Outlook, MT

Montana · Sheridan County

Outlook is a small town in Montana with a population of 47. Residents earn $50,313 per year, which is 33% below the national average.

Sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-year estimates, FBI Crime Data Explorer 2024, NOAA, EPA. Updated August 2026

3.9 /5.0
B+ Good
47 Population 38/sq mi density
$50,313 Median Income $20,409 per capita
$103,100 Home Value $153,393 Zillow
40°F Avg Temperature
B+
Overall
3.9 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C
Economy
2.4 / 5.0
$50,313 median income, 8.3% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$103,100 home value
A
Education
4.3 / 5.0
41.2% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Outlook, MT

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Median Income $50,313
33% lower than US avg
Home Value $103,100
63% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 41.2%
22% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate 35.7%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment 8.3%
131% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 18.8%
52% higher than US avg

How Outlook Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population47
Median Age61.3 yrs
Density38/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans5.9%

Economy

C
Median Income$50,313
Per Capita$20,409
Unemployment8.3%
Poverty18.8%
County GDP$241M

Housing

A+
Home Value$103,100
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$153,393
Housing Units26
Rent Burden24.7%

Health

Obesity35.7%
Uninsured0.0%
Smoking16.1%
Depression25.5%
Heart Disease6.0%

Climate

Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
Rain14.3 in/yr
Elevation2,341 ft (714 m)

Education

A
Bachelor's+41.2%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+15.9%
School Score5.70

Community

2024 VoteR 69% / D 27%
Broadband76.2%
Libraries1

Is Outlook a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Outlook receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include a highly educated population, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Outlook offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Outlook is $50,313, 33% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.3%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 18.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Outlook is $103,100, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Education

Educational attainment is solid, with 41.2% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.

Climate & Weather

Outlook has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 14.3 inches, including 31.3 inches of snow.

Outlook has a population of 47 with a density of 38 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 61.3 years, 58% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.3% female and 44.7% male. The city is predominantly White (97.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 5.9% of the population are veterans. 6.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

47
Total Population
2023 Census
38
People / sq mi
61.3yrs
Median Age
58% above US avg
1.3mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 44.7%
Female 55.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Outlook 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

Outlook vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Outlook is $50,313, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,409 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $935, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher 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. 27.3% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Outlook vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$50,313
33% below US avg
Per Capita Income$20,409
Avg Weekly Wage$935
IRS Avg AGI$70,549
Gini Index0.523 (0=equal, 1=unequal)

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment8.3%
131% above US avg
Poverty Rate18.8%
52% above US avg
Establishments (County)224
County GDP$241M

Business (County)

Restaurants16
Healthcare13
Retail19

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$3,383
3% below US avg
Cost of Living94.60 (100=avg)
Effective Tax Rate3.28%

Commute & Transportation

Drive Alone63.6%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home27.3%

Walkability

The median home value in Outlook is $103,100, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $153,393, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 26 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1990. The average annual property tax is $3,383. 24.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$103,100
63% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$153,393

Rental Costs

Rent Burden24.7%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$988
1 Bedroom$1,076
2 Bedrooms$1,336
3 Bedrooms$1,789
4 Bedrooms$2,113

Ownership & Property

Homeownership100.0%
Owner-Occupied100.0%
Renter-Occupied0.0%
Housing Units26
Median Year Built1990

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$3,383
3% below US avg
Effective Rate3.28%
In Outlook, 35.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 30.8% have high blood pressure. 16.1% are current smokers. 22.9% report binge drinking. 21.9% are physically inactive. 25.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 0.0% of residents lack health insurance (below 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: Outlook vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity35.7%
11% above US avg
Diabetes9.2%
Heart Disease6.0%
High Blood Pressure30.8%
Asthma11.2%
COPD6.5%
Cancer7.0%
Stroke3.2%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking16.1%
15% above US avg
Binge Drinking22.9%
Physical Inactivity21.9%
Depression25.5%
Mental Distress19.1%
Physical Distress13.7%
Short Sleep31.1%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate100.0%
Uninsured0.0%
100% below US avg
Primary Care1:3,527
Dentists1:3,564
Mental Health1:500
Checkup Rate68.2%
Dental Visits64.7%
Premature Death8,226/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment7.9/10
Exercise Access63.2%
Healthcare Facilities13
Outlook has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 14.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 31.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 2,341 feet.

