Median Income
$53,929
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$194,900
31% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.4%
25% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$713
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.5%
2% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.4%
56% lower than US avg
How Choteau Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,719
Median Age43.0 yrs
Density1,177/mi²
Male / Female47% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans7.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$53,929
Per Capita$25,518
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty5.4%
County GDP$300M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$194,900
Rent$713
Ownership61.9%
Zillow$305,142
Housing Units853
Rent Burden31.1%
Health
Obesity31.5%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking15.1%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
Rain11.9 in/yr
Elevation3,814 ft (1,163 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.4%
High School+94.0%
Graduate+6.6%
School Score6.23
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 26%
Commute18 min
Broadband87.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Choteau a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Choteau receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Choteau offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Choteau is $53,929, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. Only 5.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Choteau is $194,900, 31% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $713 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
25.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Choteau has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 11.9 inches, including 47.5 inches of snow.
Choteau has a population of 1,719 with a density of 1,177 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 43.0 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.5% female and 46.5% male. The city is predominantly White (93.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.5% of residents. 7.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,719
Total Population
2023 Census
43.0yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.5%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Choteau is $53,929, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,518 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $843, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 331 business establishments, including 20 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,929 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,518 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $843 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,537 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.4% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 331 |
| County GDP | $300M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 20 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 25 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,883 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.48% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 66.4% |
| Public Transit | 1.8% |
| Work from Home | 11.0% |
The median home value in Choteau is $194,900, 31% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $305,142, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $713 (39% 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. 61.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 853 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $2,883 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 31.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $194,900 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $305,142 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $713 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.1% |
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 | 61.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 61.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.1% |
| Housing Units | 853 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,883 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.48% |
In Choteau, 31.5% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 28.1% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 21.8% report binge drinking. 21.8% are physically inactive. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.5% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,135. The dentist ratio is 1:2,123. 51.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Choteau vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.5% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.1% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.8% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 31.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.3% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,135 |
| Dentists | 1:2,123 |
| Mental Health | 1:585 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.4% |
| Dental Visits | 58.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,922/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Choteau has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 11.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 47.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 3,814 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
65°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 43.8°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (18°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,814 ft (1,163 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,177/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.8137°N, 112.1794°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Teton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Great Falls International (GTF)
44 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
11.9"
69% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.75"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 19.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 57.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very 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
324 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 |
108 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
15 km S of Lincoln, Montana |
M5.0 |
117 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
14 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.4 |
110 km |
| Jan 30, 2016 |
19 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.3 |
98 km |
| Apr 15, 1998 |
11 km NE of Swan Lake, Montana |
M4.1 |
119 km |
| Apr 1, 1992 |
10 km ESE of Swan Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
116 km |
| Jul 19, 2002 |
43 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
78 km |
| Jul 17, 2017 |
12 km ESE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.0 |
106 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
14 km SSE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.0 |
113 km |
| Jun 2, 1996 |
37 km N of Ovando, Montana |
M3.9 |
83 km |
| Oct 19, 2017 |
12 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.9 |
107 km |
| Apr 1, 1993 |
15 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.9 |
98 km |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
27 km W of Chester, Montana |
M3.9 |
98 km |
| Mar 13, 2017 |
4 km ESE of Avon, Montana |
M3.8 |
141 km |
| May 7, 1992 |
14 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
106 km |
| Jun 1, 1996 |
23 km N of Ovando, Montana |
M3.8 |
99 km |
| Jul 2, 1992 |
4 km SSE of South Browning, Montana |
M3.8 |
98 km |
| Mar 21, 1992 |
20 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
100 km |
| Jul 5, 2024 |
24 km ENE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
97 km |
| Apr 17, 2018 |
13 km ESE of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.8 |
106 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
31 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 2, 1966 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2006 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1998 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1994 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1980 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1977 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1977 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1964 |
EF1 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1962 |
EF1 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1961 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1999 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1994 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1993 |
EF0 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1993 |
EF0 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1993 |
EF0 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1992 |
EF0 |
70 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 |
99 km |
| 1988 |
CANYON CREEK |
167,875 |
77 km |
| 2015 |
BEAR CREEK |
60,710 |
93 km |
| 2007 |
FOOL CREEK |
53,912 |
59 km |
| 2015 |
FAMILY PEAK COMPLEX |
49,769 |
75 km |
| 2007 |
AHORN |
45,633 |
66 km |
| 1988 |
GATES PARK |
42,493 |
56 km |
| 2007 |
SKYLAND |
41,237 |
95 km |
| 2003 |
LINCOLN COMPLEX (SNOWBANK) |
36,987 |
87 km |
| 2003 |
LITTLE SALMON CREEK |
33,044 |
88 km |
| 2021 |
HARRIS MTN |
31,792 |
87 km |
| 2017 |
ALICE CREEK |
29,971 |
77 km |
| 2012 |
ELBOW PASS COMPLEX |
28,989 |
72 km |
| 2003 |
BARTLETT MOUNTAIN |
27,614 |
89 km |
| 2007 |
CONGER CREEK |
22,936 |
90 km |
| 2000 |
MONTURE-SPREAD RIDGE (MONTURE) |
22,493 |
96 km |
| 2015 |
TRAIL CREEK |
22,338 |
91 km |
| 2017 |
SCALP |
20,309 |
66 km |
| 2017 |
PARK CREEK |
17,915 |
95 km |
| 2017 |
STRAWBERRY |
17,781 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| May |
51°F (11°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| June |
58°F (15°C) |
2.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
65°F (18°C) |
1.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.3 in |
|
Choteau has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 25°F in January to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 11.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.8") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Choteau. 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 | $1,042 |
| Toddler | $1,079 |
| Preschool | $930 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $819 |
| Toddler | $834 |
| Preschool | $834 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Choteau
What is the population of Choteau?
Choteau has a population of 1,719 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 1,177 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.5% female and 46.5% male.
Is Choteau expensive to live in?
Choteau 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 $53,929, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $194,900 (31% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $713 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Choteau?
Choteau has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 11.9 inches, with 47.5 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Choteau?
The job market in Choteau is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $843. There are 331 business establishments in the area, including 20 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 11.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Choteau?
The median home value in Choteau is $194,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $305,142. For renters, the median monthly rent is $713. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 61.9%. The average annual property tax is $2,883.
How are the schools in Choteau?
Schools in Choteau score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.4% of adults in Choteau hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. 6.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Choteau?
The obesity rate in Choteau is 31.5% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 21.8% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 51.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,135.
What is transportation like in Choteau?
The average commute in Choteau is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 66.4% of workers drive alone to work, 1.8% use public transit, and 11.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Choteau?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Choteau is 93.9% White. 98.5% of residents speak only English at home. 7.7% of the population are military veterans. 16.6% of residents have a disability. 93.3% have health insurance coverage.