Home Value
$179,700
36% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
378/100K
0% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.2%
22% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.3%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.5%
31% lower than US avg
How Shepherd Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population613
Median Age47.1 yrs
Density276/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans13.4%
Economy
Per Capita$50,032
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty8.5%
County GDP$14,022M
Commute28 min
Housing
Home Value$179,700
Ownership94.3%
Zillow$455,630
Housing Units275
Rent Burden28.8%
Crime
F
Violent378/100K
Property4,476/100K
Health
Obesity36.3%
Uninsured10.1%
Smoking17.0%
Depression29.9%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain14.4 in/yr
Sunny Days311/yr
Elevation3,111 ft (948 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.2%
High School+95.0%
Graduate+9.5%
School Score5.68
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 35%
Commute28 min
Broadband96.6%
EV Stations17
Libraries4
Is Shepherd a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Shepherd 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. Shepherd 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 2.6%. 8.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Shepherd is $179,700, 36% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Shepherd is below the national average at 378 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,476 per 100,000, 128% above the national average.
Education
26.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Shepherd experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 311 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 14.4 inches, including 34.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Shepherd has a population of 613 with a density of 276 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age is 47.1 years, 21% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.3% female and 50.7% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.8% of residents. 13.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 4.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 90.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.1yrs
Median Age
21% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.8%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.2%
76% below US avg
Per capita income is $50,032 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,206, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 7,794 business establishments, including 481 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 17.6% of workers work from home.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $50,032 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,206 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $82,749 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,794 |
| County GDP | $14,022M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 481 |
| Healthcare | 612 |
| Retail | 691 |
| Manufacturing | 172 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,435 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.47% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 17.6% |
The median home value in Shepherd is $179,700, 36% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $455,630, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. 94.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 275 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1987. The average annual property tax is $4,435 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $179,700 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $455,630 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $191 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
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 | 94.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 94.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 5.7% |
| Housing Units | 275 |
| Median Year Built | 1987 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,435 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.47% |
In Shepherd, 36.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.2% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.1% report binge drinking. 22.9% are physically inactive. 29.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.4% experience frequent mental distress. 10.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:929. The dentist ratio is 1:999. 81.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Shepherd vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.3% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.2% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.9% |
| Depression | 29.9% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
| Short Sleep | 36.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.8% |
| Uninsured | 10.1% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:929 |
| Dentists | 1:999 |
| Mental Health | 1:220 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.5% |
| Dental Visits | 60.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,698/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 81.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 612 |
Shepherd has a violent crime rate of 378 per 100,000 residents, 0% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,476 per 100,000, 128% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 273 federally declared disasters. Overall, Shepherd receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Shepherd vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 378.3/100K |
| 0% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,476.4/100K |
| 128% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Traffic Accidents | 90 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 273 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Shepherd experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 311 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 14.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 34.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. 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 3,111 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.1°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 311 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,111 ft (948 m) |
| Area | 2.2 sq mi (5.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 276/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.9468°N, 108.3463°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Yellowstone County County |
| Nearest Airport | Billings Logan International (BIL)
13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
14.4"
62% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.40"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 2.34 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 6.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 83.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 20.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.2 on Jul 21, 2023.
| Jul 6, 2021 |
27 km SSE of Melstone, Montana |
M3.6 |
66 km |
| Dec 23, 1991 |
10 km SW of Colstrip, Montana |
M3.6 |
127 km |
| Jul 21, 2023 |
Eastern Montana |
M3.2 |
63 km |
| May 21, 2013 |
32 km NE of Melstone, Montana |
M2.8 |
111 km |
| Jan 6, 2016 |
27 km ENE of Lovell, Wyoming |
M2.6 |
112 km |
| Jun 2, 2019 |
14 km WSW of Birney, Montana |
M2.6 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
39 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1965 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2010 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1986 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1958 |
EF2 |
19 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2016 |
EF1 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1996 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1991 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1991 |
EF1 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1991 |
EF1 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1990 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1990 |
EF1 |
4 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1958 |
EF1 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1955 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1955 |
EF1 |
8 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2013 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2011 |
EF0 |
8 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2011 |
EF0 |
39 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 2005 |
EF0 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2004 |
EF0 |
40 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HAWK CREEK (157,778 ac, 1984).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1984 |
HAWK CREEK |
157,778 |
35 km |
| 2008 |
DUNN MTN. ASSIST |
105,494 |
33 km |
| 2006 |
PINE RIDGE COMPLEX |
103,074 |
53 km |
| 2006 |
BUNDY RAILROAD |
91,575 |
38 km |
| 2012 |
SARPY HILLS COMPLEX |
83,942 |
91 km |
| 2021 |
P F |
66,375 |
71 km |
| 2012 |
DELPHIA |
40,396 |
54 km |
| 2020 |
BOBCAT |
31,020 |
40 km |
| 1999 |
FISHEL CREEK |
28,611 |
67 km |
| 2021 |
MUSSELSHELL TRAIL RD |
22,723 |
59 km |
| 2012 |
DAHL |
21,448 |
40 km |
| 2022 |
BUSMAN ROAD |
12,584 |
82 km |
| 2020 |
GASS FLATS |
10,723 |
86 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
9,027 |
87 km |
| 2010 |
STUMP GULCH |
8,873 |
80 km |
| 1996 |
COLFAX |
8,429 |
56 km |
| 1994 |
GRIERSON |
7,985 |
80 km |
| 2003 |
JONNY |
7,689 |
85 km |
| 2006 |
BIRTHDAY2 |
6,553 |
70 km |
| 1998 |
BURNT SHED |
6,395 |
64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
1.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Shepherd has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 23°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.4") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Shepherd. 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 | $982 |
| Toddler | $1,028 |
| Preschool | $878 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $795 |
| Toddler | $814 |
| Preschool | $814 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Shepherd
What is the population of Shepherd?
Shepherd has a population of 613 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 276 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
Is Shepherd expensive to live in?
Shepherd is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $179,700 (36% below the U.S. median).
Is Shepherd safe?
Shepherd is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 378 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,476 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Shepherd receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Shepherd?
Shepherd has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 311 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 14.4 inches, with 34.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Shepherd?
The job market in Shepherd is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,206. There are 7,794 business establishments in the area, including 481 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 17.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Shepherd?
The median home value in Shepherd is $179,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $455,630. The homeownership rate is 94.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,435.
How are the schools in Shepherd?
Schools in Shepherd score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.2% of adults in Shepherd hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. 9.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Shepherd?
The obesity rate in Shepherd is 36.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 22.9% are physically inactive. 29.9% of residents report depression. 10.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 81.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:929.
What is transportation like in Shepherd?
The average commute in Shepherd is 28 minutes. 82.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 17.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Shepherd?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Shepherd is 100% White. 96.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.2% speak Spanish. 13.4% of the population are military veterans. 4.8% of residents have a disability. 90.8% have health insurance coverage.
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