Median Income
$52,045
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$170,100
40% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.9%
44% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$425
63% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.8%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.2%
66% lower than US avg
How Stanford Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population266
Median Age62.1 yrs
Density619/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans12.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$52,045
Per Capita$65,327
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty4.2%
County GDP$139M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$170,100
Rent$425
Ownership79.1%
Zillow$243,142
Housing Units162
Rent Burden37.5%
Health
Obesity31.8%
Uninsured6.8%
Smoking16.1%
Depression26.2%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
Rain17.3 in/yr
Elevation4,286 ft (1,306 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+18.9%
High School+93.7%
Graduate+2.8%
School Score6.02
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 20%
Commute17 min
Broadband62.2%
Libraries2
Is Stanford a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Stanford receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Stanford offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Stanford is $52,045, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 4.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Stanford is $170,100, 40% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $425 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
18.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Stanford has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 17.3 inches, including 44.5 inches of snow.
Stanford has a population of 266 with a density of 619 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 62.1 years, 60% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.8% female and 49.2% male. The city is predominantly White (97%), with 2.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.7% of residents. 12.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 24.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
266
Total Population
2023 Census
62.1yrs
Median Age
60% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.7%
24% above US avg
Spanish
1.8%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Stanford is $52,045, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $65,327 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $809, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 115 business establishments, including 5 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,045 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $65,327 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $809 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,853 |
| Gini Index | 0.502 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.2% |
| 66% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 115 |
| County GDP | $139M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Healthcare | 7 |
| Retail | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 66.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.6% |
The median home value in Stanford is $170,100, 40% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $243,142, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $425 (63% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 162 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. 37.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $170,100 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $243,142 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $425 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 37.5% |
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 | 79.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.9% |
| Housing Units | 162 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
In Stanford, 31.8% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 30.4% have high blood pressure. 16.1% are current smokers. 21.2% report binge drinking. 22.5% are physically inactive. 26.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.5% experience frequent mental distress. 6.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). 11.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Stanford vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.4% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.1% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.5% |
| Depression | 26.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.5% |
| Physical Distress | 14.2% |
| Short Sleep | 32.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.2% |
| Uninsured | 6.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:2,093 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.6% |
| Dental Visits | 60.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,360/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 11.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 7 |
Stanford has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 17.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 44.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 4,286 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 44.6°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,286 ft (1,306 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 619/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.1521°N, 110.2190°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Judith Basin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Great Falls International (GTF) 59 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.3"
54% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.10"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 5.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 29.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 49.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
55 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 20, 2025.
| Apr 8, 2000 |
8 km ENE of Townsend, Montana |
M4.1 |
128 km |
| Nov 10, 2000 |
14 km NE of Townsend, Montana |
M4.0 |
121 km |
| Feb 6, 1999 |
24 km E of Townsend, Montana |
M3.9 |
116 km |
| Jan 2, 1990 |
6 km NNE of Toston, Montana |
M3.7 |
137 km |
| Jan 9, 2003 |
23 km E of Wilsall, Montana |
M3.7 |
126 km |
| May 24, 2000 |
9 km ENE of Townsend, Montana |
M3.7 |
127 km |
| Jul 23, 2014 |
11 km NNE of Toston, Montana |
M3.6 |
132 km |
| Jun 6, 2000 |
7 km E of Townsend, Montana |
M3.3 |
130 km |
| Feb 11, 1999 |
23 km E of Townsend, Montana |
M3.3 |
117 km |
| Apr 1, 2000 |
9 km ENE of Townsend, Montana |
M3.3 |
128 km |
| Jun 16, 1999 |
16 km SSE of Craig, Montana |
M3.2 |
131 km |
| Apr 10, 2000 |
8 km E of Townsend, Montana |
M3.2 |
129 km |
| Apr 9, 2000 |
9 km ENE of Townsend, Montana |
M3.2 |
127 km |
| Jun 8, 2000 |
11 km ENE of Townsend, Montana |
M3.1 |
125 km |
| May 23, 2000 |
8 km ENE of Townsend, Montana |
M3.0 |
128 km |
| Jul 15, 2006 |
Western Montana |
M3.0 |
111 km |
| Dec 5, 1991 |
15 km WSW of Hays, Montana |
M3.0 |
133 km |
| Apr 8, 2009 |
8 km ENE of Toston, Montana |
M3.0 |
136 km |
| Jul 26, 2014 |
11 km NNE of Toston, Montana |
M3.0 |
133 km |
| Mar 22, 2003 |
5 km ESE of Helena Valley West Central, Montana |
M2.9 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
72 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 11 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2002 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 1999 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1996 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1994 |
EF2 |
5 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1994 |
EF2 |
5 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1981 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1976 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1975 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1965 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1964 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2012 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2007 |
EF1 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2003 |
EF1 |
1 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 1998 |
EF1 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1998 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1980 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
99 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 |
19 km |
| 2021 |
TAYLOR |
21,704 |
58 km |
| 2021 |
SOUTH MOCCASIN |
12,727 |
53 km |
| 2009 |
MEISSNER |
12,318 |
33 km |
| 1985 |
SANDPOINT |
10,439 |
45 km |
| 2021 |
BALSINGER |
8,317 |
54 km |
| 2020 |
LOUSE CREEK |
5,237 |
31 km |
| 1988 |
TWO DOT |
5,097 |
90 km |
| 1991 |
BURNETTEPK |
4,644 |
67 km |
| 2020 |
YOGO |
4,429 |
35 km |
| 2008 |
CHOUTEAU CO COMPLEX |
4,365 |
91 km |
| 2019 |
STUCKEY RD MA |
4,073 |
98 km |
| 1996 |
COYOTE |
3,320 |
54 km |
| 2020 |
EAGLE ROCK ROAD |
3,129 |
31 km |
| 2020 |
LODE ROAD |
2,736 |
71 km |
| 2001 |
TWIN COULE |
2,688 |
96 km |
| 2007 |
CHOUTEAU CO ASST |
2,646 |
69 km |
| 2001 |
LOST FORK-MONARCH COMPLEX (LOST FORK) |
2,313 |
52 km |
| 2007 |
2007 HAZ FUEL REDUCTION |
2,159 |
67 km |
| 2021 |
FOUR SISTERS |
1,999 |
41 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
51°F (10°C) |
3.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
59°F (15°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
1.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
Stanford has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 27°F in December to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.1") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Stanford. 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 | $904 |
| Toddler | $940 |
| Preschool | $807 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $711 |
| Toddler | $726 |
| Preschool | $726 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Stanford
What is the population of Stanford?
Stanford has a population of 266 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 619 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 62.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.8% female and 49.2% male.
Is Stanford expensive to live in?
Stanford 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 $52,045, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $170,100 (40% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $425 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Stanford?
Stanford has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 17.3 inches, with 44.5 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Stanford?
The job market in Stanford is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $809. There are 115 business establishments in the area, including 5 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 8.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Stanford?
The median home value in Stanford is $170,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $243,142. For renters, the median monthly rent is $425. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.1%.
How are the schools in Stanford?
Schools in Stanford score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.9% of adults in Stanford hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. 2.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Stanford?
The obesity rate in Stanford is 31.8% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 16.1% of adults are smokers. 22.5% are physically inactive. 26.2% of residents report depression. 6.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 11.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Stanford?
The average commute in Stanford is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 66.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Stanford?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Stanford is 97% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino. 97.7% of residents speak only English at home. 12.6% of the population are military veterans. 24.8% of residents have a disability. 93.2% have health insurance coverage.