Relocation

If you're checking out this site, we hope it means that you have decided to make the Mount Ida area your home, or at least plan to spend some time here. Following is a list of some things that may be of interest to you.

This is "Your Land"

Sixty-three percent of the 805 square miles comprising Montgomery County is part of the Ouachita National Forest. It is the South's oldest and largest national forest. Montgomery County is located in the west central part of the state of Arkansas and is near the center of the Ouachita National Forest. It is upland, being on the eastern slope of the Ouachita Mountains. The lakes, mountains, ridges, and streams are truly a paradise for nature lovers and sportsmen alike. Hiking trails and campgrounds are in abundance.

Community Profile - Just a few Facts

The population of Montgomery County is approximately 8,448.

Population density is less than 10 people per square mile!

Mount Ida is a easy-going little town (population is 942) and is a Mecca for Rockhounds and a crossroads community to Lake Ouachita. Of the 8,448 people living in Montgomery County, approximately 1,683 have jobs. The rest are children or are retired.
The town of Norman located on the Caddo River is the gateway to the Little Missouri Falls, Albert Pike Recreation Area and Winding Stairs "possibly the longest "stairs" in the world, since the name refers to 1,700 acres along the Little Missouri River.
Pine Ridge was made famous in the 1930s and 40s by the highly popular "Lum and Abner" radio show. It is now home to the Lum and Abner Museum and the Jot 'Em Down Store, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The major source of income is cattle, swine, poultry, timber, mining and tourism.
The average rainfall is 46 inches, average snowfall is 4 inches, and the average temperature is 68 degrees F.
The low real estate prices, nominal tax and license fees, moderate living expenses and low crime rate make this area a wonderful place to live.

Moving to the Mount Ida Area

If you have decided to move to this beautiful area and want some help finding a home or other local services, please link to the Mount Ida Chamber Business Directory. Also please take a look at the local Church Listings.

UTILITIES, WATER & WASTE SYSTEMS

WATER / WASTEWATER (SEWER):
City of Mount Ida
Office located in the Civic Center. Phone (870)867-3541
A $40 deposit is required for a new service and no connection fee charged if the meter is already there. To connect to city water and sewer, inside the city limits, requires a connecting fee of $200.00 plus the cost of pipe and other materials, and a deposit of $40.00. The sewer tap is installed at the city's' cost.

To connect to city water and sewer, outside the city limits, requires a connecting fee of $300.00 plus the cost of pipe and other materials, and a deposit of $40.00. The sewer tap is installed at the cities' cost.
Outside the city limits, you must have proof of septic tank permit or an approval from county sanitarian ( Gary Lee ).

The City of Mount Ida provides its customers with drinking water from surface water taken from the South Fork Watershed, Site One. Billing is done on a monthly cycle. Bills can be paid at both local banks and at the City Hall during business hours.

Sanitation Department -Garbage Collection
The garbage collection service is provided by the City of Mount Ida. Service will be obtained when you establish an account for water. Residential rate is $5 per month with pick up twice weekly. Commercial rate is dependent on volume of trash picked up. Pick up is twice weekly unless other arrangements are made. No sales tax on garbage service. Privately owned sanitation services available outside the city limits.

EDUCATION
Montgomery County has three school districts.
These are fully accredited by the Department of Education.
Caddo Hills     (870) 356-3331
Mount Ida     (870) 867-2771
Oden   (870) 326-4311
All offer grades K-12.

Universities                    Enrollment              Degrees Offered        Location            Driving Distance
Henderson State                            3,527                    A B M            Arkadelphia            57 miles
Ouachita Baptist                             1,601                         B M            Arkadelphia            55 miles

Colleges
Garland County Com.                  1,868                                A            Hot Springs            33 miles
Rich Mountain Com.                       670                                A            Mena                      40 miles
Rich Mountain Community College   "Outreach Center"        Mount Ida
University of AR
     Community College                   1,048                               A            Hope                      63 miles
A=Associate B=Bachelors M=Masters

Vocational-Technical Institutes 13 Courses Offered
Quapaw Technical Institute 1,823 Hot Springs 33 miles

LIBRARY
Montgomery County Library
Joann Whisenhunt, Librarian
P.O. Box 189 Mount Ida, Arkansas 71957
Located: 145D Whittington St. in the Civic Center
Telephone and Fax (870) 867-3812
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The Montgomery County Library welcomes newcomers. The library's book collection consists of over 13,000 items, 10 magazine and three newspaper subscriptions, many of which may be checked out. A small collection of video tapes and audio-books are also available. Other services include interlibrary loans, summer reading program, genealogical information, federal and state tax forms, microfilm and microfilm reader and reference. A television, VCR, computer with internet access and fax machine are available. A wide variety of reading materials for both recreation and educational reading is selected to provide for the reading interests and needs of toddlers through senior citizens.

Other Mount Ida Numbers
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office   (870) 867-3151
Montgomery County Assessor              (870)867-3271
Montgomery County Judge                     (870)867-3114