Median Income
$48,409
36% lower than US avg
Home Value
$120,200
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.6%
86% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$404
65% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.8%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.2%
17% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
32.9%
165% higher than US avg
How Muddy Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population641
Median Age17.4 yrs
Density22/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 7%
Veterans5.9%
Economy
C
Median Income$48,409
Per Capita$15,359
Unemployment4.2%
Poverty32.9%
County GDP$1,286M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$120,200
Rent$404
Ownership52.4%
Zillow$219,986
Housing Units145
Rent Burden17.2%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property385/100K
Health
Obesity37.8%
Uninsured13.7%
Smoking28.0%
Depression24.9%
Heart Disease8.5%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain15.7 in/yr
Sunny Days311/yr
Elevation3,585 ft (1,093 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.6%
High School+93.8%
Graduate+4.6%
School Score2.86
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 47%
Commute25 min
Broadband91.1%
Libraries1
Is Muddy a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Muddy receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Muddy has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Muddy is $48,409, 36% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.2%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 32.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Muddy is $120,200, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $404 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
Muddy is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 385 per 100,000, 80% below the national average.
Education
4.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.8% have completed high school. School test scores average 2.9/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Muddy has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 311 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 15.7 inches, including 52.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Muddy has a population of 641 with a density of 22 people per square mile, spread across 28.6 square miles. The median age is 17.4 years, 55% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.4% female and 42.6% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (92.8%), with 7.2% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.6% of residents, while 5.4% speak Spanish. 5.9% of the population are veterans. 6.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 85.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
17.4yrs
Median Age
55% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.6%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.4%
60% below US avg
The median household income in Muddy is $48,409, which is 36% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $15,359 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,077, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 32.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 270 business establishments, including 21 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 15.1% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,409 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $15,359 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,077 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $47,700 |
| Gini Index | 0.453 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.2% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 32.9% |
| 165% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 270 |
| County GDP | $1,286M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 21 |
| Healthcare | 19 |
| Retail | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,243 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.70% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 15.1% |
The median home value in Muddy is $120,200, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $219,986, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $404 (65% 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. 52.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 145 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. The average annual property tax is $3,243. 17.2% 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 | $120,200 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $219,986 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $404 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.2% |
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 | 52.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 52.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 47.6% |
| Housing Units | 145 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,243 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.70% |
In Muddy, 37.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.5% of residents, above the national average. 35.4% have high blood pressure. 28.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.0% report binge drinking. 28.8% are physically inactive. 24.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.6% experience frequent mental distress. 13.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,851. The dentist ratio is 1:1,428. 43.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Muddy vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.8% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.2% |
| Heart Disease | 8.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.4% |
| Asthma | 14.9% |
| COPD | 9.3% |
| Cancer | 5.9% |
| Stroke | 5.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 28.0% |
| 100% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.8% |
| Depression | 24.9% |
| Mental Distress | 23.6% |
| Physical Distress | 19.8% |
| Short Sleep | 40.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.5% |
| Uninsured | 13.7% |
| 59% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,851 |
| Dentists | 1:1,428 |
| Mental Health | 1:797 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.3% |
| Dental Visits | 42.9% |
| Premature Death | 25,709/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 43.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
Muddy has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 385 per 100,000, 80% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 16 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Muddy receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Muddy vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 385.1/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 16 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Muddy has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 311 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 15.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 52.3 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 3,585 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 45.0°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 311 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,585 ft (1,093 m) |
| Area | 28.6 sq mi (74.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 22/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.5798°N, 106.7754°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Big Horn County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sheridan County (SHR)
57 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
15.7"
59% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 94.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 4.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
17 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.8 on Mar 23, 2023.
