Violent Crime
312/100K
18% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
29.1%
9% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Polebridge Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population49
Median Age74.6 yrs
Density408/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans49.0%
Economy
Per Capita$15,722
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$7,210M
Housing
Ownership73.9%
Zillow$564,628
Housing Units16
Rent Burden30.8%
Crime
F
Violent312/100K
Property3,316/100K
Health
Obesity29.1%
Smoking10.5%
Depression24.3%
Heart Disease4.4%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Sunny Days200/yr
Elevation3,528 ft (1,075 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.40
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 32%
Broadband23.0%
EV Stations11
Libraries5
Is Polebridge a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Polebridge receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Polebridge offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Polebridge is below the national average at 312 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,316 per 100,000, 69% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Polebridge has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July. With 200 sunny days, the area sees less sunshine than many U.S. cities. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Polebridge has a population of 49 with a density of 408 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 74.6 years, 92% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.1% female and 46.9% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 49.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 51.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
74.6yrs
Median Age
92% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Polebridge 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
Polebridge vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $15,722 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,122, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 6,994 business establishments, including 450 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 50.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Polebridge vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $15,722 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,122 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $92,813 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 6,994 |
| County GDP | $7,210M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 450 |
| Healthcare | 459 |
| Retail | 491 |
| Manufacturing | 194 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,362 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 50.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 50.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $564,628. Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 16 total housing units in the city. The average annual property tax is $5,362 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
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 | 73.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.1% |
| Housing Units | 16 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,362 |
| 53% above US avg |
In Polebridge, 29.1% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 6.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.4% of residents, below the national average. 24.5% have high blood pressure. 10.5% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 23.2% report binge drinking. 15.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 15.9% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,085. The dentist ratio is 1:1,434. 81.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Polebridge vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 29.1% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 6.6% |
| Heart Disease | 4.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 24.5% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.5% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 15.4% |
| Depression | 24.3% |
| Mental Distress | 15.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 29.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,085 |
| Dentists | 1:1,434 |
| Mental Health | 1:261 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.2% |
| Dental Visits | 70.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,948/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 81.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 459 |
Polebridge has a violent crime rate of 312 per 100,000 residents, 18% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,316 per 100,000, 69% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 23 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Polebridge receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Polebridge vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 312.3/100K |
| 18% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,316.0/100K |
| 69% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 23 |
| Traffic Accidents | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Polebridge has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July. The area gets 200 sunny days per year. 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 3,528 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
61°F Jul (16°C)
| Annual Average | 39.6°F |
| 27% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 61°F (16°C) |
| Sunny Days | 200 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,528 ft (1,075 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 408/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.7615°N, 114.2816°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Flathead County County |
| Nearest Airport | Glacier Park International (FCA) 31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Nov)
2.87"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0419 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 86.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 46.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
142 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.7. Most recent: M2.5 on Jun 23, 2024.
