Median Income
$34,318
54% lower than US avg
Home Value
$121,100
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
232/100K
39% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.1%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$617
47% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.6%
39% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.1%
153% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
36.5%
194% higher than US avg
How Browning Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population990
Median Age28.7 yrs
Density3,536/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 3%
Veterans2.6%
Economy
F
Median Income$34,318
Per Capita$13,701
Unemployment9.1%
Poverty36.5%
County GDP$650M
Commute13 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$121,100
Rent$617
Ownership60.9%
Zillow$133,751
Housing Units349
Rent Burden26.8%
Crime
F
Violent232/100K
Property4,147/100K
Health
Obesity44.6%
Uninsured17.0%
Smoking34.1%
Depression26.7%
Heart Disease9.3%
Climate
Avg Temp39°F (4°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Sunny Days200/yr
Elevation4,375 ft (1,334 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.1%
High School+88.1%
Graduate+8.6%
School Score3.38
Community
2024 VoteR 38% / D 58%
Commute13 min
Broadband81.8%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Browning a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Browning receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Browning has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Browning is $34,318, 54% below the national average of $75,149. At 9.1%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 36.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Browning is $121,100, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $617 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Browning is below the national average at 232 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,147 per 100,000, 112% above the national average.
Education
13.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.4/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Browning has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July. With 200 sunny days, the area sees less sunshine than many U.S. cities. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Browning has a population of 990 with a density of 3,536 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 28.7 years, 26% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.3% female and 48.7% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (94.7%), with 2.9% White, 1.3% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.8% of residents. 2.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 8.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 47.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.7yrs
Median Age
26% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.8%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.2%
76% below US avg
The median household income in Browning is $34,318, which is 54% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $13,701 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $991, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 36.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 342 business establishments, including 46 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $34,318 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $13,701 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $991 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $46,202 |
| Gini Index | 0.485 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.1% |
| 153% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 36.5% |
| 194% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 342 |
| County GDP | $650M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 46 |
| Healthcare | 19 |
| Retail | 41 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,400 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.98% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.0% |
The median home value in Browning is $121,100, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $133,751, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $617 (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. 60.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 349 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $2,400 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $121,100 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $133,751 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $617 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.8% |
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 | 60.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.1% |
| Housing Units | 349 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,400 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.98% |
In Browning, 44.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 18.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.3% of residents, above the national average. 38.5% have high blood pressure. 34.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.5% report binge drinking. 38.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 26.4% experience frequent mental distress. 17.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,253. The dentist ratio is 1:2,280. 32.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Browning vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.6% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 18.6% |
| Heart Disease | 9.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.5% |
| Asthma | 16.4% |
| COPD | 12.6% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 6.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 34.1% |
| 144% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 38.1% |
| Depression | 26.7% |
| Mental Distress | 26.4% |
| Physical Distress | 24.3% |
| Short Sleep | 43.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 47.5% |
| Uninsured | 17.0% |
| 98% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,253 |
| Dentists | 1:2,280 |
| Mental Health | 1:368 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.2% |
| Dental Visits | 38.0% |
| Premature Death | 21,840/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 32.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
Browning has a violent crime rate of 232 per 100,000 residents, 39% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,147 per 100,000, 112% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Browning receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Browning vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 232.3/100K |
| 39% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,147.3/100K |
| 112% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 79 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Browning has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July. The area gets 200 sunny days per year. 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 4,375 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
61°F Jul (16°C)
| Annual Average | 39.1°F |
| 28% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 61°F (16°C) |
| Sunny Days | 200 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,375 ft (1,334 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 3,536/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.5563°N, 113.0151°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Glacier County County |
| Nearest Airport | Cut Bank International (CTB)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.60"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 4.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 99.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 28.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
161 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 17, 2025.
