Median Income
$105,114
40% higher than US avg
Home Value
$775,000
175% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
250/100K
34% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.7%
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.0%
0% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Little Bitterroot Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population153
Median Age51.3 yrs
Density18/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans14.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$105,114
Per Capita$39,601
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$7,210M
Housing
C+
Home Value$775,000
Ownership84.7%
Zillow$687,107
Housing Units266
Rent Burden30.8%
Crime
F
Violent250/100K
Property4,629/100K
Health
Obesity32.0%
Uninsured10.1%
Smoking15.9%
Depression26.6%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain16.8 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation3,909 ft (1,191 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.7%
High School+92.6%
Graduate+23.1%
School Score6.40
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 32%
Broadband59.0%
EV Stations6
Libraries5
Is Little Bitterroot Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Little Bitterroot Lake receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Little Bitterroot Lake has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Little Bitterroot Lake is $105,114, which is significantly higher than the national average / 40% above $75,149. This places Little Bitterroot Lake among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Little Bitterroot Lake is $775,000, making it a premium housing market at 175% above the U.S. median of $281,900. With a home price-to-income ratio of 7.4x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Little Bitterroot Lake is below the national average at 250 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,629 per 100,000, 136% above the national average.
Education
20.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Little Bitterroot Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 16.8 inches, including 54.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Little Bitterroot Lake has a population of 153 with a density of 18 people per square mile, spread across 13.1 square miles. The median age is 51.3 years, 32% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The city is predominantly White (96.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 14.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 88.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.3yrs
Median Age
32% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Little Bitterroot Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Little Bitterroot Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Little Bitterroot Lake is $105,114, which is 40% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,601. The average weekly wage is $1,122, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 6,994 business establishments, including 450 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 34.4% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Little Bitterroot Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $105,114 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,601 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,122 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $92,813 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 6,994 |
| County GDP | $7,210M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 450 |
| Healthcare | 459 |
| Retail | 491 |
| Manufacturing | 194 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,362 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.69% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 65.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 34.4% |
The median home value in Little Bitterroot Lake is $775,000, 175% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $687,107, lower than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 266 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1992. The average annual property tax is $5,362 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.4x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $775,000 |
| 175% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $687,107 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $550 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
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 | 84.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.3% |
| Housing Units | 266 |
| Median Year Built | 1992 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,362 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.69% |
In Little Bitterroot Lake, 32.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 25.5% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 21.4% report binge drinking. 19.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 26.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 10.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,085. The dentist ratio is 1:1,434. 81.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Little Bitterroot Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.0% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.5% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.4% |
| Depression | 26.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 32.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.5% |
| Uninsured | 10.1% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,085 |
| Dentists | 1:1,434 |
| Mental Health | 1:261 |
| Checkup Rate | 63.3% |
| Dental Visits | 58.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,948/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 81.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 459 |
Little Bitterroot Lake has a violent crime rate of 250 per 100,000 residents, 34% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,629 per 100,000, 136% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 23 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Little Bitterroot Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Little Bitterroot Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 249.6/100K |
| 34% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,628.5/100K |
| 136% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 23 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Little Bitterroot Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 274 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 16.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 54.4 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 3,909 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
65°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 43.1°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,909 ft (1,191 m) |
| Area | 13.1 sq mi (34.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 18/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.1339°N, 114.7259°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Flathead County County |
| Nearest Airport | Glacier Park International (FCA) 25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
16.8"
56% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
2.56"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0419 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 86.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 46.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
192 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.7. Most recent: M2.5 on Feb 13, 2025.
