Median Income
$43,750
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$260,300
8% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
469/100K
23% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.8%
35% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$682
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.8%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.9%
19% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.4%
0% lower than US avg
How Superior Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population995
Median Age59.2 yrs
Density1,036/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans17.1%
Economy
B
Median Income$43,750
Per Capita$26,412
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty12.4%
County GDP$1,355M
Commute33 min
Housing
B
Home Value$260,300
Rent$682
Ownership69.8%
Zillow$368,078
Housing Units470
Rent Burden33.3%
Crime
F
Violent469/100K
Property1,968/100K
Health
Obesity35.8%
Uninsured10.2%
Smoking15.8%
Depression27.3%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain16.4 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation2,704 ft (824 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.8%
High School+95.0%
Graduate+6.0%
School Score5.10
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 39%
Commute33 min
Broadband76.2%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Superior a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Superior receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Superior has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Superior is $43,750, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. 12.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Superior is $260,300, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $682 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 5.9x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 469 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,968 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
21.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Superior experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 16.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Superior has a population of 995 with a density of 1,036 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 59.2 years, 52% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.6% female and 51.4% male. The city is predominantly White (91.6%), with 4.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 17.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
59.2yrs
Median Age
52% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
The median household income in Superior is $43,750, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,412 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $967, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,300 business establishments, including 92 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 2.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,750 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,412 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $967 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,531 |
| Gini Index | 0.484 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.4% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,300 |
| County GDP | $1,355M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 92 |
| Healthcare | 98 |
| Retail | 109 |
| Manufacturing | 43 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,744 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.82% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.2% |
The median home value in Superior is $260,300, 8% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $368,078, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $682 (41% 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. 69.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 470 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $4,744 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.9x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $260,300 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $368,078 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $682 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.3% |
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 | 69.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.2% |
| Housing Units | 470 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,744 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.82% |
In Superior, 35.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 29.1% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 21.5% report binge drinking. 22.5% are physically inactive. 27.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 10.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,335. The dentist ratio is 1:1,217. 62.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Superior vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.8% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.1% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.8% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.5% |
| Depression | 27.3% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.2% |
| Short Sleep | 34.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.2% |
| Uninsured | 10.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,335 |
| Dentists | 1:1,217 |
| Mental Health | 1:344 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.2% |
| Dental Visits | 61.1% |
| Premature Death | 11,703/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 98 |
Superior has a violent crime rate of 469 per 100,000 residents, 23% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,968 per 100,000, 0% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Superior receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Superior vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 468.6/100K |
| 23% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,968.1/100K |
| 0% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 391 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Superior experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 70°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 16.4 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 2,704 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 47.7°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,704 ft (824 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,036/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.1951°N, 114.9014°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Lake County County |
| Nearest Airport | Missoula Montana (MSO) 43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
16.4"
57% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
2.24"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 67.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 58.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
208 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.7. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 15, 2025.
