Violent Crime
147/100K
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.7%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Sleeping Buffalo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population10
Median Age70.5 yrs
Density53/mi²
Male / Female30% / 70%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans10.0%
Economy
Per Capita$26,880
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$164M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$144,269
Housing Units4
Rent Burden20.8%
Crime
F
Violent147/100K
Property1,674/100K
Health
Obesity38.7%
Smoking15.4%
Depression27.0%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain13.3 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation2,244 ft (684 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.60
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 18%
Broadband7.0%
Libraries3
Is Sleeping Buffalo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sleeping Buffalo receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Sleeping Buffalo offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
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%.
Safety & Crime
Sleeping Buffalo 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
0.0% 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 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Sleeping Buffalo has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 274 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.
Sleeping Buffalo has a population of 10 with a density of 53 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 70.5 years, 81% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 70% female and 30% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 10.0% 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
70.5yrs
Median Age
81% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Sleeping Buffalo vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Sleeping Buffalo vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $26,880 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $797, 44% 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 186 business establishments, including 21 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 42.9% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Sleeping Buffalo vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $26,880 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $797 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,342 |
| Gini Index | 0.403 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below 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) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 0.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 42.9% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $144,269. 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 4 total housing units in the city. The average annual property tax is $2,800 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 20.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 4 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,800 |
| 20% below US avg |
In Sleeping Buffalo, 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. 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: Sleeping Buffalo 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 | 100.0% |
| |
| 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 |
Sleeping Buffalo 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, Sleeping Buffalo receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sleeping Buffalo 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
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sleeping Buffalo has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°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 13.3 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 2,244 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 45.1°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,244 ft (684 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 53/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.4822°N, 107.5349°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Phillips County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sidney-Richland Regional (SDY) 163 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
13.3"
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 |
117 km |
| Oct 16, 2011 |
Eastern Montana |
M2.7 |
135 km |
| Jul 10, 2021 |
24 km SSE of Malta, Montana |
M2.7 |
41 km |
| Jul 15, 2015 |
48 km E of Zortman, Montana |
M2.5 |
72 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
41 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1972 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 1962 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2011 |
EF1 |
16 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 2007 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 2007 |
EF1 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1999 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1991 |
EF1 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1991 |
EF1 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1983 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1980 |
EF1 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1972 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1958 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1954 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 2024 |
EF0 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 2024 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 20, 2020 |
EF0 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2019 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 2014 |
EF0 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2011 |
EF0 |
56 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 |
80 km |
| 1990 |
VETERANS |
23,660 |
79 km |
| 2006 |
FLAT TIRE (COMPLEX) |
17,467 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
PINE GROVE |
16,158 |
97 km |
| 2012 |
ESTER LAKE |
10,898 |
72 km |
| 2005 |
SHEEP |
6,874 |
89 km |
| 2017 |
LOWER BLACK COULEE |
6,803 |
24 km |
| 2006 |
LARB CREEK |
6,778 |
49 km |
| 1988 |
LANGEN |
6,585 |
65 km |
| 2005 |
HEARTLAND |
6,383 |
83 km |
| 2007 |
BLACK COULEE |
5,613 |
32 km |
| 1988 |
MONUMENT |
5,514 |
97 km |
| 1998 |
HERMAN RDG |
5,279 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
KATHRYN |
3,971 |
45 km |
| 2006 |
HOWARD |
3,884 |
81 km |
| 1995 |
GRANT COUL |
3,690 |
41 km |
| 2020 |
HILL |
3,175 |
85 km |
| 1990 |
ADAMS |
3,072 |
87 km |
| 2001 |
CASTLE |
3,021 |
77 km |
| 1990 |
QUISNO |
3,018 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°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 |
73°F (23°C) |
1.8 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 |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
Sleeping Buffalo has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 16°F in December to 73°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 Sleeping Buffalo. 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 Sleeping Buffalo
What is the population of Sleeping Buffalo?
Sleeping Buffalo has a population of 10 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 53 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 70.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 70% female and 30% male.
Is Sleeping Buffalo expensive to live in?
Sleeping Buffalo is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.6 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Sleeping Buffalo safe?
Sleeping Buffalo 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, Sleeping Buffalo receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sleeping Buffalo?
Sleeping Buffalo has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 274 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 Sleeping Buffalo?
The job market in Sleeping Buffalo is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / 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.
How are the schools in Sleeping Buffalo?
Schools in Sleeping Buffalo score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Sleeping Buffalo 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 Sleeping Buffalo?
The obesity rate in Sleeping Buffalo 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. 60.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,192.
What are the demographics of Sleeping Buffalo?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sleeping Buffalo is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 10.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.