Median Income
$81,458
8% higher than US avg
Home Value
$140,600
50% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
183/100K
52% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.5%
18% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,100
5% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.5%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.3%
57% lower than US avg
How Fox Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population173
Median Age23.4 yrs
Density41/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 73%
Veterans96.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$81,458
Per Capita$23,890
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty5.3%
County GDP$1,188M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$140,600
Rent$1,100
Ownership51.1%
Zillow$260,814
Housing Units88
Rent Burden15.8%
Crime
F
Violent183/100K
Property1,223/100K
Health
Obesity37.5%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking13.5%
Depression24.9%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain15.3 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation2,356 ft (718 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.5%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+11.7%
School Score5.86
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 15%
Commute27 min
Broadband47.0%
Libraries1
Is Fox Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fox Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Fox Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fox Lake is $81,458, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fox Lake is $140,600, 50% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,100 per month. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Fox Lake is below the national average at 183 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,223 per 100,000, 38% below the national average.
Education
27.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Fox Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 15.3 inches, including 29.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Fox Lake has a population of 173 with a density of 41 people per square mile, spread across 4.2 square miles. The median age is 23.4 years, 40% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.4% female and 48.6% male. The city is predominantly White (73.4%), with 6.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1% of residents. 96.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 4.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 90.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
23.4yrs
Median Age
40% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.1%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.9%
86% below US avg
The median household income in Fox Lake is $81,458, which is 8% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,890 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,214, 15% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 648 business establishments, including 43 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. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $81,458 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,890 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,214 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,990 |
| Gini Index | 0.446 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.3% |
| 57% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 648 |
| County GDP | $1,188M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 43 |
| Healthcare | 40 |
| Retail | 52 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,013 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.14% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Fox Lake is $140,600, 50% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $260,814, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,100 (5% 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. 51.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 88 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1988. The average annual property tax is $3,013. 15.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $140,600 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $260,814 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,100 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 15.8% |
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 | 51.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 51.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 48.9% |
| Housing Units | 88 |
| Median Year Built | 1988 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,013 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.14% |
In Fox Lake, 37.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 27.4% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 23.3% report binge drinking. 21.6% are physically inactive. 24.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,761. The dentist ratio is 1:2,809. 54.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fox Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.5% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.4% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.5% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.6% |
| Depression | 24.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 33.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,761 |
| Dentists | 1:2,809 |
| Mental Health | 1:698 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.5% |
| Dental Visits | 63.6% |
| Premature Death | 8,321/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 40 |
Fox Lake has a violent crime rate of 183 per 100,000 residents, 52% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,223 per 100,000, 38% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Fox Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fox Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 183.5/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,223.2/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fox Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 73°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 15.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 29.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. 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 2,356 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 45.8°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,356 ft (718 m) |
| Area | 4.2 sq mi (10.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 41/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.6857°N, 104.6307°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Richland County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sidney-Richland Regional (SDY)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
15.3"
60% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.87"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0458 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 2.9 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.15 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 52.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 16.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on May 6, 2014.
| Feb 25, 2014 |
23 km N of Brockton, Montana |
M3.8 |
77 km |
| Jul 29, 1998 |
16 km WNW of Froid, Montana |
M3.8 |
76 km |
| Nov 11, 1998 |
10 km SW of Grenora, North Dakota |
M3.5 |
106 km |
| Sep 28, 2012 |
22 km ESE of Williston, North Dakota |
M3.3 |
104 km |
| May 6, 2014 |
12 km NNW of Knife River, Montana |
M2.6 |
21 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
70 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 6 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 29, 1961 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1953 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1952 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| Jun 10, 1952 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1982 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1975 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1972 |
EF2 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1971 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Sep 21, 1969 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1954 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1953 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
EF1 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1999 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1998 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1998 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1984 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1983 |
EF1 |
69 km |
1 |
| Jul 13, 1980 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GAP/ROUGH CREEK (53,708 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
GAP/ROUGH CREEK |
53,708 |
59 km |
| 1988 |
BAINVILLE |
12,790 |
60 km |
| 2016 |
FLAGSTAFF HILL |
9,129 |
95 km |
| 2012 |
HIGHWAY 13-20 |
8,372 |
91 km |
| 2017 |
YOOPER |
7,834 |
43 km |
| 2018 |
BUFFALO PASTURE |
7,624 |
85 km |
| 2003 |
GREYBULL |
7,229 |
90 km |
| 2021 |
SMITH |
5,212 |
49 km |
| 2006 |
BUFFALO RANCH |
5,206 |
88 km |
| 2017 |
MAGPIE FIRE |
5,056 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
ROOSEVELT CREEK |
4,608 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
HORSE PASTURE |
4,431 |
100 km |
| 2003 |
3 MILE |
3,394 |
47 km |
| 1988 |
MONTANA LINE |
3,307 |
44 km |
| 1988 |
CINNAMON CREEK |
3,204 |
75 km |
| 2021 |
GREAT DIVIDE - DAWSON |
3,003 |
59 km |
| 1999 |
CEDARCRKN |
2,964 |
99 km |
| 1999 |
HALLOWEEN |
2,845 |
79 km |
| 2021 |
ELKHORN |
2,784 |
90 km |
| 2021 |
13 MILE FIRE |
2,585 |
100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
2.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
2.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Fox Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 18°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.9") and February the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Fox Lake. 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 | $924 |
| Toddler | $968 |
| Preschool | $826 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $748 |
| Toddler | $766 |
| Preschool | $766 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fox Lake
What is the population of Fox Lake?
Fox Lake has a population of 173 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 41 people per square mile, spread across 4.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 23.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.4% female and 48.6% male.
Is Fox Lake expensive to live in?
Fox Lake 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 $81,458, 8% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $140,600 (50% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,100 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fox Lake safe?
Fox Lake is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 183 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,223 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Fox Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fox Lake?
Fox Lake has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 15.3 inches, with 29.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Fox Lake?
The job market in Fox Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,214. There are 648 business establishments in the area, including 43 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fox Lake?
The median home value in Fox Lake is $140,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $260,814. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,100. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 51.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,013.
How are the schools in Fox Lake?
Schools in Fox Lake score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.5% of adults in Fox Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 11.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fox Lake?
The obesity rate in Fox Lake is 37.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 21.6% are physically inactive. 24.9% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 54.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,761.
What is transportation like in Fox Lake?
The average commute in Fox Lake is 27 minutes. 85.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fox Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fox Lake is 73.4% White, 6.4% Hispanic or Latino. 98.1% of residents speak only English at home. 96.0% of the population are military veterans. 4.0% of residents have a disability. 90.8% have health insurance coverage.
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