Median Income
$64,079
15% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
37.1%
10% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,195
3% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.7%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.4%
6% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.1%
43% lower than US avg
How Malmstrom AFB Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,191
Median Age22.4 yrs
Density820/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 61%
Veterans15.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$64,079
Per Capita$23,271
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty7.1%
County GDP$5,712M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Rent$1,195
Ownership1.4%
Zillow$234,308
Housing Units1,228
Rent Burden23.5%
Health
Obesity36.7%
Uninsured0.7%
Smoking13.7%
Depression25.5%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
Rain14.8 in/yr
Elevation3,462 ft (1,055 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+37.1%
High School+99.4%
Graduate+14.4%
School Score6.19
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 37%
Commute14 min
Broadband98.9%
EV Stations11
Libraries4
Is Malmstrom AFB a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Malmstrom AFB receives an overall livability score of 4.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Malmstrom AFB stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Malmstrom AFB is $64,079, 15% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $1,195 per month.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 37.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 99.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Malmstrom AFB has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 14.8 inches, including 66.1 inches of snow.
Malmstrom AFB has a population of 4,191 with a density of 820 people per square mile, spread across 5.1 square miles. The median age is 22.4 years, 42% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.3% female and 53.7% male. The city is predominantly White (61.2%), with 14.9% Hispanic, 8.7% Black, 5.9% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 88% of residents, while 8.4% speak Spanish. 15.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 3.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 99.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
4,191
Total Population
2023 Census
22.4yrs
Median Age
42% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Malmstrom AFB vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
88.0%
12% above US avg
Spanish
8.4%
37% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Malmstrom AFB vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Malmstrom AFB is $64,079, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,271 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,066, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,200 business establishments, including 251 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Malmstrom AFB vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,079 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,271 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,066 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,719 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.1% |
| 43% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,200 |
| County GDP | $5,712M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 251 |
| Healthcare | 326 |
| Retail | 335 |
| Manufacturing | 70 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,066 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.4% |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $234,308. Monthly rent averages $1,195 (3% above 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. 1.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,228 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2004. The average annual property tax is $4,066 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,195 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.5% |
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 | 1.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 1.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 98.6% |
| Housing Units | 1,228 |
| Median Year Built | 2004 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,066 |
| 16% above US avg |
In Malmstrom AFB, 36.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 13.7% are current smokers. 19.7% report binge drinking. 25.8% are physically inactive. 25.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.2% experience frequent mental distress. 0.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,341. The dentist ratio is 1:1,048. 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Malmstrom AFB vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.7% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 5.8% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.7% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.8% |
| Depression | 25.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
| Short Sleep | 38.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.3% |
| Uninsured | 0.7% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,341 |
| Dentists | 1:1,048 |
| Mental Health | 1:246 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.0% |
| Dental Visits | 61.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,758/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 326 |
Malmstrom AFB has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 14.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 66.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 3,462 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 44.6°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,462 ft (1,055 m) |
| Area | 5.1 sq mi (13.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 820/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.5058°N, 111.1825°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Cascade County County |
| Nearest Airport | Great Falls International (GTF) 9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
14.8"
61% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.72"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 83.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 27.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 76.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
274 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 17, 2025.