| Aug 22, 2009 |
20 km SSE of Birney, Montana |
M4.0 |
55 km |
| Feb 25, 1993 |
31 km N of Arvada, Wyoming |
M3.9 |
91 km |
| Jul 6, 2021 |
27 km SSE of Melstone, Montana |
M3.6 |
116 km |
| Dec 23, 1991 |
10 km SW of Colstrip, Montana |
M3.6 |
27 km |
| Nov 3, 1999 |
8 km NNW of Broadus, Montana |
M3.5 |
102 km |
| May 25, 2018 |
45 km W of Biddle, Montana |
M2.9 |
87 km |
| Feb 22, 1992 |
30 km E of Buffalo, Wyoming |
M2.9 |
144 km |
| Mar 23, 2023 |
8 km S of Shell, Wyoming |
M2.8 |
147 km |
| Aug 7, 2022 |
38 km N of Arvada, Wyoming |
M2.8 |
87 km |
| Jan 15, 2023 |
6 km NE of Ashland, Montana |
M2.8 |
45 km |
| Mar 30, 2018 |
20 km NNE of Sheridan, Wyoming |
M2.8 |
69 km |
| May 21, 2013 |
32 km NE of Melstone, Montana |
M2.8 |
144 km |
| May 19, 2017 |
6 km ESE of Birney, Montana |
M2.7 |
41 km |
| Apr 22, 2018 |
8 km ENE of Ashland, Montana |
M2.6 |
48 km |
| Jun 2, 2019 |
14 km WSW of Birney, Montana |
M2.6 |
34 km |
| Mar 31, 2009 |
36 km NNE of Arvada, Wyoming |
M2.6 |
93 km |
| Jan 6, 2016 |
27 km ENE of Lovell, Wyoming |
M2.6 |
124 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
41 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 3 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 21, 2010 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2018 |
EF1 |
3 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2010 |
EF1 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1996 |
EF1 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1991 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1991 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1984 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1984 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1984 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1984 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1980 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1968 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1968 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1955 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2014 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2013 |
EF0 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 2004 |
EF0 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 2000 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 2000 |
EF0 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1999 |
EF0 |
77 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 |
50 km |
| 2024 |
REMINGTON |
192,577 |
61 km |
| 2021 |
RICHARD SPRING |
168,765 |
24 km |
| 2012 |
CHALKY |
132,680 |
19 km |
| 2006 |
PINE RIDGE COMPLEX |
103,074 |
85 km |
| 2017 |
SARTIN DRAW |
91,570 |
66 km |
| 2017 |
DEER CREEK |
90,147 |
73 km |
| 2012 |
SARPY HILLS COMPLEX |
83,942 |
38 km |
| 2021 |
P F |
66,375 |
58 km |
| 2012 |
TAYLOR CREEK |
64,383 |
68 km |
| 2000 |
STAG |
62,381 |
47 km |
| 1994 |
BABY DEAN |
61,955 |
8 km |
| 2020 |
SARPY |
51,619 |
20 km |
| 2006 |
BUFFALO CREEK |
37,630 |
88 km |
| 2011 |
DIAMOND COMPLEX |
33,546 |
76 km |
| 2020 |
SNIDER |
33,246 |
57 km |
| 2017 |
WITTEN |
27,938 |
29 km |
| 2003 |
LITTLEHAWK |
27,926 |
14 km |
| 2020 |
WADDLE CREEK |
25,809 |
78 km |
| 1996 |
ROSEBUD CREEK |
25,174 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
44°F (6°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
1.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Muddy has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 21°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 15.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.8") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Muddy. 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 | $944 |
| Toddler | $982 |
| Preschool | $843 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $743 |
| Toddler | $758 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Muddy
What is the population of Muddy?
Muddy has a population of 641 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 22 people per square mile, spread across 28.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 17.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.4% female and 42.6% male.
Is Muddy expensive to live in?
Muddy 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 $48,409, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $120,200 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $404 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 Muddy safe?
Muddy is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 385 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Muddy receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Muddy?
Muddy has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 311 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 15.7 inches, with 52.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Muddy?
Muddy has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,077. There are 270 business establishments in the area, including 21 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 15.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Muddy?
The median home value in Muddy is $120,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $219,986. For renters, the median monthly rent is $404. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 52.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,243.
How are the schools in Muddy?
Schools in Muddy have an average test score of 2.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 4.6% of adults in Muddy hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.8% have completed high school. 4.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Muddy?
The obesity rate in Muddy is 37.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 28.0% of adults are smokers. 28.8% are physically inactive. 24.9% of residents report depression. 13.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 43.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,851.
What is transportation like in Muddy?
The average commute in Muddy is 25 minutes. 78% of workers drive alone to work, and 15.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Muddy?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Muddy is 7.2% White, 92.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Asian. 94.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.4% speak Spanish. 5.9% of the population are military veterans. 6.1% of residents have a disability. 85.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
