Median Income
$49,797
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$184,800
34% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.3%
28% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$585
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.9%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.1%
83% lower than US avg
How Scobey Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population824
Median Age53.1 yrs
Density1,114/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans14.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$49,797
Per Capita$37,205
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty2.1%
County GDP$123M
Commute9 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$184,800
Rent$585
Ownership75.6%
Zillow$161,995
Housing Units622
Rent Burden19.8%
Health
Obesity33.9%
Uninsured0.9%
Smoking14.3%
Depression25.4%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (5°C)
Rain13.5 in/yr
Elevation2,483 ft (757 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.3%
High School+97.5%
Graduate+5.5%
School Score5.82
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 16%
Commute9 min
Broadband86.0%
Libraries1
Is Scobey a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Scobey receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Scobey offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Scobey is $49,797, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. Only 2.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 9 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Scobey is $184,800, 34% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $585 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
24.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Scobey has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 13.5 inches, including 22.9 inches of snow.
Scobey has a population of 824 with a density of 1,114 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 53.1 years, 37% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.6% female and 49.4% male. The city is predominantly White (90.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 14.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
824
Total Population
2023 Census
53.1yrs
Median Age
37% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
3.3%
75% below US avg
The median household income in Scobey is $49,797, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,205. The average weekly wage is $956, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower 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 9 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,797 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,205 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $956 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,091 |
| Gini Index | 0.403 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.1% |
| 83% below 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 | 1.37% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 9.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.5% |
The median home value in Scobey is $184,800, 34% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $161,995, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $585 (50% 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. 75.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 622 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $2,533 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 19.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $184,800 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $161,995 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $585 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.8% |
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 | 75.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.4% |
| Housing Units | 622 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,533 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.37% |
In Scobey, 33.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.2% have high blood pressure. 14.3% are current smokers. 22.9% report binge drinking. 20.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 0.9% of residents lack health insurance (below 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: Scobey vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.2% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.3% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.4% |
| Depression | 25.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 33.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.1% |
| Uninsured | 0.9% |
| 90% below US avg |
| Dentists | 1:543 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,633 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.6% |
| Dental Visits | 57.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,489/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Scobey has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 13.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 22.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 2,483 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
67°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 40.2°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,483 ft (757 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,114/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.7904°N, 105.4206°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Daniels County County |
| Nearest Airport | Williston Basin International (XWA)
85 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
13.5"
64% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.10"
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
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.8 on Feb 25, 2014.
| Feb 25, 2014 |
23 km N of Brockton, Montana |
M3.8 |
62 km |
| Jul 29, 1998 |
16 km WNW of Froid, Montana |
M3.8 |
70 km |
| Nov 11, 1998 |
10 km SW of Grenora, North Dakota |
M3.5 |
106 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
56 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 1 injury.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 26, 2010 |
EF3 |
34 km |
2 |
| Jul 18, 2022 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 2013 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1972 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1971 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Sep 21, 1969 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 1962 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 2018 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 2007 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1999 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1998 |
EF1 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1998 |
EF1 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1991 |
EF1 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1980 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1972 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1972 |
EF1 |
29 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1970 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1959 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FLAGSTAFF HILL (9,129 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
FLAGSTAFF HILL |
9,129 |
54 km |
| 2012 |
HIGHWAY 13-20 |
8,372 |
49 km |
| 2017 |
YOOPER |
7,834 |
97 km |
| 2018 |
BUFFALO PASTURE |
7,624 |
53 km |
| 2003 |
GREYBULL |
7,229 |
56 km |
| 1988 |
LANGEN |
6,585 |
94 km |
| 1999 |
OUTLOOK |
6,292 |
47 km |
| 2021 |
SMITH |
5,212 |
87 km |
| 2006 |
BUFFALO RANCH |
5,206 |
52 km |
| 1999 |
ANTELOPE |
5,118 |
75 km |
| 2020 |
BULL |
3,428 |
51 km |
| 2022 |
BLISTER |
3,298 |
38 km |
| 1999 |
HALLOWEEN |
2,845 |
78 km |
| 2021 |
BADGER HOLE |
2,804 |
75 km |
| 2020 |
SAGE |
2,554 |
73 km |
| 2007 |
W-RX-F SANDHILLS SUB UNIT B |
2,381 |
89 km |
| 2018 |
MTMLR-FY18-RX-WUI DEEP LAKE |
2,088 |
87 km |
| 2021 |
HIGHWAY 16 NORTH |
2,069 |
96 km |
| 2022 |
MTMLR-FY22-RX-BRIDGERMAN |
1,852 |
86 km |
| 2017 |
FOUR BUTTES |
1,711 |
27 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| June |
62°F (16°C) |
3.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
67°F (20°C) |
2.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
42°F (5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.3 in |
|
Scobey has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 11°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 13.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.1") and February the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Scobey. 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 Scobey
What is the population of Scobey?
Scobey has a population of 824 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 1,114 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
Is Scobey expensive to live in?
Scobey 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 $49,797, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $184,800 (34% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $585 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Scobey?
Scobey has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 13.5 inches, with 22.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Scobey?
The job market in Scobey is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / well below the national rate 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 9 minutes, and 4.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Scobey?
The median home value in Scobey is $184,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $161,995. For renters, the median monthly rent is $585. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,533.
How are the schools in Scobey?
Schools in Scobey score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.3% of adults in Scobey hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.5% have completed high school. 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Scobey?
The obesity rate in Scobey is 33.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.3% of adults are smokers. 20.4% are physically inactive. 25.4% of residents report depression. 0.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 67.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Scobey?
The average commute in Scobey is 9 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Scobey?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Scobey is 90.9% White. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.3% speak Spanish. 14.3% of the population are military veterans. 20.0% of residents have a disability. 99.1% have health insurance coverage.