Median Income
$14,583
81% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.0%
85% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
48.2%
50% higher than US avg
Unemployment
17.5%
386% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
82.6%
566% higher than US avg
How Bridger Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population72
Median Age29.2 yrs
Density267/mi²
Male / Female38% / 63%
Largest GroupWhite 0%
Veterans40.0%
Economy
F
Median Income$14,583
Per Capita$5,346
Unemployment17.5%
Poverty82.6%
County GDP$133M
Housing
Ownership43.5%
Zillow$277,791
Housing Units29
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity48.2%
Smoking31.9%
Depression22.3%
Heart Disease8.5%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain20.0 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,871 ft (570 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.0%
High School+82.5%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.94
Community
2024 VoteR 89% / D 9%
Broadband23.0%
Libraries2
Is Bridger a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bridger receives an overall livability score of 1.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Bridger faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bridger is $14,583, 81% below the national average of $75,149. At 17.5%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 82.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Safety & Crime
Bridger is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
5.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Bridger experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.0 inches, including 44.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Bridger has a population of 72 with a density of 267 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 29.2 years, 25% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 62.5% female and 37.5% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 58.1% of residents, while 41.9% speak Spanish. 40.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
29.2yrs
Median Age
25% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
58.1%
26% below US avg
Spanish
41.9%
213% above US avg
The median household income in Bridger is $14,583, which is 81% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $5,346 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $914, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 17.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 82.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 111 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $14,583 |
| 81% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $5,346 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $914 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,821 |
| Gini Index | 0.485 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 17.5% |
| 386% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 82.6% |
| 566% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 111 |
| County GDP | $133M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 15 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $277,791. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 43.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 29 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 43.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 43.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 56.5% |
| Housing Units | 29 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
In Bridger, 48.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 18.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.5% of residents, above the national average. 39.2% have high blood pressure. 31.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.8% report binge drinking. 38.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.3% report depression. 21.5% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:917. The dentist ratio is 1:1,826. 58.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bridger vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 48.2% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 18.2% |
| Heart Disease | 8.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.2% |
| Asthma | 13.7% |
| COPD | 10.8% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 5.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 31.9% |
| 128% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 38.5% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 21.5% |
| Physical Distress | 19.4% |
| Short Sleep | 39.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.7% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:917 |
| Dentists | 1:1,826 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.6% |
| Dental Visits | 45.9% |
| Premature Death | 5,004/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 58.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Bridger has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Bridger vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Bridger experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°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 20.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 44.8 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,871 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 47.5°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,871 ft (570 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 267/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.5421°N, 101.9136°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Haakon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ellsworth Afb (RCA)
65 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.0"
47% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.07"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 9.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 15.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
15 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 8, 2025.
| Jan 28, 1990 |
8 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
145 km |
| May 30, 2024 |
38 km NNW of Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
110 km |
| Mar 9, 2025 |
7 km W of Fairburn, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
147 km |
| Dec 12, 2013 |
10 km WSW of Hermosa, South Dakota |
M3.5 |
138 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
124 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
7 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
146 km |
| Aug 5, 2022 |
4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
132 km |
| Feb 7, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Wasta, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
78 km |
| Jul 12, 1998 |
7 km E of Corn Creek, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
127 km |
| Jan 16, 2012 |
25 km E of Buffalo Gap, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
146 km |
| Apr 4, 2024 |
19 km SW of Interior, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
105 km |
| Jun 8, 2025 |
19 km NW of Wasta, South Dakota |
M2.6 |
67 km |
| Jun 16, 2021 |
15 km N of Quinn, South Dakota |
M2.6 |
49 km |
| Nov 5, 1991 |
1 km ESE of Lead, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
147 km |
| Jan 24, 2004 |
8 km WSW of Green Valley, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
119 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
142 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 12 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 21, 1983 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2015 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2010 |
EF2 |
16 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2010 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1994 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1972 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1972 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1964 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1964 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 1960 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 31, 1959 |
EF2 |
14 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1955 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1953 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 2016 |
EF1 |
38 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COTTONWOOD CA (41,775 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
COTTONWOOD CA |
41,775 |
71 km |
| 2006 |
WHITE OWL |
20,022 |
32 km |
| 1999 |
FAITH |
12,629 |
54 km |
| 2000 |
GENO H. |
10,423 |
36 km |
| 2000 |
HOUCK RANCH |
8,746 |
76 km |
| 2006 |
KELLY |
5,071 |
92 km |
| 2000 |
JENSEN |
4,739 |
54 km |
| 2000 |
HAYES |
4,627 |
68 km |
| 1999 |
BIG BUFFALO CREEK |
3,981 |
84 km |
| 2001 |
W SAGE CK |
3,711 |
86 km |
| 2020 |
BENT RIM |
3,665 |
66 km |
| 1985 |
SAGE CREEK |
2,994 |
79 km |
| 2001 |
LEMON BUTTE |
2,556 |
62 km |
| 2007 |
CONATA II |
2,501 |
85 km |
| 2006 |
RED OWL |
2,470 |
58 km |
| 2005 |
PENNINGTON COUNTY COMPLEX |
2,446 |
100 km |
| 2002 |
DILLON |
2,408 |
80 km |
| 2007 |
NEW UNDERWOOD |
2,286 |
85 km |
| 2010 |
INTERIOR |
2,227 |
88 km |
| 2002 |
CEDAR CANYON |
2,081 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
2.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Bridger has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 21°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.1") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Bridger. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$222 ($133–$354) |
| Specialist Visit |
$310 ($177–$487) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$177 ($89–$310) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,949 ($709–$4,430) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$177) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$354) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$532 ($354–$886) |
| Battery Replacement |
$177 ($89–$310) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$354 ($133–$709) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,202 ($3,544–$10,632) |
| Roof Repair |
$886 ($354–$1,772) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,974 ($4,873–$13,290) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,329 ($443–$3,101) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,290 ($4,430–$26,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,430 ($1,772–$8,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,329 ($709–$2,658) |
| Will Preparation |
$443 ($177–$886) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,215 ($886–$4,430) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($66–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.63 ($2.66–$4.87) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.10 ($2.22–$4.43) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.87) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.99 ($2.66–$5.76) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.87 ($3.54–$6.65) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$177 ($66–$443) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,772 ($1,063–$3,101) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.09–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,063 ($532–$2,215) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$886 ($443–$1,772) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$354 ($177–$620) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$886 ($354–$2,215) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,075 ($4,430–$26,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$177) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$177 ($89–$354) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $520 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $494 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $433 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bridger
What is the population of Bridger?
Bridger has a population of 72 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 267 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 62.5% female and 37.5% male.
Is Bridger expensive to live in?
Bridger is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $14,583, 81% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Bridger safe?
Bridger is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Bridger?
Bridger has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.0 inches, with 44.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Bridger?
The job market in Bridger faces challenges, with unemployment at 17.5% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $914. There are 111 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Bridger?
Schools in Bridger score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.0% of adults in Bridger hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.5% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bridger?
The obesity rate in Bridger is 48.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 31.9% of adults are smokers. 38.5% are physically inactive. 22.3% of residents report depression. 58.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:917.
What are the demographics of Bridger?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bridger is 100% Hispanic or Latino. 58.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 41.9% speak Spanish. 40.0% of the population are military veterans. 21.3% of residents have a disability. 90.7% have health insurance coverage.
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