Median Income
$49,167
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$228,600
19% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.0%
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.2%
0% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Basin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population360
Median Age54.1 yrs
Density28/mi²
Male / Female64% / 36%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans8.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$49,167
Per Capita$40,414
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$393M
Commute43 min
Housing
A
Home Value$228,600
Ownership83.1%
Zillow$340,651
Housing Units177
Rent Burden23.9%
Health
Obesity32.2%
Uninsured0.3%
Smoking13.8%
Depression24.3%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
Rain10.8 in/yr
Elevation6,429 ft (1,960 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.0%
High School+85.1%
Graduate+11.5%
School Score6.50
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 30%
Commute43 min
Broadband92.2%
EV Stations12
Libraries4
Is Basin a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Basin receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, long commute times. Basin offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Basin is $49,167, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 43 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Basin is $228,600, 19% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 4.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
28.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Basin has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 10.8 inches, including 37.2 inches of snow.
Basin has a population of 360 with a density of 28 people per square mile, spread across 12.7 square miles. The median age is 54.1 years, 39% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 36.4% female and 63.6% male. The city is predominantly White (93.6%), with 6.9% Hispanic, 5.6% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.1% of residents, while 8.2% speak Spanish. 8.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
360
Total Population
2023 Census
54.1yrs
Median Age
39% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.1%
17% above US avg
Spanish
8.2%
39% below US avg
The median household income in Basin is $49,167, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,414. The average weekly wage is $1,049, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 495 business establishments, including 34 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 43 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 4.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,167 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,414 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,049 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,082 |
| Gini Index | 0.425 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 495 |
| County GDP | $393M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 27 |
| Retail | 25 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,091 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.79% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 43.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
The median home value in Basin is $228,600, 19% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $340,651, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 177 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. The average annual property tax is $4,091 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $228,600 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $340,651 |
Rental Costs
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 | 83.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.9% |
| Housing Units | 177 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,091 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.79% |
In Basin, 32.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 27.3% have high blood pressure. 13.8% are current smokers. 22.4% report binge drinking. 21.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 0.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,559. The dentist ratio is 1:2,138. 51.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Basin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.2% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.3% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.1% |
| Depression | 24.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 32.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.7% |
| Uninsured | 0.3% |
| 97% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,559 |
| Dentists | 1:2,138 |
| Mental Health | 1:768 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.9% |
| Dental Visits | 64.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,802/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 27 |
Basin has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 10.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 37.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 6,429 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
65°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 42.6°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 6,429 ft (1,960 m) |
| Area | 12.7 sq mi (33.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 28/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.2835°N, 112.2871°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Jefferson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Helena Regional (HLN) 27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
10.8"
72% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.30"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 34.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
528 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 15, 2025.
| Jul 6, 2017 |
11 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M5.8 |
70 km |
| Jul 26, 2005 |
16 km N of Dillon, Montana |
M5.6 |
105 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
15 km S of Lincoln, Montana |
M5.0 |
66 km |
| May 8, 2007 |
8 km NNW of Alder, Montana |
M4.4 |