Temperature

11°F Jan (-12°C) 67°F Jul (19°C)
Annual Average39.7°F
26% below US avg
January Average11°F (-12°C)
July Average67°F (19°C)

Geography

Elevation2,341 ft (714 m)
Area1.3 sq mi (3.2 km²)
Population Density38/sq mi
Coordinates48.8888°N, 104.7849°W
TimezoneAmerica/Denver
CountySheridan County County
Nearest AirportWilliston Basin International (XWA)
64 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 14.3"
62% below US avg
Snowfall 31.3"
Wettest Month (Jun) 3.08"
Driest Month (Feb) 0.24"

Air Quality

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall RiskVery Low
Risk Score15.1 / 100
Social Vulnerability59.2 / 100
Community Resilience12.0 / 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

4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.8 on Feb 25, 2014.

Feb 25, 2014 23 km N of Brockton, Montana M3.8 59 km
Jul 29, 1998 16 km WNW of Froid, Montana M3.8 58 km
Nov 11, 1998 10 km SW of Grenora, North Dakota M3.5 67 km
Sep 28, 2012 22 km ESE of Williston, North Dakota M3.3 141 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)

Tornado History

49 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950. Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 1 injury.

Date Rating Distance Fatalities
Jul 26, 2010 EF3 30 km 2
Jun 14, 1950 EF3 74 km 0
Jul 15, 2013 EF2 85 km 0
Jul 2, 1971 EF2 52 km 0
Sep 21, 1969 EF2 67 km 0
Jul 9, 2018 EF1 23 km 0
Jun 11, 2007 EF1 88 km 0
Jul 21, 1999 EF1 94 km 0
Jul 4, 1998 EF1 85 km 0
Jul 4, 1998 EF1 62 km 0
Jun 29, 1991 EF1 32 km 0
Jul 2, 1990 EF1 85 km 0
Jul 13, 1980 EF1 84 km 0
Jun 11, 1972 EF1 77 km 0
Aug 6, 1970 EF1 95 km 0
Aug 18, 1962 EF1 72 km 0
Jun 26, 1959 EF1 93 km 0
Jun 20, 1959 EF1 40 km 0
Jul 12, 2024 EF0 98 km 0
Jul 29, 2017 EF0 60 km 0
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)

Wildfire History

20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km. Largest: FLAGSTAFF HILL (9,129 ac, 2016).

Year Name Acres Distance
2016 FLAGSTAFF HILL 9,129 40 km
2012 HIGHWAY 13-20 8,372 72 km
2017 YOOPER 7,834 91 km
2018 BUFFALO PASTURE 7,624 72 km
2003 GREYBULL 7,229 83 km
1999 OUTLOOK 6,292 1 km
2021 SMITH 5,212 88 km
2006 BUFFALO RANCH 5,206 74 km
1999 ANTELOPE 5,118 37 km
2020 BULL 3,428 86 km
2022 BLISTER 3,298 70 km
2007 W-RX-F SANDHILLS SUB UNIT B 2,381 60 km
2018 MTMLR-FY18-RX-WUI DEEP LAKE 2,088 57 km
2021 HIGHWAY 16 NORTH 2,069 80 km
2022 MTMLR-FY22-RX-BRIDGERMAN 1,852 56 km
2017 FOUR BUTTES 1,711 73 km
2006 TOAVS 1,503 99 km
2023 ROUTE 1 1,403 82 km
2008 NORTH SOUTH LAKE CREEK SU A 1,367 56 km
2006 R.TOAVS 1,290 85 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 11°F (-12°C) 0.4 in Coldest
February 15°F (-9°C) 0.2 in Driest
March 27°F (-3°C) 0.7 in
April 41°F (5°C) 0.9 in
May 52°F (11°C) 2.2 in
June 61°F (16°C) 3.1 in Wettest
July 67°F (19°C) 2.1 in Warmest
August 66°F (19°C) 1.8 in
September 55°F (13°C) 1.0 in
October 41°F (5°C) 0.9 in
November 26°F (-3°C) 0.4 in
December 14°F (-10°C) 0.6 in

Outlook has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 11°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.1") and February the driest (0.2").

