Median Income
$45,104
40% lower than US avg
Home Value
$91,700
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
565/100K
49% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.8%
59% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$680
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.0%
40% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
34.1%
175% higher than US avg
How Poplar Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population655
Median Age28.7 yrs
Density2,339/mi²
Male / Female52% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 17%
Veterans6.8%
Economy
C+
Median Income$45,104
Per Capita$18,211
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty34.1%
County GDP$123M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$91,700
Rent$680
Ownership78.4%
Zillow$135,720
Housing Units351
Rent Burden17.5%
Crime
F
Violent565/100K
Property3,640/100K
Health
Obesity45.0%
Uninsured15.9%
Smoking29.8%
Depression27.8%
Heart Disease9.2%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain14.2 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation1,987 ft (606 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.8%
High School+94.4%
Graduate+10.6%
School Score5.82
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 16%
Commute12 min
Broadband43.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Poplar a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Poplar receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Poplar has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Poplar is $45,104, 40% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 34.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Poplar is $91,700, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $680 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 565 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,640 per 100,000, 86% above the national average.
Education
13.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Poplar has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 14.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Poplar has a population of 655 with a density of 2,339 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 28.7 years, 26% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.5% female and 51.5% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (77.4%), with 16.8% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 6.8% of the population are veterans. 19.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 56.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.7yrs
Median Age
26% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Poplar is $45,104, which is 40% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,211 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $956, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 34.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 100 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,104 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,211 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $956 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,091 |
| Gini Index | 0.403 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 34.1% |
| 175% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 100 |
| County GDP | $123M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,533 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.76% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 11.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.3% |
The median home value in Poplar is $91,700, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $135,720, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $680 (42% 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. 78.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 351 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $2,533 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 17.5% 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 Values
| Census Median | $91,700 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $135,720 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $680 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.5% |
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 | 78.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.6% |
| Housing Units | 351 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,533 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.76% |
In Poplar, 45.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.2% of residents, above the national average. 39.1% have high blood pressure. 29.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.0% report binge drinking. 35.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 24.9% experience frequent mental distress. 15.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:543. 67.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Poplar vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.0% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.3% |
| Heart Disease | 9.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.1% |
| Asthma | 15.4% |
| COPD | 12.2% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 5.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 29.8% |
| 113% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.3% |
| Depression | 27.8% |
| Mental Distress | 24.9% |
| Physical Distress | 22.5% |
| Short Sleep | 44.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 56.7% |
| Uninsured | 15.9% |
| 85% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:543 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,633 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.5% |
| Dental Visits | 41.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,489/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Poplar has a violent crime rate of 565 per 100,000 residents, 49% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,640 per 100,000, 86% above the U.S. average. The area has experienced 182 federally declared disasters. Overall, Poplar receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Poplar vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 565.4/100K |
| 49% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,639.6/100K |
| 86% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 14 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 182 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Poplar has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 68°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 14.2 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 1,987 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 40.5°F |
| 25% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,987 ft (606 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,339/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.1105°N, 105.1969°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Daniels County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sidney-Richland Regional (SDY)
54 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
14.2"
63% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.64"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 1.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 8.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on May 6, 2014.
| Feb 25, 2014 |
23 km N of Brockton, Montana |
M3.8 |
37 km |
| Jul 29, 1998 |
16 km WNW of Froid, Montana |
M3.8 |
46 km |
| Nov 11, 1998 |
10 km SW of Grenora, North Dakota |
M3.5 |
99 km |
| Sep 28, 2012 |
22 km ESE of Williston, North Dakota |
M3.3 |
137 km |
| May 6, 2014 |
12 km NNW of Knife River, Montana |
M2.6 |
85 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
77 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 fatalities, 2 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 26, 2010 |
EF3 |
63 km |
2 |
| Jul 15, 2013 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1972 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1971 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Sep 21, 1969 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1954 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1953 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 2018 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2010 |
EF1 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1999 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1998 |
EF1 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1998 |
EF1 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1991 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1983 |
EF1 |
34 km |
1 |
| Jul 13, 1980 |
EF1 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1972 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1970 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BAINVILLE (12,790 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
BAINVILLE |
12,790 |
83 km |
| 2016 |
FLAGSTAFF HILL |
9,129 |
55 km |
| 2012 |
HIGHWAY 13-20 |
8,372 |
29 km |
| 2017 |
YOOPER |
7,834 |
39 km |
| 2018 |
BUFFALO PASTURE |
7,624 |
24 km |
| 2003 |
GREYBULL |
7,229 |
27 km |
| 1999 |
OUTLOOK |
6,292 |
91 km |
| 2021 |
SMITH |
5,212 |
24 km |
| 2006 |
BUFFALO RANCH |
5,206 |
26 km |
| 1999 |
ANTELOPE |
5,118 |
83 km |
| 2020 |
BULL |
3,428 |
41 km |
| 2003 |
3 MILE |
3,394 |
94 km |
| 1988 |
MONTANA LINE |
3,307 |
96 km |
| 2022 |
BLISTER |
3,298 |
43 km |
| 2021 |
GREAT DIVIDE - DAWSON |
3,003 |
87 km |
| 1999 |
HALLOWEEN |
2,845 |
22 km |
| 2021 |
BADGER HOLE |
2,804 |
43 km |
| 2020 |
SAGE |
2,554 |
54 km |
| 2007 |
W-RX-F SANDHILLS SUB UNIT B |
2,381 |
73 km |
| 2018 |
MTMLR-FY18-RX-WUI DEEP LAKE |
2,088 |
74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
2.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
1.3 in |
Warmest |
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Poplar has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 12°F in January to 73°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 13.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.6") and February the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Poplar. 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 | $851 |
| Toddler | $895 |
| Preschool | $762 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $672 |
| Toddler | $690 |
| Preschool | $690 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Poplar
What is the population of Poplar?
Poplar has a population of 655 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 2,339 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.5% female and 51.5% male.
Is Poplar expensive to live in?
Poplar 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 $45,104, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $91,700 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $680 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Poplar safe?
The violent crime rate in Poplar is 565 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,640 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Poplar receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Poplar?
Poplar has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 14.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Poplar?
Poplar has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $956. There are 100 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 4.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Poplar?
The median home value in Poplar is $91,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $135,720. For renters, the median monthly rent is $680. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,533.
How are the schools in Poplar?
Schools in Poplar score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.8% of adults in Poplar hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. 10.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Poplar?
The obesity rate in Poplar is 45.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 29.8% of adults are smokers. 35.3% are physically inactive. 27.8% of residents report depression. 15.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 67.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Poplar?
The average commute in Poplar is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Poplar?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Poplar is 16.8% White, 77.4% Hispanic or Latino. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 6.8% of the population are military veterans. 19.2% of residents have a disability. 56.7% have health insurance coverage.
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