Minot housing allowance to increase 40 percent Published Dec. 16, 2011 By Capt. Genieve David Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Basic allowance for housing rates for Team Minot Airmen are slated to increase for the 2012 calendar year, according to new Department of Defense data released recently. These increases should be reflected in members Jan. 15, 2012 pay statement. Overall rates are projected to increase an average of two percent, whereas, most Minot Air Force Base rates are expected to gain an approximate 40 percent increase. "It's unprecedented news and an awesome development," said Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Jurgella, 5th Bomb Wing Command Chief. "The increase makes sense considering the extreme housing market here in Minot. Between our Airmen competing with the booming oil industry and the loss of nearly one-third of the homes here due to the Souris River flood, it can be quite expensive and nearly impossible to find any affordable off-base housing within the current 2010 BAH rates." Three components are included in the BAH computation. The computation includes the median current market rent, average utilities to include electricity, heat, and water/sewer, and average renter's insurance. Total housing costs are calculated for six housing profiles, based on dwelling type and number of bedrooms, in each military housing area. Basic Allowance for Housing rates are then calculated for each pay grade, both with and without dependents. An estimated $20 billion will be paid to more than 1 million service members in 2012. "It's a win for Team Minot," said off-base homeowner Maj. Rolland Coleman, Chief of Minot AFB Command Post. "We've been through adversity here in an environment that already had limited housing. This housing increase will allow our military members the ability to pay for affordable off-base housing." The Defense Department released that rates will take effect on Jan. 1, 2012. For a listing of 2012 BAH rates with dependents, visit https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/Docs/perdiem/browse/Allowances/BAH/PDF/2012/2012-With-Dependents-BAH-Rates.pdf For a listing of 2012 BAH rates without dependents, visit https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/Docs/perdiem/browse/Allowances/BAH/PDF/2012/2012-Without-Dependents-BAH-Rates.pdf For more information on BAH, visit https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/bah.cfm.