Median Income
$41,750
44% lower than US avg
Home Value
$362,500
29% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
271/100K
29% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
38.8%
15% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,225
5% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.2%
6% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Cooke City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population94
Median Age45.5 yrs
Density10/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans88.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$41,750
Per Capita$30,451
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$524M
Commute5 min
Housing
D
Home Value$362,500
Rent$1,225
Ownership50.9%
Zillow$764,295
Housing Units135
Rent Burden40.0%
Crime
F
Violent271/100K
Property1,669/100K
Health
Obesity30.2%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking14.0%
Depression23.8%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp34°F (1°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Sunny Days258/yr
Elevation8,128 ft (2,477 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+38.8%
High School+96.3%
Graduate+17.1%
School Score5.89
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 32%
Commute5 min
Broadband53.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Cooke City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cooke City receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Cooke City has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cooke City is $41,750, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 5 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cooke City is $362,500, 29% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,225 per month. With a home price-to-income ratio of 8.7x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Cooke City is below the national average at 271 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,669 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 38.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Cooke City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 34°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 57°F in July. With 258 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Cooke City has a population of 94 with a density of 10 people per square mile, spread across 9.5 square miles. The median age is 45.5 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.7% female and 54.3% male. The city is predominantly White (96.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 80.7% of residents, while 19.3% speak Spanish. 88.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 81.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.5yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Cooke City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
80.7%
3% above US avg
Spanish
19.3%
44% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Cooke City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Cooke City is $41,750, which is 44% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,451 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $913, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 644 business establishments, including 62 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 5 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Cooke City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,750 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,451 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $913 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,896 |
| Gini Index | 0.463 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 644 |
| County GDP | $524M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 62 |
| Healthcare | 28 |
| Retail | 44 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,205 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.16% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 4.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 20.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.7% |
The median home value in Cooke City is $362,500, 29% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $764,295, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,225 (5% above 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. 50.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 135 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $4,205 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 40.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 8.7x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $362,500 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $764,295 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,225 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 40.0% |
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 | 50.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 50.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 49.1% |
| Housing Units | 135 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,205 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.16% |
In Cooke City, 30.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 28.5% have high blood pressure. 14.0% are current smokers. 19.9% report binge drinking. 21.2% are physically inactive. 23.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,550. The dentist ratio is 1:1,597. 49.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cooke City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.2% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.5% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.0% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.2% |
| Depression | 23.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 30.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,550 |
| Dentists | 1:1,597 |
| Mental Health | 1:952 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.4% |
| Dental Visits | 64.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,238/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 49.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 28 |
Cooke City has a violent crime rate of 271 per 100,000 residents, 29% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,669 per 100,000, 15% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 182 federally declared disasters. Overall, Cooke City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cooke City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 270.6/100K |
| 29% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,668.9/100K |
| 15% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 182 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cooke City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 34°F (1°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 57°F in July. The area gets 258 sunny days per year, above the 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 8,128 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
57°F Jul (14°C)
| Annual Average | 34.3°F |
| 36% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 57°F (14°C) |
| Sunny Days | 258 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 8,128 ft (2,477 m) |
| Area | 9.5 sq mi (24.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 10/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.0187°N, 109.9119°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Carbon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Yellowstone Regional (COD) 56 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (May)
2.87"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 59.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 74.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 64.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively 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 Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
805 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 19, 2025.
