Median Income
$86,000
14% higher than US avg
Home Value
$216,700
23% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
142/100K
63% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.4%
25% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$498
57% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.4%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.4%
73% lower than US avg
How Montrose Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population514
Median Age39.3 yrs
Density1,224/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans4.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$86,000
Per Capita$40,064
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty3.4%
County GDP$406M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$216,700
Rent$498
Ownership72.3%
Zillow$371,821
Housing Units218
Rent Burden16.4%
Crime
F
Violent142/100K
Property1,332/100K
Health
Obesity35.4%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking14.2%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain27.0 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,475 ft (450 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.4%
High School+89.8%
Graduate+5.4%
School Score6.09
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 24%
Commute28 min
Broadband80.9%
EV Stations1
Is Montrose a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Montrose receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Montrose offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Montrose is $86,000, 14% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Montrose is $216,700, 23% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $498 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Montrose is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 142 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,332 per 100,000, 32% below the national average.
Education
25.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Montrose has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Montrose has a population of 514 with a density of 1,224 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 39.3 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.1% female and 46.9% male. The city is predominantly White (95.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.1% of residents. 4.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 8.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 93.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.3yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.1%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.9%
78% below US avg
The median household income in Montrose is $86,000, which is 14% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,064. The average weekly wage is $973, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 246 business establishments, including 18 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 6.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $86,000 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,064 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $973 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,058 |
| Gini Index | 0.381 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.4% |
| 73% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 246 |
| County GDP | $406M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 22 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,817 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.4% |
The median home value in Montrose is $216,700, 23% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $371,821, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $498 (57% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 218 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1991. The average annual property tax is $4,817 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 16.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $216,700 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $371,821 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $498 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.7% |
| Housing Units | 218 |
| Median Year Built | 1991 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,817 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.22% |
In Montrose, 35.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 27.3% have high blood pressure. 14.2% are current smokers. 21.4% report binge drinking. 21.2% are physically inactive. 22.2% report depression. 15.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,695. The dentist ratio is 1:5,778. 30.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Montrose vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.3% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.2% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.2% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 15.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 29.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,695 |
| Dentists | 1:5,778 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.4% |
| Dental Visits | 71.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,584/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 30.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Montrose has a violent crime rate of 142 per 100,000 residents, 63% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,332 per 100,000, 32% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Montrose receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Montrose vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 141.7/100K |
| 63% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,332.0/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Montrose has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 291 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 27.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,475 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.4°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,475 ft (450 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,224/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6998°N, 97.1844°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McCook County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.0"
29% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.70"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 6, 2024.
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
147 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
104 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
135 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
147 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
111 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
91 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
98 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
113 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
606 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 11 fatalities, 290 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
40 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
59 km |
1 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Montrose has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Montrose. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$222 ($133–$354) |
| Specialist Visit |
$310 ($177–$487) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$177 ($89–$310) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,949 ($709–$4,430) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$177) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$354) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$532 ($354–$886) |
| Battery Replacement |
$177 ($89–$310) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$354 ($133–$709) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,202 ($3,544–$10,632) |
| Roof Repair |
$886 ($354–$1,772) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,974 ($4,873–$13,290) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,329 ($443–$3,101) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,290 ($4,430–$26,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,430 ($1,772–$8,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,329 ($709–$2,658) |
| Will Preparation |
$443 ($177–$886) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,215 ($886–$4,430) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($66–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.63 ($2.66–$4.87) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.10 ($2.22–$4.43) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.87) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.99 ($2.66–$5.76) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.87 ($3.54–$6.65) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$177 ($66–$443) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,772 ($1,063–$3,101) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.09–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,063 ($532–$2,215) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$886 ($443–$1,772) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$354 ($177–$620) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$886 ($354–$2,215) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,075 ($4,430–$26,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$177) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$177 ($89–$354) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $520 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $494 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $433 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Montrose
What is the population of Montrose?
Montrose has a population of 514 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,224 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.3 years. The population is 53.1% female and 46.9% male.
Is Montrose expensive to live in?
Montrose is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $86,000, 14% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $216,700 (23% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $498 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Montrose safe?
Montrose is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 142 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,332 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Montrose receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Montrose?
Montrose has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Montrose?
The job market in Montrose is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $973. There are 246 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 6.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Montrose?
The median home value in Montrose is $216,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $371,821. For renters, the median monthly rent is $498. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,817.
How are the schools in Montrose?
Schools in Montrose score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.4% of adults in Montrose hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.8% have completed high school. 5.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Montrose?
The obesity rate in Montrose is 35.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.2% of adults are smokers. 21.2% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 30.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,695.
What is transportation like in Montrose?
The average commute in Montrose is 28 minutes. 87.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Montrose?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Montrose is 95.5% White. 97.1% of residents speak only English at home. 4.5% of the population are military veterans. 8.1% of residents have a disability. 93.6% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
