Median Income
$53,906
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$183,100
35% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
236/100K
38% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.6%
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
28.8%
10% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.6%
79% lower than US avg
How Lima Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population237
Median Age53.0 yrs
Density423/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans17.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$53,906
Per Capita$27,064
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty2.6%
County GDP$57M
Commute7 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$183,100
Ownership93.5%
Zillow$271,440
Housing Units158
Rent Burden13.0%
Crime
F
Violent236/100K
Property826/100K
Health
Obesity28.8%
Uninsured10.6%
Smoking14.7%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain10.4 in/yr
Sunny Days311/yr
Elevation6,253 ft (1,906 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.6%
High School+95.7%
Graduate+2.0%
School Score5.68
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Commute7 min
Broadband67.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Lima a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lima receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Lima offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lima is $53,906, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 2.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 7 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lima is $183,100, 35% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Lima is below the national average at 236 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 826 per 100,000, 58% below the national average.
Education
19.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Lima has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. With 311 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 10.4 inches, including 52.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Lima has a population of 237 with a density of 423 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 53.0 years, 36% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46% female and 54% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 17.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
53.0yrs
Median Age
36% 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 Lima is $53,906, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,064 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,192, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 49 business establishments, including 55 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 7 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,906 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,064 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,192 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $44,579 |
| Gini Index | 0.331 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.6% |
| 79% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 49 |
| County GDP | $57M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 55 |
| Healthcare | 35 |
| Retail | 41 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 6.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 63.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.6% |
The median home value in Lima is $183,100, 35% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $271,440, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. 93.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 158 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. 13.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $183,100 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $271,440 |
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 | 93.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 93.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 6.5% |
| Housing Units | 158 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
In Lima, 28.8% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 28.5% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 22.6% report binge drinking. 19.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 10.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). 5.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 3.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lima vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 28.8% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.5% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.9% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 32.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.5% |
| Uninsured | 10.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 68.4% |
| Dental Visits | 60.1% |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 3.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 5.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 35 |
Lima has a violent crime rate of 236 per 100,000 residents, 38% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 826 per 100,000, 58% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Lima receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lima vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 235.9/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 825.7/100K |
| 58% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 61 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lima has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 65°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 10.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 52.6 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 6,253 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
65°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 41.5°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 311 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 6,253 ft (1,906 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 423/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.6383°N, 112.5918°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Clark County County |
| Nearest Airport | Idaho Falls Regional (IDA)
82 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
10.4"
73% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
1.97"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 0.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 0.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1,103 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 19, 2025.
| Jul 26, 2005 |
16 km N of Dillon, Montana |
M5.6 |
81 km |
| Aug 20, 1999 |
22 km NW of Lima, Montana |
M5.1 |
23 km |
| Jan 3, 2015 |
9 km E of Challis, Idaho |
M5.0 |
121 km |
| Jun 7, 1994 |
18 km E of Challis, Idaho |
M4.8 |
113 km |
| Apr 13, 2014 |
