Median Income
$35,417
53% lower than US avg
Home Value
$79,000
72% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
34.8%
3% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$267
77% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.5%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.1%
14% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.3%
17% lower than US avg
How Whitewater Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population100
Median Age31.4 yrs
Density94/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 67%
Veterans7.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$35,417
Per Capita$19,206
Unemployment4.1%
Poverty10.3%
County GDP$164M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$79,000
Rent$267
Ownership27.1%
Zillow$144,269
Housing Units51
Rent Burden10.9%
Health
Obesity37.5%
Uninsured13.0%
Smoking15.4%
Depression26.9%
Heart Disease4.5%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
Rain12.5 in/yr
Elevation2,372 ft (723 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+34.8%
High School+87.9%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.60
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 18%
Commute12 min
Broadband77.1%
Libraries3
Is Whitewater a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Whitewater receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Whitewater stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Whitewater is $35,417, 53% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.1%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average 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 Whitewater is $79,000, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $267 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 34.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 87.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Whitewater has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 12.5 inches, including 9.9 inches of snow.
Whitewater has a population of 100 with a density of 94 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 31.4 years, 19% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45% female and 55% male. The city is predominantly White (67%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.5% of residents. 7.2% of the population are veterans. 2.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 87.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
100
Total Population
2023 Census
31.4yrs
Median Age
19% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Whitewater vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.5%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.9%
63% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Whitewater vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Whitewater is $35,417, which is 53% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,206 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $797, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.1% (above 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 186 business establishments, including 21 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). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Whitewater vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $35,417 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,206 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $797 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,342 |
| Gini Index | 0.403 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.1% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.3% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 186 |
| County GDP | $164M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 21 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 20 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,800 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.54% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 53.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Whitewater is $79,000, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $144,269, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $267 (77% 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. 27.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 51 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. The average annual property tax is $2,800 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 10.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $79,000 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $144,269 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $267 |
| 77% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 10.9% |
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 | 27.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 27.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 72.9% |
| Housing Units | 51 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,800 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.54% |
In Whitewater, 37.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.5% of residents, below the national average. 25.1% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 22.3% report binge drinking. 21.3% are physically inactive. 26.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 13.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,192. 60.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Whitewater vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.5% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.1% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.3% |
| Depression | 26.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 34.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.0% |
| Uninsured | 13.0% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,192 |
| Mental Health | 1:708 |
| Checkup Rate | 65.6% |
| Dental Visits | 59.8% |
| Premature Death | 10,668/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Whitewater has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 12.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 9.9 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 2,372 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 41.6°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,372 ft (723 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 94/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.7635°N, 107.6302°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Phillips County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sidney-Richland Regional (SDY)
174 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.5"
67% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.78"
Air Quality
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0436 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 1.6 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 34.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 80.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 17.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.0. Most recent: M2.7 on Jul 10, 2021.
| Dec 5, 1991 |
15 km WSW of Hays, Montana |
M3.0 |
130 km |
| Jul 10, 2021 |
24 km SSE of Malta, Montana |
M2.7 |
69 km |
| Jul 15, 2015 |
48 km E of Zortman, Montana |
M2.5 |
101 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
26 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 11, 1972 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 1962 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2011 |
EF1 |
34 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 2007 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 2007 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1999 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1991 |
EF1 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1991 |
EF1 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1983 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1980 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1972 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 2024 |
EF0 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 2014 |
EF0 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2011 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2010 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
EF0 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2002 |
EF0 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 2001 |
EF0 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2000 |
EF0 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2000 |
EF0 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WELDER (32,985 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
WELDER |
32,985 |
88 km |
| 1990 |
VETERANS |
23,660 |
95 km |
| 2012 |
ESTER LAKE |
10,898 |
94 km |
| 2017 |
LOWER BLACK COULEE |
6,803 |
51 km |
| 2006 |
LARB CREEK |
6,778 |
81 km |
| 1988 |
LANGEN |
6,585 |
72 km |
| 2007 |
BLACK COULEE |
5,613 |
58 km |
| 2008 |
KATHRYN |
3,971 |
54 km |
| 2006 |
HOWARD |
3,884 |
87 km |
| 1995 |
GRANT COUL |
3,690 |
73 km |
| 1990 |
ADAMS |
3,072 |
99 km |
| 1990 |
QUISNO |
3,018 |
97 km |
| 1997 |
HERD |
2,259 |
87 km |
| 2008 |
EAST UNIT CHARLIE |
1,911 |
37 km |
| 2017 |
TRIPLE CROSSING |
1,804 |
91 km |
| 2002 |
WHITEWATER |
1,755 |
17 km |
| 2022 |
MTBWR-FY22-RX |
1,500 |
39 km |
| 2017 |
SKYVIEW RIDGE |
1,444 |
64 km |
| 2005 |
BORDER |
1,409 |
44 km |
| 2021 |
LONG SPUR |
1,369 |
61 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
2.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
1.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Whitewater has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 14°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 12.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.8") and February the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Whitewater. 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 | $936 |
| Toddler | $969 |
| Preschool | $836 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $735 |
| Toddler | $748 |
| Preschool | $748 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Whitewater
What is the population of Whitewater?
Whitewater has a population of 100 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 94 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45% female and 55% male.
Is Whitewater expensive to live in?
Whitewater 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 $35,417, 53% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $79,000 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $267 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Whitewater?
Whitewater has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 12.5 inches, with 9.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Whitewater?
Whitewater has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $797. There are 186 business establishments in the area, including 21 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Whitewater?
The median home value in Whitewater is $79,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $144,269. For renters, the median monthly rent is $267. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 27.1%. The average annual property tax is $2,800.
How are the schools in Whitewater?
Schools in Whitewater score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 34.8% of adults in Whitewater hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 87.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Whitewater?
The obesity rate in Whitewater is 37.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 21.3% are physically inactive. 26.9% of residents report depression. 13.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 60.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,192.
What is transportation like in Whitewater?
The average commute in Whitewater is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 53.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Whitewater?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Whitewater is 67% White. 95.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.9% speak Spanish. 7.2% of the population are military veterans. 2.0% of residents have a disability. 87.0% have health insurance coverage.