Violent Crime
135/100K
64% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.5%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Square Butte Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population24
Median Age68.4 yrs
Density86/mi²
Male / Female29% / 71%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans23.0%
Economy
Per Capita$22,596
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$292M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$244,813
Housing Units8
Rent Burden17.8%
Crime
F
Violent135/100K
Property1,556/100K
Health
Obesity35.5%
Smoking17.6%
Depression26.0%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain16.9 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation3,139 ft (957 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.44
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 32%
Broadband6.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Square Butte a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Square Butte 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. Square Butte 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
Square Butte is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 135 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,556 per 100,000, 21% below 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. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Square Butte experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 16.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Square Butte has a population of 24 with a density of 86 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 68.4 years, 76% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 70.8% female and 29.2% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 23.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
68.4yrs
Median Age
76% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Square Butte 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
Square Butte vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $22,596 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $852, 41% 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 229 business establishments, including 19 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 33.3% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Square Butte vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $22,596 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $852 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,301 |
| Gini Index | 0.437 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 229 |
| County GDP | $292M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 12 |
| Retail | 26 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,671 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 66.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 33.3% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $244,813. 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 8 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2012. The average annual property tax is $2,671 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 17.8% 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 | 8 |
| Median Year Built | 2012 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,671 |
| 24% below US avg |
In Square Butte, 35.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 17.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.9% report binge drinking. 23.3% are physically inactive. 26.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. The dentist ratio is 1:5,898. 44.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Square Butte vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.3% |
| Depression | 26.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
| Short Sleep | 34.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Dentists | 1:5,898 |
| Mental Health | 1:835 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.5% |
| Dental Visits | 57.1% |
| Premature Death | 10,967/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 44.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 12 |
Square Butte has a violent crime rate of 135 per 100,000 residents, 64% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,556 per 100,000, 21% below the U.S. average. Overall, Square Butte receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Square Butte vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 135.3/100K |
| 64% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,556.2/100K |
| 21% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Square Butte experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 71°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 16.9 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 3,139 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 46.9°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,139 ft (957 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 86/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.5142°N, 110.1991°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Chouteau County County |
| Nearest Airport | Great Falls International (GTF)
55 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
16.9"
56% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.23"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 39.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 65.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 24.9 / 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 Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
18 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 20, 2025.
| Aug 16, 1994 |
27 km W of Chester, Montana |
M3.9 |
137 km |
| Feb 6, 1999 |
24 km E of Townsend, Montana |
M3.9 |
150 km |
| Jun 16, 1999 |
16 km SSE of Craig, Montana |
M3.2 |
145 km |
| Dec 5, 1991 |
15 km WSW of Hays, Montana |
M3.0 |
109 km |
| Jul 15, 2006 |
Western Montana |
M3.0 |
148 km |
| Jan 1, 2025 |
28 km ENE of Helena Valley Northeast, Montana |
M2.9 |
134 km |
| Sep 15, 2012 |
23 km SSW of White Sulphur Springs, Montana |
M2.9 |
143 km |
| Jul 15, 2006 |
28 km S of White Sulphur Springs, Montana |
M2.8 |
147 km |
| May 6, 2014 |
10 km SSW of Cascade, Montana |
M2.8 |
124 km |
| Apr 11, 2010 |
33 km ENE of Helena Valley Northeast, Montana |
M2.8 |
128 km |
| Aug 25, 2012 |
28 km S of White Sulphur Springs, Montana |
M2.8 |
148 km |
| Oct 16, 2011 |
Eastern Montana |
M2.7 |
137 km |
| Jan 1, 2025 |
28 km ENE of Helena Valley Northeast, Montana |
M2.7 |
133 km |
| May 10, 2024 |
13 km WSW of Cascade, Montana |
M2.6 |
129 km |
| Apr 27, 2012 |
11 km SSW of Craig, Montana |
M2.6 |
149 km |
| Aug 17, 2012 |
28 km S of White Sulphur Springs, Montana |
M2.5 |
148 km |
| Feb 25, 2013 |
28 km WSW of Chester, Montana |
M2.5 |
127 km |
| Mar 20, 2025 |
23 km SSE of Craig, Montana |
M2.5 |
139 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
70 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 11 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2002 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 1999 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1996 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1994 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1994 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1981 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1976 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1975 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1965 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2007 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2003 |
EF1 |
41 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 1998 |
EF1 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1998 |
EF1 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1980 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TURKEY (25,658 ac, 1990).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1990 |
TURKEY |
25,658 |
59 km |
| 2021 |
TAYLOR |
21,704 |
42 km |
| 2017 |
EAST FORK |
21,165 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
SOUTH MOCCASIN |
12,727 |
63 km |
| 2009 |
MEISSNER |
12,318 |
9 km |
| 1984 |
CENTENNIAL |
11,775 |
86 km |
| 1985 |
SANDPOINT |
10,439 |
83 km |
| 2021 |
BALSINGER |
8,317 |
78 km |
| 2022 |
EAGLE CREEK |
6,359 |
82 km |
| 2020 |
LOUSE CREEK |
5,237 |
52 km |
| 1991 |
BURNETTEPK |
4,644 |
76 km |
| 1988 |
LOSTCANYON |
4,532 |
82 km |
| 2020 |
YOGO |
4,429 |
71 km |
| 2008 |
CHOUTEAU CO COMPLEX |
4,365 |
52 km |
| 2019 |
STUCKEY RD MA |
4,073 |
87 km |
| 2008 |
UNIT 3 MARSH HAZ FUEL REDUCTION |
3,333 |
87 km |
| 1996 |
COYOTE |
3,320 |
85 km |
| 2020 |
EAGLE ROCK ROAD |
3,129 |
36 km |
| 2022 |
BENTON LAKE UNIT 3 AND 4B |
2,996 |
88 km |
| 2007 |
CHOUTEAU CO ASST |
2,646 |
33 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
1.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
Square Butte has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 25°F in December to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.2") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Square Butte. 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 | $924 |
| Toddler | $958 |
| Preschool | $825 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $726 |
| Toddler | $740 |
| Preschool | $740 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Square Butte
What is the population of Square Butte?
Square Butte has a population of 24 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 86 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 68.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 70.8% female and 29.2% male.
Is Square Butte expensive to live in?
Square Butte is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.6 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Square Butte safe?
Square Butte is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 135 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,556 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Square Butte receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Square Butte?
Square Butte has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 16.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Square Butte?
The job market in Square Butte is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $852. There are 229 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Square Butte?
Schools in Square Butte score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Square Butte 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 Square Butte?
The obesity rate in Square Butte is 35.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.6% of adults are smokers. 23.3% are physically inactive. 26.0% of residents report depression. 44.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What are the demographics of Square Butte?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Square Butte is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 23.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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