Violent Crime
232/100K
39% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Pondera Colony Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population47
Median Age35.4 yrs
Density204/mi²
Male / Female26% / 75%
Largest GroupWhite 26%
Veterans30.0%
Economy
Unemployment0.0%
County GDP$302M
Housing
Zillow$281,425
Housing Units2
Rent Burden23.0%
Crime
F
Violent232/100K
Property4,147/100K
Health
Obesity39.7%
Uninsured14.3%
Smoking23.7%
Depression30.4%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain12.6 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation3,994 ft (1,217 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+60.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.69
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 27%
Broadband0.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Pondera Colony a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pondera Colony receives an overall livability score of 2.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Pondera Colony has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Pondera Colony is below the national average at 232 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,147 per 100,000, 112% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 60.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Pondera Colony has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 12.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Pondera Colony has a population of 47 with a density of 204 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 35.4 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 74.5% female and 25.5% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (74.5%), with 25.5% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 15% of residents, while 85% speak Spanish. 30.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.4yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Pondera Colony vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
15.0%
81% below US avg
Spanish
85.0%
534% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Pondera Colony vs U.S. Average
The average weekly wage is $872, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). The area has 236 business establishments, including 15 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Pondera Colony vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $872 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $49,106 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
| Establishments (County) | 236 |
| County GDP | $302M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 15 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 24 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,575 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 0.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $281,425. Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 2 total housing units in the city. The average annual property tax is $2,575 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 23.0% 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
| Renter-Occupied | 34.5% |
| Housing Units | 2 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,575 |
| 26% below US avg |
In Pondera Colony, 39.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 32.4% have high blood pressure. 23.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.3% report binge drinking. 32.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 30.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.5% experience frequent mental distress. 14.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,998. 46.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Pondera Colony vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.4% |
| Asthma | 13.4% |
| COPD | 11.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 4.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.7% |
| 69% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.1% |
| Depression | 30.4% |
| Mental Distress | 23.5% |
| Physical Distress | 18.7% |
| Short Sleep | 34.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 14.3% |
| 66% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,998 |
| Mental Health | 1:471 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.3% |
| Dental Visits | 50.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,386/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 46.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Pondera Colony has a violent crime rate of 232 per 100,000 residents, 39% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,147 per 100,000, 112% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Pondera Colony receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Pondera Colony vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 232.3/100K |
| 39% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,147.3/100K |
| 112% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Pondera Colony has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 274 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 12.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). 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 3,994 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 44.1°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,994 ft (1,217 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 204/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.2399°N, 112.4181°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Pondera County County |
| Nearest Airport | Cut Bank International (CTB) 26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.6"
67% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.52"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 95.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 49.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
186 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 17, 2025.
| Jan 30, 2016 |
19 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.3 |
144 km |
| Apr 15, 1998 |
11 km NE of Swan Lake, Montana |
M4.1 |
102 km |
| Jul 19, 2002 |
43 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
102 km |
| Apr 1, 1992 |
10 km ESE of Swan Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
105 km |
| Apr 1, 1993 |
15 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.9 |
143 km |
| Jun 2, 1996 |
37 km N of Ovando, Montana |
M3.9 |
110 km |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
27 km W of Chester, Montana |
M3.9 |
85 km |
| May 1, 1997 |
35 km SSE of Magrath, Canada |
M3.8 |
100 km |
| Jun 1, 1996 |
23 km N of Ovando, Montana |
M3.8 |
126 km |
| May 7, 1992 |
14 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
128 km |
| Jul 2, 1992 |
4 km SSE of South Browning, Montana |
M3.8 |
52 km |
| Jul 5, 2024 |
24 km ENE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
121 km |
| Mar 21, 1992 |
20 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
123 km |
| Oct 2, 1995 |
18 km E of Finley Point, Montana |
M3.7 |
119 km |
| Jan 13, 2010 |
36 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.7 |
106 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
12 km ESE of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.7 |
149 km |
| Jul 23, 2017 |
9 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.6 |
149 km |
| Feb 2, 1997 |
1 km NNE of Lindisfarne, Montana |
M3.6 |
142 km |
| May 10, 1990 |
47 km SSW of Heart Butte, Montana |
M3.6 |
61 km |
| Sep 15, 1998 |
9 km ENE of Ovando, Montana |
M3.6 |
138 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
18 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 7, 1982 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1966 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2006 |
EF1 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1998 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1994 |
EF1 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1977 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1977 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1964 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1962 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1999 |
EF0 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1994 |
EF0 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1993 |
EF0 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1986 |
EF0 |
19 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1982 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1981 |
EF0 |
52 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1981 |
EF0 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1963 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1963 |
EF0 |
58 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BEAR CREEK (60,710 ac, 2015).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2015 |
BEAR CREEK |
60,710 |
89 km |
| 2007 |
FOOL CREEK |
53,912 |
49 km |
| 2015 |
FAMILY PEAK COMPLEX |
49,769 |
41 km |
| 2007 |
AHORN |
45,633 |
87 km |
| 1988 |
GATES PARK |
42,493 |
61 km |
| 2007 |
SKYLAND |
41,237 |
59 km |
| 2003 |
LITTLE SALMON CREEK |
33,044 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
RED EAGLE |
32,563 |
90 km |
| 2003 |
RAMPAGE COMPLEX (DOUBLE MOUNTAIN 2) |
23,680 |
88 km |
| 2015 |
TRAIL CREEK |
22,338 |
78 km |
| 2017 |
SCALP |
20,309 |
55 km |
| 2015 |
THOMPSON |
18,049 |
90 km |
| 2017 |
STRAWBERRY |
17,781 |
41 km |
| 2021 |
GREENHOUSE |
14,501 |
52 km |
| 2007 |
CORPORAL |
14,054 |
79 km |
| 2013 |
RED SHALE |
13,712 |
62 km |
| 2015 |
MOOSE RIDGE |
11,395 |
66 km |
| 2003 |
LITTLE SALMON CREEK WILDLAND FIRE COMPLEX (MID) |
10,052 |
83 km |
| 2017 |
CRUCIFIXION CREEK |
9,971 |
52 km |
| 1993 |
FREEZEOUT LAKE |
9,793 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
44°F (6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
2.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
1.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (19°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Pondera Colony has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 24°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 12.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.5") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Pondera Colony. 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 | $943 |
| Toddler | $977 |
| Preschool | $842 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $761 |
| Toddler | $775 |
| Preschool | $775 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pondera Colony
What is the population of Pondera Colony?
Pondera Colony has a population of 47 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 204 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 74.5% female and 25.5% male.
Is Pondera Colony expensive to live in?
Pondera Colony is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.6 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Pondera Colony safe?
Pondera Colony is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 232 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,147 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Pondera Colony receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Pondera Colony?
Pondera Colony has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 12.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Pondera Colony?
The job market in Pondera Colony is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $872. There are 236 business establishments in the area, including 15 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Pondera Colony?
Schools in Pondera Colony have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Pondera Colony hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 60.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pondera Colony?
The obesity rate in Pondera Colony is 39.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.7% of adults are smokers. 32.1% are physically inactive. 30.4% of residents report depression. 14.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 46.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,998.
What are the demographics of Pondera Colony?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pondera Colony is 25.5% White, 74.5% Hispanic or Latino. 15% of residents speak only English at home, while 85% speak Spanish. 30.0% of the population are military veterans. 17.5% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.