Home Value
$157,800
44% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.4%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Box Elder Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population39
Median Age24.8 yrs
Density49/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 49%
Veterans26.7%
Economy
Per Capita$35,185
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$925M
Housing
Home Value$157,800
Ownership64.7%
Zillow$251,865
Housing Units37
Rent Burden25.9%
Health
Obesity40.4%
Uninsured7.7%
Smoking24.0%
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease9.0%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
Rain13.3 in/yr
Elevation2,670 ft (814 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.88
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 39%
Broadband70.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Box Elder a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Box Elder receives an overall livability score of 5.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Box Elder stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
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%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Box Elder is $157,800, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Box Elder 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. Annual precipitation totals 13.3 inches, including 41.0 inches of snow.
Box Elder has a population of 39 with a density of 49 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 24.8 years, 36% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.2% female and 53.8% male. The city is predominantly White (48.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 26.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39
Total Population
2023 Census
24.8yrs
Median Age
36% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Box Elder vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Box Elder vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $35,185. 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). 0.0% 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. 4.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Box Elder vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $35,185 |
| 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 | 0.0% |
| 100% 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 | 2.06% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 34.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.3% |
The median home value in Box Elder is $157,800, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $251,865, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. 64.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 37 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $3,257. 25.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $157,800 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $251,865 |
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 | 64.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.3% |
| Housing Units | 37 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,257 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.06% |
In Box Elder, 40.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.0% of residents, above the national average. 36.7% have high blood pressure. 24.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.3% report binge drinking. 30.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.0% experience frequent mental distress. 7.7% of residents lack health insurance. 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: Box Elder vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.4% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.3% |
| Heart Disease | 9.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.7% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 10.5% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 5.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 24.0% |
| 71% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.8% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 21.0% |
| Physical Distress | 19.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.3% |
| Uninsured | 7.7% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,471 |
| Dentists | 1:1,148 |
| Mental Health | 1:247 |
| Checkup Rate | 62.8% |
| Dental Visits | 44.1% |
| Premature Death | 12,044/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 71.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 58 |
Box Elder 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. Annual precipitation totals 13.3 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 2,670 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) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,670 ft (814 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 49/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.3231°N, 110.0177°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Hill County County |
| Nearest Airport | Great Falls International (GTF)
85 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
13.3"
65% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.12"
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
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 |
99 km |
| Jun 5, 1991 |
18 km SW of Shelby, Montana |
M3.6 |
147 km |
| Apr 2, 2014 |
13 km NNW of Conrad, Montana |
M3.1 |
149 km |
| Dec 5, 1991 |
15 km WSW of Hays, Montana |
M3.0 |
93 km |
| Feb 25, 2013 |
28 km WSW of Chester, Montana |
M2.5 |
95 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 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2002 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1998 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1995 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1980 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1980 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1980 |
EF1 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1977 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1965 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1962 |
EF1 |
25 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2022 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2018 |
EF0 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2014 |
EF0 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2012 |
EF0 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2005 |
EF0 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 2002 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1999 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1999 |
EF0 |
65 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 |
61 km |
| 2021 |
TAYLOR |
21,704 |
96 km |
| 2017 |
EAST FORK |
21,165 |
34 km |
| 2009 |
MEISSNER |
12,318 |
100 km |
| 1984 |
CENTENNIAL |
11,775 |
21 km |
| 2006 |
MAGGIE |
8,187 |
85 km |
| 2022 |
EAGLE CREEK |
6,359 |
35 km |
| 1988 |
LOSTCANYON |
4,532 |
22 km |
| 2008 |
CHOUTEAU CO COMPLEX |
4,365 |
51 km |
| 2003 |
LAKE17 |
4,054 |
91 km |
| 2014 |
MIDDLE BLACK |
3,854 |
84 km |
| 2012 |
OUTHOUSE |
3,179 |
46 km |
| 2007 |
CHOUTEAU CO ASST |
2,646 |
73 km |
| 2014 |
2 RAINTRAP PASTURE PRESCRIBED FIRE |
2,311 |
85 km |
| 2021 |
FOUR SISTERS |
1,999 |
91 km |
| 2011 |
WILD HORSE |
1,882 |
88 km |
| 2021 |
EAGLE BUTTE |
1,817 |
53 km |
| 2013 |
PEOPLES CREEK |
1,623 |
92 km |
| 1988 |
P N |
1,533 |
73 km |
| 2012 |
BIG STRETCH |
1,524 |
18 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
3.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
1.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Box Elder 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 June being the wettest month (3.1") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Box Elder. 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 Box Elder
What is the population of Box Elder?
Box Elder has a population of 39 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 49 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 24.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.2% female and 53.8% male.
Is Box Elder expensive to live in?
Box Elder is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $157,800 (44% below the U.S. median).
What is the weather like in Box Elder?
Box Elder 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. Annual rainfall totals 13.3 inches, with 41.0 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Box Elder?
The job market in Box Elder 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 Box Elder?
The median home value in Box Elder is $157,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $251,865. The homeownership rate is 64.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,257.
How are the schools in Box Elder?
Schools in Box Elder 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 Box Elder hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Box Elder?
The obesity rate in Box Elder is 40.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 24.0% of adults are smokers. 30.8% are physically inactive. 23.7% of residents report depression. 7.7% lack health insurance. 71.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,471.
What are the demographics of Box Elder?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Box Elder is 48.7% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 26.7% of the population are military veterans. 20.5% of residents have a disability. 92.3% have health insurance coverage.