Median Income
$41,719
44% lower than US avg
Home Value
$248,300
12% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
454/100K
19% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.3%
31% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$775
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.6%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.2%
17% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.3%
33% lower than US avg
How Elliston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population208
Median Age34.5 yrs
Density26/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans8.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$41,719
Per Capita$28,540
Unemployment4.2%
Poverty8.3%
County GDP$356M
Commute27 min
Housing
B
Home Value$248,300
Rent$775
Ownership60.8%
Zillow$348,266
Housing Units116
Rent Burden21.7%
Crime
F
Violent454/100K
Property3,761/100K
Health
Obesity33.6%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking13.8%
Depression27.9%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (5°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain19.1 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation5,409 ft (1,649 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.3%
High School+91.3%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.00
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 22%
Commute27 min
Broadband97.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Elliston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elliston 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 below-average incomes. Elliston has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elliston is $41,719, 44% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.2%, indicating a healthy job market. 8.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elliston is $248,300, 12% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 6x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 454 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,761 per 100,000, 92% above the national average.
Education
23.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Elliston has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 19.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Elliston has a population of 208 with a density of 26 people per square mile, spread across 8.1 square miles. The median age is 34.5 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.6% female and 52.4% male. The city is predominantly White (89.4%), with 7.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 8.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.5yrs
Median Age
11% below 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 Elliston is $41,719, which is 44% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,540 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,124, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 250 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 6.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,719 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,540 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,124 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,106 |
| Gini Index | 0.456 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.2% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.3% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 250 |
| County GDP | $356M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 15 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,515 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.42% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.5% |
| Public Transit | 3.4% |
| Work from Home | 6.0% |
The median home value in Elliston is $248,300, 12% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $348,266, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $775 (33% 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. 60.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 116 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $3,515. 21.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 6x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $248,300 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $348,266 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $775 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.7% |
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 | 60.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.2% |
| Housing Units | 116 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,515 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.42% |
In Elliston, 33.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 26.6% have high blood pressure. 13.8% are current smokers. 20.8% report binge drinking. 21.2% are physically inactive. 27.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,400. The dentist ratio is 1:3,526. 83.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elliston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.6% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.8% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.6% |
| Asthma | 12.5% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.2% |
| Depression | 27.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 32.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,400 |
| Dentists | 1:3,526 |
| Mental Health | 1:713 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.5% |
| Dental Visits | 70.8% |
| Premature Death | 9,728/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 83.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Elliston has a violent crime rate of 454 per 100,000 residents, 19% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,761 per 100,000, 92% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 182 federally declared disasters. Overall, Elliston receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Elliston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 454.0/100K |
| 19% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,761.4/100K |
| 92% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 18 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 182 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Elliston has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. The area gets 273 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 19.1 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 5,409 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
64°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 40.3°F |
| 25% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 64°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,409 ft (1,649 m) |
| Area | 8.1 sq mi (21.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 26/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.5587°N, 112.4638°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Powell County County |