15 km NNW of Challis, Idaho |
M4.8 |
138 km |
| Apr 9, 2019 |
9 km NE of Lima, Montana |
M4.6 |
9 km |
| May 4, 1992 |
20 km E of Challis, Idaho |
M4.6 |
111 km |
| Dec 28, 1991 |
southern Idaho |
M4.4 |
121 km |
| Apr 5, 2011 |
28 km NNE of Spencer, Idaho |
M4.4 |
40 km |
| Feb 5, 2006 |
44 km NE of Spencer, Idaho |
M4.4 |
57 km |
| Apr 14, 2014 |
13 km NW of Challis, Idaho |
M4.4 |
138 km |
| May 8, 2007 |
8 km NNW of Alder, Montana |
M4.4 |
92 km |
| May 6, 1992 |
17 km E of Challis, Idaho |
M4.4 |
114 km |
| Jun 16, 2017 |
12 km E of Hebgen Lake Estates, Montana |
M4.4 |
124 km |
| Jun 13, 2016 |
45 km W of Hebgen Lake Estates, Montana |
M4.3 |
66 km |
| Mar 22, 1992 |
11 km NE of Challis, Idaho |
M4.3 |
123 km |
| Oct 28, 1998 |
18 km S of Whitehall, Montana |
M4.3 |
124 km |
| Jun 8, 2025 |
24 km E of Clayton, Idaho |
M4.3 |
127 km |
| Jul 14, 2023 |
3 km S of Lima, Montana |
M4.2 |
3 km |
| Aug 13, 1998 |
3 km ESE of Challis, Idaho |
M4.2 |
128 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
28 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 19, 1962 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Sep 26, 1959 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1997 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 1991 |
EF1 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1985 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 1984 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 2023 |
EF0 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2016 |
EF0 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2015 |
EF0 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2014 |
EF0 |
72 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2013 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2013 |
EF0 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2013 |
EF0 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 2006 |
EF0 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 2005 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2005 |
EF0 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1997 |
EF0 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1997 |
EF0 |
52 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 1995 |
EF0 |
10 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1995 |
EF0 |
45 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
3 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Hell's Half Acre (127 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Hell's Half Acre |
Shield |
1,631 m (5,351 ft) |
-3250 |
127 km |
| Craters of the Moon |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
2,005 m (6,578 ft) |
-130 |
154 km |
| Yellowstone |
Caldera(s) |
2,805 m (9,203 ft) |
-1350 |
154 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GRASSY RIDGE (106,164 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
GRASSY RIDGE |
106,164 |
73 km |
| 2003 |
DEEP |
38,701 |
36 km |
| 2023 |
HAYDEN |
32,292 |
88 km |
| 2017 |
DEER PARK |
17,745 |
97 km |
| 2020 |
BEAR CREEK |
14,978 |
70 km |
| 2006 |
CLARKS CANYON |
14,848 |
48 km |
| 2003 |
TOBIAS |
13,356 |
87 km |
| 2018 |
INDIAN BUTTE |
12,897 |
40 km |
| 2006 |
SNOWSHOE |
11,910 |
74 km |
| 2003 |
WINSLOW |
11,794 |
55 km |
| 2003 |
MENAN |
11,790 |
98 km |
| 2018 |
GOLDSTONE |
9,812 |
89 km |
| 1988 |
SWEETWATER |
8,405 |
50 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
8,385 |
84 km |
| 2021 |
GOOSE |
7,817 |
79 km |
| 2000 |
CAMAS |
7,249 |
73 km |
| 2018 |
MONUMENT |
6,973 |
73 km |
| 1986 |
CEDAR BT 2 |
6,488 |
63 km |
| 1988 |
LITTLE LOST |
6,282 |
67 km |
| 2013 |
EUREKA |
6,213 |
60 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
33°F (0°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| May |
42°F (5°C) |
2.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
49°F (10°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| July |
65°F (18°C) |
1.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
57°F (14°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| September |
50°F (10°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
39°F (4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
Lima has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 18°F in December to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 13.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.0") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Lima. 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 | $550 |
| Toddler | $526 |
| Preschool | $488 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $473 |
| Toddler | $470 |
| Preschool | $441 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lima
What is the population of Lima?
Lima has a population of 237 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 423 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46% female and 54% male.
Is Lima expensive to live in?
Lima 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 $53,906, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $183,100 (35% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lima safe?
Lima is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 236 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 826 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lima receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lima?
Lima has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. The area receives 311 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 10.4 inches, with 52.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Lima?
The job market in Lima is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,192. There are 49 business establishments in the area, including 55 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 7 minutes, and 8.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lima?
The median home value in Lima is $183,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $271,440. The homeownership rate is 93.5%.
How are the schools in Lima?
Schools in Lima score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.6% of adults in Lima hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. 2.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lima?
The obesity rate in Lima is 28.8% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 19.9% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 10.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 5.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Lima?
The average commute in Lima is 7 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 63.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lima?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lima is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 17.8% of the population are military veterans. 18.7% of residents have a disability. 88.5% have health insurance coverage.
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