Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$303
74% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.4%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
37.5%
202% higher than US avg
How Boneau Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population284
Median Age41.3 yrs
Density120/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 0%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Per Capita$15,724
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty37.5%
County GDP$925M
Housing
Rent$303
Ownership32.5%
Zillow$251,865
Housing Units89
Rent Burden9.0%
Health
Obesity39.4%
Uninsured0.0%
Smoking22.2%
Depression25.0%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
Rain11.8 in/yr
Elevation3,248 ft (990 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+47.9%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.88
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 39%
Broadband42.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Boneau a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Boneau receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, high obesity rates. Boneau has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 37.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $303 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 47.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Boneau has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 11.8 inches, including 41.0 inches of snow.
Boneau has a population of 284 with a density of 120 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age is 41.3 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.8% female and 41.2% male. The city is predominantly White (0%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 16.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
284
Total Population
2023 Census
41.3yrs
Median Age
6% above 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 $15,724 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $946, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 37.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher 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. 6.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $15,724 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $946 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,947 |
| Gini Index | 0.409 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 37.5% |
| 202% above 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) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 70.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.4% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $251,865. Monthly rent averages $303 (74% 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. 32.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 89 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1992. The average annual property tax is $3,257. 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $303 |
| 74% 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 | 32.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 32.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 67.5% |
| Housing Units | 89 |
| Median Year Built | 1992 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,257 |
| 7% below US avg |
In Boneau, 39.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.7% have high blood pressure. 22.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.9% report binge drinking. 26.7% are physically inactive. 25.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.8% experience frequent mental distress. 0.0% of residents lack health insurance (below 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: Boneau vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.4% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.7% |
| Asthma | 15.0% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 5.1% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.2% |
| 59% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.7% |
| Depression | 25.0% |
| Mental Distress | 22.8% |
| Physical Distress | 17.5% |
| Short Sleep | 39.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,471 |
| Dentists | 1:1,148 |
| Mental Health | 1:247 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.6% |
| Dental Visits | 49.3% |
| Premature Death | 12,044/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 71.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 58 |
Boneau has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 11.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 41.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 3,248 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.6°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,248 ft (990 m) |
| Area | 2.4 sq mi (6.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 120/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.2951°N, 109.8738°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Hill County County |
| Nearest Airport | Great Falls International (GTF)
89 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
11.8"
69% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.49"
Air Quality
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
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.5 on Feb 25, 2013.
| Aug 16, 1994 |
27 km W of Chester, Montana |
M3.9 |
110 km |
| Dec 5, 1991 |
15 km WSW of Hays, Montana |
M3.0 |
82 km |
| Oct 16, 2011 |
Eastern Montana |
M2.7 |
148 km |
| Feb 25, 2013 |
28 km WSW of Chester, Montana |
M2.5 |
106 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
29 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 7 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1996 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2002 |
EF1 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1998 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1995 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1980 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1980 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1980 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1977 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1965 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1962 |
EF1 |
23 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2022 |
EF0 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2014 |
EF0 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2012 |
EF0 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2005 |
EF0 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 2002 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1999 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1999 |
EF0 |
57 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 |
51 km |
| 2012 |
WELDER |
32,985 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
TAYLOR |
21,704 |
91 km |
| 2017 |
EAST FORK |
21,165 |
23 km |
| 2009 |
MEISSNER |
12,318 |
99 km |
| 1984 |
CENTENNIAL |
11,775 |
10 km |
| 2006 |
MAGGIE |
8,187 |
74 km |
| 2022 |
EAGLE CREEK |
6,359 |
25 km |
| 1988 |
LOSTCANYON |
4,532 |
12 km |
| 2008 |
CHOUTEAU CO COMPLEX |
4,365 |
56 km |
| 2003 |
LAKE17 |
4,054 |
80 km |
| 2006 |
HOWARD |
3,884 |
94 km |
| 2014 |
MIDDLE BLACK |
3,854 |
81 km |
| 2012 |
OUTHOUSE |
3,179 |
41 km |
| 1990 |
ADAMS |
3,072 |
96 km |
| 1990 |
QUISNO |
3,018 |
89 km |
| 2007 |
CHOUTEAU CO ASST |
2,646 |
76 km |
| 2014 |
2 RAINTRAP PASTURE PRESCRIBED FIRE |
2,311 |
74 km |
| 1995 |
MAYOR |
2,180 |
93 km |
| 2021 |
FOUR SISTERS |
1,999 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
2.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
1.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Boneau has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 18°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 11.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.5") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Boneau. 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 Boneau
What is the population of Boneau?
Boneau has a population of 284 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 120 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.8% female and 41.2% male.
Is Boneau expensive to live in?
Boneau is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.6 / below the baseline of 100. Renters pay a median of $303 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
What is the weather like in Boneau?
Boneau has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 11.8 inches, with 41.0 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Boneau?
The job market in Boneau is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $946. There are 601 business establishments in the area, including 56 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Boneau?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $303. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 32.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,257.
How are the schools in Boneau?
Schools in Boneau have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Boneau hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 47.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Boneau?
The obesity rate in Boneau is 39.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.2% of adults are smokers. 26.7% are physically inactive. 25.0% of residents report depression. 0.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 71.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,471.
What are the demographics of Boneau?
100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 16.5% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.