Scott Air Force Base: A Hidden Gem for Military Families in Illinois

About Scott Air Force Base

Mission and History

Scott AFB was established in 1917, making it one of the oldest continuously active Air Force installations in the country. Today, it serves as the headquarters for three of the most strategically important commands in the U.S. military: U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), Air Mobility Command (AMC), and the 618th Air Operations Center. Consequently, Scott is the nerve center for global military airlift, refueling, and logistics operations 24 hours a day. In fact, very few installations in the Air Force carry this level of global mission responsibility.

The base hosts approximately 12,000 military and civilian personnel. Furthermore, Scott supports over 50 associate units — making it one of the most mission-diverse installations in the entire Air Force.

Location and Community

Scott AFB sits in Belleville, Illinois, about 25 miles east of downtown St. Louis, Missouri. Specifically, it lies just off Interstate 64 in the Metro-East region — a cluster of family-friendly Illinois suburbs that includes O’Fallon, Shiloh, Mascoutah, and Belleville. As a result, families get the feel of small-town Midwest living while remaining within easy reach of a major American city.

Notably, the cost of living in this area runs well below both the national average and the Illinois state average. Moreover, home prices are among the most affordable near any major Air Force installation, making Scott an exceptional assignment for families considering their first home purchase.

2026 BAH Rates — Scott AFB

2026 Enlisted BAH Rates

BAH rates at Scott AFB increased 5.9% for 2026 — one of the higher increases among Air Force bases this year. Contact the Family Housing Office at (618) 746-4911 for housing allotment guidance. For off-base rates by ZIP code, use the DoD BAH rate lookup tool.

2026 Officer BAH Rates

For a full table including Warrant Officer rates, visit our 2026 BAH rates guide. Notably, given the Metro-East area’s low cost of living, most families find their BAH covers housing costs comfortably — with room to spare for savings.

Housing at Scott AFB

On-Base Family Housing

On-base housing at Scott AFB is managed by Hunt Military Communities under the Scott Family Housing program. The community includes six neighborhoods with a total of 1,595 homes, ranging from historic homes to modern duplexes and single-family residences. Assignment is based on rank and family size.

Specifically, on-base neighborhoods offer two large community centers with indoor swimming pools, playgrounds, walking trails, and meeting rooms. However, waitlists can develop during peak PCS season — particularly for larger homes. Contact the leasing office early to get on the list before your report date.

Scott Family Housing Leasing Office
4570 George Washington Blvd., Scott AFB, IL
Family Housing Office: (618) 746-4911

Additionally, incoming personnel can stay at the Scott Inn for up to 30 days while securing permanent housing. Call (618) 256-1844 for lodging reservations — book early, as availability fills fast during summer PCS season.

On-Base Schools

There are no schools physically located on Scott AFB. However, families living in base housing are assigned to Mascoutah Community Unit School District 19. Scott Elementary is located adjacent to base housing. Middle and high school students are bused to Mascoutah Middle School and Mascoutah High School — both of which are well regarded academically and experienced with military-connected students.

Off-Base Neighborhoods Near Scott AFB

Most Scott AFB families live off base. The surrounding Metro-East communities offer a range of price points, commute times, and school options. Furthermore, Illinois home prices remain well below national averages — making this one of the stronger markets for using a VA Home Loan to build equity during your assignment.

O’Fallon

O’Fallon is consistently rated the top choice for Scott AFB families. Located about 10-15 minutes from base, it offers newer subdivisions, top-rated schools in O’Fallon Township High School District, abundant shopping and dining, and a strong military-connected community. Expect to pay $1,350–$1,800/month for a three-bedroom rental, or $220,000–$320,000 to purchase.

Shiloh

Shiloh sits just west of the base and offers quiet residential living with modern subdivisions, highly rated schools, and quick access to base gates. In contrast to O’Fallon, it has a slower pace and smaller-town feel. Three-bedroom rentals typically run $1,300–$1,750/month.

Mascoutah

Located just south of the base, Mascoutah is one of the closest communities to Scott AFB. Notably, families in Mascoutah attend the same well-regarded CUSD 19 district as on-base students. It offers a tight-knit, small-town atmosphere with affordable housing and a short commute to any gate.

Belleville

Belleville provides historic charm, larger home options, and easy access to shopping and dining. It sits about 20 minutes from the main gate. Additionally, Southwestern Illinois College is located in Belleville — a convenient option for service members pursuing education or spouses seeking degree programs.