100 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
14 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.4 |
67 km |
| Jan 30, 2016 |
19 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.3 |
74 km |
| Oct 28, 1998 |
18 km S of Whitehall, Montana |
M4.3 |
66 km |
| Aug 16, 2019 |
4 km NW of Manhattan, Montana |
M4.2 |
84 km |
| Jun 18, 2006 |
6 km S of Pony, Montana |
M4.1 |
81 km |
| Aug 6, 2019 |
3 km NW of Manhattan, Montana |
M4.1 |
85 km |
| Oct 7, 2024 |
11 km E of Dillon, Montana |
M4.1 |
119 km |
| Apr 8, 2000 |
8 km ENE of Townsend, Montana |
M4.1 |
68 km |
| Sep 3, 2016 |
16 km S of Whitehall, Montana |
M4.0 |
63 km |
| Jul 27, 2005 |
18 km N of Dillon, Montana |
M4.0 |
103 km |
| Jun 28, 2000 |
21 km SE of Clinton, Montana |
M4.0 |
103 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
14 km SSE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.0 |
66 km |
| Jan 18, 2006 |
18 km NNE of Dillon, Montana |
M4.0 |
104 km |
| Jul 19, 2002 |
43 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
140 km |
| Mar 6, 2009 |
18 km S of Whitehall, Montana |
M4.0 |
66 km |
| Jul 17, 2017 |
12 km ESE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.0 |
70 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
16 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 28, 1982 |
EF1 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1965 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| Sep 15, 1997 |
EF0 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1997 |
EF0 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1996 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1994 |
EF0 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1993 |
EF0 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1993 |
EF0 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1992 |
EF0 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1992 |
EF0 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1988 |
EF0 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1971 |
EF0 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1962 |
EF0 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 1960 |
EF0 |
42 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TOSTON-MAUDLOW (80,383 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
TOSTON-MAUDLOW |
80,383 |
80 km |
| 2021 |
WOODS CREEK |
55,836 |
83 km |
| 2021 |
ALDER CREEK |
38,189 |
86 km |
| 2003 |
LINCOLN COMPLEX (SNOWBANK) |
36,987 |
93 km |
| 1988 |
CANYON CREEK |
35,865 |
42 km |
| 2017 |
ALICE CREEK |
29,971 |
96 km |
| 1984 |
NORTH HILL |
27,162 |
65 km |
| 2000 |
CANYON FERRY COMPLEX (CAVE GULCH) |
26,997 |
69 km |
| 2021 |
HAYSTACK |
26,118 |
15 km |
| 2007 |
MERIWETHER |
18,865 |
75 km |
| 2017 |
PARK CREEK |
17,915 |
91 km |
| 2012 |
BEAR TRAP 2 |
14,875 |
92 km |
| 2000 |
CANYON FERRY COMPLEX (BUCKSNORT) |
14,843 |
55 km |
| 2007 |
PATTENGAIL CREEK |
13,471 |
96 km |
| 1990 |
BEARTOOTH COMPLEX |
13,462 |
85 km |
| 2000 |
BOULDER COMPLEX (HIGH ORE ROAD) |
9,625 |
11 km |
| 1988 |
COMBINATION |
8,588 |
85 km |
| 2015 |
EUSTIS |
8,469 |
69 km |
| 2015 |
COTTONWOOD GULCH |
8,100 |
82 km |
| 2009 |
INDIAN TRAIL |
4,592 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| May |
49°F (10°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| June |
57°F (14°C) |
2.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
65°F (19°C) |
1.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest |
Basin has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 23°F in December to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 10.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.3") and February the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Basin. 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 | $990 |
| Toddler | $1,037 |
| Preschool | $885 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $781 |
| Toddler | $799 |
| Preschool | $799 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Basin
What is the population of Basin?
Basin has a population of 360 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 28 people per square mile, spread across 12.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 36.4% female and 63.6% male.
Is Basin expensive to live in?
Basin 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 $49,167, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $228,600 (19% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 4.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Basin?
Basin has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 10.8 inches, with 37.2 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Basin?
The job market in Basin is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,049. There are 495 business establishments in the area, including 34 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 43 minutes, and 4.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Basin?
The median home value in Basin is $228,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $340,651. The homeownership rate is 83.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,091.
How are the schools in Basin?
Schools in Basin score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.0% of adults in Basin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.1% have completed high school. 11.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Basin?
The obesity rate in Basin is 32.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 13.8% of adults are smokers. 21.1% are physically inactive. 24.3% of residents report depression. 0.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 51.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,559.
What is transportation like in Basin?
The average commute in Basin is 43 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 82% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Basin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Basin is 93.6% White, 0.8% Black or African American, 6.9% Hispanic or Latino, 5.6% Asian. 92.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.2% speak Spanish. 8.0% of the population are military veterans. 19.7% of residents have a disability. 99.7% have health insurance coverage.