Violent Crime
432/100K
14% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
39.1%
16% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.7%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Turtle Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population61
Median Age46.5 yrs
Density102/mi²
Male / Female71% / 30%
Largest GroupWhite 0%
Veterans61.0%
Economy
Per Capita$31,761
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,355M
Housing
Ownership65.2%
Zillow$542,977
Housing Units15
Rent Burden27.6%
Crime
F
Violent432/100K
Property5,400/100K
Health
Obesity33.7%
Uninsured9.2%
Smoking16.0%
Depression24.8%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain15.0 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation3,051 ft (930 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+39.1%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.10
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 39%
Broadband46.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Turtle Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Turtle Lake receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Turtle Lake has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 432 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,400 per 100,000, 175% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 39.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Turtle Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 15.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Turtle Lake has a population of 61 with a density of 102 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 46.5 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 29.5% female and 70.5% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 61.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.5yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Turtle Lake 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
Turtle Lake vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $31,761 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $967, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below 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 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. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Turtle Lake vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $31,761 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $967 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,531 |
| Gini Index | 0.484 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% 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) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $542,977. Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 15 total housing units in the city. The average annual property tax is $4,744 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 65.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.8% |
| Housing Units | 15 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,744 |
| 36% above US avg |
In Turtle Lake, 33.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 29.5% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 21.5% report binge drinking. 20.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 9.2% 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: Turtle Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.5% |
| Asthma | 13.7% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.1% |
| Depression | 24.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
| Short Sleep | 36.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,335 |
| Dentists | 1:1,217 |
| Mental Health | 1:344 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.1% |
| Dental Visits | 58.2% |
| Premature Death | 11,703/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 98 |
Turtle Lake has a violent crime rate of 432 per 100,000 residents, 14% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,400 per 100,000, 175% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Turtle Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Turtle Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 432.0/100K |
| 14% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,399.6/100K |
| 175% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Turtle Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 68°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 15.0 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 3,051 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 46.2°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,051 ft (930 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 102/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.6701°N, 114.0857°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Lake County County |
| Nearest Airport | Glacier Park International (FCA) 45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
15.0"
61% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.56"
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
361 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 |
144 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
15 km S of Lincoln, Montana |
M5.0 |
144 km |
| Dec 22, 1998 |
Idaho-Montana border region |
M4.7 |
91 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
14 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.4 |
147 km |
| Jan 30, 2016 |
19 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.3 |
149 km |
| Jun 29, 1995 |
2 km NNW of Kila, Montana |
M4.1 |
59 km |
| May 2, 1995 |
2 km NW of Kila, Montana |
M4.1 |
60 km |
| Apr 15, 1998 |
11 km NE of Swan Lake, Montana |
M4.1 |
45 km |
| Aug 17, 1994 |
1 km E of Mullan, Idaho |
M4.1 |
129 km |
| Apr 1, 1992 |
10 km ESE of Swan Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
36 km |
| Jan 20, 1998 |
15 km SSE of Happys Inn, Montana |
M4.0 |
79 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
14 km SSE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.0 |
146 km |
| Jul 17, 2017 |
12 km ESE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.0 |
145 km |
| Jun 28, 2000 |
21 km SE of Clinton, Montana |
M4.0 |
124 km |
| Jul 19, 2002 |
43 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
82 km |
| Jun 2, 1996 |
37 km N of Ovando, Montana |
M3.9 |
86 km |
| Oct 19, 2017 |
12 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.9 |
145 km |
| Apr 1, 1993 |
15 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M3.9 |
145 km |
| Jun 1, 1996 |
23 km N of Ovando, Montana |
M3.8 |
84 km |
| Sep 26, 2004 |
14 km WSW of Pablo, Montana |
M3.8 |
20 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
10 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 9, 2023 |
EF0 |
34 km |
0 |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
EF0 |
34 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2011 |
EF0 |
12 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2008 |
EF0 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2007 |
EF0 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2007 |
EF0 |
33 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 2000 |
EF0 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1995 |
EF0 |
40 km |
0 |
| Mar 3, 1991 |
EF0 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1983 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RICE RIDGE (171,473 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
RICE RIDGE |
171,473 |
79 km |
| 2007 |
CHIPPY CREEK |
95,656 |
58 km |
| 2015 |
BEAR CREEK |
60,710 |
52 km |
| 2003 |
ROBERT |
54,500 |
99 km |
| 2007 |
FOOL CREEK |
53,912 |
92 km |
| 2007 |
AHORN |
45,633 |
85 km |
| 1988 |
GATES PARK |
42,493 |
88 km |
| 2007 |
SKYLAND |
41,237 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
THORNE CREEK |
39,694 |
88 km |
| 2007 |
JOCKO LAKES |
35,759 |
61 km |
| 2003 |
FISH CREEK COMPLEX (THOMPSON CREEK) |
33,779 |
98 km |
| 2003 |
LITTLE SALMON CREEK |
33,044 |
58 km |
| 2007 |
BRUSH CREEK |
30,166 |
96 km |
| 2012 |
ELBOW PASS COMPLEX |
28,989 |
95 km |
| 2016 |
COPPER KING |
28,338 |
76 km |
| 2017 |
LIBERTY |
27,731 |
70 km |
| 2003 |
BARTLETT MOUNTAIN |
27,614 |
68 km |
| 2017 |
SUNRISE |
26,896 |
88 km |
| 2017 |
SHEEP GAP |
24,702 |
75 km |
| 2003 |
RAMPAGE COMPLEX (DOUBLE MOUNTAIN 2) |
23,680 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| May |
51°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| June |
58°F (15°C) |
2.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
1.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Turtle Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 28°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.6") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Turtle Lake. 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 Turtle Lake
What is the population of Turtle Lake?
Turtle Lake has a population of 61 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 102 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 29.5% female and 70.5% male.
Is Turtle Lake expensive to live in?
Turtle Lake is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.6 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Turtle Lake safe?
The violent crime rate in Turtle Lake is 432 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 5,400 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Turtle Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Turtle Lake?
Turtle Lake has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 15.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Turtle Lake?
The job market in Turtle Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / 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.
How are the schools in Turtle Lake?
Schools in Turtle Lake score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 39.1% of adults in Turtle Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Turtle Lake?
The obesity rate in Turtle Lake is 33.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 20.1% are physically inactive. 24.8% of residents report depression. 9.2% lack health insurance. 62.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,335.
What are the demographics of Turtle Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Turtle Lake is 100% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 61.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.