Swansea and Lebanon

Similarly, Swansea and Lebanon offer established neighborhoods and affordable housing for families who want more space or a slightly longer commute in exchange for lower housing costs. Lebanon in particular has a charming historic downtown and is popular with families seeking a quieter pace.

Schools Near Scott AFB

Mascoutah CUSD 19

Mascoutah Community Unit School District 19 serves families both on base and in the Mascoutah community. The district is experienced with military-connected students and receives strong academic ratings, particularly at the elementary and middle school levels. Furthermore, the district works closely with the base School Liaison to support children navigating transitions.

O’Fallon Township High School District

Off-base families in O’Fallon and Shiloh are served by O’Fallon Township High School District, recognized for its robust AP program, strong graduation rate, and diverse extracurriculars. In fact, it consistently ranks among the top high school districts in the St. Louis metro region — a significant draw for families with high schoolers.

Belleville Township High School District 201

Belleville’s high school district is praised for caring teachers and above-average ratings from the Illinois State Board of Education. Moreover, the district offers a range of academic enrichment programs and strong career and technical education pathways.

School Liaison Support

The Scott AFB School Liaison Office assists families with school enrollment, IEP transfers, district navigation, and school choice questions. Contact School Liaison Dr. Cindy Doil at Cynthia.doil@us.af.mil or (618) 256-9595 before finalizing your off-base address to verify which district will serve your children.

Additionally, the Metro-East region has over 30 school districts. The School Liaison can verify your specific address before you sign a lease.

Higher Education at Scott AFB

On-base college programs are available through several partners. Specifically, Southwestern Illinois College in nearby Belleville offers affordable classes, and several universities have satellite programs on or near base. The Education Office provides tuition assistance, CCAF enrollment support, testing services, and commissioning program guidance.

Medical Care at Scott AFB

Scott AFB Medical and Dental Facilities

Scott AFB’s medical facilities provide primary care for active-duty members and enrolled family members. For specialty care, TRICARE network providers are widely available throughout the Metro-East region and greater St. Louis area. Overall, access to healthcare near Scott is strong — the St. Louis metro has one of the largest concentrations of medical facilities in the Midwest.

For TRICARE enrollment and provider search, visit TRICARE.mil. Similarly, the Scott AFB Dental Clinic serves active-duty members, with TRICARE Dental available for enrolled family members.

In-Processing and Getting Settled

Military and Family Readiness Center

The Scott AFB Military and Family Readiness Center (M&FRC) is your first stop for relocation support. Specifically, the M&FRC coordinates newcomers’ briefings, school liaison services, spouse employment resources, financial counseling, and community referrals. Contact the M&FRC at (618) 256-8668 or DSN 576-8668, or email aafrc@us.af.mil.

Additionally, the M&FRC hosts a monthly Pre-Arrival Q&A via Zoom for inbound families — register on the Scott AFB calendar of events to get your questions answered before you move.

Arriving at Scott AFB

Upon arrival, report to your unit and then visit the M&FRC and Housing Office. Moreover, if you arrive during inclement weather, call the Scott Straight Talk Line at (618) 256-7232 for base closure or late-reporting updates. The Scott AFB Postal Service Center at (618) 256-2956 can set up a free PO box to help manage mail during your transition.

Life Around Scott AFB

Things to Do Near Scott AFB

One of Scott’s biggest selling points is proximity to St. Louis — about 30 minutes away. That city delivers an extraordinary amount of free entertainment: the St. Louis Zoo has over 12,000 animals and no admission fee. Forest Park offers museums, trails, and open space at no cost. Grant’s Farm, the City Museum, and the Gateway Arch round out the family-friendly options. Furthermore, an aquarium at Union Station and The Wheel are popular additions in recent years.

Closer to base, families enjoy SkyZone Trampoline Park and Urban Air Adventure Park for rainy days. Moreover, two recreational centers — one in Fairview Heights and one near O’Fallon — serve the local community. On base, you’ll find a fitness center, bowling alley, and regular family events through the Force Support Squadron.

Spouse Employment

The Metro-East and St. Louis metro area offer strong employment options for military spouses. Healthcare, education, aviation, logistics, and defense contracting are all well-represented locally. Moreover, the M&FRC provides career workshops, job fairs, and employment resources tailored specifically to military spouses. In fact, the Scott AFB mission’s connection to global logistics means a strong network of defense employers in the immediate area.

Getting Connected Early

Join the Scott AFB PCS Pay It Forward® Facebook group as soon as you receive orders. Inside, you’ll find real families sharing current housing tips, school recommendations, and neighborhood insights. Additionally, grab the PCS binder and checklist to stay organized from start to finish. For move logistics, review our military moving tips guide and the full DITY/PPM move guide if you’re considering moving yourself.

