Home Value
$250,000
11% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
585/100K
54% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
60.0%
78% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.7%
3% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.1%
10% lower than US avg
How Cardwell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population43
Median Age30.3 yrs
Density20/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans25.0%
Economy
Per Capita$44,267
Unemployment3.7%
Poverty11.1%
County GDP$651M
Commute44 min
Housing
Home Value$250,000
Ownership87.5%
Zillow$542,137
Housing Units16
Rent Burden25.7%
Crime
F
Violent585/100K
Property1,420/100K
Health
Obesity34.5%
Smoking15.6%
Depression26.2%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain13.0 in/yr
Sunny Days311/yr
Elevation4,283 ft (1,305 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+60.0%
High School+96.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.48
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 26%
Commute44 min
Broadband16.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Cardwell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cardwell receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include a highly educated population, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, long commute times. Cardwell offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
Unemployment stands at 3.7%, indicating a healthy job market. 11.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 44 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cardwell is $250,000, 11% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 585 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,420 per 100,000, 28% below the national average.
Education
Cardwell is a highly educated community / 60.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 96.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Cardwell has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 311 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 13.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Cardwell has a population of 43 with a density of 20 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age is 30.3 years, 22% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.1% female and 41.9% male. The city is predominantly White (90.7%), with 9.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 25.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 6.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.3yrs
Median Age
22% below 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 $44,267 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,104, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 619 business establishments, including 68 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 44 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $44,267 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,104 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $100,781 |
| Gini Index | 0.418 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.7% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.1% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 619 |
| County GDP | $651M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 68 |
| Healthcare | 21 |
| Retail | 43 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,191 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.68% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 44.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Cardwell is $250,000, 11% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $542,137, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 16 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. The average annual property tax is $4,191 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $250,000 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $542,137 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
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 | 87.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.5% |
| Housing Units | 16 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,191 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.68% |
In Cardwell, 34.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 28.4% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 22.0% report binge drinking. 22.7% are physically inactive. 26.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,783. The dentist ratio is 1:4,632. 29.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cardwell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.4% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.7% |
| Depression | 26.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 32.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.9% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,783 |
| Dentists | 1:4,632 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,190 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.1% |
| Dental Visits | 64.0% |
| Premature Death | 5,982/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 29.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 21 |
Cardwell has a violent crime rate of 585 per 100,000 residents, 54% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,420 per 100,000, 28% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cardwell receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cardwell vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 584.8/100K |
| 54% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,420.2/100K |
| 28% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 400 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cardwell has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 311 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 13.0 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 4,283 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 45.4°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 311 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,283 ft (1,305 m) |
| Area | 2.2 sq mi (5.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 20/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.8651°N, 111.9642°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Madison County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bozeman Yellowstone International (BZN)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
13.0"
66% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.05"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 41.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 18.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 40.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
