Median Income
$38,125
49% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.8%
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.3%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment
17.4%
383% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.0%
61% higher than US avg
How St. Marie Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population319
Median Age39.3 yrs
Density14/mi²
Male / Female29% / 71%
Largest GroupWhite 56%
Veterans3.6%
Economy
D
Median Income$38,125
Per Capita$16,802
Unemployment17.4%
Poverty20.0%
County GDP$394M
Housing
Ownership91.7%
Zillow$149,888
Housing Units922
Rent Burden24.3%
Health
Obesity33.3%
Uninsured16.6%
Smoking15.8%
Depression26.0%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
Rain11.8 in/yr
Elevation2,728 ft (831 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.8%
High School+65.1%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.20
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 23%
Broadband75.8%
Libraries2
Is St. Marie a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, St. Marie receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. St. Marie has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in St. Marie is $38,125, 49% below the national average of $75,149. At 17.4%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 20.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Education
21.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 65.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
St. Marie has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 11.8 inches, including 40.7 inches of snow.
St. Marie has a population of 319 with a density of 14 people per square mile, spread across 22.9 square miles. The median age is 39.3 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 70.8% female and 29.2% male. The city is predominantly White (55.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 3.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 33.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 83.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
319
Total Population
2023 Census
39.3yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
St. Marie 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
St. Marie vs U.S. Average
The median household income in St. Marie is $38,125, which is 49% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $16,802 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $955, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 17.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 20.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 354 business establishments, including 35 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: St. Marie vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $38,125 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $16,802 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $955 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,015 |
| Gini Index | 0.409 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 17.4% |
| 383% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.0% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 354 |
| County GDP | $394M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 35 |
| Healthcare | 32 |
| Retail | 49 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,513 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 92.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $149,888. Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. 91.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 922 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $3,513. 24.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 91.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.3% |
| Housing Units | 922 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,513 |
| 0% below US avg |
In St. Marie, 33.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.7% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 22.0% report binge drinking. 24.0% are physically inactive. 26.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.1% experience frequent mental distress. 16.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,077. The dentist ratio is 1:3,757. 59.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: St. Marie vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.3% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.7% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.8% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.0% |
| Depression | 26.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.1% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
| Short Sleep | 34.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.4% |
| Uninsured | 16.6% |
| 93% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,077 |
| Dentists | 1:3,757 |
| Mental Health | 1:679 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.5% |
| Dental Visits | 56.6% |
| Premature Death | 10,375/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 32 |
St. Marie has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 11.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 40.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 2,728 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.0°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,728 ft (831 m) |
| Area | 22.9 sq mi (59.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 14/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.4053°N, 106.4986°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Valley County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sidney-Richland Regional (SDY)
117 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
11.8"
69% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.08"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 35.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 40.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 45.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Jul 10, 2021.
| Feb 25, 2014 |
23 km N of Brockton, Montana |
M3.8 |
120 km |
| Jul 29, 1998 |
16 km WNW of Froid, Montana |
M3.8 |
132 km |
| Jul 10, 2021 |
24 km SSE of Malta, Montana |
M2.7 |
100 km |
| Jul 15, 2015 |
48 km E of Zortman, Montana |
M2.5 |
118 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
69 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 fatality, 1 injury.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 2022 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 2013 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1972 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 1962 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2011 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2010 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 2007 |
EF1 |
42 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 2007 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1999 |
EF1 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1998 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1998 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1991 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1983 |
EF1 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1983 |
EF1 |
94 km |
1 |
| May 25, 1980 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1972 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1972 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1970 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FLAT TIRE (COMPLEX) (17,467 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
FLAT TIRE (COMPLEX) |
17,467 |
85 km |
| 2006 |
BLACK PULASKI (BLACK PULASKI COMPLEX) |
15,504 |
85 km |
| 2012 |
HIGHWAY 13-20 |
8,372 |
86 km |
| 2018 |
BUFFALO PASTURE |
7,624 |
91 km |
| 2003 |
GREYBULL |
7,229 |
79 km |
| 2017 |
LOWER BLACK COULEE |
6,803 |
92 km |
| 2006 |
LARB CREEK |
6,778 |
78 km |
| 1988 |
LANGEN |
6,585 |
27 km |
| 2007 |
BLACK COULEE |
5,613 |
97 km |
| 2006 |
BUFFALO RANCH |
5,206 |
87 km |
| 1995 |
GRANT COUL |
3,690 |
76 km |
| 2020 |
BULL |
3,428 |
65 km |
| 2022 |
BLISTER |
3,298 |
76 km |
| 2020 |
HILL |
3,175 |
71 km |
| 2001 |
CASTLE |
3,021 |
94 km |
| 1999 |
HALLOWEEN |
2,845 |
82 km |
| 2021 |
BADGER HOLE |
2,804 |
60 km |
| 2020 |
SAGE |
2,554 |
48 km |
| 2008 |
EAST UNIT CHARLIE |
1,911 |
83 km |
| 2017 |
TRIPLE CROSSING |
1,804 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| April |
44°F (6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
1.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
St. Marie has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 15°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 11.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.1") and December the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in St. Marie. 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 | $906 |
| Toddler | $940 |
| Preschool | $809 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $732 |
| Toddler | $745 |
| Preschool | $745 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Marie
What is the population of St. Marie?
St. Marie has a population of 319 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 14 people per square mile, spread across 22.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.3 years. The population is 70.8% female and 29.2% male.
Is St. Marie expensive to live in?
St. Marie 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 $38,125, 49% below the national average of $75,149.
What is the weather like in St. Marie?
St. Marie has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 11.8 inches, with 40.7 inches of snow.
How is the job market in St. Marie?
The job market in St. Marie faces challenges, with unemployment at 17.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $955. There are 354 business establishments in the area, including 35 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in St. Marie?
Schools in St. Marie score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.8% of adults in St. Marie hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 65.1% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is St. Marie?
The obesity rate in St. Marie is 33.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 24.0% are physically inactive. 26.0% of residents report depression. 16.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 59.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,077.
What are the demographics of St. Marie?
The racial and ethnic makeup of St. Marie is 55.8% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 3.6% of the population are military veterans. 33.9% of residents have a disability. 83.4% have health insurance coverage.