| Jul 6, 2017 |
11 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M5.8 |
126 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
15 km S of Lincoln, Montana |
M5.0 |
136 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
14 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.4 |
126 km |
| Jan 30, 2016 |
19 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.3 |
112 km |
| Apr 8, 2000 |
8 km ENE of Townsend, Montana |
M4.1 |
131 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
14 km SSE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.0 |
130 km |
| Nov 10, 2000 |
14 km NE of Townsend, Montana |
M4.0 |
124 km |
| Jul 19, 2002 |
43 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
141 km |
| Jul 17, 2017 |
12 km ESE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.0 |
123 km |
| Jun 2, 1996 |
37 km N of Ovando, Montana |
M3.9 |
142 km |
| Apr 1, 1993 |
15 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.9 |
115 km |
| Oct 19, 2017 |
12 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.9 |
124 km |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
27 km W of Chester, Montana |
M3.9 |
110 km |
| Feb 6, 1999 |
24 km E of Townsend, Montana |
M3.9 |
128 km |
| Mar 13, 2017 |
4 km ESE of Avon, Montana |
M3.8 |
147 km |
| Apr 17, 2018 |
13 km ESE of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.8 |
123 km |
| Jul 13, 2017 |
14 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.7 |
126 km |
| May 24, 2000 |
9 km ENE of Townsend, Montana |
M3.7 |
130 km |
| Feb 3, 2019 |
9 km S of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.7 |
133 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
12 km ESE of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.7 |
122 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
43 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 6 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 24, 1994 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1994 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1976 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1975 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1966 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1965 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2007 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2003 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1998 |
EF1 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1998 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF1 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1980 |
EF1 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1977 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1977 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1965 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1964 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1962 |
EF1 |
55 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 |
58 km |
| 1984 |
NORTH HILL |
27,162 |
95 km |
| 2000 |
CANYON FERRY COMPLEX (CAVE GULCH) |
26,997 |
95 km |
| 1990 |
TURKEY |
25,658 |
92 km |
| 2007 |
MERIWETHER |
18,865 |
86 km |
| 1990 |
BEARTOOTH COMPLEX |
13,462 |
76 km |
| 2009 |
MEISSNER |
12,318 |
69 km |
| 1985 |
SANDPOINT |
10,439 |
95 km |
| 1993 |
FREEZEOUT LAKE |
9,793 |
76 km |
| 2021 |
BALSINGER |
8,317 |
61 km |
| 2009 |
INDIAN TRAIL |
4,592 |
81 km |
| 2020 |
YOGO |
4,429 |
83 km |
| 2008 |
CHOUTEAU CO COMPLEX |
4,365 |
75 km |
| 2019 |
STUCKEY RD MA |
4,073 |
16 km |
| 1991 |
POWER |
3,822 |
42 km |
| 2002 |
PISHKUN |
3,450 |
93 km |
| 2012 |
MISSION ROAD |
3,372 |
67 km |
| 2008 |
UNIT 3 MARSH HAZ FUEL REDUCTION |
3,333 |
22 km |
| 1996 |
COYOTE |
3,320 |
77 km |
| 2021 |
ROCK CREEK |
3,307 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| June |
59°F (15°C) |
2.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
1.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
Malmstrom AFB has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 25°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.7") and December the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Malmstrom AFB. 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 | $953 |
| Toddler | $993 |
| Preschool | $852 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $770 |
| Toddler | $787 |
| Preschool | $787 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Malmstrom AFB
What is the population of Malmstrom AFB?
Malmstrom AFB has a population of 4,191 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 820 people per square mile, spread across 5.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 22.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.3% female and 53.7% male.
Is Malmstrom AFB expensive to live in?
Malmstrom AFB 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 $64,079, 15% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $1,195 per month.
What is the weather like in Malmstrom AFB?
Malmstrom AFB has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 14.8 inches, with 66.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Malmstrom AFB?
Malmstrom AFB has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,066. There are 3,200 business establishments in the area, including 251 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 4.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Malmstrom AFB?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,195. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 1.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,066.
How are the schools in Malmstrom AFB?
Schools in Malmstrom AFB score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 37.1% of adults in Malmstrom AFB hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 99.4% have completed high school. 14.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Malmstrom AFB?
The obesity rate in Malmstrom AFB is 36.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.7% of adults are smokers. 25.8% are physically inactive. 25.5% of residents report depression. 0.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,341.
What is transportation like in Malmstrom AFB?
The average commute in Malmstrom AFB is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 67.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Malmstrom AFB?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Malmstrom AFB is 61.2% White, 8.7% Black or African American, 14.9% Hispanic or Latino, 5.9% Asian. 88% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.4% speak Spanish. 15.7% of the population are military veterans. 3.1% of residents have a disability. 99.3% have health insurance coverage.