Median Income
$32,188
57% lower than US avg
Home Value
$107,500
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
135/100K
64% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.8%
86% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.3%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.0%
19% lower than US avg
How Carter Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population118
Median Age25.2 yrs
Density41/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans83.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$32,188
Per Capita$13,572
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty10.0%
County GDP$292M
Housing
A+
Home Value$107,500
Ownership78.3%
Zillow$360,360
Housing Units23
Rent Burden17.8%
Crime
F
Violent135/100K
Property1,556/100K
Health
Obesity34.3%
Smoking17.7%
Depression24.1%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain13.2 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation3,036 ft (925 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.8%
High School+79.0%
Graduate+5.9%
School Score6.08
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 32%
Broadband23.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Carter a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Carter receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Carter has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Carter is $32,188, 57% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 10.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Carter is $107,500, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Carter is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 135 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,556 per 100,000, 21% below the national average.
Education
4.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Carter has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 13.2 inches, including 38.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Carter has a population of 118 with a density of 41 people per square mile, spread across 2.9 square miles. The median age is 25.2 years, 35% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.2% female and 56.8% male. The city is predominantly White (83.9%), with 7.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 83.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 83.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
25.2yrs
Median Age
35% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Carter is $32,188, which is 57% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $13,572 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $852, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 229 business establishments, including 19 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, 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 | $32,188 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $13,572 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $852 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,301 |
| Gini Index | 0.437 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 229 |
| County GDP | $292M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 12 |
| Retail | 26 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,671 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.48% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 6.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Carter is $107,500, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $360,360, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,002 for a one-bedroom to $1,244 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 23 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1942. The average annual property tax is $2,671 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 17.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $107,500 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $360,360 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,002 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,244 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,492 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,011 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.7% |
| Housing Units | 23 |
| Median Year Built | 1942 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,671 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.48% |
In Carter, 34.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 17.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 23.4% report binge drinking. 21.4% are physically inactive. 24.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. The dentist ratio is 1:5,898. 44.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Carter vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.7% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.4% |
| Depression | 24.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 35.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.0% |
| |
| Dentists | 1:5,898 |
| Mental Health | 1:835 |
| Checkup Rate | 63.4% |
| Dental Visits | 51.0% |
| Premature Death | 10,967/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 44.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 12 |
Carter has a violent crime rate of 135 per 100,000 residents, 64% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,556 per 100,000, 21% below the U.S. average. Overall, Carter receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Carter vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 135.3/100K |
| 64% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,556.2/100K |
| 21% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Carter has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 273 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 13.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 38.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. 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 3,036 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 45.4°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,036 ft (925 m) |
| Area | 2.9 sq mi (7.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 41/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.7778°N, 110.9328°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Chouteau County County |
| Nearest Airport | Great Falls International (GTF)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
13.2"
65% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 39.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 65.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 24.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
46 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 20, 2025.
