Median Income
$71,875
4% lower than US avg
Home Value
$169,100
40% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
135/100K
64% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
36.7%
9% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.3%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
12.3%
242% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.1%
51% lower than US avg
How Highwood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population209
Median Age29.4 yrs
Density40/mi²
Male / Female45% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans8.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$71,875
Per Capita$31,572
Unemployment12.3%
Poverty6.1%
County GDP$292M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$169,100
Ownership70.4%
Zillow$360,360
Housing Units76
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent135/100K
Property1,556/100K
Health
Obesity34.3%
Uninsured11.6%
Smoking17.7%
Depression24.1%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain15.1 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation3,718 ft (1,133 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+36.7%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+8.3%
School Score6.44
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 32%
Commute24 min
Broadband81.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Highwood a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Highwood receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Highwood offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Highwood is $71,875, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 12.3%, unemployment is notably high. Only 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Highwood is $169,100, 40% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Highwood is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 135 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,556 per 100,000, 21% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 36.7% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Highwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 15.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Highwood has a population of 209 with a density of 40 people per square mile, spread across 5.2 square miles. The median age is 29.4 years, 24% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.5% female and 44.5% male. The city is predominantly White (98.1%), with 1.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.5% of residents. 8.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 5.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
29.4yrs
Median Age
24% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.5%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.5%
81% below US avg
The median household income in Highwood is $71,875, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,572 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $852, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 12.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 229 business establishments, including 19 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 14.1% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,875 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,572 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $852 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,301 |
| Gini Index | 0.437 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 12.3% |
| 242% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.1% |
| 51% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 229 |
| County GDP | $292M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 12 |
| Retail | 26 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,671 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.58% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 14.1% |
The median home value in Highwood is $169,100, 40% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $360,360, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 76 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. The average annual property tax is $2,671 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $169,100 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $360,360 |
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 | 70.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.6% |
| Housing Units | 76 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,671 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.58% |
In Highwood, 34.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 17.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 23.4% report binge drinking. 21.4% are physically inactive. 24.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 11.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:5,898. 44.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Highwood vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.7% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.4% |
| Depression | 24.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 35.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.3% |
| Uninsured | 11.6% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:5,898 |
| Mental Health | 1:835 |
| Checkup Rate | 63.4% |
| Dental Visits | 51.0% |
| Premature Death | 10,967/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 44.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 12 |
Highwood has a violent crime rate of 135 per 100,000 residents, 64% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,556 per 100,000, 21% below the U.S. average. Overall, Highwood receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Highwood vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 135.3/100K |
| 64% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,556.2/100K |
| 21% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Highwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 70°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 15.1 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 3,718 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 46.7°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,718 ft (1,133 m) |
| Area | 5.2 sq mi (13.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 40/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.5992°N, 110.7696°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Chouteau County County |
| Nearest Airport | Great Falls International (GTF)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
15.1"
60% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.86"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 39.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 65.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 24.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
68 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 20, 2025.
