Median Income
$39,107
48% lower than US avg
Home Value
$162,500
42% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
571/100K
50% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.7%
50% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$833
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.3%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.8%
13% lower than US avg
How Charlo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population344
Median Age45.5 yrs
Density173/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans13.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$39,107
Per Capita$25,310
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty10.8%
County GDP$1,355M
Commute31 min
Housing
A
Home Value$162,500
Rent$833
Ownership62.4%
Zillow$516,868
Housing Units185
Rent Burden28.1%
Crime
F
Violent571/100K
Property2,494/100K
Health
Obesity34.3%
Uninsured11.3%
Smoking17.6%
Depression28.6%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain16.7 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation2,943 ft (897 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.7%
High School+93.3%
Graduate+3.9%
School Score5.10
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 39%
Commute31 min
Broadband72.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Charlo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Charlo receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes. Charlo has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Charlo is $39,107, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. 10.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Charlo is $162,500, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $833 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 571 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,494 per 100,000, 27% above the national average.
Education
16.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Charlo experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 16.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Charlo has a population of 344 with a density of 173 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 45.5 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The city is predominantly White (78.8%), with 14.8% Hispanic, 1.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 85% of residents, while 15% speak Spanish. 13.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.4% of residents have a disability. 85.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.5yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
85.0%
8% above US avg
Spanish
15.0%
12% above US avg
The median household income in Charlo is $39,107, which is 48% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,310 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $967, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,300 business establishments, including 92 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 14.9% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $39,107 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,310 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $967 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,531 |
| Gini Index | 0.484 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.8% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,300 |
| County GDP | $1,355M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 92 |
| Healthcare | 98 |
| Retail | 109 |
| Manufacturing | 43 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,744 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.92% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 14.9% |
The median home value in Charlo is $162,500, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $516,868, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $833 (28% 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. 62.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 185 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $4,744 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $162,500 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $516,868 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $833 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.1% |
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 | 62.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.6% |
| Housing Units | 185 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,744 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.92% |
In Charlo, 34.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 17.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.1% report binge drinking. 23.5% are physically inactive. 28.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.9% experience frequent mental distress. 11.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,335. The dentist ratio is 1:1,217. 62.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Charlo vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 12.4% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.5% |
| Depression | 28.6% |
| Mental Distress | 20.9% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Short Sleep | 33.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.1% |
| Uninsured | 11.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,335 |
| Dentists | 1:1,217 |
| Mental Health | 1:344 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.4% |
| Dental Visits | 56.6% |
| Premature Death | 11,703/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 98 |
Charlo has a violent crime rate of 571 per 100,000 residents, 50% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,494 per 100,000, 27% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Charlo receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Charlo vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 571.4/100K |
| 50% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,493.5/100K |
| 27% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 54 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Charlo experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 69°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 16.7 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 2,943 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 47.7°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,943 ft (897 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 173/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.4428°N, 114.1722°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Lake County County |
| Nearest Airport | Missoula Montana (MSO)
37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
16.7"
56% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.32"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 67.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 58.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
374 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 15, 2025.