| Jan 30, 2016 |
19 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.3 |
145 km |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
27 km W of Chester, Montana |
M3.9 |
85 km |
| Apr 1, 1993 |
15 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.9 |
148 km |
| Jan 16, 2011 |
10 km ENE of Marysville, Montana |
M3.7 |
145 km |
| Jun 5, 1991 |
18 km SW of Shelby, Montana |
M3.6 |
104 km |
| Jan 20, 2003 |
10 km S of Little Browning, Montana |
M3.5 |
134 km |
| Nov 6, 2002 |
3 km SSE of Little Browning, Montana |
M3.4 |
138 km |
| Aug 11, 1992 |
27 km W of Augusta, Montana |
M3.4 |
141 km |
| Mar 7, 2017 |
9 km ENE of Marysville, Montana |
M3.4 |
145 km |
| Mar 5, 1995 |
2 km NW of Cut Bank, Montana |
M3.3 |
143 km |
| May 29, 2009 |
11 km S of Little Browning, Montana |
M3.2 |
133 km |
| Jun 16, 1999 |
16 km SSE of Craig, Montana |
M3.2 |
120 km |
| Apr 2, 2014 |
13 km NNW of Conrad, Montana |
M3.1 |
98 km |
| Feb 3, 1993 |
14 km NNW of Marysville, Montana |
M3.1 |
149 km |
| Apr 4, 1990 |
4 km WNW of Santa Rita, Montana |
M3.1 |
149 km |
| Mar 25, 2021 |
13 km NNW of Marysville, Montana |
M3.1 |
149 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
28 km W of Augusta, Montana |
M3.0 |
142 km |
| Jan 20, 2025 |
26 km WSW of Augusta, Montana |
M3.0 |
141 km |
| Jun 18, 2015 |
9 km ENE of Marysville, Montana |
M3.0 |
144 km |
| Jul 25, 2017 |
13 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M2.9 |
150 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
50 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 7 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1996 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1994 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1994 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1976 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1975 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2007 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2003 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1998 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1998 |
EF1 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF1 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1980 |
EF1 |
1 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1980 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1980 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1977 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HARRIS MTN (31,792 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
HARRIS MTN |
31,792 |
93 km |
| 2009 |
MEISSNER |
12,318 |
62 km |
| 1993 |
FREEZEOUT LAKE |
9,793 |
93 km |
| 2021 |
BALSINGER |
8,317 |
87 km |
| 1988 |
LOSTCANYON |
4,532 |
97 km |
| 2008 |
CHOUTEAU CO COMPLEX |
4,365 |
42 km |
| 2019 |
STUCKEY RD MA |
4,073 |
38 km |
| 1991 |
POWER |
3,822 |
51 km |
| 2012 |
MISSION ROAD |
3,372 |
98 km |
| 2008 |
UNIT 3 MARSH HAZ FUEL REDUCTION |
3,333 |
33 km |
| 2020 |
EAGLE ROCK ROAD |
3,129 |
59 km |
| 2022 |
BENTON LAKE UNIT 3 AND 4B |
2,996 |
32 km |
| 2007 |
CHOUTEAU CO ASST |
2,646 |
35 km |
| 2022 |
MTBLR-FY22-RX |
2,244 |
34 km |
| 2007 |
2007 HAZ FUEL REDUCTION |
2,159 |
37 km |
| 2021 |
FOUR SISTERS |
1,999 |
58 km |
| 2001 |
LOST FORK-MONARCH COMPLEX (MONARCH) |
1,818 |
80 km |
| 2021 |
EAGLE BUTTE |
1,817 |
69 km |
| 2005 |
H RX F COMPLEX BROADCAST BURNS |
1,747 |
33 km |
| 2021 |
BENTON LAKE UNIT 5 |
1,716 |
31 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
1.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Carter has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 22°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 15.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.8") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Carter. 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 | $924 |
| Toddler | $958 |
| Preschool | $825 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $726 |
| Toddler | $740 |
| Preschool | $740 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Carter
What is the population of Carter?
Carter has a population of 118 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 41 people per square mile, spread across 2.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 25.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.2% female and 56.8% male.
Is Carter expensive to live in?
Carter 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 $32,188, 57% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $107,500 (62% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Carter safe?
Carter is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 135 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,556 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Carter receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Carter?
Carter has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 13.2 inches, with 38.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Carter?
The job market in Carter is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $852. There are 229 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Carter?
The median home value in Carter is $107,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $360,360. The homeownership rate is 78.3%. The average annual property tax is $2,671.
How are the schools in Carter?
Schools in Carter score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 4.8% of adults in Carter hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.0% have completed high school. 5.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Carter?
The obesity rate in Carter is 34.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.7% of adults are smokers. 21.4% are physically inactive. 24.1% of residents report depression. 44.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What are the demographics of Carter?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Carter is 83.9% White, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 83.0% of the population are military veterans. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 83.0% have health insurance coverage.
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