Median Income
$58,083
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$129,600
54% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
538/100K
42% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.6%
51% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$620
47% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.2%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.3%
75% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.1%
43% lower than US avg
How Big Sandy Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population844
Median Age36.1 yrs
Density1,758/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 78%
Veterans4.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$58,083
Per Capita$29,100
Unemployment6.3%
Poverty7.1%
County GDP$925M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$129,600
Rent$620
Ownership59.1%
Zillow$251,865
Housing Units345
Rent Burden9.0%
Crime
F
Violent538/100K
Property3,605/100K
Health
Obesity36.2%
Uninsured11.3%
Smoking17.9%
Depression26.7%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain13.3 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation2,702 ft (824 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.6%
High School+91.1%
Graduate+8.4%
School Score4.88
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 39%
Commute19 min
Broadband66.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Big Sandy a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Big Sandy receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Big Sandy has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Big Sandy is $58,083, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Big Sandy is $129,600, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $620 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 538 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,605 per 100,000, 84% above the national average.
Education
16.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Big Sandy has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 13.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Big Sandy has a population of 844 with a density of 1,758 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 36.1 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.8% female and 43.2% male. The city is predominantly White (77.8%), with 17.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 4.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 15.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.1yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Big Sandy vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Big Sandy vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Big Sandy is $58,083, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,100 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $946, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 601 business establishments, including 56 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 19.4% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Big Sandy vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,083 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,100 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $946 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,947 |
| Gini Index | 0.409 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.3% |
| 75% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.1% |
| 43% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 601 |
| County GDP | $925M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 56 |
| Healthcare | 58 |
| Retail | 68 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,257 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.51% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 54.4% |
| Public Transit | 1.7% |
| Work from Home | 19.4% |
The median home value in Big Sandy is $129,600, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $251,865, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $620 (47% 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. 59.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 345 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $3,257. 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $129,600 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $251,865 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $620 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 9.0% |
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 | 59.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.9% |
| Housing Units | 345 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,257 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.51% |
In Big Sandy, 36.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 17.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.3% report binge drinking. 23.7% are physically inactive. 26.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.6% experience frequent mental distress. 11.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,471. The dentist ratio is 1:1,148. 71.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Big Sandy vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.2% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.7% |
| Depression | 26.7% |
| Mental Distress | 20.6% |
| Physical Distress | 15.0% |
| Short Sleep | 36.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.7% |
| Uninsured | 11.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,471 |
| Dentists | 1:1,148 |
| Mental Health | 1:247 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.2% |
| Dental Visits | 53.5% |
| Premature Death | 12,044/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 71.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 58 |
Big Sandy has a violent crime rate of 538 per 100,000 residents, 42% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,605 per 100,000, 84% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Big Sandy receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Big Sandy vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 538.2/100K |
| 42% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,604.8/100K |
| 84% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 26 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Big Sandy has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 274 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 13.3 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 2,702 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 45.1°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,702 ft (824 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,758/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.1786°N, 110.1133°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Hill County County |
| Nearest Airport | Great Falls International (GTF)
76 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
13.3"
65% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.52"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 67.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 38.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very 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 High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M3.1 on Apr 2, 2014.
| Aug 16, 1994 |
27 km W of Chester, Montana |
M3.9 |
97 km |
| Jun 5, 1991 |
18 km SW of Shelby, Montana |
M3.6 |
142 km |
| Apr 2, 2014 |
13 km NNW of Conrad, Montana |
M3.1 |
142 km |
| Dec 5, 1991 |
15 km WSW of Hays, Montana |
M3.0 |
94 km |
| Feb 25, 2013 |
28 km WSW of Chester, Montana |
M2.5 |
91 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
38 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 7 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1996 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1976 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2002 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1998 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1995 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1980 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1980 |
EF1 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1980 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1977 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1965 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1962 |
EF1 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1960 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2022 |
EF0 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2018 |
EF0 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2014 |
EF0 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2012 |
EF0 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2005 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BLAINE C (138,192 ac, 1991).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1991 |
BLAINE C |
138,192 |
71 km |
| 2021 |
TAYLOR |
21,704 |
84 km |
| 2017 |
EAST FORK |
21,165 |
40 km |
| 2009 |
MEISSNER |
12,318 |
83 km |
| 1984 |
CENTENNIAL |
11,775 |
26 km |
| 2006 |
MAGGIE |
8,187 |
93 km |
| 2022 |
EAGLE CREEK |
6,359 |
36 km |
| 1988 |
LOSTCANYON |
4,532 |
24 km |
| 2008 |
CHOUTEAU CO COMPLEX |
4,365 |
34 km |
| 2003 |
LAKE17 |
4,054 |
96 km |
| 2012 |
OUTHOUSE |
3,179 |
63 km |
| 2007 |
CHOUTEAU CO ASST |
2,646 |
55 km |
| 2014 |
2 RAINTRAP PASTURE PRESCRIBED FIRE |
2,311 |
86 km |
| 2021 |
FOUR SISTERS |
1,999 |
74 km |
| 2011 |
WILD HORSE |
1,882 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
EAGLE BUTTE |
1,817 |
38 km |
| 2013 |
PEOPLES CREEK |
1,623 |
98 km |
| 1988 |
P N |
1,533 |
62 km |
| 2012 |
BIG STRETCH |
1,524 |
34 km |
| 1984 |
FRITZ |
1,491 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
1.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Big Sandy has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 20°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 13.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.5") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Big Sandy. 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 | $912 |
| Toddler | $948 |
| Preschool | $815 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $737 |
| Toddler | $752 |
| Preschool | $752 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Sandy
What is the population of Big Sandy?
Big Sandy has a population of 844 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 1,758 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.8% female and 43.2% male.
Is Big Sandy expensive to live in?
Big Sandy 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 $58,083, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $129,600 (54% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $620 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Big Sandy safe?
The violent crime rate in Big Sandy is 538 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 3,605 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Big Sandy receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Big Sandy?
Big Sandy has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 13.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Big Sandy?
The unemployment rate in Big Sandy is 6.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $946. There are 601 business establishments in the area, including 56 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 19.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Big Sandy?
The median home value in Big Sandy is $129,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $251,865. For renters, the median monthly rent is $620. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,257.
How are the schools in Big Sandy?
Schools in Big Sandy have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 16.6% of adults in Big Sandy hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. 8.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Big Sandy?
The obesity rate in Big Sandy is 36.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.9% of adults are smokers. 23.7% are physically inactive. 26.7% of residents report depression. 11.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 71.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,471.
What is transportation like in Big Sandy?
The average commute in Big Sandy is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 54.4% of workers drive alone to work, 1.7% use public transit, and 19.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Big Sandy?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Big Sandy is 77.8% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 17.1% Hispanic or Latino. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 4.2% of the population are military veterans. 15.9% of residents have a disability. 97.7% have health insurance coverage.
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