Median Income
$17,500
77% lower than US avg
Home Value
$191,700
32% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
390/100K
3% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.6%
48% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.8%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Sapphire Ridge Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population17
Median Age69.2 yrs
Density31/mi²
Male / Female94% / 6%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans17.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$17,500
Per Capita$31,582
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$90M
Housing
F
Home Value$191,700
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$229,159
Housing Units60
Rent Burden22.1%
Crime
F
Violent390/100K
Property1,220/100K
Health
Obesity31.8%
Smoking16.1%
Depression26.2%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain16.8 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation4,892 ft (1,491 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.6%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.23
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 22%
Broadband16.0%
Libraries1
Is Sapphire Ridge a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sapphire Ridge receives an overall livability score of 2.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Sapphire Ridge has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sapphire Ridge is $17,500, 77% below the national average of $75,149. 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%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sapphire Ridge is $191,700, 32% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. With a home price-to-income ratio of 11x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 390 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,220 per 100,000, 38% below the national average.
Education
17.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Sapphire Ridge has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 16.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Sapphire Ridge has a population of 17 with a density of 31 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 69.2 years, 78% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 5.9% female and 94.1% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 90% of residents, while 10% speak Spanish. 17.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
69.2yrs
Median Age
78% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Sapphire Ridge vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.0%
15% above US avg
Spanish
10.0%
25% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Sapphire Ridge vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Sapphire Ridge is $17,500, which is 77% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,582 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $823, 43% 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 138 business establishments, including 16 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: Sapphire Ridge vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $17,500 |
| 77% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,582 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $823 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,315 |
| Gini Index | 0.463 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 138 |
| County GDP | $90M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 16 |
| Healthcare | 5 |
| Retail | 12 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,333 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Sapphire Ridge is $191,700, 32% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $229,159, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 60 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1991. The average annual property tax is $2,333 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 22.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 11x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $191,700 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $229,159 |
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 60 |
| Median Year Built | 1991 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,333 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.22% |
In Sapphire Ridge, 31.8% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 30.4% have high blood pressure. 16.1% are current smokers. 21.2% report binge drinking. 22.5% are physically inactive. 26.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.5% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:982. 77.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sapphire Ridge vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.4% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.1% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.5% |
| Depression | 26.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.5% |
| Physical Distress | 14.2% |
| Short Sleep | 32.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:982 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,036 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.6% |
| Dental Visits | 60.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,513/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5 |
Sapphire Ridge has a violent crime rate of 390 per 100,000 residents, 3% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,220 per 100,000, 38% below the U.S. average. Overall, Sapphire Ridge receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sapphire Ridge vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 389.8/100K |
| 3% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,220.3/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sapphire Ridge has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July. The area gets 273 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 16.8 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 4,892 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
61°F Jul (16°C)
| Annual Average | 40.6°F |
| 25% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 61°F (16°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,892 ft (1,491 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 31/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.8866°N, 110.2522°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Meagher County County |
| Nearest Airport | Great Falls International (GTF) 67 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
16.8"
56% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.35"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 2.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 51.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 15.5 / 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 Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
116 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 20, 2025.
