5 BAH with dependents (Mountain Home) = ~$1,700/month (2025). BAH covers Mountain Home rent ($1,300) + utilities ($200) + $200 buffer. Boise rent ($2,000) exceeds BAH by $300/month + extra $150/month gas = $450/month out-of-pocket.

Savings Potential:

Mountain Home (with childcare): Good ($400-700/month)
Mountain Home (without childcare): EXCELLENT ($900-1,300/month)
Boise: None (break-even or negative)

State Income Tax:
Idaho taxes military pay (1-5.8% progressive). E5 with dependents expect $100-200/month withheld.

Pro Tip: Mountain Home City = savings champion—don't commute to Boise unless dual income + better schools justify $450/month out-of-pocket + 10 hours/week in car.

Spouse Employment & Family Life

Job Market Reality

Overview:
Mountain Home job market is LIMITED—small town (15,000 people) = few jobs. Most employment is retail/service ($12-18/hr). Boise has better jobs but 50-min commute.

Top Employers (Spouse-Friendly):

Mountain Home AFB (GS civilian jobs): Admin, IT, HR, logistics ($40K-70K/year) - Limited openings
Walmart / Albertsons: Retail, cashier ($12-16/hr)
Mountain Home School District: Teacher, aide ($35K-50K/year) - Low Idaho teacher pay
Elmore Medical Center: Nursing, admin ($40K-65K/year) - Small hospital, limited openings
Boise Metro: Better jobs ($40K-80K) but 50-min commute each way

Typical Salaries (Mountain Home):

Retail/Service: $12-16/hr ($25K-33K/year)
Office Admin: $16-22/hr ($33K-46K/year)
Registered Nurse: $28-38/hr ($58K-79K/year)
Teacher: $35K-50K/year (Idaho teacher pay LOW)

Reality Check:
Mountain Home wages are 20-30% below national average BUT cost of living is 15% lower—purchasing power is slightly negative. Most spouse jobs are $25K-40K range. Boise offers better jobs ($40K-80K) but 100-mile daily roundtrip commute (10 hours/week) is brutal.

Recommendation: Plan for single income or remote work. Local Mountain Home jobs are low-paying ($25K-40K). If spouse has remote job, Mountain Home is financial goldmine (cheap rent + dual income). If spouse needs in-person job with good pay, Boise commute is only option (50 min each way).

Childcare Availability

On-Base CDC:

Mountain Home Child Development Center - $550-1,100/month (rank/income based)
Wait List: 3-6 months typical (apply immediately after PCS orders)
Hours: 0630-1730 weekdays

Off-Base Daycare:

Cost: $800-1,200/month (full-time, infant/toddler)
Availability: Good—Mountain Home has several licensed daycares (small town but military community)
Quality: Variable (research carefully, check Idaho licensing)

Pro Tip: On-base CDC saves $250-500/month vs off-base. Apply day you get PCS orders—wait list is manageable.

Family Life & Recreation

What Makes Mountain Home Great for Families:

✅ Financial savings (save $700-1,200/month)
✅ Outdoor recreation paradise (hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, skiing 3 hours to Sun Valley)
✅ Tight-knit community (small base = strong camaraderie, everyone knows everyone)
✅ Safe small-town living (low crime, kids bike around town)
✅ No traffic (short commutes, no gridlock)

Challenges for Families:

❌ Remote isolation (small town 15,000 people, limited amenities, Boise 50 min away)
❌ Weak schools (Mountain Home 5-6/10, Boise 6-8/10 but brutal commute)
❌ HIGH deployment tempo (F-15E families deal with 6-9 month deployments regularly)
❌ Limited spouse jobs (most $25K-40K, Boise better but 50-min commute)

Family Activities (Free/Low-Cost):

Bruneau Dunes State Park: $7 parking (tallest sand dunes in North America, stargazing, camping)
C.J. Strike Reservoir: Free (fishing, boating, camping 20 min from base)
Mountain Home AFB MWR: Free pools, gyms, bowling, outdoor recreation (hunting/fishing gear rentals)
Snake River Canyon: 1 hour drive (hiking, Shoshone Falls = "Niagara of the West")

Family Activities (Paid):

Sun Valley Resort: 3 hours north (world-class skiing, $100+ lift tickets)
Boise Zoo / Discovery Center: 50 min away ($10-15/person)
Craters of the Moon National Monument: 2 hours east (volcanic landscape, hiking, camping)

Common Questions About Mountain Home AFB

Q: Is Mountain Home AFB a good duty station?
A: Yes, if you prioritize savings + outdoor recreation + tight-knit community. Mountain Home offers LOW cost of living (save $700-1,200/month), F-15E combat mission, and outdoor paradise—but HIGH deployment tempo (6-9 months regularly), remote isolation (small town), and weak schools (5-6/10). Best for single airmen, outdoor enthusiasts, families OK with small-town life. Worst for families needing elite schools or spouses needing high-paying jobs.