| Dec 22, 1998 |
Idaho-Montana border region |
M4.7 |
92 km |
| Jun 29, 1995 |
2 km NNW of Kila, Montana |
M4.1 |
110 km |
| May 2, 1995 |
2 km NW of Kila, Montana |
M4.1 |
110 km |
| Aug 17, 1994 |
1 km E of Mullan, Idaho |
M4.1 |
73 km |
| Apr 15, 1998 |
11 km NE of Swan Lake, Montana |
M4.1 |
125 km |
| Jul 19, 2002 |
43 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
142 km |
| Jun 28, 2000 |
21 km SE of Clinton, Montana |
M4.0 |
122 km |
| Apr 1, 1992 |
10 km ESE of Swan Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
117 km |
| Jan 20, 1998 |
15 km SSE of Happys Inn, Montana |
M4.0 |
85 km |
| Jun 2, 1996 |
37 km N of Ovando, Montana |
M3.9 |
141 km |
| Jun 1, 1996 |
23 km N of Ovando, Montana |
M3.8 |
131 km |
| May 2, 1995 |
3 km WNW of Kila, Montana |
M3.8 |
109 km |
| Nov 8, 1997 |
39 km SE of Pierce, Idaho |
M3.8 |
112 km |
| May 7, 1992 |
14 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
119 km |
| Jul 5, 2024 |
24 km ENE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
128 km |
| Sep 26, 2004 |
14 km WSW of Pablo, Montana |
M3.8 |
61 km |
| Mar 21, 1992 |
20 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
124 km |
| Jan 13, 2010 |
36 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.7 |
133 km |
| Oct 2, 1995 |
18 km E of Finley Point, Montana |
M3.7 |
101 km |
| Aug 19, 1999 |
12 km ENE of Happys Inn, Montana |
M3.7 |
103 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
6 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 9, 2023 |
EF0 |
67 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2011 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2007 |
EF0 |
68 km |
0 |
| Mar 3, 1991 |
EF0 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1983 |
EF0 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1978 |
EF0 |
60 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CHIPPY CREEK (95,656 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
CHIPPY CREEK |
95,656 |
68 km |
| 2017 |
LOLO PEAK |
62,316 |
77 km |
| 2021 |
THORNE CREEK |
39,694 |
60 km |
| 2007 |
BRIDGE |
36,732 |
96 km |
| 2007 |
JOCKO LAKES |
35,759 |
94 km |
| 2003 |
FISH CREEK COMPLEX (THOMPSON CREEK) |
33,779 |
38 km |
| 2012 |
FERN |
29,736 |
85 km |
| 2012 |
FREEZE OUT |
28,355 |
86 km |
| 2016 |
COPPER KING |
28,338 |
51 km |
| 2017 |
LIBERTY |
27,731 |
89 km |
| 2017 |
SUNRISE |
26,896 |
15 km |
| 2017 |
SHEEP GAP |
24,702 |
33 km |
| 2022 |
ELMO |
22,148 |
83 km |
| 2003 |
MINERAL-PRIMM (MINERAL AND PRIMM) |
20,888 |
87 km |
| 2023 |
NIARADA |
20,686 |
74 km |
| 2000 |
UPPER NINEMILE COMPLEX (NINE MILE) |
19,695 |
22 km |
| 2023 |
RIVER ROAD EAST |
18,068 |
24 km |
| 2021 |
STORM CREEK |
16,374 |
87 km |
| 2017 |
DEEP CREEK |
14,558 |
73 km |
| 2015 |
WEST FORK FISH CREEK |
14,495 |
33 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.2 in |
Wettest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
49°F (9°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| June |
57°F (14°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
1.1 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
63°F (17°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| September |
54°F (12°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
44°F (6°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest |
Superior has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 25°F in December to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.1 inches, with January being the wettest month (2.2") and July the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Superior. 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 | $977 |
| Toddler | $1,017 |
| Preschool | $873 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $769 |
| Toddler | $785 |
| Preschool | $785 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Superior
What is the population of Superior?
Superior has a population of 995 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 1,036 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 59.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.6% female and 51.4% male.
Is Superior expensive to live in?
Superior 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 $43,750, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $260,300 (8% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $682 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.9x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Superior safe?
The violent crime rate in Superior is 469 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,968 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Superior receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Superior?
Superior has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 16.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Superior?
The job market in Superior is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $967. There are 1,300 business establishments in the area, including 92 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 2.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Superior?
The median home value in Superior is $260,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $368,078. For renters, the median monthly rent is $682. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,744.
How are the schools in Superior?
Schools in Superior score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.8% of adults in Superior hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. 6.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Superior?
The obesity rate in Superior is 35.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 22.5% are physically inactive. 27.3% of residents report depression. 10.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 62.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,335.
What is transportation like in Superior?
The average commute in Superior is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Superior?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Superior is 91.6% White, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 17.1% of the population are military veterans. 23.3% of residents have a disability. 95.2% have health insurance coverage.