Median Income
$71,500
5% lower than US avg
Home Value
$205,900
27% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
538/100K
42% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
41.9%
24% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$811
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.8%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.2%
50% lower than US avg
How Chinook Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,460
Median Age39.0 yrs
Density2,808/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans5.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$71,500
Per Capita$37,938
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty6.2%
County GDP$227M
Commute10 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$205,900
Rent$811
Ownership73.3%
Zillow$203,194
Housing Units779
Rent Burden19.7%
Crime
F
Violent538/100K
Property3,605/100K
Health
Obesity35.8%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking14.4%
Depression25.2%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain13.4 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation2,424 ft (739 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+41.9%
High School+94.1%
Graduate+19.7%
School Score4.81
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 45%
Commute10 min
Broadband84.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Chinook a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chinook receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Chinook offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Chinook is $71,500, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. Only 6.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Chinook is $205,900, 27% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $811 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 538 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,605 per 100,000, 84% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 41.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 94.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Chinook has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 13.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Chinook has a population of 1,460 with a density of 2,808 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 39.0 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.4% female and 48.6% male. The city is predominantly White (90.5%), with 6.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.5% of residents. 5.4% of the population are veterans. 14.1% of residents have a disability. 92.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.0yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.5%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.5%
74% below US avg
The median household income in Chinook is $71,500, which is 5% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,938. The average weekly wage is $904, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 204 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,500 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,938 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $904 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,375 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.2% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 204 |
| County GDP | $227M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 15 |
| Retail | 25 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,160 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.53% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 10.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 64.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.9% |
The median home value in Chinook is $205,900, 27% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $203,194. Monthly rent averages $811 (30% 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. 73.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 779 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $3,160. 19.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $205,900 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $203,194 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $811 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.7% |
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 | 73.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.7% |
| Housing Units | 779 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,160 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.53% |
In Chinook, 35.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.3% have high blood pressure. 14.4% are current smokers. 21.9% report binge drinking. 19.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,745. The dentist ratio is 1:1,156. 37.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Chinook vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.8% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.3% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.4% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.9% |
| Depression | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 29.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,745 |
| Dentists | 1:1,156 |
| Mental Health | 1:460 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.3% |
| Dental Visits | 60.6% |
| Premature Death | 18,542/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 37.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 15 |
Chinook has a violent crime rate of 538 per 100,000 residents, 42% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,605 per 100,000, 84% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Chinook receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Chinook vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 538.2/100K |
| 42% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,604.8/100K |
| 84% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 38 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Chinook has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 274 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 13.4 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 2,424 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.4°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,424 ft (739 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,808/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.5901°N, 109.2318°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Blaine County County |
| Nearest Airport | Great Falls International (GTF)
125 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
13.4"
65% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.28"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 45.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 95.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 13.4 / 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 Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.0. Most recent: M2.7 on Jul 10, 2021.
| Dec 5, 1991 |
15 km WSW of Hays, Montana |
M3.0 |
75 km |
| Oct 16, 2011 |
Eastern Montana |
M2.7 |
145 km |
| Jul 10, 2021 |
24 km SSE of Malta, Montana |
M2.7 |
117 km |
| Jul 15, 2015 |
48 km E of Zortman, Montana |
M2.5 |
128 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
20 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2002 |
EF1 |
1 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1995 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1980 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1962 |
EF1 |
43 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2022 |
EF0 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 2014 |
EF0 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2014 |
EF0 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2012 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
EF0 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2005 |
EF0 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1999 |
EF0 |
1 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1994 |
EF0 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1994 |
EF0 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1993 |
EF0 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1993 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1986 |
EF0 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1979 |
EF0 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1971 |
EF0 |
73 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BLAINE C (138,192 ac, 1991).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1991 |
BLAINE C |
138,192 |
23 km |
| 2012 |
WELDER |
32,985 |
60 km |
| 1990 |
VETERANS |
23,660 |
81 km |
| 2017 |
EAST FORK |
21,165 |
47 km |
| 2021 |
PINE GROVE |
16,158 |
81 km |
| 1984 |
CENTENNIAL |
11,775 |
56 km |
| 2017 |
JULY |
11,409 |
92 km |
| 2006 |
MAGGIE |
8,187 |
42 km |
| 2022 |
EAGLE CREEK |
6,359 |
57 km |
| 1988 |
MONUMENT |
5,514 |
85 km |
| 1988 |
LOSTCANYON |
4,532 |
60 km |
| 2003 |
LAKE17 |
4,054 |
61 km |
| 2008 |
KATHRYN |
3,971 |
83 km |
| 2006 |
HOWARD |
3,884 |
55 km |
| 2014 |
MIDDLE BLACK |
3,854 |
40 km |
| 2012 |
OUTHOUSE |
3,179 |
22 km |
| 1990 |
ADAMS |
3,072 |
68 km |
| 1990 |
QUISNO |
3,018 |
58 km |
| 2014 |
2 RAINTRAP PASTURE PRESCRIBED FIRE |
2,311 |
70 km |
| 1997 |
HERD |
2,259 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
2.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
1.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Chinook has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 16°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 13.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.3") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Chinook. 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 | $937 |
| Toddler | $969 |
| Preschool | $837 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $736 |
| Toddler | $749 |
| Preschool | $749 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chinook
What is the population of Chinook?
Chinook has a population of 1,460 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 2,808 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.0 years. The population is 51.4% female and 48.6% male.
Is Chinook expensive to live in?
Chinook 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 $71,500, 5% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $205,900 (27% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $811 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Chinook safe?
The violent crime rate in Chinook is 538 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 3,605 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Chinook receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Chinook?
Chinook has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 13.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Chinook?
The job market in Chinook is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $904. There are 204 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 10 minutes, and 8.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Chinook?
The median home value in Chinook is $205,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $203,194. For renters, the median monthly rent is $811. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,160.
How are the schools in Chinook?
Schools in Chinook have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 41.9% of adults in Chinook hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. 19.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chinook?
The obesity rate in Chinook is 35.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.4% of adults are smokers. 19.9% are physically inactive. 25.2% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance. 37.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,745.
What is transportation like in Chinook?
The average commute in Chinook is 10 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 64% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Chinook?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chinook is 90.5% White, 6.8% Hispanic or Latino. 96.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.5% speak Spanish. 5.4% of the population are military veterans. 14.1% of residents have a disability. 92.4% have health insurance coverage.
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