Median Income
$41,000
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$95,000
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
183/100K
52% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.6%
36% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$492
58% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.5%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.8%
61% lower than US avg
How Medicine Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population190
Median Age49.8 yrs
Density475/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans9.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$41,000
Per Capita$36,117
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty4.8%
County GDP$241M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$95,000
Rent$492
Ownership71.8%
Zillow$123,008
Housing Units141
Rent Burden29.4%
Crime
F
Violent183/100K
Property1,223/100K
Health
Obesity35.5%
Uninsured10.9%
Smoking15.3%
Depression24.8%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp39°F (4°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain14.7 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation1,963 ft (598 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.6%
High School+92.6%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score5.70
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 27%
Commute23 min
Broadband87.3%
Libraries1
Is Medicine Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Medicine Lake 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. Medicine Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Medicine Lake is $41,000, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. Only 4.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Medicine Lake is $95,000, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $492 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Medicine Lake is below the national average at 183 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,223 per 100,000, 38% below the national average.
Education
21.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Medicine Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F. Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 14.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Medicine Lake has a population of 190 with a density of 475 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 49.8 years, 28% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.7% female and 55.3% male. The city is predominantly White (90%), with 8.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 9.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.8yrs
Median Age
28% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Medicine 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
Medicine Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Medicine Lake is $41,000, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,117. The average weekly wage is $935, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 224 business establishments, including 16 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Medicine Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,000 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,117 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $935 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,549 |
| Gini Index | 0.523 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.8% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 224 |
| County GDP | $241M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 16 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,383 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.56% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 66.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.3% |
The median home value in Medicine Lake is $95,000, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $123,008, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $492 (58% 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. 71.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 141 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $3,383. 29.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $95,000 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $123,008 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $492 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.4% |
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 | 71.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.2% |
| Housing Units | 141 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,383 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.56% |
In Medicine Lake, 35.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 15.3% are current smokers. 23.2% report binge drinking. 21.3% are physically inactive. 24.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 10.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,527. The dentist ratio is 1:3,564. 63.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Medicine Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.3% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.3% |
| Depression | 24.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 31.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.2% |
| Uninsured | 10.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,527 |
| Dentists | 1:3,564 |
| Mental Health | 1:500 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.3% |
| Dental Visits | 62.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,226/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
Medicine Lake has a violent crime rate of 183 per 100,000 residents, 52% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,223 per 100,000, 38% below the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Medicine Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Medicine Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 183.5/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,223.2/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Medicine Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 67°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 14.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). 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 1,963 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
67°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 39.4°F |
| 27% below US avg |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,963 ft (598 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 475/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.5022°N, 104.5017°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Sheridan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Williston Basin International (XWA)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
14.7"
61% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.60"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 59.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 12.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on May 6, 2014.
| Feb 25, 2014 |
23 km N of Brockton, Montana |
M3.8 |
32 km |
| Jul 29, 1998 |
16 km WNW of Froid, Montana |
M3.8 |
21 km |
| Nov 11, 1998 |
10 km SW of Grenora, North Dakota |
M3.5 |
35 km |
| Sep 28, 2012 |
22 km ESE of Williston, North Dakota |
M3.3 |
99 km |
| May 6, 2014 |
12 km NNW of Knife River, Montana |
M2.6 |
106 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
68 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 1 injury.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 26, 2010 |
EF3 |
41 km |
2 |
| Jun 14, 1950 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 2013 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1982 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1972 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1971 |
EF2 |
4 km |
0 |
| Sep 21, 1969 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1953 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 2018 |
EF1 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2007 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1999 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1998 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1998 |
EF1 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1991 |
EF1 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1990 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1980 |
EF1 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1975 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 1962 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 1962 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WILLIAMS CO WILDLAND FIRE (67,150 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
WILLIAMS CO WILDLAND FIRE |
67,150 |
92 km |
| 1988 |
BAINVILLE |
12,790 |
57 km |
| 2016 |
FLAGSTAFF HILL |
9,129 |
22 km |
| 2012 |
HIGHWAY 13-20 |
8,372 |
64 km |
| 2017 |
YOOPER |
7,834 |
50 km |
| 2018 |
BUFFALO PASTURE |
7,624 |
60 km |
| 2003 |
GREYBULL |
7,229 |
74 km |
| 1999 |
OUTLOOK |
6,292 |
48 km |
| 2021 |
SMITH |
5,212 |
53 km |
| 2006 |
BUFFALO RANCH |
5,206 |
64 km |
| 1999 |
ANTELOPE |
5,118 |
17 km |
| 2020 |
BULL |
3,428 |
84 km |
| 1988 |
MONTANA LINE |
3,307 |
93 km |
| 2022 |
BLISTER |
3,298 |
72 km |
| 1999 |
HALLOWEEN |
2,845 |
86 km |
| 2021 |
13 MILE FIRE |
2,585 |
65 km |
| 2007 |
W-RX-F SANDHILLS SUB UNIT B |
2,381 |
14 km |
| 2018 |
MTMLR-FY18-RX-WUI DEEP LAKE |
2,088 |
12 km |
| 2021 |
HIGHWAY 16 NORTH |
2,069 |
34 km |
| 2022 |
MTMLR-FY22-RX-BRIDGERMAN |
1,852 |
12 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
2.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
67°F (20°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
1.5 in |
Warmest |
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Medicine Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 9°F in January to 70°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 13.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.6") and February the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Medicine 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 | $999 |
| Toddler | $1,038 |
| Preschool | $893 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $786 |
| Toddler | $802 |
| Preschool | $802 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicine Lake
What is the population of Medicine Lake?
Medicine Lake has a population of 190 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 475 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.7% female and 55.3% male.
Is Medicine Lake expensive to live in?
Medicine 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 $41,000, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $95,000 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $492 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Medicine Lake safe?
Medicine Lake is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 183 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,223 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Medicine Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Medicine Lake?
Medicine Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 9°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 14.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Medicine Lake?
The job market in Medicine Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $935. There are 224 business establishments in the area, including 16 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 4.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Medicine Lake?
The median home value in Medicine Lake is $95,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $123,008. For renters, the median monthly rent is $492. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,383.
How are the schools in Medicine Lake?
Schools in Medicine Lake score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.6% of adults in Medicine Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.6% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Medicine Lake?
The obesity rate in Medicine Lake is 35.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.3% of adults are smokers. 21.3% are physically inactive. 24.8% of residents report depression. 10.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 63.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,527.
What is transportation like in Medicine Lake?
The average commute in Medicine Lake is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 66.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Medicine Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Medicine Lake is 90% White, 8.4% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 9.7% of the population are military veterans. 18.4% of residents have a disability. 92.2% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
