Idaho Falls vs Mountain Home: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Idaho Falls, ID and Mountain Home, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Idaho Falls, ID | Mountain Home, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,774▲ | $60,394 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.66▲ | $29.03 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,531▲ | $37,771 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,324▲ | $50,264 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,523 | $76,403▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,099 | $87,622▲ |
| Total Employed | 230▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Idaho Falls, ID offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mountain Home.
The salary gap between Idaho Falls and Mountain Home is $3,380 (5.60%). Idaho Falls's median is -18.80% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Idaho Falls spans $30,568,Mountain Home spans $49,851. Mountain Home has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Idaho Falls ($67,549 effective) pays 6.59% more than Mountain Home ($63,373 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Idaho Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,774/year)
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,549)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Mountain Home if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,622)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Idaho Falls grew 28.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.4% growth in Mountain Home over the same period.
Idaho Falls, ID
$48,120 (2019) → $61,880 (2025)
Mountain Home, ID
$52,118 (2024) → $58,601 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Idaho Falls, ID
Mountain Home, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Idaho Falls or Mountain Home?
What is the hourly rate difference between Idaho Falls and Mountain Home?
Should I relocate from Idaho Falls to Mountain Home as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Idaho Falls vs Mountain Home?
Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov