Mountain Home, Arkansas
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| Mountain Home, Arkansas | |
|---|---|
 DemocraticLuntz · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source | |
| Name | Mountain Home |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | The Twin Lakes Area |
| Pushpin label | Mountain Home |
| Coordinates | 36, 20, 10, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Arkansas |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Baxter |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1888 |
| Government type | Mayor–Council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Hillrey Adams |
| Area total km2 | 30.78 |
| Area total sq mi | 11.88 |
| Area land km2 | 30.78 |
| Area land sq mi | 11.88 |
| Area water km2 | 0.00 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.00 |
| Elevation m | 249 |
| Elevation ft | 817 |
| Population total | 12592 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 409.2 |
| Population density sq mi | 1059.9 |
| Timezone | Central (CST) |
| Utc offset | -6 |
| Timezone DST | CDT |
| Utc offset DST | -5 |
| Postal code type | ZIP code |
| Postal code | 72653-72654 |
| Area code | 870 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 05-47390 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0077803 |
| Website | www.cityofmountainhome.com |
Mountain Home, Arkansas is the county seat of Baxter County in the northern part of the state. Situated in the scenic Ozark Mountains, it serves as a primary commercial and medical hub for the surrounding region. The city is renowned for its proximity to major bodies of water like Bull Shoals Lake and Norfolk Lake, which drive tourism and recreation. Its history is deeply tied to the development of these reservoirs and the White River.
History
The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Osage Nation, before European-American settlement accelerated in the early 19th century. The community was formally platted in 1888 following the arrival of the Missouri and North Arkansas Railroad, which spurred its initial growth as a trading post. A significant transformation occurred in the mid-20th century with the construction of the Bull Shoals Dam by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the creation of Norfolk Dam, projects authorized under the Flood Control Act of 1938. These dams, built for flood control and hydroelectric power, created the massive lakes that now define the local economy and culture. The city was incorporated in 1888 and has served as the county seat since Baxter County was formed from parts of Fulton County, Izard County, and Searcy County.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.88 square miles, all of it land. It is positioned in the Springfield Plateau section of the Ozark Mountains. The city's topography is characterized by rolling hills and is located approximately 10 miles south of the Missouri state line. Key geographical features include its location between Bull Shoals Lake to the west and Norfolk Lake to the east, with the North Fork River and the White River being major waterways in the vicinity. The region is part of the Ozark National Forest system and features numerous springs, caves, and karst landscapes typical of the Ozarks.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 12,592. The racial makeup was predominantly Non-Hispanic White, with smaller populations identifying as Hispanic or Latino, African American, American Indian, and Asian. The population density was approximately 1,059.9 people per square mile. The median age is significantly higher than the national average, reflecting its popularity as a retirement destination. This demographic trend is common in many Arkansas resort and lake communities. Household data from the American Community Survey indicates a mix of family and non-family households.
Economy
The economy is heavily driven by healthcare, retail trade, and tourism. Baxter Health is the largest employer in the region, operating a major regional medical center. The tourism sector thrives due to recreational activities on Bull Shoals Lake and Norfolk Lake, including fishing, boating, and camping, which support numerous marinas, resorts, and restaurants. The city hosts events like the Arkansas State Championship Fishing Tournament to promote this industry. Other significant economic segments include manufacturing, with companies like Eaton Corporation and Rexel operating facilities, and retail services catering to both residents and visitors. The presence of the Mountain Home Air Force Base (now deactivated) historically contributed to the local economy.
Education
Public education is administered by the Mountain Home School District, which includes Mountain Home High School. The district serves students from across Baxter County. Post-secondary education is available through Arkansas State University Mountain Home, a two-year public community college that is part of the Arkansas State University System. This institution provides associate degrees, technical certifications, and workforce training programs. The city is also served by the Donald W. Reynolds Library, a community resource that partners with educational entities. Several private schools and charter schools operate in the area as well.
Notable people
Notable individuals associated with the city include John Boozman, the senior United States Senator from Arkansas who practiced optometry here. Travis Jackson, a Baseball Hall of Fame shortstop for the New York Giants, was born in nearby Waldo but spent much of his life in Mountain Home. Musician and Grand Ole Opry star Jimmy Driftwood lived and taught in the area, famously composing "The Battle of New Orleans". Jerry McKinnis, outdoorsman, television host of "The Fishin' Hole", and co-owner of B.A.S.S., made his home in Mountain Home.
Category:Cities in Arkansas Category:County seats in Arkansas Category:Baxter County, Arkansas