| Dec 22, 1998 |
Idaho-Montana border region |
M4.7 |
109 km |
| Mar 4, 2000 |
35 km S of Pincher Creek, Canada |
M4.6 |
49 km |
| Mar 22, 2006 |
8 km SSW of Rexford, Montana |
M4.3 |
68 km |
| Apr 15, 1998 |
11 km NE of Swan Lake, Montana |
M4.1 |
93 km |
| Jun 29, 1995 |
2 km NNW of Kila, Montana |
M4.1 |
71 km |
| May 2, 1995 |
2 km NW of Kila, Montana |
M4.1 |
70 km |
| Jan 20, 1998 |
15 km SSE of Happys Inn, Montana |
M4.0 |
106 km |
| Apr 1, 1992 |
10 km ESE of Swan Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
106 km |
| Feb 28, 2000 |
10 km NNE of Sparwood, Canada |
M3.8 |
125 km |
| May 2, 1995 |
3 km WNW of Kila, Montana |
M3.8 |
72 km |
| Jul 2, 1992 |
4 km SSE of South Browning, Montana |
M3.8 |
98 km |
| Sep 26, 2004 |
14 km WSW of Pablo, Montana |
M3.8 |
133 km |
| May 1, 1997 |
35 km SSE of Magrath, Canada |
M3.8 |
126 km |
| Oct 2, 1995 |
18 km E of Finley Point, Montana |
M3.7 |
121 km |
| Aug 19, 1999 |
12 km ENE of Happys Inn, Montana |
M3.7 |
88 km |
| Sep 29, 2009 |
42 km NW of Santa Rita, Montana |
M3.6 |
123 km |
| Feb 2, 1997 |
1 km NNE of Lindisfarne, Montana |
M3.6 |
105 km |
| Oct 26, 1999 |
23 km WNW of Niarada, Montana |
M3.6 |
105 km |
| May 10, 1990 |
47 km SSW of Heart Butte, Montana |
M3.6 |
134 km |
| Jul 18, 1991 |
14 km SSE of Swan Lake, Montana |
M3.5 |
112 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
4 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2008 |
EF0 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2007 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 2000 |
EF0 |
38 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MOOSE (73,210 ac, 2001).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2001 |
MOOSE |
73,210 |
18 km |
| 2003 |
ROBERT |
54,500 |
28 km |
| 2003 |
WEDGE CANYON |
51,987 |
17 km |
| 2007 |
SKYLAND |
41,237 |
93 km |
| 1988 |
RED BENCH |
33,845 |
3 km |
| 2006 |
RED EAGLE |
32,563 |
63 km |
| 2007 |
BRUSH CREEK |
30,166 |
59 km |
| 2017 |
CARIBOU |
28,101 |
82 km |
| 2003 |
RAMPAGE COMPLEX (DOUBLE MOUNTAIN 2) |
23,680 |
65 km |
| 2022 |
ELMO |
22,148 |
100 km |
| 2003 |
BLACKFOOT LAKE COMPLEX (BLACKFOOT LAKE) |
18,274 |
64 km |
| 2015 |
THOMPSON |
18,049 |
59 km |
| 2003 |
TRAPPER CREEK FIRE (TRAPPER CREEK) |
18,028 |
32 km |
| 2017 |
SPRAGUE |
16,897 |
37 km |
| 1994 |
LITTLE WOLF |
15,714 |
64 km |
| 2018 |
HOWE RIDGE |
14,747 |
29 km |
| 2003 |
TRAPPER CREEK FIRE (WOLF GUN) |
13,920 |
21 km |
| 1999 |
ANACONDA |
11,452 |
20 km |
| 1988 |
DRY FORK |
11,403 |
69 km |
| 2000 |
STONE YOUNG (STONE HILL) |
11,279 |
69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
47°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| June |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| July |
61°F (16°C) |
1.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
60°F (16°C) |
1.6 in |
Driest |
| September |
51°F (11°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
42°F (5°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.9 in |
Wettest |
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
2.8 in |
Coldest |
Polebridge has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 20°F in December to 61°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.4 inches, with November being the wettest month (2.9") and August the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Polebridge. 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 | $961 |
| Toddler | $1,008 |
| Preschool | $860 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $779 |
| Toddler | $798 |
| Preschool | $798 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Polebridge
What is the population of Polebridge?
Polebridge has a population of 49 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 408 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 74.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.1% female and 46.9% male.
Is Polebridge expensive to live in?
Polebridge is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.6 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Polebridge safe?
Polebridge is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 312 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,316 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Polebridge receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Polebridge?
Polebridge has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 61°F in July. The area receives 200 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Polebridge?
The job market in Polebridge is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,122. There are 6,994 business establishments in the area, including 450 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Polebridge?
Schools in Polebridge score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Polebridge hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Polebridge?
The obesity rate in Polebridge is 29.1% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.5% of adults are smokers. 15.4% are physically inactive. 24.3% of residents report depression. 81.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,085.
What are the demographics of Polebridge?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Polebridge is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 49.0% of the population are military veterans. 51.6% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.