Home Value
$110,000
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.6%
60% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$500
57% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.3%
44% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
34.0%
174% higher than US avg
How Lodge Pole Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population257
Median Age26.8 yrs
Density19/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 0%
Veterans5.6%
Economy
Per Capita$20,882
Poverty34.0%
County GDP$227M
Commute37 min
Housing
Home Value$110,000
Rent$500
Ownership62.9%
Zillow$160,056
Housing Units72
Rent Burden9.0%
Health
Obesity46.3%
Uninsured23.3%
Smoking28.3%
Depression26.8%
Heart Disease7.4%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
Rain19.5 in/yr
Elevation3,497 ft (1,066 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.6%
High School+87.1%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.81
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 45%
Commute37 min
Broadband80.0%
Libraries2
Is Lodge Pole a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lodge Pole receives an overall livability score of 2.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, long commute times. Lodge Pole has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The poverty rate of 34.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lodge Pole is $110,000, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $500 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Education
13.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Lodge Pole has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 19.5 inches, including 10.1 inches of snow.
Lodge Pole has a population of 257 with a density of 19 people per square mile, spread across 13.4 square miles. The median age is 26.8 years, 31% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.1% female and 45.9% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (2.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.4% of residents, while 9.4% speak Spanish. 5.6% of the population are veterans. 16.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 76.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
257
Total Population
2023 Census
26.8yrs
Median Age
31% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lodge Pole vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.4%
15% above US avg
Spanish
9.4%
30% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lodge Pole vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $20,882 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $904, 37% lower than the U.S. average. 34.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 204 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 11.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lodge Pole vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $20,882 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $904 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,375 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| |
| Poverty Rate | 34.0% |
| 174% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 204 |
| County GDP | $227M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 15 |
| Retail | 25 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,160 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.87% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 36.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 64.9% |
| Public Transit | 7.4% |
| Work from Home | 11.7% |
The median home value in Lodge Pole is $110,000, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,056, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $500 (57% 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. 62.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 72 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. The average annual property tax is $3,160. 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $110,000 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $160,056 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $500 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 9.0% |
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 | 62.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.1% |
| Housing Units | 72 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,160 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.87% |
In Lodge Pole, 46.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.4% of residents, above the national average. 35.7% have high blood pressure. 28.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.8% report binge drinking. 32.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 24.8% experience frequent mental distress. 23.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,745. The dentist ratio is 1:1,156. 37.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lodge Pole vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.3% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.2% |
| Heart Disease | 7.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.7% |
| Asthma | 16.5% |
| COPD | 9.8% |
| Cancer | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 5.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 28.3% |
| 102% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.2% |
| Depression | 26.8% |
| Mental Distress | 24.8% |
| Physical Distress | 21.4% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 76.7% |
| Uninsured | 23.3% |
| 171% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,745 |
| Dentists | 1:1,156 |
| Mental Health | 1:460 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.5% |
| Dental Visits | 48.4% |
| Premature Death | 18,542/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 37.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 15 |
Lodge Pole has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 19.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 10.1 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 3,497 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 43.2°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,497 ft (1,066 m) |
| Area | 13.4 sq mi (34.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 19/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.0272°N, 108.5517°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Blaine County County |
| Nearest Airport | Great Falls International (GTF)
136 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
19.5"
49% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.00"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 45.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 95.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 13.4 / 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 Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.0. Most recent: M2.7 on Jul 10, 2021.
| Dec 5, 1991 |
15 km WSW of Hays, Montana |
M3.0 |
27 km |
| Oct 16, 2011 |
Eastern Montana |
M2.7 |
70 km |
| Jul 10, 2021 |
24 km SSE of Malta, Montana |
M2.7 |
58 km |
| Jul 15, 2015 |
48 km E of Zortman, Montana |
M2.5 |
53 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
29 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 28, 1981 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1962 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 2007 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2002 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1991 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1980 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2022 |
EF0 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 2020 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2019 |
EF0 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 2014 |
EF0 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2014 |
EF0 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2012 |
EF0 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2010 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2005 |
EF0 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2003 |
EF0 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 2002 |
EF0 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 2002 |
EF0 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2002 |
EF0 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2002 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BLAINE C (138,192 ac, 1991).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1991 |
BLAINE C |
138,192 |
63 km |
| 2003 |
MISSOURI BREAKS COMPLEX |
137,947 |
89 km |
| 2017 |
SOUTH BREAKS |
39,217 |
100 km |
| 2006 |
LOST CREEK (BLACK PULASKI COMPLEX) |
38,550 |
82 km |
| 2006 |
SODA CREEK (BLACK PULASKI COMPLEX) |
33,767 |
71 km |
| 2012 |
WELDER |
32,985 |
28 km |
| 2010 |
RAVEN |
26,631 |
58 km |
| 1990 |
VETERANS |
23,660 |
12 km |
| 2017 |
EAST FORK |
21,165 |
79 km |
| 2021 |
PINE GROVE |
16,158 |
6 km |
| 2006 |
LODGEPOLE (BLACK PULASKI COMPLEX) |
15,248 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
DEVILS CREEK |
15,077 |
87 km |
| 2012 |
WOLF CREEK |
12,168 |
64 km |
| 1984 |
CENTENNIAL |
11,775 |
93 km |
| 2017 |
JULY |
11,409 |
15 km |
| 1994 |
CK CREEK |
11,206 |
52 km |
| 2012 |
ESTER LAKE |
10,898 |
27 km |
| 2019 |
RIDGETOP |
10,316 |
64 km |
| 1996 |
ALKALIE |
10,044 |
81 km |
| 2012 |
WELLS |
9,921 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
50°F (10°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
58°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Lodge Pole has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 24°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Lodge Pole. 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 | $937 |
| Toddler | $969 |
| Preschool | $837 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $736 |
| Toddler | $749 |
| Preschool | $749 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lodge Pole
What is the population of Lodge Pole?
Lodge Pole has a population of 257 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 19 people per square mile, spread across 13.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 26.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.1% female and 45.9% male.
Is Lodge Pole expensive to live in?
Lodge Pole is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $110,000 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $500 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
What is the weather like in Lodge Pole?
Lodge Pole 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 66°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 19.5 inches, with 10.1 inches of snow.
How much does housing cost in Lodge Pole?
The median home value in Lodge Pole is $110,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,056. For renters, the median monthly rent is $500. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,160.
How are the schools in Lodge Pole?
Schools in Lodge Pole have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 13.6% of adults in Lodge Pole hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.1% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lodge Pole?
The obesity rate in Lodge Pole is 46.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 28.3% of adults are smokers. 32.2% are physically inactive. 26.8% of residents report depression. 23.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 37.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,745.
What is transportation like in Lodge Pole?
The average commute in Lodge Pole is 37 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 64.9% of workers drive alone to work, 7.4% use public transit, and 11.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lodge Pole?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lodge Pole is 2.3% Hispanic or Latino. 90.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.4% speak Spanish. 5.6% of the population are military veterans. 16.7% of residents have a disability. 76.7% have health insurance coverage.