Median Income
$80,938
8% higher than US avg
Home Value
$135,600
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
232/100K
39% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.4%
19% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,042
10% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.3%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.7%
58% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.4%
48% lower than US avg
How Sunburst Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population386
Median Age29.5 yrs
Density201/mi²
Male / Female61% / 39%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans9.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$80,938
Per Capita$29,356
Unemployment5.7%
Poverty6.4%
County GDP$489M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$135,600
Rent$1,042
Ownership79.5%
Zillow$176,469
Housing Units182
Rent Burden11.8%
Crime
F
Violent232/100K
Property4,147/100K
Health
Obesity37.3%
Uninsured13.8%
Smoking21.5%
Depression27.3%
Heart Disease7.2%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain14.3 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation3,321 ft (1,012 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.4%
High School+93.7%
Graduate+9.1%
School Score5.69
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 20%
Commute12 min
Broadband93.9%
Libraries2
Is Sunburst a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sunburst 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, a high uninsured rate. Sunburst offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sunburst is $80,938, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sunburst is $135,600, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,042 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Sunburst is below the national average at 232 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,147 per 100,000, 112% above the national average.
Education
27.4% 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 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Sunburst has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 14.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Sunburst has a population of 386 with a density of 201 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 29.5 years, 24% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 38.9% female and 61.1% male. The city is predominantly White (95.1%), with 2.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1% of residents. 9.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.1% of residents have a disability. 96.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
29.5yrs
Median Age
24% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.1%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.9%
86% below US avg
The median household income in Sunburst is $80,938, which is 8% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,356 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,073, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 239 business establishments, including 20 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $80,938 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,356 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,073 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,969 |
| Gini Index | 0.430 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.7% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.4% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 239 |
| County GDP | $489M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 20 |
| Healthcare | 12 |
| Retail | 17 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,750 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.77% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 63.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.9% |
The median home value in Sunburst is $135,600, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $176,469, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,042 (10% 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. 79.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 182 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $3,750. 11.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $135,600 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $176,469 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,042 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 11.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $988 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,076 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,336 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,789 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,113 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.5% |
| Housing Units | 182 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,750 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.77% |
In Sunburst, 37.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.2% of residents, above the national average. 32.4% have high blood pressure. 21.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.2% report binge drinking. 28.2% are physically inactive. 27.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.8% experience frequent mental distress. 13.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,670. The dentist ratio is 1:1,270. 66.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sunburst vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.1% |
| Heart Disease | 7.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.4% |
| Asthma | 12.4% |
| COPD | 9.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.5% |
| 54% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.2% |
| Depression | 27.3% |
| Mental Distress | 21.8% |
| Physical Distress | 17.0% |
| Short Sleep | 33.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.9% |
| Uninsured | 13.8% |
| 60% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,670 |
| Dentists | 1:1,270 |
| Mental Health | 1:428 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.1% |
| Dental Visits | 52.2% |
| Premature Death | 10,313/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 12 |
Sunburst has a violent crime rate of 232 per 100,000 residents, 39% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,147 per 100,000, 112% above the U.S. average. Overall, Sunburst receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sunburst vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 232.3/100K |
| 39% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,147.3/100K |
| 112% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sunburst has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 274 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 14.3 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 3,321 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 43.3°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,321 ft (1,012 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 201/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.8740°N, 111.9012°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Toole County County |
| Nearest Airport | Cut Bank International (CTB)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
14.3"
62% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.72"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 13.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 64.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 19.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
31 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.7 on Apr 10, 2024.