Q: How bad is the isolation in Mountain Home?
A: Real but tolerable if you embrace outdoor recreation. Mountain Home is tiny (15,000 people), Boise is 50 min away, entertainment is limited (Walmart, bowling, movies). BUT outdoor recreation is world-class (hiking, fishing, hunting, skiing 3 hours away). If you love outdoors, isolation is paradise. If you need city amenities, you'll feel trapped.

Q: Should I live in Mountain Home or commute from Boise?
A: Mountain Home City for 95% of airmen. Boise offers better schools (6-8/10 vs 5-6/10) and spouse jobs BUT 50-60 min commute = 10 hours/week in car + $450/month out-of-pocket (rent gap + gas). ONLY worth it if dual income + older kids need elite schools. Most families choose Mountain Home.

Q: What's the deployment tempo at Mountain Home?
A: HIGH—F-15E Strike Eagles deploy regularly (6-9 months every 18-24 months). Maintainers deploy with jets. Support units have moderate TDYs. This is a combat-focused base (ACC), not garrison. Expect deployments.

Q: Can my spouse find a job in Mountain Home?
A: Limited local jobs ($25K-40K typical). Mountain Home is tiny—most jobs are retail/service ($12-16/hr), school district ($35K-50K), or base GS jobs (limited openings $40K-70K). Better strategy: remote work. If spouse has remote job, Mountain Home is financial goldmine (cheap rent + dual income = aggressive savings). If spouse needs in-person high-paying job, Boise commute (50 min) is only option.

Q: What's the F-15E Strike Eagle culture like?
A: Combat-focused, HIGH ops tempo, intense work schedules. F-15E crews (pilots/WSOs/maintainers) work hard—12-hour shifts common, weekend work regular, deploy often (6-9 months). If you want operational flying culture with combat mission, Mountain Home delivers. If you want stable garrison life with low deployment, this is NOT it.

Q: Is it worth sacrificing schools for savings?
A: Depends on kids' ages and financial goals. Mountain Home schools are adequate (5-6/10) but not elite. If kids are elementary age or short tour, schools are OK. If kids are high school age needing competitive academics + you have dual income, Boise/Meridian (6-8/10 schools) may be worth brutal commute. Most families stay in Mountain Home and use savings ($700-1,200/month) for tutoring, private school funds, or college savings.

Q: What outdoor recreation is available?
A: World-class hunting, fishing, hiking, camping. C.J. Strike Reservoir (20 min, fishing/boating), Bruneau Dunes (30 min, tallest dunes in North America), Snake River Canyon (60 min, Shoshone Falls), Sun Valley skiing (3 hours, world-class resort). If you love outdoors, Mountain Home is paradise. If you prefer city entertainment, you'll be bored.

Next Steps

Planning Your Mountain Home PCS

1. Embrace Small-Town Living or Plan Boise Commute
Mountain Home City (5-15 min commute, cheap rent, save $700-1,200/month) vs Boise (50 min commute, better schools, $450/month out-of-pocket).

2. Plan for Spouse Employment
Remote work is BEST option. Local jobs limited ($25K-40K). Boise jobs better ($40K-80K) but 100-mile daily roundtrip brutal.

3. Apply for On-Base CDC
Mountain Home Child Development Center wait list is 3-6 months—apply day you get PCS orders. Saves $250-500/month vs off-base.

4. Calculate Your Budget
Use our PCS Copilot → to generate your custom 180-day timeline with JTR-compliant entitlements and Mountain Home-specific cost projections.

Based on Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). Official regulations →

5. Understand F-15E Mission
Mountain Home is ACC combat-focused—HIGH deployment tempo (6-9 months regularly). LES Auditor → ensures your BAH and pay are correct.

6. Ask Questions
Use Ask Military Expert → for specific Mountain Home questions—our AI has 6,539 military knowledge embeddings including F-15E culture intel.

Official Resources & References

This guide synthesizes data from official Department of Defense sources. For additional information:

Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) - Official military pay and allowances
Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) - PCS entitlements and regulations
MilitaryOneSource - Free 24/7 counseling and family support
Defense Travel Management Office - Official BAH rates and per diem
Mountain Home AFB Official Site - Base information, contacts, welcome packets
366th Fighter Wing - Wing information

Last verified: January 24, 2025. Garrison Ledger is an independent resource and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense.

Mountain Home AFB PCS Guide - Housing & Local Intel