Median Income
$24,583
67% lower than US avg
Home Value
$61,900
78% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
183/100K
52% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.1%
37% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$575
51% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.8%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.3%
17% lower than US avg
How Westby Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population253
Median Age53.7 yrs
Density452/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans7.1%
Economy
B
Median Income$24,583
Per Capita$38,129
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty10.3%
County GDP$241M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$61,900
Rent$575
Ownership87.8%
Zillow$176,221
Housing Units131
Rent Burden11.3%
Crime
F
Violent183/100K
Property1,223/100K
Health
Obesity34.8%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking14.8%
Depression25.4%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp39°F (4°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain14.9 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation2,083 ft (635 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.1%
High School+95.6%
Graduate+5.2%
School Score5.70
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 27%
Commute18 min
Broadband90.0%
Libraries1
Is Westby a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Westby receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Westby offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Westby is $24,583, 67% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. 10.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Westby is $61,900, 78% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $575 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Westby is below the national average at 183 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,223 per 100,000, 38% below the national average.
Education
21.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Westby has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F. Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 14.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Westby has a population of 253 with a density of 452 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 53.7 years, 38% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.6% female and 49.4% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents. 7.1% of the population are veterans. 8.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
53.7yrs
Median Age
38% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.1%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.9%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Westby is $24,583, which is 67% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,129. The average weekly wage is $935, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 224 business establishments, including 16 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $24,583 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,129 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $935 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,549 |
| Gini Index | 0.523 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.3% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 224 |
| County GDP | $241M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 16 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,383 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.47% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Westby is $61,900, 78% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $176,221, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $575 (51% 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. 87.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 131 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $3,383. 11.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $61,900 |
| 78% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $176,221 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $575 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 11.3% |
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 | 87.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.2% |
| Housing Units | 131 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,383 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.47% |
In Westby, 34.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 23.6% report binge drinking. 20.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,527. The dentist ratio is 1:3,564. 63.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Westby vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.8% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.5% |
| Depression | 25.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 30.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.6% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,527 |
| Dentists | 1:3,564 |
| Mental Health | 1:500 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.3% |
| Dental Visits | 63.1% |
| Premature Death | 8,226/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
Westby has a violent crime rate of 183 per 100,000 residents, 52% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,223 per 100,000, 38% below the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Westby receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Westby vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 183.5/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,223.2/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Westby has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 67°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 14.9 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 2,083 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
67°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 39.1°F |
| 28% below US avg |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,083 ft (635 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 452/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.8705°N, 104.0571°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Sheridan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Williston Basin International (XWA)
44 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
14.9"
61% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.64"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 59.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 12.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on May 6, 2014.
| Feb 25, 2014 |
23 km N of Brockton, Montana |
M3.8 |
83 km |
| Jul 29, 1998 |
16 km WNW of Froid, Montana |
M3.8 |
73 km |
| Nov 11, 1998 |
10 km SW of Grenora, North Dakota |
M3.5 |
36 km |
| Sep 28, 2012 |
22 km ESE of Williston, North Dakota |
M3.3 |
105 km |
| May 6, 2014 |
12 km NNW of Knife River, Montana |
M2.6 |
150 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
59 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 1 injury.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 26, 2010 |
EF3 |
73 km |
2 |
| Jun 14, 1950 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1982 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1976 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1971 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Sep 21, 1969 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1953 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 2018 |
EF1 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2007 |
EF1 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2003 |
EF1 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1999 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1998 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1991 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1990 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1980 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1975 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1969 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1968 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 1962 |
EF1 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1959 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
17 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WILLIAMS CO WILDLAND FIRE (67,150 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
WILLIAMS CO WILDLAND FIRE |
67,150 |
78 km |
| 1988 |
BAINVILLE |
12,790 |
89 km |
| 2016 |
FLAGSTAFF HILL |
9,129 |
66 km |
| 2017 |
YOOPER |
7,834 |
100 km |
| 1999 |
OUTLOOK |
6,292 |
54 km |
| 1999 |
ANTELOPE |
5,118 |
36 km |
| 2021 |
13 MILE FIRE |
2,585 |
68 km |
| 2007 |
W-RX-F SANDHILLS SUB UNIT B |
2,381 |
53 km |
| 2018 |
MTMLR-FY18-RX-WUI DEEP LAKE |
2,088 |
50 km |
| 2021 |
HIGHWAY 16 NORTH |
2,069 |
81 km |
| 2022 |
MTMLR-FY22-RX-BRIDGERMAN |
1,852 |
49 km |
| 2023 |
ROUTE 1 |
1,403 |
96 km |
| 2008 |
NORTH SOUTH LAKE CREEK SU A |
1,367 |
43 km |
| 2011 |
W-RX-F EAST ML BRIGERMANN |
1,197 |
51 km |
| 2023 |
MTMLR-HFR-FY23-RX |
1,128 |
66 km |
| 2007 |
H-RX-F BRIGERMANN 2007 |
1,043 |
50 km |
| 2022 |
MTMLR-FY22-RX-NORTHSHORE |
1,015 |
50 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
2.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
67°F (20°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
1.8 in |
Warmest |
| September |
56°F (14°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Westby has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 9°F in January to 68°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 14.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.6") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Westby. 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 | $999 |
| Toddler | $1,038 |
| Preschool | $893 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $786 |
| Toddler | $802 |
| Preschool | $802 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Westby
What is the population of Westby?
Westby has a population of 253 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 452 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
Is Westby expensive to live in?
Westby 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 $24,583, 67% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $61,900 (78% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $575 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Westby safe?
Westby is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 183 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,223 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Westby receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Westby?
Westby has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 9°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 14.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Westby?
The job market in Westby is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $935. There are 224 business establishments in the area, including 16 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Westby?
The median home value in Westby is $61,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $176,221. For renters, the median monthly rent is $575. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 87.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,383.
How are the schools in Westby?
Schools in Westby score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.1% of adults in Westby hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.6% have completed high school. 5.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Westby?
The obesity rate in Westby is 34.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 20.5% are physically inactive. 25.4% of residents report depression. 9.3% lack health insurance. 63.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,527.
What is transportation like in Westby?
The average commute in Westby is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Westby?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Westby is 100% White. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home. 7.1% of the population are military veterans. 8.9% of residents have a disability. 98.6% have health insurance coverage.
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