Median Income
$78,971
5% higher than US avg
Home Value
$198,800
29% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
156/100K
59% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.9%
59% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$772
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.4%
2% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.4%
48% lower than US avg
How Baker Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,535
Median Age37.0 yrs
Density1,490/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans3.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$78,971
Per Capita$45,034
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty6.4%
County GDP$224M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$198,800
Rent$772
Ownership68.0%
Zillow$177,231
Housing Units773
Rent Burden21.8%
Crime
F
Violent156/100K
Property363/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault156/100K
Burglary52/100K
Health
Obesity31.4%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking14.8%
Depression25.2%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain14.7 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation2,939 ft (896 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.9%
High School+95.8%
Graduate+5.7%
School Score5.86
Community
2024 VoteR 86% / D 11%
Commute22 min
Broadband89.1%
Libraries1
Is Baker a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Baker receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Baker offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Baker is $78,971, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Baker is $198,800, 29% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $772 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Baker is below the national average at 156 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 363 per 100,000, 81% below the national average.
Education
13.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Baker has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 14.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Baker has a population of 1,535 with a density of 1,490 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 37.0 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.4% female and 46.6% male. The city is predominantly White (94%), with 4.3% Hispanic, 4.3% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 3.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 18.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.0yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Baker is $78,971, which is 5% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $45,034 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,141, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 183 business establishments, including 16 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $78,971 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $45,034 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,141 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,267 |
| Gini Index | 0.463 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.4% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 183 |
| County GDP | $224M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 16 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 15 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,225 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.12% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.4% |
The median home value in Baker is $198,800, 29% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,231, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $772 (34% 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. 68.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 773 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. The average annual property tax is $2,225 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 21.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $198,800 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $177,231 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $772 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.8% |
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 | 68.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.0% |
| Housing Units | 773 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,225 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.12% |
In Baker, 31.4% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 27.8% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 23.1% report binge drinking. 21.9% are physically inactive. 25.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,006. The dentist ratio is 1:3,011. 70.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Baker vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.8% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.9% |
| Depression | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 33.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,006 |
| Dentists | 1:3,011 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.0% |
| Dental Visits | 64.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,849/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Baker has a violent crime rate of 156 per 100,000 residents, 59% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 155.6 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 363 per 100,000, 81% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 311, burglary at 52, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Baker receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Baker vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 155.6/100K |
| 59% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 155.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 363.1/100K |
| 81% below US avg |
| Burglary | 51.9/100K |
| Theft | 311.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Baker has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 273 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 14.7 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 2,939 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.4°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,939 ft (896 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,490/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.3643°N, 104.2743°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Fallon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dickinson/Theodore Roosevelt Regional (DIK)
76 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
14.7"
61% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.95"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 5.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 22.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on May 6, 2014.
| Sep 25, 2009 |
15 km E of Alzada, Montana |
M4.2 |
150 km |
| Nov 3, 1999 |
8 km NNW of Broadus, Montana |
M3.5 |
132 km |
| May 6, 2014 |
12 km NNW of Knife River, Montana |
M2.6 |
132 km |
| Jul 29, 2013 |
18 km SE of Ekalaka, Montana |
M2.6 |
66 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
82 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 1 fatality, 11 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 29, 1961 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2016 |
EF3 |
6 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1953 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1952 |
EF3 |
1 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1952 |
EF3 |
67 km |
1 |
| Jun 10, 1952 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 2018 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 2001 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 2001 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1999 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1977 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1965 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1962 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1957 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2019 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 20, 2011 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2009 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 2001 |
EF1 |
12 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: KRAFT SPRINGS (66,292 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
KRAFT SPRINGS |
66,292 |
78 km |
| 1996 |
POWDERVILLE |
55,024 |
91 km |
| 1988 |
BREWER |
48,282 |
81 km |
| 2007 |
OKERMAN |
15,478 |
99 km |
| 1990 |
KNOWLTON C |
13,226 |
69 km |
| 1998 |
BRADSHAW |
10,591 |
68 km |
| 1999 |
JOHNSTONE |
8,817 |
51 km |
| 1991 |
MEDICINE ROCK |
8,565 |
40 km |
| 2024 |
TRAVIN |
7,917 |
93 km |
| 2018 |
18 DONUT HOLE |
7,838 |
92 km |
| 2017 |
SNAKE |
7,705 |
93 km |
| 2008 |
KNOWLTON COMPLEX (DRGA) |
7,218 |
63 km |
| 2000 |
CAMP CROOK COMPLEX |
6,927 |
97 km |
| 2012 |
DUGAN |
6,688 |
65 km |
| 1999 |
MILL IRON |
6,494 |
66 km |
| 2000 |
TOOKE |
6,128 |
62 km |
| 1996 |
ROBINSON |
5,901 |
85 km |
| 1996 |
SPRING CREEK |
4,825 |
72 km |
| 2000 |
SIX MILE |
4,331 |
92 km |
| 2004 |
DEEP CREEK |
4,180 |
58 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
56°F (14°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
1.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Baker has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 18°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 15.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.0") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Baker. 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 | $1,016 |
| Toddler | $1,055 |
| Preschool | $908 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $799 |
| Toddler | $814 |
| Preschool | $814 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Baker
What is the population of Baker?
Baker has a population of 1,535 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 1,490 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.0 years. The population is 53.4% female and 46.6% male.
Is Baker expensive to live in?
Baker 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 $78,971, 5% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $198,800 (29% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $772 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Baker safe?
Baker is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 156 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 363 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Baker receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Baker?
Baker has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 14.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Baker?
The job market in Baker is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,141. There are 183 business establishments in the area, including 16 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 6.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Baker?
The median home value in Baker is $198,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,231. For renters, the median monthly rent is $772. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,225.
How are the schools in Baker?
Schools in Baker score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.9% of adults in Baker hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.8% have completed high school. 5.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Baker?
The obesity rate in Baker is 31.4% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 21.9% are physically inactive. 25.2% of residents report depression. 9.3% lack health insurance. 70.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,006.
What is transportation like in Baker?
The average commute in Baker is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Baker?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Baker is 94% White, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 4.3% Asian. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 3.2% of the population are military veterans. 18.8% of residents have a disability. 92.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
