Median Income
$39,167
48% lower than US avg
Home Value
$436,400
55% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
117/100K
69% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.0%
14% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$717
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
27.2%
15% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.4%
24% lower than US avg
How Alder Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population108
Median Age58.0 yrs
Density54/mi²
Male / Female57% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans93.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$39,167
Per Capita$26,866
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty9.4%
County GDP$673M
Commute11 min
Housing
F
Home Value$436,400
Rent$717
Ownership72.4%
Zillow$469,362
Housing Units75
Rent Burden16.7%
Crime
F
Violent117/100K
Property584/100K
Health
Obesity27.2%
Uninsured9.2%
Smoking13.8%
Depression23.3%
Heart Disease3.7%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain13.0 in/yr
Sunny Days311/yr
Elevation5,127 ft (1,563 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.0%
High School+94.6%
Graduate+4.3%
School Score6.53
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 27%
Commute11 min
Broadband58.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Alder a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Alder receives an overall livability score of 2.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, below-average incomes. Alder has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Alder is $39,167, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 9.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Alder is $436,400, making it a premium housing market at 55% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $717 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. With a home price-to-income ratio of 11.1x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
Alder is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 117 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 584 per 100,000, 70% below the national average.
Education
29.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Alder has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. With 311 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 13.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Alder has a population of 108 with a density of 54 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 58.0 years, 49% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.5% female and 56.5% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.4% of residents, while 9.6% speak Spanish. 93.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 83.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
58.0yrs
Median Age
49% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.4%
15% above US avg
Spanish
9.6%
28% below US avg
The median household income in Alder is $39,167, which is 48% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,866 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $932, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 585 business establishments, including 55 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 28.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $39,167 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,866 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $932 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,763 |
| Gini Index | 0.469 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.4% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 585 |
| County GDP | $673M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 55 |
| Healthcare | 35 |
| Retail | 41 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,343 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.77% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 11.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 52.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 28.0% |
The median home value in Alder is $436,400, 55% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $469,362. Monthly rent averages $717 (38% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 75 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $3,343. 16.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 11.1x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $436,400 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $469,362 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $717 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $988 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,076 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,336 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,789 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,113 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.6% |
| Housing Units | 75 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,343 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.77% |
In Alder, 27.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 6.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 3.7% of residents, below the national average. 23.1% have high blood pressure. 13.8% are current smokers. 24.0% report binge drinking. 15.3% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:680. The dentist ratio is 1:2,430. 70.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Alder vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 27.2% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 6.2% |
| Heart Disease | 3.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 23.1% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 5.4% |
| Stroke | 2.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 15.3% |
| Depression | 23.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 27.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.3% |
| Uninsured | 9.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:680 |
| Dentists | 1:2,430 |
| Mental Health | 1:494 |
| Checkup Rate | 59.8% |
| Dental Visits | 61.8% |
| Premature Death | 5,101/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 35 |
Alder has a violent crime rate of 117 per 100,000 residents, 69% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 584 per 100,000, 70% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Alder receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Alder vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 116.8/100K |
| 69% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 584.1/100K |
| 70% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Alder has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 311 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 13.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 5,127 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
65°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 43.0°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 311 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,127 ft (1,563 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 54/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.3216°N, 112.1092°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Beaverhead County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bozeman Yellowstone International (BZN)
56 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
13.0"
66% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.36"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 2.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 42.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 77.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 24.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
949 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 19, 2025.
| Jul 26, 2005 |
16 km N of Dillon, Montana |
M5.6 |
40 km |
| Aug 20, 1999 |
22 km NW of Lima, Montana |
M5.1 |
80 km |
| Mar 30, 2014 |
22 km S of Mammoth, Wyoming |
M4.8 |
128 km |
| Apr 9, 2019 |
9 km NE of Lima, Montana |
M4.6 |
76 km |
| Feb 5, 2006 |
44 km NE of Spencer, Idaho |
M4.4 |
73 km |
| Apr 5, 2011 |
28 km NNE of Spencer, Idaho |
M4.4 |
79 km |
| May 8, 2007 |
8 km NNW of Alder, Montana |
M4.4 |
8 km |
| Jun 16, 2017 |
12 km E of Hebgen Lake Estates, Montana |
M4.4 |
104 km |
| Jun 13, 2016 |
45 km W of Hebgen Lake Estates, Montana |
M4.3 |
71 km |
| Oct 28, 1998 |
18 km S of Whitehall, Montana |
M4.3 |
42 km |
| Nov 24, 2000 |
24 km S of Mammoth, Wyoming |
M4.2 |
128 km |
| Aug 16, 2019 |
4 km NW of Manhattan, Montana |
M4.2 |
86 km |
| Jul 14, 2023 |
3 km S of Lima, Montana |
M4.2 |
88 km |
| Oct 7, 2024 |
11 km E of Dillon, Montana |
M4.1 |
31 km |
| Aug 6, 2019 |
3 km NW of Manhattan, Montana |
M4.1 |
85 km |
| Apr 8, 2000 |
8 km ENE of Townsend, Montana |
M4.1 |
126 km |
| Aug 30, 1997 |
25 km WNW of Hebgen Lake Estates, Montana |
M4.1 |
72 km |
| Jun 18, 2006 |
6 km S of Pony, Montana |
M4.1 |
35 km |