| Jan 30, 2016 |
19 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.3 |
144 km |
| Apr 8, 2000 |
8 km ENE of Townsend, Montana |
M4.1 |
148 km |
| Nov 10, 2000 |
14 km NE of Townsend, Montana |
M4.0 |
141 km |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
27 km W of Chester, Montana |
M3.9 |
107 km |
| Apr 1, 1993 |
15 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.9 |
147 km |
| Feb 6, 1999 |
24 km E of Townsend, Montana |
M3.9 |
142 km |
| Jan 16, 2011 |
10 km ENE of Marysville, Montana |
M3.7 |
140 km |
| May 24, 2000 |
9 km ENE of Townsend, Montana |
M3.7 |
148 km |
| Jun 5, 1991 |
18 km SW of Shelby, Montana |
M3.6 |
126 km |
| Aug 11, 1992 |
27 km W of Augusta, Montana |
M3.4 |
150 km |
| Mar 7, 2017 |
9 km ENE of Marysville, Montana |
M3.4 |
140 km |
| Apr 1, 2000 |
9 km ENE of Townsend, Montana |
M3.3 |
148 km |
| Jan 31, 2020 |
4 km NNE of Marysville, Montana |
M3.3 |
146 km |
| Jun 6, 2000 |
7 km E of Townsend, Montana |
M3.3 |
150 km |
| Feb 11, 1999 |
23 km E of Townsend, Montana |
M3.3 |
143 km |
| Apr 10, 2000 |
8 km E of Townsend, Montana |
M3.2 |
150 km |
| Jun 16, 1999 |
16 km SSE of Craig, Montana |
M3.2 |
114 km |
| Apr 9, 2000 |
9 km ENE of Townsend, Montana |
M3.2 |
147 km |
| Apr 2, 2014 |
13 km NNW of Conrad, Montana |
M3.1 |
120 km |
| Mar 25, 2021 |
13 km NNW of Marysville, Montana |
M3.1 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
57 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 8 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1996 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1994 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1994 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1976 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1975 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1965 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2007 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2003 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1998 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1998 |
EF1 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF1 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1980 |
EF1 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1977 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1977 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HARRIS MTN (31,792 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
HARRIS MTN |
31,792 |
87 km |
| 1990 |
TURKEY |
25,658 |
79 km |
| 2021 |
TAYLOR |
21,704 |
86 km |
| 2009 |
MEISSNER |
12,318 |
42 km |
| 1985 |
SANDPOINT |
10,439 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
BALSINGER |
8,317 |
68 km |
| 2020 |
LOUSE CREEK |
5,237 |
90 km |
| 1988 |
LOSTCANYON |
4,532 |
99 km |
| 2020 |
YOGO |
4,429 |
79 km |
| 2008 |
CHOUTEAU CO COMPLEX |
4,365 |
47 km |
| 2019 |
STUCKEY RD MA |
4,073 |
44 km |
| 1991 |
POWER |
3,822 |
65 km |
| 2012 |
MISSION ROAD |
3,372 |
100 km |
| 2008 |
UNIT 3 MARSH HAZ FUEL REDUCTION |
3,333 |
43 km |
| 1996 |
COYOTE |
3,320 |
81 km |
| 2020 |
EAGLE ROCK ROAD |
3,129 |
36 km |
| 2022 |
BENTON LAKE UNIT 3 AND 4B |
2,996 |
44 km |
| 2007 |
CHOUTEAU CO ASST |
2,646 |
28 km |
| 2001 |
LOST FORK-MONARCH COMPLEX (LOST FORK) |
2,313 |
95 km |
| 2022 |
MTBLR-FY22-RX |
2,244 |
44 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
60°F (16°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
1.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| September |
56°F (14°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
Highwood has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 26°F in December to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Highwood. 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 | $958 |
| Preschool | $825 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $726 |
| Toddler | $740 |
| Preschool | $740 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Highwood
What is the population of Highwood?
Highwood has a population of 209 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 40 people per square mile, spread across 5.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.5% female and 44.5% male.
Is Highwood expensive to live in?
Highwood 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 $71,875, 4% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $169,100 (40% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Highwood safe?
Highwood is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 135 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,556 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Highwood receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Highwood?
Highwood has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 15.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Highwood?
The job market in Highwood faces challenges, with unemployment at 12.3% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $852. There are 229 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 14.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Highwood?
The median home value in Highwood is $169,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $360,360. The homeownership rate is 70.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,671.
How are the schools in Highwood?
Schools in Highwood score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 36.7% of adults in Highwood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 8.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Highwood?
The obesity rate in Highwood is 34.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.7% of adults are smokers. 21.4% are physically inactive. 24.1% of residents report depression. 11.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 44.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Highwood?
The average commute in Highwood is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Highwood?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Highwood is 98.1% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 97.5% of residents speak only English at home. 8.4% of the population are military veterans. 5.1% of residents have a disability. 98.3% have health insurance coverage.
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