| Dec 22, 1998 |
Idaho-Montana border region |
M4.7 |
39 km |
| Mar 4, 2000 |
35 km S of Pincher Creek, Canada |
M4.6 |
126 km |
| Mar 22, 2006 |
8 km SSW of Rexford, Montana |
M4.3 |
85 km |
| Aug 17, 1994 |
1 km E of Mullan, Idaho |
M4.1 |
108 km |
| Apr 15, 1998 |
11 km NE of Swan Lake, Montana |
M4.1 |
74 km |
| Jun 29, 1995 |
2 km NNW of Kila, Montana |
M4.1 |
19 km |
| May 2, 1995 |
2 km NW of Kila, Montana |
M4.1 |
18 km |
| Jul 19, 2002 |
43 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
148 km |
| Apr 1, 1992 |
10 km ESE of Swan Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
79 km |
| Jan 20, 1998 |
15 km SSE of Happys Inn, Montana |
M4.0 |
31 km |
| Apr 24, 2015 |
8 km WSW of Hope, Idaho |
M3.9 |
125 km |
| Jul 5, 2024 |
24 km ENE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
147 km |
| Mar 21, 1992 |
20 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
144 km |
| Sep 26, 2004 |
14 km WSW of Pablo, Montana |
M3.8 |
70 km |
| May 2, 1995 |
3 km WNW of Kila, Montana |
M3.8 |
17 km |
| May 7, 1992 |
14 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
142 km |
| Jul 2, 1992 |
4 km SSE of South Browning, Montana |
M3.8 |
134 km |
| Aug 19, 1999 |
12 km ENE of Happys Inn, Montana |
M3.7 |
19 km |
| Oct 2, 1995 |
18 km E of Finley Point, Montana |
M3.7 |
82 km |
| Jan 13, 2010 |
36 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.7 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
8 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 9, 2023 |
EF0 |
100 km |
0 |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
EF0 |
52 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2011 |
EF0 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2008 |
EF0 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2007 |
EF0 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2007 |
EF0 |
48 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 2000 |
EF0 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1978 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CHIPPY CREEK (95,656 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
CHIPPY CREEK |
95,656 |
37 km |
| 2001 |
MOOSE |
73,210 |
74 km |
| 2003 |
ROBERT |
54,500 |
69 km |
| 2003 |
WEDGE CANYON |
51,987 |
89 km |
| 2021 |
THORNE CREEK |
39,694 |
65 km |
| 1988 |
RED BENCH |
33,845 |
80 km |
| 2007 |
BRUSH CREEK |
30,166 |
28 km |
| 2016 |
COPPER KING |
28,338 |
62 km |
| 2017 |
SHEEP GAP |
24,702 |
77 km |
| 2003 |
RAMPAGE COMPLEX (DOUBLE MOUNTAIN 2) |
23,680 |
89 km |
| 2022 |
ELMO |
22,148 |
38 km |
| 2017 |
WEST FORK |
21,154 |
78 km |
| 2023 |
NIARADA |
20,686 |
40 km |
| 2000 |
UPPER NINEMILE COMPLEX (NINE MILE) |
19,695 |
99 km |
| 2003 |
BLACKFOOT LAKE COMPLEX (BLACKFOOT LAKE) |
18,274 |
60 km |
| 2023 |
RIVER ROAD EAST |
18,068 |
82 km |
| 2015 |
THOMPSON |
18,049 |
97 km |
| 2003 |
TRAPPER CREEK FIRE (TRAPPER CREEK) |
18,028 |
97 km |
| 2017 |
SPRAGUE |
16,897 |
83 km |
| 1994 |
LITTLE WOLF |
15,714 |
21 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
2.6 in |
Wettest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
40°F (4°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
48°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| June |
55°F (13°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| July |
65°F (18°C) |
1.3 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
62°F (17°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| September |
53°F (11°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
42°F (6°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest |
Little Bitterroot Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 23°F in December to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.5 inches, with January being the wettest month (2.6") and July the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Little Bitterroot Lake. 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 | $961 |
| Toddler | $1,008 |
| Preschool | $860 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $779 |
| Toddler | $798 |
| Preschool | $798 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Little Bitterroot Lake
What is the population of Little Bitterroot Lake?
Little Bitterroot Lake has a population of 153 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 18 people per square mile, spread across 13.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
Is Little Bitterroot Lake expensive to live in?
Little Bitterroot Lake 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 $105,114, 40% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $775,000 (175% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 7.4x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Little Bitterroot Lake safe?
Little Bitterroot Lake is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 250 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,629 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Little Bitterroot Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Little Bitterroot Lake?
Little Bitterroot Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 16.8 inches, with 54.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Little Bitterroot Lake?
The job market in Little Bitterroot Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,122. There are 6,994 business establishments in the area, including 450 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Little Bitterroot Lake?
The median home value in Little Bitterroot Lake is $775,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $687,107. The homeownership rate is 84.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,362.
How are the schools in Little Bitterroot Lake?
Schools in Little Bitterroot Lake score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.7% of adults in Little Bitterroot Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.6% have completed high school. 23.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Little Bitterroot Lake?
The obesity rate in Little Bitterroot Lake is 32.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 19.4% are physically inactive. 26.6% of residents report depression. 10.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 81.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,085.
What are the demographics of Little Bitterroot Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Little Bitterroot Lake is 96.7% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 14.9% of the population are military veterans. 9.6% of residents have a disability. 88.5% have health insurance coverage.