Scott AFB FAQ

What is the 2026 BAH rate for Scott AFB?

BAH rates at Scott AFB increased 5.9% for 2026 — one of the larger increases this year. An E-5 with dependents receives $1,542 per month. Officers fare significantly higher — an O-3 with dependents receives $2,208 per month. For a complete table, see above or use the DoD BAH rate lookup tool. Additionally, our 2026 BAH guide explains how BAH is calculated and what impacts your rate.

Who manages on-base housing at Scott AFB?

On-base housing is managed by Hunt Military Communities under the Scott Family Housing program. The community has 1,595 homes across six neighborhoods. Contact the Family Housing Office at (618) 746-4911 as soon as you have orders. Specifically, waitlists can develop during peak PCS season, so contact them early.

What school district serves Scott AFB families?

On-base families are assigned to Mascoutah Community Unit School District 19. Off-base families may be served by O’Fallon Township, Belleville, or other surrounding districts depending on their address. Therefore, contact School Liaison Dr. Cindy Doil at (618) 256-9595 before signing a lease to confirm your children’s school assignment.

What neighborhoods are most popular for Scott AFB families?

O’Fallon is the top choice overall — it offers top-rated schools, newer subdivisions, and a 10-15 minute commute to base. Shiloh is popular for families who want quick gate access and a quieter pace. Mascoutah is the closest community to the base and shares the same school district as on-base housing.

Is the cost of living affordable near Scott AFB?

Yes — the Metro-East area’s cost of living runs well below the national average. Furthermore, it runs below the Illinois state average as well. In most cases, BAH fully covers housing costs, and many families are able to purchase a home for less than their monthly BAH. As a result, Scott is one of the stronger VA Loan markets in the Air Force.

Can I use a VA Home Loan to buy near Scott AFB?

Absolutely — this is one of the best VA Loan markets in the country for affordability. Home prices are low, the market is stable, and zero-down financing through the VA loan makes homeownership accessible at nearly every rank. Moreover, homes in the area have appreciated approximately 20% over the past decade. Visit our VA Home Loan guide to get started.

What is Scott AFB known for?

Scott AFB serves as headquarters for USTRANSCOM, Air Mobility Command, and the 618th Air Operations Center. Consequently, it is the command center for all U.S. military global airlift, refueling, and logistics operations. Moreover, Scott supports over 50 associate units — making it one of the most mission-diverse bases in the Air Force.

What medical care is available at Scott AFB?

Scott AFB provides primary care through its on-base medical facilities for active-duty members and enrolled family members. Additionally, TRICARE network providers are widely available throughout the Metro-East region and St. Louis metro. Overall, healthcare access near Scott is excellent — the St. Louis metro has one of the largest concentrations of medical facilities in the Midwest. Visit TRICARE.mil for provider search and enrollment.

How do I connect with Scott AFB families before I arrive?

Join the Scott AFB PCS Pay It Forward® Facebook group as soon as you get orders. Additionally, start your free PCS Plan to get paired with a local Ambassador. You can also contact the M&FRC at (618) 256-8668 and register for their monthly pre-arrival Q&A Zoom.

What resources are available for the DITY/PPM move to Scott AFB?

If you’re considering moving yourself, review our complete DITY/PPM move guide. Furthermore, our PCS tax write-offs guide covers move-related deductions you may be able to claim. Additionally, the PCS Toolkit has checklists and timelines to keep everything on track.

Key Takeaways

• 2026 BAH increased 5.9% at Scott AFB — one of the higher increases this year. An E-5 with dependents receives $1,542/month and an O-3 with dependents receives $2,208/month.
• O’Fallon is the top neighborhood for most families — 10-15 minutes to base, top-rated schools, and newer housing. Shiloh and Mascoutah are strong alternatives.
• On-base housing is managed by Hunt Military Communities at (618) 746-4911. Contact them early — waitlists can develop during peak PCS season.
• On-base families attend Mascoutah CUSD 19. Contact School Liaison Dr. Cindy Doil at (618) 256-9595 before finalizing your off-base address to verify your school district.
• Cost of living is well below national average — making Scott one of the best assignments for homebuying with a VA Home Loan.
• St. Louis is 30 minutes away — including a free world-class zoo, Forest Park, the Arch, and endless family activities.
• M&FRC at (618) 256-8668 is your first call for relocation help, school liaison services, and spouse employment support.
• For move planning, review our DITY/PPM guide, military moving tips, PCS binder checklist, and 2026 military pay charts.