Median Income
$68,542
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$218,800
22% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.3%
49% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$856
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
25.3%
21% lower than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.4%
24% higher than US avg
How Willow Creek Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population162
Median Age58.5 yrs
Density59/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$68,542
Per Capita$66,525
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty15.4%
County GDP$11,875M
Commute37 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$218,800
Rent$856
Ownership82.0%
Zillow$540,645
Housing Units113
Rent Burden13.2%
Health
Obesity25.3%
Uninsured1.2%
Smoking13.1%
Depression24.1%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
Rain15.5 in/yr
Elevation4,192 ft (1,278 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.3%
High School+88.7%
Graduate+2.7%
School Score6.78
Community
2024 VoteR 47% / D 50%
Commute37 min
Broadband88.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Willow Creek a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Willow Creek receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include long commute times. Willow Creek offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Willow Creek is $68,542, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 15.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Willow Creek is $218,800, 22% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $856 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
17.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.8/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Willow Creek has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 15.5 inches, including 51.8 inches of snow.
Willow Creek has a population of 162 with a density of 59 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age is 58.5 years, 50% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.8% female and 56.2% male. The city is predominantly White (96.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 16.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
162
Total Population
2023 Census
58.5yrs
Median Age
50% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Willow Creek 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
Willow Creek vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Willow Creek is $68,542, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $66,525 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,273, 11% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 9,787 business establishments, including 515 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 24.1% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Willow Creek vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,542 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $66,525 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,273 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $116,906 |
| Gini Index | 0.471 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 9,787 |
| County GDP | $11,875M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 515 |
| Healthcare | 577 |
| Retail | 627 |
| Manufacturing | 256 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,949 |
| 70% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.72% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 37.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 24.1% |
The median home value in Willow Creek is $218,800, 22% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $540,645, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $856 (26% 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. 82.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 113 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $5,949 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 13.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $218,800 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $540,645 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $856 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.2% |
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 | 82.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.0% |
| Housing Units | 113 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,949 |
| 70% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.72% |
In Willow Creek, 25.3% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 26.3% have high blood pressure. 13.1% are current smokers. 22.7% report binge drinking. 16.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.5% experience frequent mental distress. 1.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,278. The dentist ratio is 1:1,435. 86.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Willow Creek vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 25.3% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.3% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.8% |
| Depression | 24.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 30.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.8% |
| Uninsured | 1.2% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,278 |
| Dentists | 1:1,435 |
| Mental Health | 1:210 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.4% |
| Dental Visits | 64.1% |
| Premature Death | 4,276/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 577 |
Willow Creek has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 15.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 51.8 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 4,192 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 42.7°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,192 ft (1,278 m) |
| Area | 2.7 sq mi (7.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 59/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.8097°N, 111.6489°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Gallatin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bozeman Yellowstone International (BZN) 24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
15.5"
59% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.84"
Air Quality
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 4.0 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.22 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 3.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 81.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 71.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
992 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 19, 2025.
