Median Income
$60,732
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$182,700
35% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
262/100K
31% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.7%
12% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$932
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.0%
3% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.4%
56% lower than US avg
How Miles City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population8,412
Median Age43.1 yrs
Density2,504/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans10.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$60,732
Per Capita$34,967
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty5.4%
County GDP$696M
Commute11 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$182,700
Rent$932
Ownership62.2%
Zillow$233,769
Housing Units4,075
Rent Burden26.2%
Crime
F
Violent262/100K
Property2,907/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault238/100K
Burglary131/100K
Health
Obesity33.0%
Uninsured9.9%
Smoking15.4%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain12.9 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation2,361 ft (720 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.7%
High School+94.3%
Graduate+9.8%
School Score5.43
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 24%
Commute11 min
Broadband85.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Miles City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Miles City receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Miles City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Miles City is $60,732, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. Only 5.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Miles City is $182,700, 35% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $932 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Miles City is below the national average at 262 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,907 per 100,000, 48% above the national average.
Education
29.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Miles City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 12.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Miles City has a population of 8,412 with a density of 2,504 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age is 43.1 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.7% female and 51.3% male. The city is predominantly White (90.8%), with 4.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.5% of residents, while 5.5% speak Spanish. 10.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.1yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Miles City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.5%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.5%
59% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Miles City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Miles City is $60,732, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,967. The average weekly wage is $968, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 556 business establishments, including 49 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Miles City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,732 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,967 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $968 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,862 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.4% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 556 |
| County GDP | $696M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 49 |
| Healthcare | 51 |
| Retail | 52 |
| Manufacturing | 22 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,483 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.91% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 11.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 4.5% |
The median home value in Miles City is $182,700, 35% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $233,769, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $932 (20% 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. 62.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 4,075 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. The average annual property tax is $3,483. 26.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $182,700 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $233,769 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $932 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.2% |
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 | 62.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.8% |
| Housing Units | 4,075 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,483 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.91% |
In Miles City, 33.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 29.2% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 22.6% report binge drinking. 22.9% are physically inactive. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 9.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,490. The dentist ratio is 1:1,719. 75.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Miles City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.0% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.2% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.9% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 34.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.8% |
| Uninsured | 9.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,490 |
| Dentists | 1:1,719 |
| Mental Health | 1:250 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.8% |
| Dental Visits | 60.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,363/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 75.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 51 |
Miles City has a violent crime rate of 262 per 100,000 residents, 31% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 238.3 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 23.8. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,907 per 100,000, 48% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,740, burglary at 131, vehicle theft at 36 per 100,000 residents. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Miles City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Miles City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 262.1/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 23.8/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 238.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,907.2/100K |
| 48% above US avg |
| Burglary | 131.1/100K |
| Theft | 2,740.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 35.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 102 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Miles City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°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 12.9 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 2,361 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.2°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,361 ft (720 m) |
| Area | 3.4 sq mi (8.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,504/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.4058°N, 105.8389°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Custer County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sidney-Richland Regional (SDY)
119 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.9"
66% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.44"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0460 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 6.9 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.2 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 42.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 70.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 27.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.8 on Jan 15, 2023.
| Aug 22, 2009 |
20 km SSE of Birney, Montana |
M4.0 |
149 km |
| Jul 6, 2021 |
27 km SSE of Melstone, Montana |
M3.6 |
147 km |
| Dec 23, 1991 |
10 km SW of Colstrip, Montana |
M3.6 |
94 km |
| Nov 3, 1999 |
8 km NNW of Broadus, Montana |
M3.5 |
104 km |
| May 25, 2018 |
45 km W of Biddle, Montana |
M2.9 |
148 km |
| May 21, 2013 |
32 km NE of Melstone, Montana |
M2.8 |
135 km |
| Jan 15, 2023 |
6 km NE of Ashland, Montana |
M2.8 |
91 km |
| May 19, 2017 |
6 km ESE of Birney, Montana |
M2.7 |
133 km |
| Jun 2, 2019 |
14 km WSW of Birney, Montana |
M2.6 |
141 km |
| Apr 22, 2018 |
8 km ENE of Ashland, Montana |
M2.6 |
92 km |
| Jul 29, 2013 |
18 km SE of Ekalaka, Montana |
M2.6 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
29 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 11, 1995 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1965 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1962 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2013 |
EF1 |
19 km |
0 |
| May 20, 2011 |
EF1 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1990 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1984 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1980 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1955 |
EF1 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2014 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2014 |
EF0 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2010 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2005 |
EF0 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 2000 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1999 |
EF0 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1996 |
EF0 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1995 |
EF0 |
40 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 1993 |
EF0 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1993 |
EF0 |
20 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ASH CREEK (253,413 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
ASH CREEK |
253,413 |
87 km |
| 2021 |
RICHARD SPRING |
168,765 |
94 km |
| 2017 |
SARTIN DRAW |
91,570 |
63 km |
| 1996 |
POWDERVILLE |
55,024 |
82 km |
| 2020 |
SNIDER |
33,246 |
68 km |
| 1996 |
ROSEBUD CREEK |
25,174 |
51 km |
| 2006 |
HORTON |
25,108 |
37 km |
| 1988 |
EARLYBIRD |
21,730 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
WATT DRAW |
17,594 |
100 km |
| 2020 |
RICE |
15,883 |
87 km |
| 1988 |
SCHILLER |
15,533 |
88 km |
| 2007 |
OKERMAN |
15,478 |
33 km |
| 1990 |
KNOWLTON C |
13,226 |
51 km |
| 2012 |
SWEENEY |
12,642 |
39 km |
| 1998 |
BRADSHAW |
10,591 |
53 km |
| 2014 |
MONTGOMERY |
9,222 |
59 km |
| 2000 |
TOBIN |
9,181 |
98 km |
| 2017 |
1026 |
8,387 |
55 km |
| 2017 |
CROW ROCK |
8,298 |
38 km |
| 2003 |
SWAIN |
7,762 |
71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
2.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
1.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
47°F (9°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Miles City has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 20°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 13.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.4") and February the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Miles City. 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 | $1,035 |
| Toddler | $1,072 |
| Preschool | $924 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $835 |
| Toddler | $850 |
| Preschool | $850 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Miles City
What is the population of Miles City?
Miles City has a population of 8,412 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 2,504 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.7% female and 51.3% male.
Is Miles City expensive to live in?
Miles City 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 $60,732, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $182,700 (35% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $932 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Miles City safe?
Miles City is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 262 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,907 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Miles City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Miles City?
Miles City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 12.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Miles City?
The job market in Miles City is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $968. There are 556 business establishments in the area, including 49 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 11 minutes, and 4.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Miles City?
The median home value in Miles City is $182,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $233,769. For renters, the median monthly rent is $932. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,483.
How are the schools in Miles City?
Schools in Miles City score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.7% of adults in Miles City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. 9.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Miles City?
The obesity rate in Miles City is 33.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 22.9% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 9.9% lack health insurance. 75.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,490.
What is transportation like in Miles City?
The average commute in Miles City is 11 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Miles City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Miles City is 90.8% White, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino. 94.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.5% speak Spanish. 10.3% of the population are military veterans. 21.8% of residents have a disability. 92.8% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