| Aug 16, 2019 |
4 km NW of Manhattan, Montana |
M4.2 |
140 km |
| Aug 6, 2019 |
3 km NW of Manhattan, Montana |
M4.1 |
140 km |
| Apr 8, 2000 |
8 km ENE of Townsend, Montana |
M4.1 |
107 km |
| Nov 6, 1997 |
4 km WSW of Springhill, Montana |
M4.0 |
135 km |
| Jul 14, 2019 |
11 km NNE of Manhattan, Montana |
M4.0 |
130 km |
| Nov 10, 2000 |
14 km NE of Townsend, Montana |
M4.0 |
101 km |
| Feb 6, 1999 |
24 km E of Townsend, Montana |
M3.9 |
93 km |
| Jan 30, 2023 |
9 km NNW of Livingston, Montana |
M3.8 |
130 km |
| Feb 22, 2019 |
4 km N of Manhattan, Montana |
M3.7 |
138 km |
| May 24, 2000 |
9 km ENE of Townsend, Montana |
M3.7 |
107 km |
| Jan 2, 1990 |
6 km NNE of Toston, Montana |
M3.7 |
114 km |
| Jan 9, 2003 |
23 km E of Wilsall, Montana |
M3.7 |
97 km |
| Jan 16, 2011 |
10 km ENE of Marysville, Montana |
M3.7 |
147 km |
| Feb 4, 2016 |
5 km NW of Clancy, Montana |
M3.7 |
143 km |
| Aug 4, 2019 |
4 km WSW of Manhattan, Montana |
M3.6 |
145 km |
| Jul 23, 2014 |
11 km NNE of Toston, Montana |
M3.6 |
110 km |
| Jul 2, 1993 |
8 km N of Manhattan, Montana |
M3.5 |
134 km |
| Jan 17, 2004 |
4 km W of Radersburg, Montana |
M3.5 |
135 km |
| Nov 13, 1997 |
4 km WSW of Springhill, Montana |
M3.4 |
135 km |
| Aug 3, 2019 |
3 km NNW of Manhattan, Montana |
M3.4 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
58 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 6 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2010 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2002 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 1999 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1996 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1994 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1994 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1976 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1975 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1965 |
EF2 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1964 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2012 |
EF1 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2007 |
EF1 |
26 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2003 |
EF1 |
29 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 1998 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1998 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1977 |
EF1 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1977 |
EF1 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1971 |
EF1 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1961 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WOODS CREEK (55,836 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
WOODS CREEK |
55,836 |
87 km |
| 1990 |
TURKEY |
25,658 |
11 km |
| 2021 |
TAYLOR |
21,704 |
82 km |
| 2021 |
AMERICAN FORK |
20,726 |
80 km |
| 2021 |
SOUTH MOCCASIN |
12,727 |
64 km |
| 2009 |
MEISSNER |
12,318 |
62 km |
| 1985 |
SANDPOINT |
10,439 |
21 km |
| 2021 |
BALSINGER |
8,317 |
50 km |
| 2017 |
CHINN MA |
7,029 |
75 km |
| 2020 |
LOUSE CREEK |
5,237 |
43 km |
| 1988 |
TWO DOT |
5,097 |
61 km |
| 1991 |
BURNETTEPK |
4,644 |
76 km |
| 2020 |
YOGO |
4,429 |
20 km |
| 2021 |
DEEP CREEK CANYON |
4,282 |
89 km |
| 2017 |
BLACKTAIL |
4,029 |
73 km |
| 1996 |
COYOTE |
3,320 |
41 km |
| 2020 |
EAGLE ROCK ROAD |
3,129 |
52 km |
| 2012 |
ANDERSON |
2,917 |
96 km |
| 2020 |
LODE ROAD |
2,736 |
47 km |
| 2001 |
TWIN COULE |
2,688 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| February |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
38°F (4°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
47°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
56°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| July |
61°F (16°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| August |
62°F (17°C) |
1.9 in |
Warmest |
| September |
53°F (12°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
Sapphire Ridge has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 25°F in December to 62°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 18.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.4") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Sapphire Ridge. 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 | $903 |
| Toddler | $941 |
| Preschool | $807 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $711 |
| Toddler | $726 |
| Preschool | $726 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sapphire Ridge
What is the population of Sapphire Ridge?
Sapphire Ridge has a population of 17 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 31 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 69.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 5.9% female and 94.1% male.
Is Sapphire Ridge expensive to live in?
Sapphire Ridge 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 $17,500, 77% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $191,700 (32% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 11x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Sapphire Ridge safe?
The violent crime rate in Sapphire Ridge is 390 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 1,220 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Sapphire Ridge receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sapphire Ridge?
Sapphire Ridge has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 61°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 16.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Sapphire Ridge?
The job market in Sapphire Ridge is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $823. There are 138 business establishments in the area, including 16 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Sapphire Ridge?
The median home value in Sapphire Ridge is $191,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $229,159. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,333.
How are the schools in Sapphire Ridge?
Schools in Sapphire Ridge score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.6% of adults in Sapphire Ridge 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 Sapphire Ridge?
The obesity rate in Sapphire Ridge is 31.8% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 16.1% of adults are smokers. 22.5% are physically inactive. 26.2% of residents report depression. 77.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:982.
What are the demographics of Sapphire Ridge?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sapphire Ridge is 100% White. 90% of residents speak only English at home, while 10% speak Spanish. 17.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.