| Jul 6, 2017 |
11 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M5.8 |
139 km |
| Jul 26, 2005 |
16 km N of Dillon, Montana |
M5.6 |
90 km |
| Aug 20, 1999 |
22 km NW of Lima, Montana |
M5.1 |
145 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
15 km S of Lincoln, Montana |
M5.0 |
136 km |
| Mar 30, 2014 |
22 km S of Mammoth, Wyoming |
M4.8 |
138 km |
| Apr 9, 2019 |
9 km NE of Lima, Montana |
M4.6 |
141 km |
| Apr 5, 2011 |
28 km NNE of Spencer, Idaho |
M4.4 |
138 km |
| May 8, 2007 |
8 km NNW of Alder, Montana |
M4.4 |
60 km |
| Feb 5, 2006 |
44 km NE of Spencer, Idaho |
M4.4 |
126 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
14 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.4 |
135 km |
| Jun 16, 2017 |
12 km E of Hebgen Lake Estates, Montana |
M4.4 |
124 km |
| Jun 13, 2016 |
45 km W of Hebgen Lake Estates, Montana |
M4.3 |
120 km |
| Jan 30, 2016 |
19 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.3 |
140 km |
| Oct 28, 1998 |
18 km S of Whitehall, Montana |
M4.3 |
39 km |
| Nov 24, 2000 |
24 km S of Mammoth, Wyoming |
M4.2 |
139 km |
| Aug 16, 2019 |
4 km NW of Manhattan, Montana |
M4.2 |
24 km |
| Aug 6, 2019 |
3 km NW of Manhattan, Montana |
M4.1 |
24 km |
| Jun 18, 2006 |
6 km S of Pony, Montana |
M4.1 |
30 km |
| Apr 8, 2000 |
8 km ENE of Townsend, Montana |
M4.1 |
62 km |
| Aug 30, 1997 |
25 km WNW of Hebgen Lake Estates, Montana |
M4.1 |
109 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
15 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 19, 1962 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1965 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1960 |
EF1 |
47 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
EF0 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1999 |
EF0 |
62 km |
0 |
| Sep 15, 1997 |
EF0 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF0 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF0 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1997 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1996 |
EF0 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1994 |
EF0 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1993 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1992 |
EF0 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1992 |
EF0 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 1960 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Yellowstone (172 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Yellowstone |
Caldera(s) |
2,805 m (9,203 ft) |
-1350 |
172 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TOSTON-MAUDLOW (80,383 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
TOSTON-MAUDLOW |
80,383 |
54 km |
| 2021 |
WOODS CREEK |
55,836 |
86 km |
| 1988 |
CANYON CREEK |
35,865 |
71 km |
| 2001 |
FRIDLEY |
27,575 |
74 km |
| 2000 |
CANYON FERRY COMPLEX (CAVE GULCH) |
26,997 |
99 km |
| 2021 |
HAYSTACK |
26,118 |
59 km |
| 2012 |
BEAR TRAP 2 |
14,875 |
22 km |
| 2000 |
CANYON FERRY COMPLEX (BUCKSNORT) |
14,843 |
86 km |
| 2006 |
BIG CREEK |
13,424 |
78 km |
| 2013 |
MINER PARADISE COMPLEX |
12,210 |
87 km |
| 2012 |
MILLIE |
10,497 |
63 km |
| 2000 |
BOULDER COMPLEX (HIGH ORE ROAD) |
9,625 |
67 km |
| 2015 |
EUSTIS |
8,469 |
29 km |
| 2020 |
BRIDGER FOOTHILLS |
8,291 |
57 km |
| 2015 |
COTTONWOOD GULCH |
8,100 |
28 km |
| 2012 |
PINE CREEK |
7,707 |
95 km |
| 2017 |
CHINN MA |
7,029 |
86 km |
| 2018 |
MONUMENT |
6,973 |
90 km |
| 2001 |
PURDY CREEK |
4,868 |
50 km |
| 2020 |
STATE CREEK |
4,549 |
53 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
50°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
58°F (15°C) |
2.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
1.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Willow Creek has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 21°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 15.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.8") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Willow Creek. 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 | $1,028 |
| Toddler | $1,083 |
| Preschool | $920 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $833 |
| Toddler | $856 |
| Preschool | $856 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Willow Creek
What is the population of Willow Creek?
Willow Creek has a population of 162 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 59 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 58.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.8% female and 56.2% male.
Is Willow Creek expensive to live in?
Willow Creek 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 $68,542, 9% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $218,800 (22% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $856 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Willow Creek?
Willow Creek has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 15.5 inches, with 51.8 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Willow Creek?
Willow Creek has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,273. There are 9,787 business establishments in the area, including 515 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 37 minutes, and 24.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Willow Creek?
The median home value in Willow Creek is $218,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $540,645. For renters, the median monthly rent is $856. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,949.
How are the schools in Willow Creek?
Schools in Willow Creek score 6.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.3% of adults in Willow Creek hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.7% have completed high school. 2.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Willow Creek?
The obesity rate in Willow Creek is 25.3% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 13.1% of adults are smokers. 16.8% are physically inactive. 24.1% of residents report depression. 1.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 86.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,278.
What is transportation like in Willow Creek?
The average commute in Willow Creek is 37 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 70.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 24.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Willow Creek?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Willow Creek is 96.3% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 16.0% of residents have a disability. 98.8% have health insurance coverage.