Median Income
$60,463
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$142,800
49% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
378/100K
0% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.3%
10% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$726
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.5%
1% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.3%
48% higher than US avg
How Hardin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,766
Median Age34.2 yrs
Density1,268/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 46%
Veterans4.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$60,463
Per Capita$26,322
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty18.3%
County GDP$1,286M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$142,800
Rent$726
Ownership56.7%
Zillow$204,573
Housing Units1,463
Rent Burden25.0%
Crime
F
Violent378/100K
Property4,476/100K
Health
Obesity32.5%
Uninsured13.3%
Smoking20.4%
Depression24.7%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain13.8 in/yr
Sunny Days311/yr
Elevation2,900 ft (884 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.3%
High School+86.6%
Graduate+15.0%
School Score2.86
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 47%
Commute17 min
Broadband86.1%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Hardin a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hardin receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Hardin offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hardin is $60,463, 20% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 18.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hardin is $142,800, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $726 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Hardin is below the national average at 378 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,476 per 100,000, 128% above the national average.
Education
30.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.6% have completed high school. School test scores average 2.9/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Hardin experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 311 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 13.8 inches, including 27.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Hardin has a population of 3,766 with a density of 1,268 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age is 34.2 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.9% female and 46.1% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (46.2%), with 46% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 81.7% of residents, while 18.3% speak Spanish. 4.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.2yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
81.7%
4% above US avg
Spanish
18.3%
37% above US avg
The median household income in Hardin is $60,463, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,322 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,077, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 270 business establishments, including 21 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,463 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,322 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,077 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $47,700 |
| Gini Index | 0.453 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.3% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 270 |
| County GDP | $1,286M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 21 |
| Healthcare | 19 |
| Retail | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,243 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.27% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.6% |
The median home value in Hardin is $142,800, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $204,573, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $726 (38% 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. 56.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,463 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. The average annual property tax is $3,243. 25.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $142,800 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $204,573 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $726 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.0% |
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 | 56.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 56.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 43.3% |
| Housing Units | 1,463 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,243 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.27% |
In Hardin, 32.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 20.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.4% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 24.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.8% experience frequent mental distress. 13.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,851. The dentist ratio is 1:1,428. 43.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hardin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.5% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 13.0% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.4% |
| 46% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 24.7% |
| Mental Distress | 20.8% |
| Physical Distress | 16.0% |
| Short Sleep | 35.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.7% |
| Uninsured | 13.3% |
| 55% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,851 |
| Dentists | 1:1,428 |
| Mental Health | 1:797 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.6% |
| Dental Visits | 51.5% |
| Premature Death | 25,709/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 43.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
Hardin has a violent crime rate of 378 per 100,000 residents, 0% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,476 per 100,000, 128% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 16 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Hardin receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hardin vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 378.3/100K |
| 0% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,476.4/100K |
| 128% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 16 |
| Traffic Accidents | 114 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hardin experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 73°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 13.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 27.9 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 2,900 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.7°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 311 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,900 ft (884 m) |
| Area | 3.0 sq mi (7.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,268/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.7422°N, 107.6082°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Big Horn County County |
| Nearest Airport | Billings Logan International (BIL)
45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
13.8"
64% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.68"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 94.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 4.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
13 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M3.2 on Jul 21, 2023.
| Aug 22, 2009 |
20 km SSE of Birney, Montana |
M4.0 |
113 km |
| Jul 6, 2021 |
27 km SSE of Melstone, Montana |
M3.6 |
70 km |
| Dec 23, 1991 |
10 km SW of Colstrip, Montana |
M3.6 |
70 km |
| Jul 21, 2023 |
Eastern Montana |
M3.2 |
101 km |
| Mar 23, 2023 |
8 km S of Shell, Wyoming |
M2.8 |
143 km |
| May 21, 2013 |
32 km NE of Melstone, Montana |
M2.8 |
115 km |
| Mar 30, 2018 |
20 km NNE of Sheridan, Wyoming |
M2.8 |
106 km |
| Jan 15, 2023 |
6 km NE of Ashland, Montana |
M2.8 |
110 km |
| Aug 7, 2022 |
38 km N of Arvada, Wyoming |
M2.8 |
148 km |
| May 19, 2017 |
6 km ESE of Birney, Montana |
M2.7 |
104 km |
| Jan 6, 2016 |
27 km ENE of Lovell, Wyoming |
M2.6 |
95 km |
| Jun 2, 2019 |
14 km WSW of Birney, Montana |
M2.6 |
88 km |
| Apr 22, 2018 |
8 km ENE of Ashland, Montana |
M2.6 |
113 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
48 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 6 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1965 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2010 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1986 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1958 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2018 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2016 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1996 |
EF1 |
1 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1991 |
EF1 |
2 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1991 |
EF1 |
9 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1991 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1990 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1984 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1984 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1980 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1958 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1955 |
EF1 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1955 |
EF1 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2013 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2011 |
EF0 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2011 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RICHARD SPRING (168,765 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
RICHARD SPRING |
168,765 |
84 km |
| 1984 |
HAWK CREEK |
157,778 |
77 km |
| 2012 |
CHALKY |
132,680 |
63 km |
| 2008 |
DUNN MTN. ASSIST |
105,494 |
69 km |
| 2006 |
PINE RIDGE COMPLEX |
103,074 |
31 km |
| 2006 |
BUNDY RAILROAD |
91,575 |
51 km |
| 2012 |
SARPY HILLS COMPLEX |
83,942 |
29 km |
| 2021 |
P F |
66,375 |
15 km |
| 1994 |
BABY DEAN |
61,955 |
69 km |
| 2020 |
SARPY |
51,619 |
48 km |
| 2012 |
DELPHIA |
40,396 |
85 km |
| 2020 |
BOBCAT |
31,020 |
86 km |
| 1999 |
FISHEL CREEK |
28,611 |
94 km |
| 2017 |
WITTEN |
27,938 |
89 km |
| 2003 |
LITTLEHAWK |
27,926 |
53 km |
| 2021 |
MUSSELSHELL TRAIL RD |
22,723 |
58 km |
| 1988 |
EARLYBIRD |
21,730 |
85 km |
| 2012 |
DAHL |
21,448 |
95 km |
| 2011 |
BLACK SPRINGS COMPLEX |
19,473 |
63 km |
| 2024 |
MCGHEE |
19,161 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
1.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Hardin has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 24°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 15.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.7") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Hardin. 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 | $944 |
| Toddler | $982 |
| Preschool | $843 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $743 |
| Toddler | $758 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hardin
What is the population of Hardin?
Hardin has a population of 3,766 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 1,268 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.9% female and 46.1% male.
Is Hardin expensive to live in?
Hardin 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 $60,463, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $142,800 (49% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $726 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hardin safe?
Hardin is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 378 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,476 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Hardin receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hardin?
Hardin has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 311 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 13.8 inches, with 27.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Hardin?
Hardin has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,077. There are 270 business establishments in the area, including 21 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 0.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hardin?
The median home value in Hardin is $142,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $204,573. For renters, the median monthly rent is $726. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 56.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,243.
How are the schools in Hardin?
Schools in Hardin have an average test score of 2.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 30.3% of adults in Hardin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.6% have completed high school. 15.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hardin?
The obesity rate in Hardin is 32.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.4% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 24.7% of residents report depression. 13.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 43.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,851.
What is transportation like in Hardin?
The average commute in Hardin is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 67.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hardin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hardin is 46% White, 46.2% Hispanic or Latino. 81.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 18.3% speak Spanish. 4.4% of the population are military veterans. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
