Sleeping Buffalo, MT

Montana · Phillips County

Sleeping Buffalo is a small town in Montana with a population of 10.

Sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-year estimates, FBI Crime Data Explorer 2024, NOAA, EPA. Updated August 2026

5.0 /5.0
A+ Excellent
10 Population 53/sq mi density
42°F Avg Temperature
A+
Overall
5.0 / 5.0
Excellent overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A+
Education
5.0 / 5.0
0.0% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Sleeping Buffalo, MT

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
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%
Veterans0.0%

Economy

Per Capita$26,880
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$164M

Housing

Ownership100.0%
Zillow$144,269
Housing Units4
Rent Burden20.8%

Health

Obesity38.7%
Uninsured0.0%
Smoking15.4%
Depression27.0%
Heart Disease5.2%

Climate

Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
Rain13.4 in/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%
Broadband100.0%
Libraries3

Is Sleeping Buffalo a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Sleeping Buffalo receives an overall livability score of 5.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Sleeping Buffalo stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.

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%.

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 42°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 13.4 inches, including 9.9 inches of snow.

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. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below 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

10
Total Population
2023 Census
53
People / sq mi
70.5yrs
Median Age
81% above US avg
0.2mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 30%
Female 70%

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.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$26,880
Avg Weekly Wage$797
IRS Avg AGI$52,342
Gini Index0.403 (0=equal, 1=unequal)

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment0.0%
100% below US avg
Poverty Rate0.0%
100% below US avg
Establishments (County)186
County GDP$164M

Business (County)

Restaurants21
Healthcare9
Retail20
Manufacturing4

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$2,800
20% below US avg
Cost of Living94.60 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Drive Alone0.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home42.9%

Walkability

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.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Zillow ZHVI$144,269

Rental Costs

Rent Burden20.8%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$988
1 Bedroom$1,076
2 Bedrooms$1,336
3 Bedrooms$1,789
4 Bedrooms$2,113

Ownership & Property

Homeownership100.0%
Owner-Occupied100.0%
Renter-Occupied0.0%
Housing Units4

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. 0.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). 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

Obesity38.7%
21% above US avg
Diabetes8.2%
Heart Disease5.2%
High Blood Pressure27.6%
Asthma11.6%
COPD6.5%
Cancer7.6%
Stroke2.9%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking15.4%
10% above US avg
Binge Drinking22.9%
Physical Inactivity22.3%
Depression27.0%
Mental Distress19.8%
Physical Distress13.4%
Short Sleep35.1%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate100.0%
Uninsured0.0%
100% below US avg
Primary Care1:4,192
Mental Health1:708
Checkup Rate68.7%
Dental Visits61.6%
Premature Death10,668/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment7.9/10
Exercise Access60.8%
Healthcare Facilities9
Sleeping Buffalo has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 13.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 9.9 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 2,244 feet.

Temperature

14°F Jan (-10°C) 69°F Jul (21°C)
Annual Average42.0°F
22% below US avg
January Average14°F (-10°C)
July Average69°F (21°C)

Geography

Elevation2,244 ft (684 m)
Area0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²)
Population Density53/sq mi
Coordinates48.4822°N, 107.5349°W
TimezoneAmerica/Denver
CountyPhillips County County
Nearest AirportSidney-Richland Regional (SDY)
163 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 13.4"
65% below US avg
Snowfall 9.9"
Wettest Month (Jun) 3.01"
Driest Month (Jan) 0.26"

Air Quality

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 RiskVery Low
Risk Score34.5 / 100
Social Vulnerability80.9 / 100
Community Resilience17.7 / 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 14°F (-10°C) 0.3 in Coldest, Driest
February 18°F (-8°C) 0.3 in
March 30°F (-1°C) 0.5 in
April 43°F (6°C) 1.1 in
May 54°F (12°C) 1.8 in
June 62°F (17°C) 3.0 in Wettest
July 69°F (21°C) 1.7 in Warmest
August 68°F (20°C) 1.4 in
September 57°F (14°C) 1.4 in
October 43°F (6°C) 1.1 in
November 29°F (-2°C) 0.5 in
December 17°F (-8°C) 0.4 in

Sleeping Buffalo has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 14°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 13.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.0") and January the driest (0.3").

View full weather details →
Sleeping Buffalo is located in Phillips County. It is classified as Nonmetro / Rural, a rural community. 0.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 100% below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.6 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 80.1% of the vote, a 62.5-point margin. 100.0% of households have broadband internet access (above the 90.0% national rate). There are 3 public libraries serving the community. 9 healthcare facilities operate in the area.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 80.1%
D 17.6%

Winner: Republican by 62.5 points

Safety & Disasters

Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0
FEMA Disaster Declarations91

Education

Bachelor's Degree+0.0%
100% below US avg
High School+100.0%
Graduate Degree+0.0%
School Test Score5.60
A+ Education Grade (5.0/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

RUCC Code 9Nonmetro / Rural
Population Density53/sq mi
Total Area0.2 sq mi
CountyPhillips County County

Services

Broadband Access100.0%
Avg Download Speed29.5 Mbps
Avg Upload Speed12.7 Mbps
Public Libraries3
Healthcare Facilities9
Restaurants21
Retail Stores20

Commute & Transportation

Drive Alone0.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home42.9%
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)

Top Industries in Phillips County

Largest private-sector industries by employment (BLS QCEW 2024 data, county level).

Industry Jobs Establishments Avg Annual Pay Location Quotient
Retail Trade 208 23 $28,671 1.80
Accommodation & Food Services 142 18 $14,300 1.35
Health Care & Social Assistance 120 10 $47,599 0.72
Construction 56 15 $58,853 0.92
Finance & Insurance 51 7 $57,893 1.08
Other Services 41 19 $33,775 1.17
Professional & Technical Services 37 16 $41,997 0.46
Manufacturing 22 6 $60,296 0.23
Arts & Entertainment 20 4 $20,646 1.03
Utilities 18 4 $84,976 4.08
Real Estate 6 7 $51,647 0.33

National Parks Near Sleeping Buffalo

1 national parks and monuments found near Sleeping Buffalo.

ParkTypeFee
Grasslands National Park Free

Cell Towers in Sleeping Buffalo

AddressStructure TypeHeight (ft)
SE 1/4 OF SW 1/4 OF SECTION 34, RANGE 33E, TOWNSHIP 31N, APPROX. 28.5 KM E OFTOWER60

Bridges in Sleeping Buffalo

LocationTypeKindYear BuiltLength (ft)Daily TrafficCondition
Stringer/Multi-beamPrestressed concrete19661031,294F
SlabConcrete continuous1968921,250F
SlabConcrete continuous1968921,250F
Stringer/Multi-beamPrestressed concrete19661641,250F
Tee BeamPrestressed concrete1983141100F
Stringer/Multi-beamWood or Timber195038100F
Tee BeamPrestressed concrete197980100G
Stringer/Multi-beamWood or Timber193378100F
Truss (Thru)Steel1932218100F
Stringer/Multi-beamSteel1968114100P
Stringer/Multi-beamPrestressed concrete199923139F
SlabConcrete continuous19735120G
SlabConcrete continuous19875120G

Airports Near Sleeping Buffalo

2 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Hinsdale Airport-Small Airport
Malta AirportMLKSmall Airport

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Sleeping Buffalo.

Get Report

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.

What is the weather like in Sleeping Buffalo?

Sleeping Buffalo has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 13.4 inches, with 9.9 inches of snow.

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. 0.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 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. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Compare Sleeping Buffalo with another city:

Want every data point for Sleeping Buffalo?

The full profile puts all sections on one printable page, no tabs.

Full City Profile