Median Income
$41,172
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$44,700
84% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
538/100K
42% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
1.7%
95% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.8%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.4%
78% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.3%
81% lower than US avg
How Dodson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population156
Median Age77.4 yrs
Density918/mi²
Male / Female64% / 37%
Largest GroupWhite 60%
Veterans1.6%
Economy
B
Median Income$41,172
Per Capita$16,034
Unemployment6.4%
Poverty2.3%
County GDP$227M
Housing
A+
Home Value$44,700
Ownership96.7%
Zillow$244,540
Housing Units64
Rent Burden17.8%
Crime
F
Violent538/100K
Property3,605/100K
Health
Obesity41.8%
Uninsured10.4%
Smoking18.7%
Depression25.7%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain13.4 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation2,283 ft (696 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+1.7%
High School+94.0%
Graduate+1.9%
School Score4.81
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 45%
Broadband60.0%
Libraries2
Is Dodson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dodson receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Dodson has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dodson is $41,172, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dodson is $44,700, 84% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.1x 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
1.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Dodson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°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.
Dodson has a population of 156 with a density of 918 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 77.4 years, 99% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 36.5% female and 63.5% male. The city is predominantly White (60.3%), with 39.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 1.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 81.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
77.4yrs
Median Age
99% above 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 Dodson is $41,172, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $16,034 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $904, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 2.3% 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. 7.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,172 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $16,034 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $904 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,375 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.4% |
| 78% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.3% |
| 81% 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 | 7.07% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 92.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.1% |
The median home value in Dodson is $44,700, 84% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $244,540, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. 96.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 64 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $3,160. 17.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $44,700 |
| 84% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $244,540 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
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 | 96.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 96.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 3.3% |
| Housing Units | 64 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,160 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.07% |
In Dodson, 41.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 28.9% have high blood pressure. 18.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.1% report binge drinking. 24.8% are physically inactive. 25.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.1% experience frequent mental distress. 10.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). 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: Dodson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.8% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.9% |
| Asthma | 13.5% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.7% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.8% |
| Depression | 25.7% |
| Mental Distress | 21.1% |
| Physical Distress | 15.4% |
| Short Sleep | 39.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 10.4% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,745 |
| Dentists | 1:1,156 |
| Mental Health | 1:460 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.7% |
| Dental Visits | 55.1% |
| Premature Death | 18,542/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 37.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 15 |
Dodson 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, Dodson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dodson 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 | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dodson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°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 2,283 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.0°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,283 ft (696 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 918/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.3953°N, 108.2472°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Blaine County County |
| Nearest Airport | Great Falls International (GTF)
158 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
13.4"
65% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.13"
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 |
69 km |
| Oct 16, 2011 |
Eastern Montana |
M2.7 |
110 km |
| Jul 10, 2021 |
24 km SSE of Malta, Montana |
M2.7 |
43 km |
| Jul 15, 2015 |
48 km E of Zortman, Montana |
M2.5 |
64 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
24 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 29, 2011 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 2007 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2002 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1991 |
EF1 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1991 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1980 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2022 |
EF0 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2019 |
EF0 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 2014 |
EF0 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2014 |
EF0 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2011 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2010 |
EF0 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
EF0 |
45 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 2002 |
EF0 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2002 |
EF0 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 2001 |
EF0 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2000 |
EF0 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2000 |
EF0 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1999 |
EF0 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1999 |
EF0 |
75 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 |
71 km |
| 2006 |
SODA CREEK (BLACK PULASKI COMPLEX) |
33,767 |
100 km |
| 2012 |
WELDER |
32,985 |
27 km |
| 2010 |
RAVEN |
26,631 |
93 km |
| 1990 |
VETERANS |
23,660 |
36 km |
| 2017 |
EAST FORK |
21,165 |
100 km |
| 2021 |
PINE GROVE |
16,158 |
53 km |
| 2012 |
WOLF CREEK |
12,168 |
99 km |
| 2017 |
JULY |
11,409 |
61 km |
| 1994 |
CK CREEK |
11,206 |
84 km |
| 2012 |
ESTER LAKE |
10,898 |
43 km |
| 2006 |
MAGGIE |
8,187 |
48 km |
| 2005 |
SHEEP |
6,874 |
97 km |
| 2017 |
LOWER BLACK COULEE |
6,803 |
39 km |
| 2006 |
LARB CREEK |
6,778 |
73 km |
| 2005 |
HEARTLAND |
6,383 |
93 km |
| 2007 |
BLACK COULEE |
5,613 |
38 km |
| 1988 |
MONUMENT |
5,514 |
55 km |
| 2019 |
SAGE |
5,140 |
86 km |
| 2003 |
LAKE17 |
4,054 |
53 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
2.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
1.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Dodson has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 18°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 11.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.1") and February the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Dodson. 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 Dodson
What is the population of Dodson?
Dodson has a population of 156 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 918 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 77.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 36.5% female and 63.5% male.
Is Dodson expensive to live in?
Dodson 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 $41,172, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $44,700 (84% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dodson safe?
The violent crime rate in Dodson 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, Dodson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dodson?
Dodson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°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 Dodson?
The unemployment rate in Dodson is 6.4%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $904. There are 204 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Dodson?
The median home value in Dodson is $44,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $244,540. The homeownership rate is 96.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,160.
How are the schools in Dodson?
Schools in Dodson have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 1.7% of adults in Dodson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. 1.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dodson?
The obesity rate in Dodson is 41.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.7% of adults are smokers. 24.8% are physically inactive. 25.7% of residents report depression. 10.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 37.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,745.
What are the demographics of Dodson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dodson is 60.3% White, 39.7% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 1.6% of the population are military veterans. 81.5% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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