| Mar 30, 2014 |
22 km S of Mammoth, Wyoming |
M4.8 |
67 km |
| Jun 16, 2017 |
12 km E of Hebgen Lake Estates, Montana |
M4.4 |
92 km |
| Jun 13, 2016 |
45 km W of Hebgen Lake Estates, Montana |
M4.3 |
149 km |
| Aug 21, 2003 |
53 km N of Kelly, Wyoming |
M4.3 |
113 km |
| May 11, 2022 |
36 km S of Silver Gate, Montana |
M4.2 |
38 km |
| Nov 24, 2000 |
24 km S of Mammoth, Wyoming |
M4.2 |
68 km |
| Aug 16, 2019 |
4 km NW of Manhattan, Montana |
M4.2 |
149 km |
| Mar 25, 2008 |
35 km S of Silver Gate, Montana |
M4.2 |
37 km |
| Aug 28, 1995 |
62 km NNE of Kelly, Wyoming |
M4.2 |
103 km |
| Aug 30, 1997 |
25 km WNW of Hebgen Lake Estates, Montana |
M4.1 |
126 km |
| Aug 6, 2019 |
3 km NW of Manhattan, Montana |
M4.1 |
148 km |
| Nov 6, 1997 |
4 km WSW of Springhill, Montana |
M4.0 |
128 km |
| Jul 14, 2019 |
11 km NNE of Manhattan, Montana |
M4.0 |
148 km |
| Jun 14, 2016 |
45 km W of Hebgen Lake Estates, Montana |
M4.0 |
150 km |
| Mar 26, 1994 |
19 km NE of West Yellowstone, Montana |
M3.9 |
84 km |
| Sep 18, 2022 |
22 km SSW of Mammoth, Wyoming |
M3.9 |
75 km |
| Feb 29, 2020 |
28 km W of Hebgen Lake Estates, Montana |
M3.9 |
131 km |
| Jan 21, 2010 |
15 km SE of West Yellowstone, Montana |
M3.9 |
97 km |
| May 18, 2006 |
69 km NNE of Kelly, Wyoming |
M3.8 |
96 km |
| Jan 30, 2023 |
9 km NNW of Livingston, Montana |
M3.8 |
97 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
11 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1978 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1964 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1991 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1990 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1986 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1965 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 1988 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1984 |
EF0 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1973 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Yellowstone (89 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Yellowstone |
Caldera(s) |
2,805 m (9,203 ft) |
-1350 |
89 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NORTH FORK (563,527 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
NORTH FORK |
563,527 |
74 km |
| 1988 |
CLOVERMIST |
303,427 |
29 km |
| 2006 |
DERBY |
200,993 |
64 km |
| 1988 |
MINK |
135,433 |
99 km |
| 1988 |
STORM CREEK |
116,027 |
16 km |
| 2016 |
MAPLE |
103,193 |
90 km |
| 1988 |
SNAKE |
95,233 |
92 km |
| 1988 |
HELLROARING |
77,598 |
34 km |
| 2008 |
GUNBARREL |
69,730 |
63 km |
| 2003 |
HOBBLE |
38,365 |
92 km |
| 1988 |
CLOVER |
34,035 |
35 km |
| 2021 |
ROBERTSON DRAW |
31,132 |
56 km |
| 1988 |
SHOSHONE |
29,941 |
87 km |
| 2001 |
FRIDLEY |
27,575 |
88 km |
| 1988 |
REDSHOSHONE COMPLEX |
27,443 |
89 km |
| 2006 |
JUNGLE |
23,846 |
63 km |
| 2007 |
WH COMPLEX (WICKED CREEK) |
22,195 |
53 km |
| 1988 |
RED |
21,341 |
95 km |
| 1988 |
FAN |
20,422 |
84 km |
| 1996 |
SHEPARD MTN |
17,379 |
33 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| March |
20°F (-7°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
35°F (1°C) |
2.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
42°F (6°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| July |
57°F (14°C) |
1.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
51°F (10°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| September |
44°F (6°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
34°F (1°C) |
1.6 in |
Driest |
| November |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-10°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
Cooke City has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 15°F in December to 57°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.9") and October the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Cooke City. 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 | $955 |
| Toddler | $1,002 |
| Preschool | $854 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $753 |
| Toddler | $772 |
| Preschool | $772 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooke City
What is the population of Cooke City?
Cooke City has a population of 94 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 10 people per square mile, spread across 9.5 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 45.7% female and 54.3% male.
Is Cooke City expensive to live in?
Cooke City 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 $41,750, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $362,500 (29% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,225 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 8.7x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Cooke City safe?
Cooke City is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 271 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,669 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Cooke City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cooke City?
Cooke City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 34°F (1°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 57°F in July. The area receives 258 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Cooke City?
The job market in Cooke City is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $913. There are 644 business establishments in the area, including 62 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 5 minutes, and 6.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cooke City?
The median home value in Cooke City is $362,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $764,295. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,225. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 50.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,205.
How are the schools in Cooke City?
Schools in Cooke City score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 38.8% of adults in Cooke City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.3% have completed high school. 17.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cooke City?
The obesity rate in Cooke City is 30.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.0% of adults are smokers. 21.2% are physically inactive. 23.8% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance. 49.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,550.
What is transportation like in Cooke City?
The average commute in Cooke City is 5 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 20% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cooke City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cooke City is 96.8% White. 80.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 19.3% speak Spanish. 88.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 81.9% have health insurance coverage.