Median Income
$42,237
44% lower than US avg
Home Value
$167,100
41% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
272/100K
28% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.2%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
9.7%
169% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Sun River Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population62
Median Age71.2 yrs
Density33/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans62.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$42,237
Per Capita$25,860
Unemployment9.7%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$5,712M
Housing
A
Home Value$167,100
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$430,933
Housing Units34
Rent Burden27.3%
Crime
F
Violent272/100K
Property4,304/100K
Health
Obesity31.2%
Uninsured9.5%
Smoking14.4%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease4.5%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain12.4 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation3,416 ft (1,041 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.19
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 37%
Broadband34.0%
EV Stations11
Libraries4
Is Sun River a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sun River receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Sun River offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sun River is $42,237, 44% below the national average of $75,149. At 9.7%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sun River is $167,100, 41% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Sun River is below the national average at 272 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,304 per 100,000, 120% above 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 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Sun River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 12.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Sun River has a population of 62 with a density of 33 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 71.2 years, 83% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.9% female and 58.1% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 62.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 34.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
71.2yrs
Median Age
83% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Sun River 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
Sun River vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Sun River is $42,237, which is 44% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,860 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,066, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.7% (above 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 3,200 business establishments, including 251 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: Sun River vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,237 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,860 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,066 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,719 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.7% |
| 169% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,200 |
| County GDP | $5,712M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 251 |
| Healthcare | 326 |
| Retail | 335 |
| Manufacturing | 70 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,066 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.43% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Sun River is $167,100, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $430,933, higher than the Census estimate. 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 34 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,066 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $167,100 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $430,933 |
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 | 34 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,066 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.43% |
In Sun River, 31.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.5% of residents, below the national average. 27.1% have high blood pressure. 14.4% are current smokers. 21.5% report binge drinking. 19.2% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.5% report depression. 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,341. The dentist ratio is 1:1,048. 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sun River vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.2% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.1% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.4% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.2% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 31.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.4% |
| Uninsured | 9.5% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,341 |
| Dentists | 1:1,048 |
| Mental Health | 1:246 |
| Checkup Rate | 61.3% |
| Dental Visits | 56.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,758/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 326 |
Sun River has a violent crime rate of 272 per 100,000 residents, 28% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,304 per 100,000, 120% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sun River receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sun River vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 272.3/100K |
| 28% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,304.1/100K |
| 120% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 25 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sun River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 67°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 12.4 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 3,416 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 44.4°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,416 ft (1,041 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 33/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.5305°N, 111.7240°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Cascade County County |
| Nearest Airport | Great Falls International (GTF)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.4"
67% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.28"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 83.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 27.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 76.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
321 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 15, 2025.
| Jul 6, 2017 |
11 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M5.8 |
97 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
15 km S of Lincoln, Montana |
M5.0 |
107 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
14 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.4 |
97 km |
| Jan 30, 2016 |
19 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.3 |
84 km |
| Apr 8, 2000 |
8 km ENE of Townsend, Montana |
M4.1 |
134 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
14 km SSE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.0 |
101 km |
| Jul 19, 2002 |
43 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
100 km |
| Nov 10, 2000 |
14 km NE of Townsend, Montana |
M4.0 |
129 km |
| Jul 17, 2017 |
12 km ESE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.0 |
94 km |
| Feb 6, 1999 |
24 km E of Townsend, Montana |
M3.9 |
136 km |
| Apr 1, 1993 |
15 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.9 |
85 km |
| Oct 19, 2017 |
12 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.9 |
95 km |
| Jun 2, 1996 |
37 km N of Ovando, Montana |
M3.9 |
102 km |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
27 km W of Chester, Montana |
M3.9 |
111 km |
| Mar 13, 2017 |
4 km ESE of Avon, Montana |
M3.8 |
123 km |
| Jun 1, 1996 |
23 km N of Ovando, Montana |
M3.8 |
114 km |
| Mar 21, 1992 |
20 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
119 km |
| May 7, 1992 |
14 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
125 km |
| Jul 5, 2024 |
24 km ENE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
115 km |
| Jul 2, 1992 |
4 km SSE of South Browning, Montana |
M3.8 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
33 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 5 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 30, 1975 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1966 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1998 |
EF1 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1998 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF1 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1980 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1978 |
EF1 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1977 |
EF1 |
8 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1965 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1964 |
EF1 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1962 |
EF1 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1961 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1960 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2018 |
EF0 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 2002 |
EF0 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 2000 |
EF0 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1999 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1993 |
EF0 |
32 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CANYON CREEK (167,875 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
CANYON CREEK |
167,875 |
84 km |
| 2007 |
AHORN |
45,633 |
93 km |
| 1988 |
GATES PARK |
42,493 |
96 km |
| 2003 |
LINCOLN COMPLEX (SNOWBANK) |
36,987 |
83 km |
| 2021 |
HARRIS MTN |
31,792 |
47 km |
| 2017 |
ALICE CREEK |
29,971 |
69 km |
| 2012 |
ELBOW PASS COMPLEX |
28,989 |
89 km |
| 1984 |
NORTH HILL |
27,162 |
82 km |
| 2000 |
CANYON FERRY COMPLEX (CAVE GULCH) |
26,997 |
93 km |
| 2007 |
MERIWETHER |
18,865 |
73 km |
| 2017 |
PARK CREEK |
17,915 |
94 km |
| 2013 |
RED SHALE |
13,712 |
98 km |
| 1990 |
BEARTOOTH COMPLEX |
13,462 |
63 km |
| 2015 |
MOOSE RIDGE |
11,395 |
91 km |
| 1993 |
FREEZEOUT LAKE |
9,793 |
36 km |
| 2021 |
BALSINGER |
8,317 |
87 km |
| 2001 |
BIGGS FLAT |
7,303 |
91 km |
| 2005 |
HAZARD LAKE WFU |
4,894 |
89 km |
| 2009 |
INDIAN TRAIL |
4,592 |
63 km |
| 2022 |
URSUS |
4,291 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
2.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
1.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
Sun River has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 26°F in December to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 12.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.3") and February the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Sun River. 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 | $953 |
| Toddler | $993 |
| Preschool | $852 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $770 |
| Toddler | $787 |
| Preschool | $787 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sun River
What is the population of Sun River?
Sun River has a population of 62 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 33 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 71.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41.9% female and 58.1% male.
Is Sun River expensive to live in?
Sun River 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 $42,237, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $167,100 (41% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sun River safe?
Sun River is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 272 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,304 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sun River receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sun River?
Sun River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 12.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Sun River?
The job market in Sun River faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,066. There are 3,200 business establishments in the area, including 251 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Sun River?
The median home value in Sun River is $167,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $430,933. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,066.
How are the schools in Sun River?
Schools in Sun River score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Sun River 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 Sun River?
The obesity rate in Sun River is 31.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.4% of adults are smokers. 19.2% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 9.5% lack health insurance. 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,341.
What are the demographics of Sun River?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sun River is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 62.0% of the population are military veterans. 34.5% of residents have a disability. 91.4% have health insurance coverage.
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