Violent Crime
378/100K
0% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.8%
89% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.9%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.6%
0% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.1%
27% lower than US avg
How Melstone Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population75
Median Age50.1 yrs
Density121/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 67%
Veterans56.0%
Economy
Per Capita$31,220
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty9.1%
County GDP$108M
Commute15 min
Housing
Ownership77.8%
Zillow$379,675
Housing Units48
Rent Burden26.1%
Crime
F
Violent378/100K
Property4,476/100K
Health
Obesity35.9%
Uninsured11.5%
Smoking15.8%
Depression24.3%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain15.5 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation2,915 ft (888 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.8%
High School+83.0%
Graduate+4.5%
School Score5.36
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 13%
Commute15 min
Broadband36.0%
EV Stations1
Is Melstone a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Melstone receives an overall livability score of 1.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Melstone faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. 9.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Melstone is below the national average at 378 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,476 per 100,000, 128% above the national average.
Education
3.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Melstone experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 15.5 inches, including 42.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Melstone has a population of 75 with a density of 121 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 50.1 years, 29% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44% female and 56% male. The city is predominantly White (66.7%), with 29.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 56.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.2% of residents have a disability. 92.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.1yrs
Median Age
29% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $31,220 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $823, 43% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 34 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $31,220 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $823 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,655 |
| Gini Index | 0.415 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.1% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 34 |
| County GDP | $108M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 15 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $379,675. Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 48 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. 26.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
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 | 77.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.2% |
| Housing Units | 48 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
In Melstone, 35.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 22.5% report binge drinking. 23.2% are physically inactive. 24.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 11.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The food environment index is 4.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Melstone vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.9% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.8% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.2% |
| Depression | 24.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.1% |
| Short Sleep | 36.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.6% |
| Uninsured | 11.5% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 67.9% |
| Dental Visits | 59.2% |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.5/10 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Melstone has a violent crime rate of 378 per 100,000 residents, 0% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,476 per 100,000, 128% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Melstone receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Melstone vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 378.3/100K |
| 0% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,476.4/100K |
| 128% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Melstone experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 273 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 15.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 42.9 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 2,915 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.2°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,915 ft (888 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 121/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.5987°N, 107.8683°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Treasure County County |
| Nearest Airport | Billings Logan International (BIL)
63 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
15.5"
59% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 0.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 4.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.2 on Jul 21, 2023.
| Jul 6, 2021 |
27 km SSE of Melstone, Montana |
M3.6 |
27 km |
| Dec 23, 1991 |
10 km SW of Colstrip, Montana |
M3.6 |
124 km |
| Jul 21, 2023 |
Eastern Montana |
M3.2 |
144 km |
| May 21, 2013 |
32 km NE of Melstone, Montana |
M2.8 |
33 km |
| Oct 16, 2011 |
Eastern Montana |
M2.7 |
99 km |
| Jul 15, 2015 |
48 km E of Zortman, Montana |
M2.5 |
142 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
43 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 2010 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1986 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1962 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2016 |
EF1 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1996 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1991 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1991 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1990 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1980 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1955 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1955 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 2020 |
EF0 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 2020 |
EF0 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2014 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2013 |
EF0 |
1 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2011 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 2005 |
EF0 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2005 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2004 |
EF0 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2002 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BRIDGE COULEE (222,571 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
BRIDGE COULEE |
222,571 |
65 km |
| 1984 |
HAWK CREEK |
157,778 |
49 km |
| 2008 |
DUNN MTN. ASSIST |
105,494 |
49 km |
| 2006 |
PINE RIDGE COMPLEX |
103,074 |
67 km |
| 2006 |
BUNDY RAILROAD |
91,575 |
51 km |
| 2021 |
P F |
66,375 |
93 km |
| 2012 |
DELPHIA |
40,396 |
29 km |
| 2017 |
SOUTH BREAKS |
39,217 |
88 km |
| 2020 |
BOBCAT |
31,020 |
50 km |
| 1999 |
FISHEL CREEK |
28,611 |
19 km |
| 2021 |
MUSSELSHELL TRAIL RD |
22,723 |
39 km |
| 2012 |
DAHL |
21,448 |
64 km |
| 2006 |
LODGEPOLE (BLACK PULASKI COMPLEX) |
15,248 |
82 km |
| 2022 |
BUSMAN ROAD |
12,584 |
46 km |
| 2020 |
GASS FLATS |
10,723 |
88 km |
| 1996 |
ALKALIE |
10,044 |
91 km |
| 2014 |
MONTGOMERY |
9,222 |
99 km |
| 1994 |
GRIERSON |
7,985 |
21 km |
| 2003 |
JONNY |
7,689 |
67 km |
| 2017 |
CRYING |
7,497 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
1.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Melstone has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 25°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.8") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Melstone. 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 | $1,101 |
| Toddler | $1,136 |
| Preschool | $982 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $864 |
| Toddler | $878 |
| Preschool | $878 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Melstone
What is the population of Melstone?
Melstone has a population of 75 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 121 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44% female and 56% male.
Is Melstone expensive to live in?
Melstone is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.6 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Melstone safe?
Melstone is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 378 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,476 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Melstone receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Melstone?
Melstone has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 15.5 inches, with 42.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Melstone?
Melstone has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $823. There are 34 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Melstone?
Schools in Melstone score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.8% of adults in Melstone hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.0% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Melstone?
The obesity rate in Melstone is 35.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 23.2% are physically inactive. 24.3% of residents report depression. 11.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Melstone?
The average commute in Melstone is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Melstone?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Melstone is 66.7% White, 29.3% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 56.0% of the population are military veterans. 13.2% of residents have a disability. 92.6% have health insurance coverage.
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