| Sep 3, 2016 |
16 km S of Whitehall, Montana |
M4.0 |
45 km |
| Jan 18, 2006 |
18 km NNE of Dillon, Montana |
M4.0 |
32 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
15 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 19, 1962 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1976 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1965 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1960 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 2023 |
EF0 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2016 |
EF0 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1999 |
EF0 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1997 |
EF0 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF0 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF0 |
87 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 1995 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1994 |
EF0 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1993 |
EF0 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1992 |
EF0 |
28 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1959 |
EF0 |
68 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Yellowstone (151 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Yellowstone |
Caldera(s) |
2,805 m (9,203 ft) |
-1350 |
151 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALDER CREEK (38,189 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
ALDER CREEK |
38,189 |
97 km |
| 2021 |
HAYSTACK |
26,118 |
94 km |
| 1988 |
FAN |
20,422 |
96 km |
| 2012 |
BEAR TRAP 2 |
14,875 |
53 km |
| 2006 |
CLARKS CANYON |
14,848 |
57 km |
| 2007 |
PATTENGAIL CREEK |
13,471 |
95 km |
| 2006 |
BIG CREEK |
13,424 |
97 km |
| 2003 |
WINSLOW |
11,794 |
86 km |
| 2012 |
MILLIE |
10,497 |
83 km |
| 2000 |
BEAVER CREEK |
9,568 |
77 km |
| 2015 |
EUSTIS |
8,469 |
94 km |
| 1988 |
SWEETWATER |
8,405 |
35 km |
| 2015 |
COTTONWOOD GULCH |
8,100 |
91 km |
| 2021 |
GOOSE |
7,817 |
77 km |
| 2018 |
MONUMENT |
6,973 |
41 km |
| 2018 |
BACON RIND |
6,380 |
88 km |
| 2013 |
EUREKA |
6,213 |
56 km |
| 2020 |
SOURDOUGH |
5,755 |
99 km |
| 2001 |
PURDY CREEK |
4,868 |
75 km |
| 2015 |
BEAR LAKE |
4,695 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
38°F (3°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| May |
47°F (8°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| June |
55°F (13°C) |
2.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
65°F (18°C) |
1.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
61°F (16°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| September |
52°F (11°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
Alder has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 22°F in December to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.4") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Alder. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$237 ($142–$378) |
| Specialist Visit |
$331 ($189–$520) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($95–$331) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,081 ($757–$4,730) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71–$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$237 ($142–$378) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$114) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$284 ($142–$473) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$568 ($378–$946) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($95–$331) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$95 ($57–$142) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$378 ($142–$757) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,622 ($3,784–$11,352) |
| Roof Repair |
$946 ($378–$1,892) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,514 ($5,203–$14,190) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,419 ($473–$3,311) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,190 ($4,730–$28,380) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,730 ($1,892–$9,460) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,419 ($757–$2,838) |
| Will Preparation |
$473 ($189–$946) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,365 ($946–$4,730) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$95) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$142 ($71–$237) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$76 ($47–$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.88 ($2.84–$5.20) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.31 ($2.37–$4.73) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.59 ($2.37–$5.20) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.26 ($2.84–$6.15) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.20 ($3.78–$7.10) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.95 ($0.57–$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($76–$237) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$142) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$114) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$95) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$95) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$142) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71–$473) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,892 ($1,135–$3,311) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.57–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$95 ($28–$237) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,135 ($568–$2,365) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$946 ($473–$1,892) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$378 ($189–$662) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$95) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$946 ($378–$2,365) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,825 ($4,730–$28,380) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28–$95) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$95 ($47–$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28–$95) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$284 ($142–$473) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($95–$378) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $920 |
| Toddler | $959 |
| Preschool | $822 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $744 |
| Toddler | $760 |
| Preschool | $760 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Alder
What is the population of Alder?
Alder has a population of 108 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 54 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 58.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.5% female and 56.5% male.
Is Alder expensive to live in?
Alder is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $39,167, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $436,400 (55% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $717 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 11.1x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Alder safe?
Alder is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 117 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 584 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Alder receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Alder?
Alder has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. The area receives 311 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 13.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Alder?
The job market in Alder is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $932. There are 585 business establishments in the area, including 55 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 11 minutes, and 28.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Alder?
The median home value in Alder is $436,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $469,362. For renters, the median monthly rent is $717. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,343.
How are the schools in Alder?
Schools in Alder score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.0% of adults in Alder hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. 4.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Alder?
The obesity rate in Alder is 27.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 13.8% of adults are smokers. 15.3% are physically inactive. 23.3% of residents report depression. 9.2% lack health insurance. 70.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:680.
What is transportation like in Alder?
The average commute in Alder is 11 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 52% of workers drive alone to work, and 28.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Alder?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Alder is 100% White. 90.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.6% speak Spanish. 93.0% of the population are military veterans. 20.4% of residents have a disability. 83.3% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