848 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 19, 2025.
| Jul 6, 2017 |
11 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M5.8 |
122 km |
| Jul 26, 2005 |
16 km N of Dillon, Montana |
M5.6 |
75 km |
| Aug 20, 1999 |
22 km NW of Lima, Montana |
M5.1 |
136 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
15 km S of Lincoln, Montana |
M5.0 |
118 km |
| Apr 9, 2019 |
9 km NE of Lima, Montana |
M4.6 |
137 km |
| Apr 5, 2011 |
28 km NNE of Spencer, Idaho |
M4.4 |
140 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
14 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.4 |
119 km |
| Feb 5, 2006 |
44 km NE of Spencer, Idaho |
M4.4 |
131 km |
| May 8, 2007 |
8 km NNW of Alder, Montana |
M4.4 |
54 km |
| Jun 16, 2017 |
12 km E of Hebgen Lake Estates, Montana |
M4.4 |
141 km |
| Jun 13, 2016 |
45 km W of Hebgen Lake Estates, Montana |
M4.3 |
127 km |
| Jan 30, 2016 |
19 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.3 |
125 km |
| Oct 28, 1998 |
18 km S of Whitehall, Montana |
M4.3 |
22 km |
| Jul 14, 2023 |
3 km S of Lima, Montana |
M4.2 |
148 km |
| Aug 16, 2019 |
4 km NW of Manhattan, Montana |
M4.2 |
46 km |
| Aug 30, 1997 |
25 km WNW of Hebgen Lake Estates, Montana |
M4.1 |
120 km |
| Oct 7, 2024 |
11 km E of Dillon, Montana |
M4.1 |
82 km |
| Apr 8, 2000 |
8 km ENE of Townsend, Montana |
M4.1 |
68 km |
| Jun 18, 2006 |
6 km S of Pony, Montana |
M4.1 |
30 km |
| Aug 6, 2019 |
3 km NW of Manhattan, Montana |
M4.1 |
47 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
20 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 19, 1962 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1982 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1965 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1960 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2016 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1999 |
EF0 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 15, 1997 |
EF0 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1997 |
EF0 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF0 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF0 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1997 |
EF0 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1996 |
EF0 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1994 |
EF0 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1993 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1992 |
EF0 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1992 |
EF0 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1962 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 1960 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1959 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Yellowstone (189 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Yellowstone |
Caldera(s) |
2,805 m (9,203 ft) |
-1350 |
189 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TOSTON-MAUDLOW (80,383 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
TOSTON-MAUDLOW |
80,383 |
67 km |
| 2021 |
WOODS CREEK |
55,836 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
ALDER CREEK |
38,189 |
92 km |
| 1988 |
CANYON CREEK |
35,865 |
65 km |
| 2001 |
FRIDLEY |
27,575 |
98 km |
| 2000 |
CANYON FERRY COMPLEX (CAVE GULCH) |
26,997 |
97 km |
| 2021 |
HAYSTACK |
26,118 |
39 km |
| 2012 |
BEAR TRAP 2 |
14,875 |
40 km |
| 2000 |
CANYON FERRY COMPLEX (BUCKSNORT) |
14,843 |
82 km |
| 2007 |
PATTENGAIL CREEK |
13,471 |
98 km |
| 2012 |
MILLIE |
10,497 |
86 km |
| 2000 |
BOULDER COMPLEX (HIGH ORE ROAD) |
9,625 |
51 km |
| 2015 |
EUSTIS |
8,469 |
43 km |
| 1988 |
SWEETWATER |
8,405 |
95 km |
| 2020 |
BRIDGER FOOTHILLS |
8,291 |
82 km |
| 2015 |
COTTONWOOD GULCH |
8,100 |
48 km |
| 2018 |
MONUMENT |
6,973 |
95 km |
| 2001 |
PURDY CREEK |
4,868 |
73 km |
| 2020 |
STATE CREEK |
4,549 |
31 km |
| 2012 |
PONY |
4,453 |
19 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| May |
51°F (11°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| June |
60°F (15°C) |
2.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
1.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Cardwell has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 24°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 10.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.1") and February the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Cardwell. 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 | $1,021 |
| Toddler | $1,064 |
| Preschool | $913 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $804 |
| Toddler | $821 |
| Preschool | $821 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cardwell
What is the population of Cardwell?
Cardwell has a population of 43 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 20 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.1% female and 41.9% male.
Is Cardwell expensive to live in?
Cardwell 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 $250,000 (11% below the U.S. median).
Is Cardwell safe?
The violent crime rate in Cardwell is 585 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 1,420 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Cardwell receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cardwell?
Cardwell has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 311 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 13.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Cardwell?
Cardwell has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,104. There are 619 business establishments in the area, including 68 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 44 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cardwell?
The median home value in Cardwell is $250,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $542,137. The homeownership rate is 87.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,191.
How are the schools in Cardwell?
Schools in Cardwell score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 60.0% of adults in Cardwell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cardwell?
The obesity rate in Cardwell is 34.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 22.7% are physically inactive. 26.2% of residents report depression. 29.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,783.
What is transportation like in Cardwell?
The average commute in Cardwell is 44 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cardwell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cardwell is 90.7% White, 9.3% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 25.0% of the population are military veterans. 6.3% of residents have a disability. 97.9% have health insurance coverage.
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