Violent Crime
432/100K
14% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.2%
67% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.3%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
55.1%
344% higher than US avg
How Big Arm Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population142
Median Age31.5 yrs
Density26/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 39%
Veterans98.0%
Economy
Per Capita$23,077
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty55.1%
County GDP$1,355M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$823,626
Housing Units99
Rent Burden27.6%
Crime
F
Violent432/100K
Property5,400/100K
Health
Obesity34.3%
Uninsured9.8%
Smoking17.6%
Depression26.5%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain15.7 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation3,834 ft (1,169 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.2%
High School+74.5%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.10
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 39%
Broadband49.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Big Arm a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Big Arm receives an overall livability score of 1.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Big Arm faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 55.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 432 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,400 per 100,000, 175% above the national average.
Education
11.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Big Arm has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 15.7 inches, including 33.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Big Arm has a population of 142 with a density of 26 people per square mile, spread across 5.4 square miles. The median age is 31.5 years, 19% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.9% female and 52.1% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (60.6%), with 39.4% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 98.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 65.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.5yrs
Median Age
19% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $23,077 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $967, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 55.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,300 business establishments, including 92 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $23,077 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $967 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,531 |
| Gini Index | 0.484 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 55.1% |
| 344% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,300 |
| County GDP | $1,355M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 92 |
| Healthcare | 98 |
| Retail | 109 |
| Manufacturing | 43 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,744 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $823,626. Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 99 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. The average annual property tax is $4,744 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 99 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,744 |
| 36% above US avg |
In Big Arm, 34.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 17.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.2% report binge drinking. 21.9% are physically inactive. 26.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.6% experience frequent mental distress. 9.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,335. The dentist ratio is 1:1,217. 62.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Big Arm vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 13.4% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.9% |
| Depression | 26.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.6% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Short Sleep | 34.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 65.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.8% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,335 |
| Dentists | 1:1,217 |
| Mental Health | 1:344 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.0% |
| Dental Visits | 59.1% |
| Premature Death | 11,703/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 98 |
Big Arm has a violent crime rate of 432 per 100,000 residents, 14% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,400 per 100,000, 175% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Big Arm receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Big Arm vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 432.0/100K |
| 14% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,399.6/100K |
| 175% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 24 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Big Arm has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 67°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 15.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 33.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. 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 3,834 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
67°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 45.2°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,834 ft (1,169 m) |
| Area | 5.4 sq mi (14.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 26/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.7936°N, 114.2700°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Lake County County |
| Nearest Airport | Glacier Park International (FCA) 36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
15.7"
59% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.44"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 67.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 58.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
227 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.7. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 15, 2025.
| Dec 22, 1998 |
Idaho-Montana border region |
M4.7 |
73 km |
| Mar 22, 2006 |
8 km SSW of Rexford, Montana |
M4.3 |
134 km |
| Aug 17, 1994 |
1 km E of Mullan, Idaho |
M4.1 |
119 km |
| May 2, 1995 |
2 km NW of Kila, Montana |
M4.1 |
42 km |
| Jun 29, 1995 |
2 km NNW of Kila, Montana |
M4.1 |
41 km |
| Apr 15, 1998 |
11 km NE of Swan Lake, Montana |
M4.1 |
46 km |
| Apr 1, 1992 |
10 km ESE of Swan Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
42 km |
| Jun 28, 2000 |
21 km SE of Clinton, Montana |
M4.0 |
142 km |
| Jul 19, 2002 |
43 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
100 km |
| Jan 20, 1998 |
15 km SSE of Happys Inn, Montana |
M4.0 |
61 km |
| Jun 2, 1996 |
37 km N of Ovando, Montana |
M3.9 |
104 km |
| Mar 21, 1992 |
20 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
94 km |
| Jul 2, 1992 |
4 km SSE of South Browning, Montana |
M3.8 |
123 km |
| Jul 5, 2024 |
24 km ENE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
97 km |
| May 7, 1992 |
14 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
92 km |
| Jun 1, 1996 |
23 km N of Ovando, Montana |
M3.8 |
104 km |
| Sep 26, 2004 |
14 km WSW of Pablo, Montana |
M3.8 |
25 km |
| May 2, 1995 |
3 km WNW of Kila, Montana |
M3.8 |
41 km |
| Aug 19, 1999 |
12 km ENE of Happys Inn, Montana |
M3.7 |
64 km |
| Jan 13, 2010 |
36 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.7 |
92 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
10 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 9, 2023 |
EF0 |
51 km |
0 |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
EF0 |
25 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2011 |
EF0 |
17 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2008 |
EF0 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2007 |
EF0 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2007 |
EF0 |
21 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 2000 |
EF0 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1995 |
EF0 |
59 km |
0 |
| Mar 3, 1991 |
EF0 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1978 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RICE RIDGE (171,473 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
RICE RIDGE |
171,473 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
CHIPPY CREEK |
95,656 |
42 km |
| 2001 |
MOOSE |
73,210 |
96 km |
| 2015 |
BEAR CREEK |
60,710 |
63 km |
| 2003 |
ROBERT |
54,500 |
87 km |
| 1988 |
GATES PARK |
42,493 |
100 km |
| 2007 |
SKYLAND |
41,237 |
99 km |
| 2021 |
THORNE CREEK |
39,694 |
75 km |
| 2007 |
JOCKO LAKES |
35,759 |
80 km |
| 2003 |
LITTLE SALMON CREEK |
33,044 |
74 km |
| 2007 |
BRUSH CREEK |
30,166 |
77 km |
| 2016 |
COPPER KING |
28,338 |
65 km |
| 2017 |
LIBERTY |
27,731 |
88 km |
| 2003 |
BARTLETT MOUNTAIN |
27,614 |
87 km |
| 2017 |
SUNRISE |
26,896 |
91 km |
| 2017 |
SHEEP GAP |
24,702 |
68 km |
| 2003 |
RAMPAGE COMPLEX (DOUBLE MOUNTAIN 2) |
23,680 |
84 km |
| 2000 |
MONTURE-SPREAD RIDGE (MONTURE) |
22,493 |
98 km |
| 2015 |
TRAIL CREEK |
22,338 |
69 km |
| 2022 |
ELMO |
22,148 |
13 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
44°F (6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| June |
59°F (15°C) |
2.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
67°F (20°C) |
1.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-3°C) |
1.8 in |
|
Big Arm has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 26°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.4") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Big Arm. 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 | $977 |
| Toddler | $1,017 |
| Preschool | $873 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $769 |
| Toddler | $785 |
| Preschool | $785 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Arm
What is the population of Big Arm?
Big Arm has a population of 142 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 26 people per square mile, spread across 5.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.9% female and 52.1% male.
Is Big Arm expensive to live in?
Big Arm is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.6 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Big Arm safe?
The violent crime rate in Big Arm is 432 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,400 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Big Arm receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Big Arm?
Big Arm has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 15.7 inches, with 33.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Big Arm?
The job market in Big Arm is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $967. There are 1,300 business establishments in the area, including 92 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Big Arm?
Schools in Big Arm score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.2% of adults in Big Arm hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.5% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Big Arm?
The obesity rate in Big Arm is 34.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.6% of adults are smokers. 21.9% are physically inactive. 26.5% of residents report depression. 9.8% lack health insurance. 62.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,335.
What are the demographics of Big Arm?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Big Arm is 39.4% White, 60.6% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 98.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 65.5% have health insurance coverage.