Lodge Pole, MT

Montana

Lodge Pole is a small town in Montana with a population of 257.

2.1 /5.0
C Fair
257 Population 19/sq mi density
N/A Median Income $20,882 per capita
$110,000 Home Value
$500 Median Rent 9.0% income on rent
44°F Avg Temperature
C
Overall
2.1 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C
Education
2.1 / 5.0
13.6% bachelor's degree or higher
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
Unemployment 23.8%
561% 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

Median IncomeN/A
Per Capita$20,882
Unemployment23.8%
Poverty34.0%
County GDP$227M
Commute37 min

Housing

Home Value$110,000
Rent$500
OwnershipN/A
Rent Burden9.0%

Crime

ViolentN/A
PropertyN/A

Health

Obesity46.3%
UninsuredN/A
Depression26.8%
Heart Disease7.4%

Climate

Avg Temp44°F
AQI26 (Good)
Rain14.3 in/yr
Elevation3,497 ft

Education

C
Bachelor's+13.6%
High School+87.1%
School Score5.68

Community

2024 VoteR 51% / D 45%
Commute37 min
Broadband70.0%
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 above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, long commute times. Lodge Pole has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

At 23.8%, unemployment is notably high. 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 5.7/10.

Climate & Weather

Lodge Pole has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 14.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.

Lodge Pole has a population of 257 with a density of 19 people per square mile. The median age is 26.8 years, 31% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly Hispanic (100%).

Population

257
Total Population
19
People / sq mi
26.8yrs
Median Age
31% below US avg
13.4mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 45.9%
Female 54.1%

Race & Ethnicity

Lodge Pole vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only90.6%
15% above US avg
Spanish9.4%
30% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Lodge Pole vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Lodge Pole is N/A. The unemployment rate is 23.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 34.0% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes.

Income: Lodge Pole vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$20,882
Avg Weekly Wage$904
IRS Avg AGI$50,375

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment23.8%
561% above US avg
Poverty Rate34.0%
174% above US avg
Establishments (County)204
County GDP$227M

Business (County)

Restaurants9
Healthcare15
Retail25
Manufacturing4

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$3,160
10% below US avg
Effective Tax Rate2.87%

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time36.7 min
Drive Alone64.9%
Public Transit7.5%
Work from Home11.7%

Walkability

The median home value in Lodge Pole is $110,000, 61% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $500 (57% below US avg).

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$110,000
61% below US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$500
57% below US avg
Rent Burden9.0%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$988
1 Bedroom$1,076
2 Bedrooms$1,336
3 Bedrooms$1,789
4 Bedrooms$2,113

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied62.9%

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$3,160
10% below US avg
Effective Rate2.87%
In Lodge Pole, 46.3% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 26.8% report depression. 32.2% are physically inactive.

Health Metrics: Lodge Pole vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity46.3%
44% above US avg
Diabetes16.2%
Heart Disease7.4%
High Blood Pressure35.7%
Asthma16.5%
COPD9.8%
Stroke5.1%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Binge Drinking17.8%
Physical Inactivity32.2%
Depression26.8%
Mental Distress24.8%
Physical Distress21.4%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate71.5%
Checkup Rate69.5%
Premature Death18,542/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment6.0/10
Exercise Access37.9%
Healthcare Facilities15

Crime Rates: Lodge Pole vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Traffic Safety

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)1
FEMA Disasters91

Safety Score

Lodge Pole has an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation is 14.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.

Temperature

20°F Jan (-7°C) 69°F Jul (21°C)
Annual Average43.9°F
19% below US avg
January Average20°F (-7°C)
July Average69°F (21°C)

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall14.3 inches
62% below US avg

Air Quality

AQI Median26.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation3,497 ft (1,066 m)
Area13.4 sq mi (34.7 km²)
Population Density19/sq mi
Coordinates48.0272°N, 108.5517°W
County FIPS30005
It is classified as Nonmetro — Rural. 13.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher (60% below US avg). In the 2024 election, the county voted Republican by a 5.9-point margin. 70.0% of households have broadband internet.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 50.6%
D 44.7%

Winner: Republican by 5.9 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+13.6%
60% below US avg
High School+87.1%
School Test Score5.68
C Education Grade (2.1/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 9Nonmetro — Rural
Population Density19/sq mi
Total Area13.4 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access70.0%
Public Libraries2
Healthcare Facilities15
Restaurants9
Retail Stores25

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)1
FEMA Disaster Declarations91

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute36.7 min
Drive Alone64.9%
Public Transit7.5%
Work from Home11.7%

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