Median Income
$44,432
41% lower than US avg
Home Value
$124,300
56% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.0%
47% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$780
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.4%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.4%
106% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.8%
5% lower than US avg
How Valier Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population626
Median Age51.6 yrs
Density720/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 75%
Veterans12.4%
Economy
C+
Median Income$44,432
Per Capita$30,690
Unemployment7.4%
Poverty11.8%
County GDP$302M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$124,300
Rent$780
Ownership81.7%
Zillow$298,910
Housing Units326
Rent Burden43.2%
Health
Obesity40.4%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking25.2%
Depression29.0%
Heart Disease7.7%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
Rain12.6 in/yr
Elevation3,823 ft (1,165 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.0%
High School+92.1%
Graduate+5.8%
School Score4.69
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 27%
Commute23 min
Broadband80.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Valier a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Valier receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Valier offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Valier is $44,432, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 11.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Valier is $124,300, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $780 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
18.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Valier has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 12.6 inches, including 46.8 inches of snow.
Valier has a population of 626 with a density of 720 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 51.6 years, 33% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55% female and 45% male. The city is predominantly White (75.2%), with 3.7% Hispanic, 1.6% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.2% of residents. 12.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
626
Total Population
2023 Census
51.6yrs
Median Age
33% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.2%
24% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Valier is $44,432, which is 41% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,690 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $872, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 236 business establishments, including 15 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $44,432 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,690 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $872 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $49,106 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.4% |
| 106% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.8% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 236 |
| County GDP | $302M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 15 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 24 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,575 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.07% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.4% |
The median home value in Valier is $124,300, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $298,910, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $780 (33% 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. 81.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 326 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $2,575 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 43.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $124,300 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $298,910 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $780 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 43.2% |
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 | 81.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.3% |
| Housing Units | 326 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,575 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.07% |
In Valier, 40.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.7% of residents, above the national average. 33.9% have high blood pressure. 25.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.7% report binge drinking. 32.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 29.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.7% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,998. 46.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Valier vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.4% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.9% |
| Asthma | 13.8% |
| COPD | 11.2% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 4.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 25.2% |
| 80% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.9% |
| Depression | 29.0% |
| Mental Distress | 23.7% |
| Physical Distress | 19.5% |
| Short Sleep | 36.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,998 |
| Mental Health | 1:471 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.3% |
| Dental Visits | 49.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,386/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 46.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Valier has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 12.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 46.8 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 3,823 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 44.1°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,823 ft (1,165 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 720/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.3055°N, 112.2522°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Pondera County County |
| Nearest Airport | Cut Bank International (CTB)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.6"
67% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.09"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 95.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 49.3 / 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 Moderate |
| 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
116 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 17, 2025.
| Apr 15, 1998 |
11 km NE of Swan Lake, Montana |
M4.1 |
116 km |
| Jul 19, 2002 |
43 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
114 km |
| Apr 1, 1992 |
10 km ESE of Swan Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
119 km |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
27 km W of Chester, Montana |
M3.9 |
71 km |
| Jun 2, 1996 |
37 km N of Ovando, Montana |
M3.9 |
122 km |
| May 1, 1997 |
35 km SSE of Magrath, Canada |
M3.8 |
96 km |
| May 7, 1992 |
14 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
141 km |
| Jul 5, 2024 |
24 km ENE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
134 km |
| Jun 1, 1996 |
23 km N of Ovando, Montana |
M3.8 |
138 km |
| Jul 2, 1992 |
4 km SSE of South Browning, Montana |
M3.8 |
60 km |
| Mar 21, 1992 |
20 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
136 km |
| Oct 2, 1995 |
18 km E of Finley Point, Montana |
M3.7 |
133 km |
| Jan 13, 2010 |
36 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.7 |
119 km |
| May 10, 1990 |
47 km SSW of Heart Butte, Montana |
M3.6 |
75 km |
| Sep 15, 1998 |
9 km ENE of Ovando, Montana |
M3.6 |
150 km |
| Jun 5, 1991 |
18 km SW of Shelby, Montana |
M3.6 |
20 km |
| Sep 29, 2009 |
42 km NW of Santa Rita, Montana |
M3.6 |
84 km |
| Jan 20, 2003 |
10 km S of Little Browning, Montana |
M3.5 |
26 km |
| Jul 18, 1991 |
14 km SSE of Swan Lake, Montana |
M3.5 |
124 km |
| Sep 1, 2024 |
32 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.5 |
126 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
22 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 7, 1982 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1966 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2006 |
EF1 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1998 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1994 |
EF1 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1980 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1977 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1977 |
EF1 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1964 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1962 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1999 |
EF0 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1996 |
EF0 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1994 |
EF0 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1993 |
EF0 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1992 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1991 |
EF0 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1986 |
EF0 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1982 |
EF0 |
71 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1981 |
EF0 |
38 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1981 |
EF0 |
38 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FOOL CREEK (53,912 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
FOOL CREEK |
53,912 |
63 km |
| 2015 |
FAMILY PEAK COMPLEX |
49,769 |
53 km |
| 2007 |
AHORN |
45,633 |
99 km |
| 1988 |
GATES PARK |
42,493 |
75 km |
| 2007 |
SKYLAND |
41,237 |
70 km |
| 2006 |
RED EAGLE |
32,563 |
97 km |
| 2003 |
RAMPAGE COMPLEX (DOUBLE MOUNTAIN 2) |
23,680 |
99 km |
| 2015 |
TRAIL CREEK |
22,338 |
92 km |
| 2017 |
SCALP |
20,309 |
70 km |
| 2015 |
THOMPSON |
18,049 |
100 km |
| 2017 |
STRAWBERRY |
17,781 |
55 km |
| 2021 |
GREENHOUSE |
14,501 |
56 km |
| 2007 |
CORPORAL |
14,054 |
93 km |
| 2013 |
RED SHALE |
13,712 |
76 km |
| 2015 |
MOOSE RIDGE |
11,395 |
79 km |
| 2003 |
LITTLE SALMON CREEK WILDLAND FIRE COMPLEX (MID) |
10,052 |
97 km |
| 2017 |
CRUCIFIXION CREEK |
9,971 |
65 km |
| 1993 |
FREEZEOUT LAKE |
9,793 |
71 km |
| 1998 |
CHALLENGE |
8,043 |
79 km |
| 2001 |
BIGGS FLAT |
7,303 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| June |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
1.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.3 in |
|
Valier has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 24°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 12.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.1") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Valier. 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 | $943 |
| Toddler | $977 |
| Preschool | $842 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $761 |
| Toddler | $775 |
| Preschool | $775 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Valier
What is the population of Valier?
Valier has a population of 626 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 720 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55% female and 45% male.
Is Valier expensive to live in?
Valier 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 $44,432, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $124,300 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $780 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Valier?
Valier has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 12.6 inches, with 46.8 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Valier?
The unemployment rate in Valier is 7.4%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $872. There are 236 business establishments in the area, including 15 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 6.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Valier?
The median home value in Valier is $124,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $298,910. For renters, the median monthly rent is $780. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.7%. The average annual property tax is $2,575.
How are the schools in Valier?
Schools in Valier have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 18.0% of adults in Valier hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. 5.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Valier?
The obesity rate in Valier is 40.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 25.2% of adults are smokers. 32.9% are physically inactive. 29.0% of residents report depression. 9.3% lack health insurance. 46.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,998.
What is transportation like in Valier?
The average commute in Valier is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Valier?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Valier is 75.2% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Asian. 97.2% of residents speak only English at home. 12.4% of the population are military veterans. 19.5% of residents have a disability. 90.7% have health insurance coverage.