Median Income
$45,417
40% lower than US avg
Home Value
$118,300
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
367/100K
4% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.9%
65% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$678
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.4%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.3%
92% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.7%
27% higher than US avg
How Ekalaka Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population366
Median Age62.6 yrs
Density355/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans4.1%
Economy
B
Median Income$45,417
Per Capita$31,064
Unemployment0.3%
Poverty15.7%
County GDP$92M
Commute7 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$118,300
Rent$678
Ownership66.8%
Zillow$157,744
Housing Units279
Rent Burden27.3%
Crime
F
Violent367/100K
Property524/100K
Health
Obesity33.4%
Uninsured10.0%
Smoking16.3%
Depression26.6%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain18.1 in/yr
Sunny Days311/yr
Elevation3,424 ft (1,044 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.9%
High School+96.3%
Graduate+7.3%
School Score6.08
Community
2024 VoteR 89% / D 9%
Commute7 min
Broadband78.2%
Libraries1
Is Ekalaka a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ekalaka 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 below-average incomes. Ekalaka has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ekalaka is $45,417, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.3%. The poverty rate of 15.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 7 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ekalaka is $118,300, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $678 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Ekalaka is below the national average at 367 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 524 per 100,000, 73% below the national average.
Education
11.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Ekalaka has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 311 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 18.1 inches, including 48.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Ekalaka has a population of 366 with a density of 355 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 62.6 years, 61% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.8% female and 46.2% male. The city is predominantly White (92.3%), with 7.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 4.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 27.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
62.6yrs
Median Age
61% 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 Ekalaka is $45,417, which is 40% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,064 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $864, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 56 business establishments, including 4 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 7 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 17.5% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,417 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,064 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $864 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,603 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.3% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 56 |
| County GDP | $92M |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 6.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 65.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 17.5% |
The median home value in Ekalaka is $118,300, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $157,744, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $678 (42% 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. 66.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 279 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. 27.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $118,300 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $157,744 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $678 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.3% |
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 | 66.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.2% |
| Housing Units | 279 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
In Ekalaka, 33.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 16.3% are current smokers. 22.8% report binge drinking. 22.0% are physically inactive. 26.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. 10.0% of residents lack health insurance. 19.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ekalaka vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.4% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.0% |
| Depression | 26.6% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.2% |
| Short Sleep | 32.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.8% |
| Uninsured | 10.0% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 68.0% |
| Dental Visits | 58.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,629/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 19.9% |
Ekalaka has a violent crime rate of 367 per 100,000 residents, 4% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 524 per 100,000, 73% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ekalaka receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ekalaka vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 366.7/100K |
| 4% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 523.8/100K |
| 73% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ekalaka has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 311 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 18.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 48.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. 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 3,424 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.3°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 311 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,424 ft (1,044 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 355/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.8892°N, 104.5517°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Carter County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dickinson/Theodore Roosevelt Regional (DIK)
104 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
18.1"
52% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.07"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 1.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 5.1 / 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 Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.8 on Jan 15, 2023.
| Sep 25, 2009 |
15 km E of Alzada, Montana |
M4.2 |
100 km |
| Nov 3, 1999 |
8 km NNW of Broadus, Montana |
M3.5 |
83 km |
| May 25, 2018 |
45 km W of Biddle, Montana |
M2.9 |
140 km |
| Jan 15, 2023 |
6 km NE of Ashland, Montana |
M2.8 |
132 km |
| Apr 22, 2018 |
8 km ENE of Ashland, Montana |
M2.6 |
129 km |
| Jul 29, 2013 |
18 km SE of Ekalaka, Montana |
M2.6 |
19 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
79 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 7, 1969 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 2018 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2016 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1952 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 2018 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 2018 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 2018 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2010 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 2001 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1999 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1977 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 1966 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1965 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1964 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1962 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1954 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2019 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: KRAFT SPRINGS (66,292 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
KRAFT SPRINGS |
66,292 |
40 km |
| 1996 |
POWDERVILLE |
55,024 |
48 km |
| 1988 |
BREWER |
48,282 |
41 km |
| 2007 |
OKERMAN |
15,478 |
83 km |
| 2015 |
SHEEP DRAW |
13,837 |
78 km |
| 1990 |
KNOWLTON C |
13,226 |
72 km |
| 1998 |
BRADSHAW |
10,591 |
78 km |
| 2000 |
CEDAR BUTTE |
9,154 |
60 km |
| 1999 |
JOHNSTONE |
8,817 |
11 km |
| 1991 |
MEDICINE ROCK |
8,565 |
19 km |
| 2024 |
TRAVIN |
7,917 |
75 km |
| 2017 |
SNAKE |
7,705 |
55 km |
| 1990 |
RIDGE |
7,556 |
88 km |
| 2008 |
KNOWLTON COMPLEX (DRGA) |
7,218 |
64 km |
| 2000 |
CAMP CROOK COMPLEX |
6,927 |
65 km |
| 2012 |
DUGAN |
6,688 |
9 km |
| 1999 |
MILL IRON |
6,494 |
41 km |
| 2000 |
TOOKE |
6,128 |
26 km |
| 1996 |
ROBINSON |
5,901 |
59 km |
| 1988 |
SHORT PINES |
5,516 |
74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
1.2 in |
Warmest |
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
35°F (1°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Ekalaka has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 22°F in January to 76°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 16.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.1") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Ekalaka. 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 | $915 |
| Toddler | $956 |
| Preschool | $818 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $721 |
| Toddler | $737 |
| Preschool | $737 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ekalaka
What is the population of Ekalaka?
Ekalaka has a population of 366 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 355 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 62.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.8% female and 46.2% male.
Is Ekalaka expensive to live in?
Ekalaka 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 $45,417, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $118,300 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $678 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ekalaka safe?
Ekalaka is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 367 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 524 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ekalaka receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ekalaka?
Ekalaka has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 311 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 18.1 inches, with 48.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Ekalaka?
The job market in Ekalaka is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $864. There are 56 business establishments in the area, including 4 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 7 minutes, and 17.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ekalaka?
The median home value in Ekalaka is $118,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $157,744. For renters, the median monthly rent is $678. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.8%.
How are the schools in Ekalaka?
Schools in Ekalaka score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.9% of adults in Ekalaka hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.3% have completed high school. 7.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ekalaka?
The obesity rate in Ekalaka is 33.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.3% of adults are smokers. 22.0% are physically inactive. 26.6% of residents report depression. 10.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 19.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Ekalaka?
The average commute in Ekalaka is 7 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 65.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 17.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ekalaka?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ekalaka is 92.3% White, 7.7% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 4.1% of the population are military veterans. 27.7% of residents have a disability. 92.8% have health insurance coverage.
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