Median Income
$78,333
4% higher than US avg
Home Value
$408,300
45% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
272/100K
28% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
40.0%
19% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.6%
2% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.7%
35% higher than US avg
How Hardy Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population65
Median Age71.7 yrs
Density58/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans65.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$78,333
Per Capita$50,991
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty16.7%
County GDP$5,712M
Housing
B+
Home Value$408,300
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$390,316
Housing Units47
Rent Burden27.3%
Crime
F
Violent272/100K
Property4,304/100K
Health
Obesity31.6%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking12.7%
Depression25.4%
Heart Disease4.6%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain16.9 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation3,720 ft (1,134 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+40.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+16.0%
School Score6.19
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 37%
Broadband36.0%
Libraries4
Is Hardy a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hardy receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, an elevated poverty rate. Hardy offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hardy is $78,333, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 16.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hardy is $408,300, 45% above the national median. The price-to-income ratio of 5.2x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Hardy is below the national average at 272 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,304 per 100,000, 120% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 40.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Hardy experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 16.9 inches, including 66.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Hardy has a population of 65 with a density of 58 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 71.7 years, 84% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.1% female and 56.9% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 65.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
71.7yrs
Median Age
84% 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 Hardy is $78,333, which is 4% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $50,991 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,066, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,200 business establishments, including 251 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $78,333 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $50,991 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,066 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,719 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.7% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,200 |
| County GDP | $5,712M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 251 |
| Healthcare | 326 |
| Retail | 335 |
| Manufacturing | 70 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,066 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Hardy is $408,300, 45% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $390,316. Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 47 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $4,066 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.2x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $408,300 |
| 45% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $390,316 |
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 47 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,066 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.00% |
In Hardy, 31.6% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.6% of residents, below the national average. 27.4% have high blood pressure. 12.7% are current smokers. 20.2% report binge drinking. 19.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.0% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,341. The dentist ratio is 1:1,048. 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hardy vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.6% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.8% |
| Heart Disease | 4.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.4% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.7% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.1% |
| Depression | 25.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 32.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.1% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,341 |
| Dentists | 1:1,048 |
| Mental Health | 1:246 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.6% |
| Dental Visits | 57.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,758/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 326 |
Hardy has a violent crime rate of 272 per 100,000 residents, 28% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,304 per 100,000, 120% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hardy receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hardy vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 272.3/100K |
| 28% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,304.1/100K |
| 120% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hardy experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 69°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 16.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 66.8 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 3,720 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 47.0°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,720 ft (1,134 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 58/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.1825°N, 111.8155°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Cascade County County |
| Nearest Airport | Great Falls International (GTF)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
16.9"
56% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.64"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 83.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 27.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 76.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
345 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 |
67 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
15 km S of Lincoln, Montana |
M5.0 |
76 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
14 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.4 |
66 km |
| Jan 30, 2016 |
19 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.3 |
53 km |
| Aug 16, 2019 |
4 km NW of Manhattan, Montana |
M4.2 |
148 km |
| Aug 6, 2019 |
3 km NW of Manhattan, Montana |
M4.1 |
149 km |
| Apr 8, 2000 |
8 km ENE of Townsend, Montana |
M4.1 |
98 km |
| Jul 17, 2017 |
12 km ESE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.0 |
64 km |
| Jul 19, 2002 |
43 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
97 km |
| Nov 10, 2000 |
14 km NE of Townsend, Montana |
M4.0 |
94 km |
| Jul 14, 2019 |
11 km NNE of Manhattan, Montana |
M4.0 |
143 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
14 km SSE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.0 |
70 km |
| Jun 28, 2000 |
21 km SE of Clinton, Montana |
M4.0 |
145 km |
| Apr 1, 1993 |
15 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.9 |
56 km |
| Feb 6, 1999 |
24 km E of Townsend, Montana |
M3.9 |
103 km |
| Jun 2, 1996 |
37 km N of Ovando, Montana |
M3.9 |
95 km |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
27 km W of Chester, Montana |
M3.9 |
150 km |
| Oct 19, 2017 |
12 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.9 |
65 km |
| Mar 13, 2017 |
4 km ESE of Avon, Montana |
M3.8 |
88 km |
| May 7, 1992 |
14 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
32 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 30, 1975 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1966 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2007 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1998 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1980 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1977 |
EF1 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1964 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1962 |
EF1 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1961 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1960 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2018 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 2002 |
EF0 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 2000 |
EF0 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1997 |
EF0 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1993 |
EF0 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1993 |
EF0 |
54 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CANYON CREEK (167,875 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
CANYON CREEK |
167,875 |
71 km |
| 2021 |
WOODS CREEK |
55,836 |
83 km |
| 2007 |
AHORN |
45,633 |
95 km |
| 2003 |
LINCOLN COMPLEX (SNOWBANK) |
36,987 |
62 km |
| 1988 |
CANYON CREEK |
35,865 |
83 km |
| 2021 |
HARRIS MTN |
31,792 |
13 km |
| 2017 |
ALICE CREEK |
29,971 |
47 km |
| 2012 |
ELBOW PASS COMPLEX |
28,989 |
84 km |
| 1984 |
NORTH HILL |
27,162 |
42 km |
| 2000 |
CANYON FERRY COMPLEX (CAVE GULCH) |
26,997 |
56 km |
| 2007 |
CONGER CREEK |
22,936 |
89 km |
| 2007 |
MERIWETHER |
18,865 |
34 km |
| 2017 |
PARK CREEK |
17,915 |
71 km |
| 2000 |
CANYON FERRY COMPLEX (BUCKSNORT) |
14,843 |
68 km |
| 1990 |
BEARTOOTH COMPLEX |
13,462 |
24 km |
| 1993 |
FREEZEOUT LAKE |
9,793 |
60 km |
| 2021 |
BALSINGER |
8,317 |
73 km |
| 2005 |
HAZARD LAKE WFU |
4,894 |
99 km |
| 2009 |
INDIAN TRAIL |
4,592 |
24 km |
| 2022 |
URSUS |
4,291 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| July |
69°F (20°C) |
1.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
47°F (9°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
Hardy has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 27°F in December to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.6") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Hardy. 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 | $953 |
| Toddler | $993 |
| Preschool | $852 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $770 |
| Toddler | $787 |
| Preschool | $787 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hardy
What is the population of Hardy?
Hardy has a population of 65 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 58 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 71.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.1% female and 56.9% male.
Is Hardy expensive to live in?
Hardy 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 $78,333, 4% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $408,300 (45% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 5.2x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Hardy safe?
Hardy is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 272 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,304 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Hardy receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hardy?
Hardy has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 16.9 inches, with 66.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Hardy?
The job market in Hardy is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,066. There are 3,200 business establishments in the area, including 251 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Hardy?
The median home value in Hardy is $408,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $390,316. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,066.
How are the schools in Hardy?
Schools in Hardy score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 40.0% of adults in Hardy hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 16.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hardy?
The obesity rate in Hardy is 31.6% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.7% of adults are smokers. 19.1% are physically inactive. 25.4% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,341.
What are the demographics of Hardy?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hardy is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 65.0% of the population are military veterans. 17.6% of residents have a disability. 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
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