Median Income
$51,250
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$64,400
77% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
147/100K
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.3%
43% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$900
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.7%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.4%
73% higher than US avg
How Saco Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population154
Median Age48.0 yrs
Density513/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans15.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$51,250
Per Capita$27,349
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty21.4%
County GDP$164M
Commute35 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$64,400
Rent$900
Ownership84.8%
Zillow$144,269
Housing Units107
Rent Burden20.0%
Crime
F
Violent147/100K
Property1,674/100K
Health
Obesity38.7%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking15.4%
Depression27.0%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain13.4 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation2,182 ft (665 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.3%
High School+96.3%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.60
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 18%
Commute35 min
Broadband79.0%
Libraries3
Is Saco a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Saco receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, long commute times. Saco has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Saco is $51,250, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. The poverty rate of 21.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Saco is $64,400, 77% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $900 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Saco is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 147 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,674 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
19.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Saco has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 13.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Saco has a population of 154 with a density of 513 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 48.0 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.1% female and 42.9% male. The city is predominantly White (98.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 15.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.0yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Saco is $51,250, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,349 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $797, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 21.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 186 business establishments, including 21 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 8.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,250 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,349 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $797 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,342 |
| Gini Index | 0.403 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.4% |
| 73% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 186 |
| County GDP | $164M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 21 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 20 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,800 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.35% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 35.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.9% |
The median home value in Saco is $64,400, 77% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $144,269, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $900 (23% 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. 84.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 107 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,800 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 20.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $64,400 |
| 77% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $144,269 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $900 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.0% |
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 | 84.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.2% |
| Housing Units | 107 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,800 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.35% |
In Saco, 38.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 27.6% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 22.9% report binge drinking. 22.3% are physically inactive. 27.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,192. 60.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Saco vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.7% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.6% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.3% |
| Depression | 27.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,192 |
| Mental Health | 1:708 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.7% |
| Dental Visits | 61.6% |
| Premature Death | 10,668/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Saco has a violent crime rate of 147 per 100,000 residents, 61% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,674 per 100,000, 15% below the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Saco receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Saco vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 146.8/100K |
| 61% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,673.5/100K |
| 15% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Saco has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 69°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 13.4 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 2,182 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.0°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,182 ft (665 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 513/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.4571°N, 107.3413°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Phillips County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sidney-Richland Regional (SDY)
154 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
13.4"
65% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.52"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0436 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 1.6 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 34.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 80.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 17.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.0. Most recent: M2.7 on Jul 10, 2021.
| Dec 5, 1991 |
15 km WSW of Hays, Montana |
M3.0 |
128 km |
| Oct 16, 2011 |
Eastern Montana |
M2.7 |
140 km |
| Jul 10, 2021 |
24 km SSE of Malta, Montana |
M2.7 |
48 km |
| Jul 15, 2015 |
48 km E of Zortman, Montana |
M2.5 |
76 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
53 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 2022 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1972 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 1962 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2011 |
EF1 |
8 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 2007 |
EF1 |
36 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 2007 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1999 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1991 |
EF1 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1991 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1983 |
EF1 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1980 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1972 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1958 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1954 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 2024 |
EF0 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 2024 |
EF0 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 2024 |
EF0 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 20, 2020 |
EF0 |
71 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WELDER (32,985 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
WELDER |
32,985 |
93 km |
| 1990 |
VETERANS |
23,660 |
90 km |
| 2006 |
CHALK BUTTE (BLACK PULASKI COMPLEX) |
19,339 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
FLAT TIRE (COMPLEX) |
17,467 |
86 km |
| 2006 |
BLACK PULASKI (BLACK PULASKI COMPLEX) |
15,504 |
97 km |
| 2021 |
DEVILS CREEK |
15,077 |
99 km |
| 2012 |
ESTER LAKE |
10,898 |
80 km |
| 2005 |
SHEEP |
6,874 |
87 km |
| 2017 |
LOWER BLACK COULEE |
6,803 |
34 km |
| 2006 |
LARB CREEK |
6,778 |
46 km |
| 1988 |
LANGEN |
6,585 |
52 km |
| 2005 |
HEARTLAND |
6,383 |
80 km |
| 2007 |
BLACK COULEE |
5,613 |
40 km |
| 1998 |
HERMAN RDG |
5,279 |
97 km |
| 2008 |
KATHRYN |
3,971 |
59 km |
| 2006 |
HOWARD |
3,884 |
95 km |
| 1995 |
GRANT COUL |
3,690 |
38 km |
| 2020 |
HILL |
3,175 |
76 km |
| 1990 |
ADAMS |
3,072 |
99 km |
| 2001 |
CASTLE |
3,021 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
2.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
1.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Saco has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 14°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 12.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.5") and February the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Saco. 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 | $936 |
| Toddler | $969 |
| Preschool | $836 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $735 |
| Toddler | $748 |
| Preschool | $748 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Saco
What is the population of Saco?
Saco has a population of 154 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 513 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.1% female and 42.9% male.
Is Saco expensive to live in?
Saco 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 $51,250, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $64,400 (77% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $900 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Saco safe?
Saco is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 147 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,674 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Saco receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Saco?
Saco has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 13.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Saco?
The job market in Saco is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $797. There are 186 business establishments in the area, including 21 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 35 minutes, and 8.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Saco?
The median home value in Saco is $64,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $144,269. For renters, the median monthly rent is $900. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,800.
How are the schools in Saco?
Schools in Saco score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.3% of adults in Saco hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.3% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Saco?
The obesity rate in Saco is 38.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 22.3% are physically inactive. 27.0% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 60.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,192.
What is transportation like in Saco?
The average commute in Saco is 35 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Saco?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Saco is 98.7% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 15.8% of the population are military veterans. 19.1% of residents have a disability. 92.0% have health insurance coverage.
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