View full weather details →
Outlook is located in Sheridan County. It is classified as Nonmetro / Rural, a rural community. 41.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 22% above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 15.9% hold a graduate or professional degree (above the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.7 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 69.1% of the vote, a 42.5-point margin. 76.2% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). There are 1 public libraries serving the community. 13 healthcare facilities operate in the area.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 69.1%
D 26.6%

Winner: Republican by 42.5 points

Safety & Disasters

Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0
FEMA Disaster Declarations91

Education

Bachelor's Degree+41.2%
22% above US avg
High School+100.0%
Graduate Degree+15.9%
School Test Score5.70
A Education Grade (4.3/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

RUCC Code 9Nonmetro / Rural
Population Density38/sq mi
Total Area1.3 sq mi
CountySheridan County County

Services

Broadband Access76.2%
Avg Download Speed66.5 Mbps
Avg Upload Speed53.0 Mbps
Public Libraries1
Healthcare Facilities13
Restaurants16
Retail Stores19

Commute & Transportation

Drive Alone63.6%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home27.3%
Average costs for common services in Outlook. 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)

Top Industries in Sheridan County

Largest private-sector industries by employment (BLS QCEW 2024 data, county level).

Industry Jobs Establishments Avg Annual Pay Location Quotient
Retail Trade 162 20 $32,604 1.27
Wholesale Trade 108 15 $62,140 2.15
Finance & Insurance 56 13 $54,869 1.08
Other Services 44 18 $16,274 1.15
Agriculture & Forestry 42 20 $68,225 4.07
Mining & Oil/Gas 37 17 $60,153 7.67
Real Estate 30 4 $76,325 1.51
Professional & Technical Services 26 12 $61,276 0.29
Information & Technology 20 4 $44,590 0.84
Administrative & Waste Services 15 4 $64,194 0.20
Unclassified 7 2 $17,155 3.93

Radio Stations near Outlook

0 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality

National Parks Near Outlook

2 national parks and monuments found near Outlook.

ParkTypeFee
Brush Lake State Park State Park Free
Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site National Historic Site Free

Museums in Outlook

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
SHERIDAN COUNTY HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIONHISTORIC PRESERVATION

Libraries in Outlook

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
SHERIDAN COUNTY LIBRARY100 WEST LAUREL AVE0.020,800

Cell Towers in Outlook

AddressStructure TypeHeight (ft)
1040 N. Sheridan Street (108860)LTOWER64
1040 N. Sheridan Street (108860)LTOWER64
Intersection of Hendrickson Road & Outlook Bench Road (9991090)LTOWER61
Intersection of Hendrickson Road & Outlook Bench Road (9991090)LTOWER61
1.35 miles N of E Redstone Rd, and about 1 mile W of Grants Rd (9991062)LTOWER59
1.35 miles N of E Redstone Rd, and about 1 mile W of Grants Rd (9991062)LTOWER59

Fire Stations in Outlook

NameAddressTypeActive FirefightersVolunteersPhone
Outlook Rural Fire DepartmentPO Box 5Volunteer406-895-2286

Bridges in Outlook

LocationTypeKindYear BuiltLength (ft)Daily TrafficCondition
Stringer/Multi-beamWood or Timber195539151F
Channel BeamConcrete197031100F
Channel BeamConcrete199531100F
Channel BeamConcrete197031100F
Tee BeamPrestressed concrete19856046F
Stringer/Multi-beamSteel19707126F
Stringer/Multi-beamPrestressed concrete200413917G

Airports Near Outlook

7 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Big Sky Field-Small Airport
Radville Airport-Small Airport
Scobey Airport-Small Airport
Scobey Border Station /East Poplar International/ Airport-Small Airport
Scobey Border Station Airport-Small Airport
Sher-Wood AirportPWDSmall Airport
Swank Airport-Small Airport

Police Stations in Outlook

2 police stations.

StationAddressPhone
Plentywood Police Department
Sheridan County Sheriffs Department

Post Offices in Outlook

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Outlook Post Office

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Frequently Asked Questions About Outlook

What is the population of Outlook?

Outlook has a population of 47 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 38 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 61.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.3% female and 44.7% male.

Is Outlook expensive to live in?

Outlook 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 $50,313, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $103,100 (63% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

What is the weather like in Outlook?

Outlook has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 14.3 inches, with 31.3 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Outlook?

The job market in Outlook faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.3% / significantly above 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.

How much does housing cost in Outlook?

The median home value in Outlook is $103,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $153,393. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,383.

How are the schools in Outlook?

Schools in Outlook score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 41.2% of adults in Outlook hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 15.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Outlook?

The obesity rate in Outlook is 35.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.1% of adults are smokers. 21.9% are physically inactive. 25.5% of residents report depression. 0.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 63.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,527.

What are the demographics of Outlook?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Outlook is 97.9% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 5.9% of the population are military veterans. 6.4% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.

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