| Nearest Airport | Helena Regional (HLN) 23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
19.1"
50% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 10.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 58.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 19.4 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
505 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 |
37 km |
| Jul 26, 2005 |
16 km N of Dillon, Montana |
M5.6 |
133 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
15 km S of Lincoln, Montana |
M5.0 |
32 km |
| May 8, 2007 |
8 km NNW of Alder, Montana |
M4.4 |
132 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
14 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.4 |
34 km |
| Jan 30, 2016 |
19 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.3 |
43 km |
| Oct 28, 1998 |
18 km S of Whitehall, Montana |
M4.3 |
99 km |
| Aug 16, 2019 |
4 km NW of Manhattan, Montana |
M4.2 |
113 km |
| Apr 8, 2000 |
8 km ENE of Townsend, Montana |
M4.1 |
84 km |
| Oct 7, 2024 |
11 km E of Dillon, Montana |
M4.1 |
148 km |
| Jun 18, 2006 |
6 km S of Pony, Montana |
M4.1 |
115 km |
| Aug 6, 2019 |
3 km NW of Manhattan, Montana |
M4.1 |
114 km |
| Sep 3, 2016 |
16 km S of Whitehall, Montana |
M4.0 |
96 km |
| Mar 6, 2009 |
18 km S of Whitehall, Montana |
M4.0 |
99 km |
| Jun 28, 2000 |
21 km SE of Clinton, Montana |
M4.0 |
82 km |
| Jul 27, 2005 |
18 km N of Dillon, Montana |
M4.0 |
132 km |
| Jul 17, 2017 |
12 km ESE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.0 |
38 km |
| Jul 19, 2002 |
43 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
107 km |
| Nov 10, 2000 |
14 km NE of Townsend, Montana |
M4.0 |
86 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
14 km SSE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.0 |
32 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
13 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 28, 1982 |
EF1 |
24 km |
0 |
| Sep 15, 1997 |
EF0 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1997 |
EF0 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1994 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1993 |
EF0 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1993 |
EF0 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1992 |
EF0 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1992 |
EF0 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1988 |
EF0 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1971 |
EF0 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1962 |
EF0 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 1960 |
EF0 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1953 |
EF0 |
83 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 |
97 km |
| 1988 |
CANYON CREEK |
167,875 |
79 km |
| 2007 |
SAWMILL COMPLEX (WYMAN 2) |
68,236 |
93 km |
| 2021 |
WOODS CREEK |
55,836 |
91 km |
| 2021 |
ALDER CREEK |
38,189 |
100 km |
| 2003 |
LINCOLN COMPLEX (SNOWBANK) |
36,987 |
60 km |
| 1988 |
CANYON CREEK |
35,865 |
53 km |
| 2017 |
LITTLE HOGBACK |
34,646 |
88 km |
| 2021 |
HARRIS MTN |
31,792 |
86 km |
| 2017 |
ALICE CREEK |
29,971 |
65 km |
| 2012 |
ELBOW PASS COMPLEX |
28,989 |
97 km |
| 1984 |
NORTH HILL |
27,162 |
51 km |
| 2000 |
CANYON FERRY COMPLEX (CAVE GULCH) |
26,997 |
66 km |
| 2021 |
HAYSTACK |
26,118 |
48 km |
| 2007 |
CONGER CREEK |
22,936 |
83 km |
| 2000 |
MONTURE-SPREAD RIDGE (MONTURE) |
22,493 |
99 km |
| 2007 |
MERIWETHER |
18,865 |
60 km |
| 2017 |
PARK CREEK |
17,915 |
58 km |
| 2000 |
RYAN GULCH |
16,440 |
79 km |
| 2000 |
CANYON FERRY COMPLEX (BUCKSNORT) |
14,843 |
57 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
38°F (3°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| May |
47°F (8°C) |
2.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
55°F (13°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| July |
64°F (18°C) |
1.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
61°F (16°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| September |
52°F (11°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
42°F (5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
Elliston has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 20°F in December to 64°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.2") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Elliston. 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 | $939 |
| Toddler | $972 |
| Preschool | $838 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $757 |
| Toddler | $771 |
| Preschool | $771 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elliston
What is the population of Elliston?
Elliston has a population of 208 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 26 people per square mile, spread across 8.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.6% female and 52.4% male.
Is Elliston expensive to live in?
Elliston 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 $41,719, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $248,300 (12% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 6x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Elliston safe?
The violent crime rate in Elliston is 454 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 3,761 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Elliston receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Elliston?
Elliston has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 64°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 19.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Elliston?
Elliston has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,124. There are 250 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 6.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elliston?
The median home value in Elliston is $248,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $348,266. For renters, the median monthly rent is $775. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,515.
How are the schools in Elliston?
Schools in Elliston score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.3% of adults in Elliston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.3% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elliston?
The obesity rate in Elliston is 33.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.8% of adults are smokers. 21.2% are physically inactive. 27.9% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance. 83.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,400.
What is transportation like in Elliston?
The average commute in Elliston is 27 minutes. 79.5% of workers drive alone to work, 3.4% use public transit, and 6.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elliston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elliston is 89.4% White, 7.2% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 8.8% of the population are military veterans. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 94.6% have health insurance coverage.