Median Income
$43,000
43% lower than US avg
Home Value
$42,800
85% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.0%
67% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$359
69% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
48.6%
51% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
45.2%
265% higher than US avg
How Parker School Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population357
Median Age26.3 yrs
Density48/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 3%
Veterans1.9%
Economy
C+
Median Income$43,000
Per Capita$13,278
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty45.2%
County GDP$925M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$42,800
Rent$359
Ownership76.5%
Zillow$224,252
Housing Units127
Rent Burden9.0%
Health
Obesity48.6%
Uninsured12.9%
Smoking33.0%
Depression27.1%
Heart Disease9.5%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
Rain18.9 in/yr
Elevation4,068 ft (1,240 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.0%
High School+69.2%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score4.88
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 39%
Commute19 min
Broadband78.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Parker School a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Parker School receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Parker School offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Parker School is $43,000, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 45.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Parker School is $42,800, 85% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $359 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
11.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 69.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Parker School has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 18.9 inches, including 68.7 inches of snow.
Parker School has a population of 357 with a density of 48 people per square mile, spread across 7.4 square miles. The median age is 26.3 years, 32% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.3% female and 55.7% male. The city is predominantly White (2.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 77.7% of residents, while 12.1% speak Spanish. 1.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 20.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 87.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
357
Total Population
2023 Census
26.3yrs
Median Age
32% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Parker School vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
77.7%
1% below US avg
Spanish
12.1%
10% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Parker School vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Parker School is $43,000, which is 43% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $13,278 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $946, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 45.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 601 business establishments, including 56 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Parker School vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,000 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $13,278 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $946 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,947 |
| Gini Index | 0.409 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 45.2% |
| 265% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 601 |
| County GDP | $925M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 56 |
| Healthcare | 58 |
| Retail | 68 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,257 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.61% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.1% |
The median home value in Parker School is $42,800, 85% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $224,252, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $359 (69% 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. 76.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 127 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1993. The average annual property tax is $3,257. 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $42,800 |
| 85% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $224,252 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $359 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 9.0% |
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 | 76.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.5% |
| Housing Units | 127 |
| Median Year Built | 1993 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,257 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.61% |
In Parker School, 48.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 19.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.5% of residents, above the national average. 41.9% have high blood pressure. 33.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.0% report binge drinking. 36.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 26.2% experience frequent mental distress. 12.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,471. The dentist ratio is 1:1,148. 71.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Parker School vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 48.6% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 19.7% |
| Heart Disease | 9.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 41.9% |
| Asthma | 15.9% |
| COPD | 11.9% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 6.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 33.0% |
| 136% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.1% |
| Depression | 27.1% |
| Mental Distress | 26.2% |
| Physical Distress | 24.1% |
| Short Sleep | 45.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.1% |
| Uninsured | 12.9% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,471 |
| Dentists | 1:1,148 |
| Mental Health | 1:247 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.6% |
| Dental Visits | 42.1% |
| Premature Death | 12,044/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 71.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 58 |
Parker School has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 18.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 68.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 4,068 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.6°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,068 ft (1,240 m) |
| Area | 7.4 sq mi (19.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 48/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.2468°N, 109.7342°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Hill County County |
| Nearest Airport | Great Falls International (GTF)
92 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
18.9"
50% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.04"
Air Quality
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 67.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 38.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.7 on Jul 10, 2021.
| Aug 16, 1994 |
27 km W of Chester, Montana |
M3.9 |
121 km |
| Dec 5, 1991 |
15 km WSW of Hays, Montana |
M3.0 |
70 km |
| Oct 16, 2011 |
Eastern Montana |
M2.7 |
137 km |
| Jul 10, 2021 |
24 km SSE of Malta, Montana |
M2.7 |
145 km |
| Feb 25, 2013 |
28 km WSW of Chester, Montana |
M2.5 |
117 km |
| Jul 15, 2015 |
48 km E of Zortman, Montana |
M2.5 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
28 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 7 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1996 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2002 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1998 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1995 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1980 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1980 |
EF1 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1977 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1965 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1962 |
EF1 |
29 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2022 |
EF0 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2014 |
EF0 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2012 |
EF0 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2005 |
EF0 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 2002 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1999 |
EF0 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1999 |
EF0 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1999 |
EF0 |
53 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BLAINE C (138,192 ac, 1991).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1991 |
BLAINE C |
138,192 |
42 km |
| 2012 |
WELDER |
32,985 |
86 km |
| 1990 |
VETERANS |
23,660 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
TAYLOR |
21,704 |
84 km |
| 2017 |
EAST FORK |
21,165 |
12 km |
| 2021 |
PINE GROVE |
16,158 |
89 km |
| 2009 |
MEISSNER |
12,318 |
98 km |
| 1984 |
CENTENNIAL |
11,775 |
3 km |
| 2017 |
JULY |
11,409 |
95 km |
| 2006 |
MAGGIE |
8,187 |
64 km |
| 2022 |
EAGLE CREEK |
6,359 |
14 km |
| 1988 |
MONUMENT |
5,514 |
92 km |
| 1988 |
LOSTCANYON |
4,532 |
6 km |
| 2008 |
CHOUTEAU CO COMPLEX |
4,365 |
61 km |
| 2003 |
LAKE17 |
4,054 |
69 km |
| 2006 |
HOWARD |
3,884 |
84 km |
| 2014 |
MIDDLE BLACK |
3,854 |
82 km |
| 2012 |
OUTHOUSE |
3,179 |
41 km |
| 1990 |
ADAMS |
3,072 |
85 km |
| 1990 |
QUISNO |
3,018 |
79 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
2.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Parker School has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 18°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Parker School. 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 | $912 |
| Toddler | $948 |
| Preschool | $815 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $737 |
| Toddler | $752 |
| Preschool | $752 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Parker School
What is the population of Parker School?
Parker School has a population of 357 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 48 people per square mile, spread across 7.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 26.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.3% female and 55.7% male.
Is Parker School expensive to live in?
Parker School 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 $43,000, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $42,800 (85% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $359 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Parker School?
Parker School has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 18.9 inches, with 68.7 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Parker School?
The job market in Parker School is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $946. There are 601 business establishments in the area, including 56 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 5.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Parker School?
The median home value in Parker School is $42,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $224,252. For renters, the median monthly rent is $359. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,257.
How are the schools in Parker School?
Schools in Parker School have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 11.0% of adults in Parker School hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 69.2% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Parker School?
The obesity rate in Parker School is 48.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 33.0% of adults are smokers. 36.1% are physically inactive. 27.1% of residents report depression. 12.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 71.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,471.
What is transportation like in Parker School?
The average commute in Parker School is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Parker School?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Parker School is 2.5% White. 77.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.1% speak Spanish. 1.9% of the population are military veterans. 20.4% of residents have a disability. 87.1% have health insurance coverage.