| Jul 6, 2017 |
11 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M5.8 |
136 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
15 km S of Lincoln, Montana |
M5.0 |
134 km |
| Dec 22, 1998 |
Idaho-Montana border region |
M4.7 |
99 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
14 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.4 |
139 km |
| Jan 30, 2016 |
19 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.3 |
143 km |
| Apr 15, 1998 |
11 km NE of Swan Lake, Montana |
M4.1 |
70 km |
| May 2, 1995 |
2 km NW of Kila, Montana |
M4.1 |
81 km |
| Aug 17, 1994 |
1 km E of Mullan, Idaho |
M4.1 |
121 km |
| Jun 29, 1995 |
2 km NNW of Kila, Montana |
M4.1 |
80 km |
| Jan 20, 1998 |
15 km SSE of Happys Inn, Montana |
M4.0 |
87 km |
| Jul 19, 2002 |
43 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
84 km |
| Apr 1, 1992 |
10 km ESE of Swan Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
59 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
14 km SSE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.0 |
137 km |
| Jul 17, 2017 |
12 km ESE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.0 |
138 km |
| Jun 28, 2000 |
21 km SE of Clinton, Montana |
M4.0 |
103 km |
| Apr 1, 1993 |
15 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.9 |
139 km |
| Oct 19, 2017 |
12 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.9 |
137 km |
| Jun 2, 1996 |
37 km N of Ovando, Montana |
M3.9 |
85 km |
| May 7, 1992 |
14 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
66 km |
| Jul 5, 2024 |
24 km ENE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
75 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
10 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 9, 2023 |
EF0 |
13 km |
0 |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
EF0 |
59 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2011 |
EF0 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2008 |
EF0 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2007 |
EF0 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2007 |
EF0 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1995 |
EF0 |
42 km |
0 |
| Mar 3, 1991 |
EF0 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1983 |
EF0 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1978 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RICE RIDGE (171,473 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
RICE RIDGE |
171,473 |
74 km |
| 2007 |
CHIPPY CREEK |
95,656 |
64 km |
| 2017 |
LOLO PEAK |
62,316 |
87 km |
| 2015 |
BEAR CREEK |
60,710 |
69 km |
| 2007 |
AHORN |
45,633 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
THORNE CREEK |
39,694 |
86 km |
| 2007 |
JOCKO LAKES |
35,759 |
47 km |
| 2003 |
FISH CREEK COMPLEX (THOMPSON CREEK) |
33,779 |
73 km |
| 2003 |
LITTLE SALMON CREEK |
33,044 |
67 km |
| 2012 |
ELBOW PASS COMPLEX |
28,989 |
97 km |
| 2016 |
COPPER KING |
28,338 |
73 km |
| 2017 |
LIBERTY |
27,731 |
52 km |
| 2003 |
BARTLETT MOUNTAIN |
27,614 |
71 km |
| 2017 |
SUNRISE |
26,896 |
65 km |
| 2003 |
COONEY RIDGE |
25,741 |
90 km |
| 2017 |
SHEEP GAP |
24,702 |
66 km |
| 2007 |
CONGER CREEK |
22,936 |
93 km |
| 2000 |
MONTURE-SPREAD RIDGE (MONTURE) |
22,493 |
75 km |
| 2015 |
TRAIL CREEK |
22,338 |
83 km |
| 2022 |
ELMO |
22,148 |
50 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
1.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest |
Charlo has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 27°F in December to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.3") and February the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Charlo. 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 | $977 |
| Toddler | $1,017 |
| Preschool | $873 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $769 |
| Toddler | $785 |
| Preschool | $785 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Charlo
What is the population of Charlo?
Charlo has a population of 344 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 173 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
Is Charlo expensive to live in?
Charlo 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 $39,107, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $162,500 (42% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $833 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Charlo safe?
The violent crime rate in Charlo is 571 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 2,494 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Charlo receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Charlo?
Charlo has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 16.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Charlo?
The job market in Charlo is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $967. There are 1,300 business establishments in the area, including 92 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 14.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Charlo?
The median home value in Charlo is $162,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $516,868. For renters, the median monthly rent is $833. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,744.
How are the schools in Charlo?
Schools in Charlo score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.7% of adults in Charlo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. 3.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Charlo?
The obesity rate in Charlo is 34.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.6% of adults are smokers. 23.5% are physically inactive. 28.6% of residents report depression. 11.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 62.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,335.
What is transportation like in Charlo?
The average commute in Charlo is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Charlo?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Charlo is 78.8% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 14.8% Hispanic or Latino. 85% of residents speak only English at home, while 15% speak Spanish. 13.3% of the population are military veterans. 12.4% of residents have a disability. 85.1% have health insurance coverage.
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