Median Income
$53,750
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$178,800
37% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
390/100K
3% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.0%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$766
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.3%
1% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.1%
19% lower than US avg
How Harlowton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,054
Median Age50.8 yrs
Density1,673/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans11.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$53,750
Per Capita$28,987
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty10.1%
County GDP$107M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$178,800
Rent$766
Ownership76.3%
Zillow$154,133
Housing Units519
Rent Burden18.0%
Crime
F
Violent390/100K
Property1,220/100K
Health
Obesity32.3%
Uninsured11.8%
Smoking18.5%
Depression27.1%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain13.2 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation4,217 ft (1,285 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.0%
High School+88.6%
Graduate+2.1%
School Score5.06
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 19%
Commute15 min
Broadband72.8%
Libraries1
Is Harlowton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Harlowton receives an overall livability score of 2.9 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. Harlowton has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Harlowton is $53,750, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 10.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Harlowton is $178,800, 37% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $766 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 390 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,220 per 100,000, 38% below the national average.
Education
13.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Harlowton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 13.2 inches, including 19.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Harlowton has a population of 1,054 with a density of 1,673 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 50.8 years, 31% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57% female and 43% male. The city is predominantly White (95.2%), with 4.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 11.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.2% of residents have a disability. 77.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.8yrs
Median Age
31% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Harlowton vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Harlowton vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Harlowton is $53,750, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,987 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $813, 43% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 104 business establishments, including 11 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Harlowton vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,750 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,987 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $813 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $49,391 |
| Gini Index | 0.501 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.1% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 104 |
| County GDP | $107M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 11 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 61.5% |
| Public Transit | 1.9% |
| Work from Home | 6.7% |
The median home value in Harlowton is $178,800, 37% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $154,133, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $766 (34% 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. 76.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 519 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. 18.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $178,800 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $154,133 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $766 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.0% |
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 | 76.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.7% |
| Housing Units | 519 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
In Harlowton, 32.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 18.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.7% report binge drinking. 24.4% are physically inactive. 27.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.6% experience frequent mental distress. 11.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). 60.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Harlowton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.3% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.5% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.4% |
| Depression | 27.1% |
| Mental Distress | 20.6% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 34.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 77.4% |
| Uninsured | 11.8% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:686 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.1% |
| Dental Visits | 56.7% |
| Premature Death | 12,189/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Harlowton has a violent crime rate of 390 per 100,000 residents, 3% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,220 per 100,000, 38% below the U.S. average. Overall, Harlowton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Harlowton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 389.8/100K |
| 3% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,220.3/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Harlowton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 67°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 13.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 19.6 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 4,217 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 43.8°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,217 ft (1,285 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,673/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.4368°N, 109.8351°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Wheatland County County |
| Nearest Airport | Billings Logan International (BIL)
76 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
13.2"
65% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.64"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 3.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 62.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 10.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively 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
95 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.9 on Jan 1, 2025.
