Median Income
$95,938
28% higher than US avg
Home Value
$193,900
31% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
272/100K
28% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.0%
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.6%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.9%
8% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Simms Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population326
Median Age39.4 yrs
Density43/mi²
Male / Female72% / 28%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans19.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$95,938
Per Capita$44,167
Unemployment3.9%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$5,712M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$193,900
Ownership82.7%
Zillow$366,995
Housing Units141
Rent Burden27.3%
Crime
F
Violent272/100K
Property4,304/100K
Health
Obesity35.6%
Uninsured10.4%
Smoking16.5%
Depression28.3%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain13.3 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation3,587 ft (1,093 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.0%
High School+93.7%
Graduate+5.5%
School Score6.19
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 37%
Commute21 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Simms a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Simms receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Simms offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Simms is $95,938, 28% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 3.9%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Simms is $193,900, 31% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Simms is below the national average at 272 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,304 per 100,000, 120% above the national average.
Education
28.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Simms has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 13.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Simms has a population of 326 with a density of 43 people per square mile, spread across 7.6 square miles. The median age is 39.4 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 28.2% female and 71.8% male. The city is predominantly White (98.8%), with 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.3% of residents, while 5.7% speak Spanish. 19.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 67.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.4yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.3%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.7%
57% below US avg
The median household income in Simms is $95,938, which is 28% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $44,167 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,066, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.9% (above 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 3,200 business establishments, including 251 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $95,938 |
| 28% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $44,167 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,066 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,719 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.9% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,200 |
| County GDP | $5,712M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 251 |
| Healthcare | 326 |
| Retail | 335 |
| Manufacturing | 70 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,066 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.6% |
The median home value in Simms is $193,900, 31% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $366,995, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 141 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1947. The average annual property tax is $4,066 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.3% 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 | $193,900 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $366,995 |
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 | 82.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.3% |
| Housing Units | 141 |
| Median Year Built | 1947 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,066 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.10% |
In Simms, 35.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 23.1% report binge drinking. 22.5% are physically inactive. 28.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.7% experience frequent mental distress. 10.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,341. The dentist ratio is 1:1,048. 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Simms vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 12.5% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.5% |
| Depression | 28.3% |
| Mental Distress | 20.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
| Short Sleep | 37.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 67.5% |
| Uninsured | 10.4% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,341 |
| Dentists | 1:1,048 |
| Mental Health | 1:246 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.4% |
| Dental Visits | 61.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,758/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 326 |
Simms has a violent crime rate of 272 per 100,000 residents, 28% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,304 per 100,000, 120% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Simms receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Simms vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 272.3/100K |
| 28% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,304.1/100K |
| 120% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Simms has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 66°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 13.3 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 3,587 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 43.6°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,587 ft (1,093 m) |
| Area | 7.6 sq mi (19.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 43/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.4925°N, 111.9536°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Cascade County County |
| Nearest Airport | Great Falls International (GTF)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
13.3"
65% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.44"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 83.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 27.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 76.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
341 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 15, 2025.
| Jul 6, 2017 |
11 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M5.8 |
83 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
15 km S of Lincoln, Montana |
M5.0 |
93 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
14 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.4 |
84 km |
| Jan 30, 2016 |
19 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.3 |
70 km |
| Apr 8, 2000 |
8 km ENE of Townsend, Montana |
M4.1 |
134 km |
| Apr 15, 1998 |
11 km NE of Swan Lake, Montana |
M4.1 |
146 km |
| Jul 17, 2017 |
12 km ESE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.0 |
80 km |
| Apr 1, 1992 |
10 km ESE of Swan Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
140 km |
| Jul 19, 2002 |
43 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
83 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
14 km SSE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.0 |
88 km |
| Nov 10, 2000 |
14 km NE of Townsend, Montana |
M4.0 |
130 km |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
27 km W of Chester, Montana |
M3.9 |
120 km |
| Oct 19, 2017 |
12 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.9 |
81 km |
| Apr 1, 1993 |
15 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.9 |
71 km |
| Jun 2, 1996 |
37 km N of Ovando, Montana |
M3.9 |
84 km |
| Feb 6, 1999 |
24 km E of Townsend, Montana |
M3.9 |
139 km |
| Mar 13, 2017 |
4 km ESE of Avon, Montana |
M3.8 |
112 km |
| May 7, 1992 |
14 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
107 km |
| Jul 5, 2024 |
24 km ENE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
97 km |
| Jun 1, 1996 |
23 km N of Ovando, Montana |
M3.8 |
96 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
32 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 5 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 30, 1975 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1966 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1998 |
EF1 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF1 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1980 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1977 |
EF1 |
10 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1965 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1964 |
EF1 |
12 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1962 |
EF1 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1961 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1960 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2018 |
EF0 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 2000 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1993 |
EF0 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1993 |
EF0 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1993 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1992 |
EF0 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RICE RIDGE (171,473 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
RICE RIDGE |
171,473 |
99 km |
| 1988 |
CANYON CREEK |
167,875 |
66 km |
| 2007 |
FOOL CREEK |
53,912 |
91 km |
| 2007 |
AHORN |
45,633 |
76 km |
| 1988 |
GATES PARK |
42,493 |
82 km |
| 2003 |
LINCOLN COMPLEX (SNOWBANK) |
36,987 |
67 km |
| 2021 |
HARRIS MTN |
31,792 |
47 km |
| 2017 |
ALICE CREEK |
29,971 |
53 km |
| 2012 |
ELBOW PASS COMPLEX |
28,989 |
71 km |
| 2003 |
BARTLETT MOUNTAIN |
27,614 |
96 km |
| 1984 |
NORTH HILL |
27,162 |
77 km |
| 2000 |
CANYON FERRY COMPLEX (CAVE GULCH) |
26,997 |
92 km |
| 2007 |
CONGER CREEK |
22,936 |
84 km |
| 2000 |
MONTURE-SPREAD RIDGE (MONTURE) |
22,493 |
96 km |
| 2017 |
SCALP |
20,309 |
97 km |
| 2007 |
MERIWETHER |
18,865 |
69 km |
| 2017 |
PARK CREEK |
17,915 |
77 km |
| 2007 |
RAILLEY MOUNTAIN |
17,528 |
100 km |
| 2013 |
RED SHALE |
13,712 |
84 km |
| 1990 |
BEARTOOTH COMPLEX |
13,462 |
60 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
1.5 in |
Warmest |
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| November |
35°F (1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Simms has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 25°F in January to 68°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 13.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.4") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Simms. 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 | $953 |
| Toddler | $993 |
| Preschool | $852 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $770 |
| Toddler | $787 |
| Preschool | $787 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Simms
What is the population of Simms?
Simms has a population of 326 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 43 people per square mile, spread across 7.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.4 years. The population is 28.2% female and 71.8% male.
Is Simms expensive to live in?
Simms 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 $95,938, 28% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $193,900 (31% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Simms safe?
Simms is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 272 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,304 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Simms receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Simms?
Simms has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 13.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Simms?
Simms has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,066. There are 3,200 business establishments in the area, including 251 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 9.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Simms?
The median home value in Simms is $193,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $366,995. The homeownership rate is 82.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,066.
How are the schools in Simms?
Schools in Simms score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.0% of adults in Simms hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Simms?
The obesity rate in Simms is 35.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 22.5% are physically inactive. 28.3% of residents report depression. 10.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,341.
What is transportation like in Simms?
The average commute in Simms is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Simms?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Simms is 98.8% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 94.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.7% speak Spanish. 19.8% of the population are military veterans. 7.0% of residents have a disability. 67.5% have health insurance coverage.
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