| Aug 16, 1994 |
27 km W of Chester, Montana |
M3.9 |
60 km |
| Jul 2, 1992 |
4 km SSE of South Browning, Montana |
M3.8 |
91 km |
| May 1, 1997 |
35 km SSE of Magrath, Canada |
M3.8 |
62 km |
| May 10, 1990 |
47 km SSW of Heart Butte, Montana |
M3.6 |
139 km |
| Jun 5, 1991 |
18 km SW of Shelby, Montana |
M3.6 |
56 km |
| Sep 29, 2009 |
42 km NW of Santa Rita, Montana |
M3.6 |
56 km |
| Jan 20, 2003 |
10 km S of Little Browning, Montana |
M3.5 |
50 km |
| Jan 3, 2008 |
13 km SSE of Magrath, Canada |
M3.5 |
80 km |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
Western Montana |
M3.4 |
130 km |
| Jan 22, 1993 |
33 km SSE of Raymond, Canada |
M3.4 |
52 km |
| Jan 1, 1993 |
20 km WSW of Sweet Grass, Montana |
M3.4 |
21 km |
| Aug 15, 1996 |
33 km WNW of Sweet Grass, Montana |
M3.4 |
43 km |
| Sep 7, 2014 |
36 km SSE of Magrath, Canada |
M3.4 |
61 km |
| Nov 17, 1992 |
39 km NNW of Santa Rita, Montana |
M3.4 |
54 km |
| Nov 6, 2002 |
3 km SSE of Little Browning, Montana |
M3.4 |
44 km |
| Mar 5, 1995 |
2 km NW of Cut Bank, Montana |
M3.3 |
41 km |
| Jan 11, 2003 |
44 km SSE of Magrath, Canada |
M3.2 |
59 km |
| Jul 31, 2009 |
41 km E of Swan Lake, Montana |
M3.2 |
148 km |
| May 29, 2009 |
11 km S of Little Browning, Montana |
M3.2 |
51 km |
| Apr 2, 2014 |
13 km NNW of Conrad, Montana |
M3.1 |
67 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
16 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 7, 1982 |
EF2 |
3 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2006 |
EF1 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1994 |
EF1 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1980 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1977 |
EF1 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1977 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1999 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1996 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1994 |
EF0 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1993 |
EF0 |
42 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1992 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1991 |
EF0 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1986 |
EF0 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1982 |
EF0 |
3 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1981 |
EF0 |
38 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1981 |
EF0 |
38 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GREENHOUSE (14,501 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
GREENHOUSE |
14,501 |
76 km |
| 2012 |
WYE FIRE |
6,141 |
76 km |
| 2012 |
BOY |
5,706 |
80 km |
| 1996 |
SHARPSFIRE |
4,461 |
79 km |
| 2003 |
PARDUE |
4,269 |
57 km |
| 2017 |
WOLVERINE |
3,126 |
100 km |
| 1992 |
RDOORECMPX |
3,088 |
81 km |
| 1994 |
WALBERGERS |
1,732 |
88 km |
| 2006 |
MISSION LAKE FIRE |
1,100 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
2.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
1.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Sunburst has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 22°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 13.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.7") and February the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Sunburst. 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 | $893 |
| Toddler | $927 |
| Preschool | $797 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $721 |
| Toddler | $735 |
| Preschool | $735 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sunburst
What is the population of Sunburst?
Sunburst has a population of 386 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 201 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 38.9% female and 61.1% male.
Is Sunburst expensive to live in?
Sunburst 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 $80,938, 8% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $135,600 (52% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,042 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sunburst safe?
Sunburst is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 232 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,147 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sunburst receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sunburst?
Sunburst has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 14.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Sunburst?
The unemployment rate in Sunburst is 5.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,073. There are 239 business establishments in the area, including 20 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 7.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sunburst?
The median home value in Sunburst is $135,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $176,469. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,042. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,750.
How are the schools in Sunburst?
Schools in Sunburst score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.4% of adults in Sunburst hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. 9.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sunburst?
The obesity rate in Sunburst is 37.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.5% of adults are smokers. 28.2% are physically inactive. 27.3% of residents report depression. 13.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 66.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,670.
What is transportation like in Sunburst?
The average commute in Sunburst is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 63.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sunburst?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sunburst is 95.1% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino. 98.1% of residents speak only English at home. 9.4% of the population are military veterans. 15.1% of residents have a disability. 96.9% have health insurance coverage.
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