| Aug 16, 2019 |
4 km NW of Manhattan, Montana |
M4.2 |
133 km |
| Aug 6, 2019 |
3 km NW of Manhattan, Montana |
M4.1 |
133 km |
| Apr 8, 2000 |
8 km ENE of Townsend, Montana |
M4.1 |
121 km |
| Nov 6, 1997 |
4 km WSW of Springhill, Montana |
M4.0 |
118 km |
| Jul 14, 2019 |
11 km NNE of Manhattan, Montana |
M4.0 |
123 km |
| Nov 10, 2000 |
14 km NE of Townsend, Montana |
M4.0 |
118 km |
| Feb 6, 1999 |
24 km E of Townsend, Montana |
M3.9 |
105 km |
| Jan 30, 2023 |
9 km NNW of Livingston, Montana |
M3.8 |
97 km |
| Feb 22, 2019 |
4 km N of Manhattan, Montana |
M3.7 |
130 km |
| May 24, 2000 |
9 km ENE of Townsend, Montana |
M3.7 |
121 km |
| Jan 9, 2003 |
23 km E of Wilsall, Montana |
M3.7 |
62 km |
| Jan 2, 1990 |
6 km NNE of Toston, Montana |
M3.7 |
122 km |
| Aug 4, 2019 |
4 km WSW of Manhattan, Montana |
M3.6 |
137 km |
| Jul 23, 2014 |
11 km NNE of Toston, Montana |
M3.6 |
120 km |
| Jul 2, 1993 |
8 km N of Manhattan, Montana |
M3.5 |
128 km |
| Jan 17, 2004 |
4 km W of Radersburg, Montana |
M3.5 |
145 km |
| Aug 3, 2019 |
3 km NNW of Manhattan, Montana |
M3.4 |
132 km |
| Aug 23, 2019 |
3 km WNW of Manhattan, Montana |
M3.4 |
134 km |
| Nov 13, 1997 |
4 km WSW of Springhill, Montana |
M3.4 |
119 km |
| Apr 16, 2004 |
10 km SSW of Radersburg, Montana |
M3.4 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
50 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 4 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 2, 2010 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2002 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 1999 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1994 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1994 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1965 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1964 |
EF2 |
5 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2012 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2007 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2003 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 1998 |
EF1 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1977 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1977 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1971 |
EF1 |
24 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1965 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1957 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 2022 |
EF0 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2019 |
EF0 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2019 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2018 |
EF0 |
53 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DERBY (200,993 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
DERBY |
200,993 |
94 km |
| 2003 |
HOBBLE |
38,365 |
69 km |
| 1990 |
TURKEY |
25,658 |
68 km |
| 2012 |
DAHL |
21,448 |
99 km |
| 2021 |
AMERICAN FORK |
20,726 |
48 km |
| 2021 |
SOUTH MOCCASIN |
12,727 |
86 km |
| 1985 |
SANDPOINT |
10,439 |
64 km |
| 1994 |
BLACK BUTTE |
10,231 |
82 km |
| 2010 |
STUMP GULCH |
8,873 |
90 km |
| 2017 |
CHINN MA |
7,029 |
80 km |
| 2020 |
LOUSE CREEK |
5,237 |
77 km |
| 1988 |
TWO DOT |
5,097 |
35 km |
| 1999 |
HORSE THIE |
4,767 |
79 km |
| 1991 |
BURNETTEPK |
4,644 |
89 km |
| 2020 |
YOGO |
4,429 |
74 km |
| 2017 |
BLACKTAIL |
4,029 |
41 km |
| 1999 |
CHRISTMAS |
3,550 |
86 km |
| 1996 |
COYOTE |
3,320 |
87 km |
| 2006 |
SAUNDERS |
3,038 |
93 km |
| 2012 |
ANDERSON |
2,917 |
53 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| May |
51°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
59°F (15°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
1.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (19°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Harlowton has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 25°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.6") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Harlowton. 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 | $957 |
| Toddler | $991 |
| Preschool | $855 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $752 |
| Toddler | $765 |
| Preschool | $765 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Harlowton
What is the population of Harlowton?
Harlowton has a population of 1,054 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 1,673 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57% female and 43% male.
Is Harlowton expensive to live in?
Harlowton 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 $53,750, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $178,800 (37% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $766 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Harlowton safe?
The violent crime rate in Harlowton is 390 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 1,220 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Harlowton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Harlowton?
Harlowton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 13.2 inches, with 19.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Harlowton?
The job market in Harlowton is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $813. There are 104 business establishments in the area, including 11 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 6.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Harlowton?
The median home value in Harlowton is $178,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $154,133. For renters, the median monthly rent is $766. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.3%.
How are the schools in Harlowton?
Schools in Harlowton score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.0% of adults in Harlowton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.6% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Harlowton?
The obesity rate in Harlowton is 32.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.5% of adults are smokers. 24.4% are physically inactive. 27.1% of residents report depression. 11.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 60.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Harlowton?
The average commute in Harlowton is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 61.5% of workers drive alone to work, 1.9% use public transit, and 6.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Harlowton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Harlowton is 95.2% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 11.5% of the population are military veterans. 14.2% of residents have a disability. 77.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