| Mar 4, 2000 |
35 km S of Pincher Creek, Canada |
M4.6 |
101 km |
| Apr 15, 1998 |
11 km NE of Swan Lake, Montana |
M4.1 |
82 km |
| May 2, 1995 |
2 km NW of Kila, Montana |
M4.1 |
118 km |
| Jun 29, 1995 |
2 km NNW of Kila, Montana |
M4.1 |
117 km |
| Jul 19, 2002 |
43 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
125 km |
| Apr 1, 1992 |
10 km ESE of Swan Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
92 km |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
27 km W of Chester, Montana |
M3.9 |
124 km |
| Jun 2, 1996 |
37 km N of Ovando, Montana |
M3.9 |
134 km |
| Jul 5, 2024 |
24 km ENE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
142 km |
| Mar 21, 1992 |
20 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
142 km |
| May 7, 1992 |
14 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
146 km |
| May 1, 1997 |
35 km SSE of Magrath, Canada |
M3.8 |
69 km |
| Sep 26, 2004 |
14 km WSW of Pablo, Montana |
M3.8 |
146 km |
| Jul 2, 1992 |
4 km SSE of South Browning, Montana |
M3.8 |
6 km |
| May 2, 1995 |
3 km WNW of Kila, Montana |
M3.8 |
119 km |
| Jun 1, 1996 |
23 km N of Ovando, Montana |
M3.8 |
148 km |
| Jan 13, 2010 |
36 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.7 |
126 km |
| Oct 2, 1995 |
18 km E of Finley Point, Montana |
M3.7 |
110 km |
| May 10, 1990 |
47 km SSW of Heart Butte, Montana |
M3.6 |
75 km |
| Jun 5, 1991 |
18 km SW of Shelby, Montana |
M3.6 |
77 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
11 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 7, 1982 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2006 |
EF1 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1994 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1977 |
EF1 |
61 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 2000 |
EF0 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1994 |
EF0 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1993 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1986 |
EF0 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1982 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1981 |
EF0 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1981 |
EF0 |
84 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MOOSE (73,210 ac, 2001).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2001 |
MOOSE |
73,210 |
81 km |
| 2015 |
BEAR CREEK |
60,710 |
88 km |
| 2003 |
ROBERT |
54,500 |
77 km |
| 2007 |
FOOL CREEK |
53,912 |
66 km |
| 2015 |
FAMILY PEAK COMPLEX |
49,769 |
36 km |
| 1988 |
GATES PARK |
42,493 |
83 km |
| 2007 |
SKYLAND |
41,237 |
29 km |
| 1988 |
RED BENCH |
33,845 |
95 km |
| 2006 |
RED EAGLE |
32,563 |
34 km |
| 2003 |
RAMPAGE COMPLEX (DOUBLE MOUNTAIN 2) |
23,680 |
46 km |
| 2015 |
TRAIL CREEK |
22,338 |
71 km |
| 2017 |
SCALP |
20,309 |
66 km |
| 2003 |
BLACKFOOT LAKE COMPLEX (BLACKFOOT LAKE) |
18,274 |
77 km |
| 2015 |
THOMPSON |
18,049 |
40 km |
| 2003 |
TRAPPER CREEK FIRE (TRAPPER CREEK) |
18,028 |
66 km |
| 2017 |
STRAWBERRY |
17,781 |
49 km |
| 2017 |
SPRAGUE |
16,897 |
61 km |
| 2018 |
HOWE RIDGE |
14,747 |
68 km |
| 2021 |
GREENHOUSE |
14,501 |
13 km |
| 2007 |
CORPORAL |
14,054 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
40°F (4°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| May |
49°F (10°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| June |
57°F (14°C) |
2.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
61°F (16°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| August |
63°F (17°C) |
1.6 in |
Warmest |
| September |
53°F (12°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Browning has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 21°F in January to 63°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 16.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.6") and February the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Browning. 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 | $898 |
| Toddler | $930 |
| Preschool | $802 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $725 |
| Toddler | $738 |
| Preschool | $738 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Browning
What is the population of Browning?
Browning has a population of 990 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 3,536 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
Is Browning expensive to live in?
Browning 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 $34,318, 54% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $121,100 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $617 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Browning safe?
Browning is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 232 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,147 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Browning receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Browning?
Browning has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 61°F in July. The area receives 200 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Browning?
The job market in Browning faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $991. There are 342 business establishments in the area, including 46 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 3.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Browning?
The median home value in Browning is $121,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $133,751. For renters, the median monthly rent is $617. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.9%. The average annual property tax is $2,400.
How are the schools in Browning?
Schools in Browning have an average test score of 3.4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 13.1% of adults in Browning hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% have completed high school. 8.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Browning?
The obesity rate in Browning is 44.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 34.1% of adults are smokers. 38.1% are physically inactive. 26.7% of residents report depression. 17.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 32.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,253.
What is transportation like in Browning?
The average commute in Browning is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 70.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Browning?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Browning is 2.9% White, 94.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Asian. 96.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.2% speak Spanish. 2.6% of the population are military veterans. 8.2% of residents have a disability. 47.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
