Median Income
$72,083
4% lower than US avg
Home Value
$170,500
40% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
272/100K
28% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.9%
38% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$910
22% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.6%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.1%
42% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.6%
63% lower than US avg
How Belt Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population525
Median Age48.3 yrs
Density1,544/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans8.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$72,083
Per Capita$30,598
Unemployment5.1%
Poverty4.6%
County GDP$139M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$170,500
Rent$910
Ownership71.4%
Zillow$376,976
Housing Units260
Rent Burden34.1%
Crime
F
Violent272/100K
Property4,304/100K
Health
Obesity33.6%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking13.4%
Depression27.6%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain21.6 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation3,512 ft (1,070 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.9%
High School+91.2%
Graduate+4.3%
School Score6.02
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 20%
Commute22 min
Broadband74.9%
EV Stations11
Libraries2
Is Belt a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Belt receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Belt offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Belt is $72,083, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 4.6% 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 Belt is $170,500, 40% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $910 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Belt is below the national average at 272 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,304 per 100,000, 120% above the national average.
Education
20.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Belt has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 21.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Belt has a population of 525 with a density of 1,544 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 48.3 years, 24% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.7% female and 54.3% male. The city is predominantly White (89%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 8.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.3yrs
Median Age
24% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Belt is $72,083, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,598 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $809, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 4.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 115 business establishments, including 5 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). 2.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,083 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,598 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $809 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,853 |
| Gini Index | 0.502 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.1% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.6% |
| 63% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 115 |
| County GDP | $139M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Healthcare | 7 |
| Retail | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 62.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.7% |
The median home value in Belt is $170,500, 40% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $376,976, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $910 (22% 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. 71.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 260 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. 34.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $170,500 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $376,976 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $910 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 34.1% |
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 | 71.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.6% |
| Housing Units | 260 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
In Belt, 33.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 28.3% have high blood pressure. 13.4% are current smokers. 23.1% report binge drinking. 19.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 27.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance. 11.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Belt vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.6% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.8% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.3% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.4% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.8% |
| Depression | 27.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 35.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:2,093 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 63.5% |
| Premature Death | 8,360/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 11.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 7 |
Belt has a violent crime rate of 272 per 100,000 residents, 28% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,304 per 100,000, 120% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Belt receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Belt vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 272.3/100K |
| 28% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,304.1/100K |
| 120% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 67 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Belt has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 276 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 21.6 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 3,512 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 44.9°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,512 ft (1,070 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,544/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.3872°N, 110.9277°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Judith Basin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Great Falls International (GTF) 22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.6"
43% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.50"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 5.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 29.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 49.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
235 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 20, 2025.
| Jul 6, 2017 |
11 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M5.8 |
137 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
15 km S of Lincoln, Montana |
M5.0 |
146 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
14 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.4 |
136 km |
| Jan 30, 2016 |
19 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.3 |
123 km |
| Apr 8, 2000 |
8 km ENE of Townsend, Montana |
M4.1 |
122 km |
| Nov 10, 2000 |
14 km NE of Townsend, Montana |
M4.0 |
115 km |
| Jul 17, 2017 |
12 km ESE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.0 |
134 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
14 km SSE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.0 |
140 km |
| Oct 19, 2017 |
12 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.9 |
135 km |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
27 km W of Chester, Montana |
M3.9 |
126 km |
| Feb 6, 1999 |
24 km E of Townsend, Montana |
M3.9 |
116 km |
| Apr 1, 1993 |
15 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.9 |
126 km |
| Apr 17, 2018 |
13 km ESE of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.8 |
133 km |
| Jan 16, 2011 |
10 km ENE of Marysville, Montana |
M3.7 |
116 km |
| May 24, 2000 |
9 km ENE of Townsend, Montana |
M3.7 |
122 km |
| Jul 13, 2017 |
14 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.7 |
136 km |
| Jan 2, 1990 |
6 km NNE of Toston, Montana |
M3.7 |
134 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
12 km ESE of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.7 |
133 km |
| Feb 3, 2019 |
9 km S of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.7 |
144 km |
| Feb 4, 2016 |
5 km NW of Clancy, Montana |
M3.7 |
129 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
57 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 8 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1996 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1994 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1994 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1976 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1975 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1965 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2012 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2007 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2003 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1998 |
EF1 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1998 |
EF1 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF1 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1980 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1977 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WOODS CREEK (55,836 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
WOODS CREEK |
55,836 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
HARRIS MTN |
31,792 |
64 km |
| 1984 |
NORTH HILL |
27,162 |
98 km |
| 2000 |
CANYON FERRY COMPLEX (CAVE GULCH) |
26,997 |
93 km |
| 1990 |
TURKEY |
25,658 |
69 km |
| 2021 |
TAYLOR |
21,704 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
MERIWETHER |
18,865 |
89 km |
| 1990 |
BEARTOOTH COMPLEX |
13,462 |
81 km |
| 2009 |
MEISSNER |
12,318 |
50 km |
| 1985 |
SANDPOINT |
10,439 |
74 km |
| 1993 |
FREEZEOUT LAKE |
9,793 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
BALSINGER |
8,317 |
44 km |
| 2020 |
LOUSE CREEK |
5,237 |
89 km |
| 2009 |
INDIAN TRAIL |
4,592 |
88 km |
| 2020 |
YOGO |
4,429 |
61 km |
| 2008 |
CHOUTEAU CO COMPLEX |
4,365 |
73 km |
| 2019 |
STUCKEY RD MA |
4,073 |
39 km |
| 1991 |
POWER |
3,822 |
65 km |
| 2012 |
MISSION ROAD |
3,372 |
82 km |
| 2008 |
UNIT 3 MARSH HAZ FUEL REDUCTION |
3,333 |
44 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| February |
28°F (-3°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
60°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
1.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
Belt has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 26°F in December to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.5") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Belt. 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 | $904 |
| Toddler | $940 |
| Preschool | $807 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $711 |
| Toddler | $726 |
| Preschool | $726 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Belt
What is the population of Belt?
Belt has a population of 525 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 1,544 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.7% female and 54.3% male.
Is Belt expensive to live in?
Belt 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 $72,083, 4% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $170,500 (40% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $910 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Belt safe?
Belt is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 272 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,304 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Belt receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Belt?
Belt has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 21.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Belt?
The unemployment rate in Belt is 5.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $809. There are 115 business establishments in the area, including 5 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 2.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Belt?
The median home value in Belt is $170,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $376,976. For renters, the median monthly rent is $910. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.4%.
How are the schools in Belt?
Schools in Belt score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.9% of adults in Belt hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.2% have completed high school. 4.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Belt?
The obesity rate in Belt is 33.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.4% of adults are smokers. 19.8% are physically inactive. 27.6% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance. 11.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Belt?
The average commute in Belt is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 62.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Belt?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Belt is 89% White, 0.8% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 8.7% of the population are military veterans. 19.2% of residents have a disability. 97.7% have health insurance coverage.