Cost of Living in Mountain Home, AR
Population 13,021 · Arkansas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Mountain Home's median household income of $42,103 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (18% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.2% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Mountain Home lies roughly 80 miles southeast of the nearest major metro, Springfield — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Springfield's $165,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Mountain Home
The median home value in Mountain Home is $160,200 — 47% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $857/month, 35% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $42,103/year is 44% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.2%, above the national average of 4.8%. Arkansas's top state income tax rate is 4.4% and the combined sales tax is 9.5%. The climate averages highs of 69.4°F and lows of 48.3°F. Overall, Mountain Home has a cost of living index of 58 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 42% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 46 | 52 | 61 | 71 | 77 | 85 | 90 | 89 | 82 | 71 | 59 | 49 |
| Low °F | 28 | 31 | 39 | 48 | 57 | 65 | 69 | 68 | 60 | 48 | 38 | 31 |
| Precip" | 2.87 | 2.36 | 3.63 | 4.68 | 4.48 | 3.52 | 3.63 | 3.42 | 2.66 | 3.41 | 3.67 | 2.86 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Mountain Home, AR?
Mountain Home has a cost index of 58 (100 = national average). It is 42% below the national average.
What is average rent in Mountain Home, AR?
The median gross rent in Mountain Home is $857 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Mountain Home?
The median home value in Mountain Home is $160,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Mountain Home?
The median household income in Mountain Home is $42,103 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Mountain Home, AR?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Mountain Home is 9.5%. The Arkansas state income tax top rate is 4.4%.
Is Mountain Home, AR affordable?
Yes, Mountain Home is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 58 — about 42% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Mountain Home?
Mountain Home has average high temperatures of 69.4°F and average lows of 48.3°F. Annual precipitation is 41.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Mountain Home at a Glance
- Population
- 13,021
- Median Income
- $42,103
- Home Value
- $160,200
- Median Rent
- $857/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.5%
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