Median Income
$58,370
22% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
236/100K
38% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.7%
56% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$625
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
26.5%
17% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Wisdom Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population117
Median Age65.3 yrs
Density116/mi²
Male / Female68% / 32%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans8.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$58,370
Per Capita$41,927
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$431M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Rent$625
Ownership84.3%
Zillow$376,060
Housing Units110
Rent Burden30.8%
Crime
F
Violent236/100K
Property826/100K
Health
Obesity26.5%
Uninsured9.2%
Smoking13.9%
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp35°F (2°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain12.3 in/yr
Sunny Days311/yr
Elevation6,069 ft (1,850 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.7%
High School+99.0%
Graduate+1.1%
School Score5.03
Community
2024 VoteR 48% / D 49%
Commute26 min
Broadband70.0%
Libraries1
Is Wisdom a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wisdom receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Wisdom offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wisdom is $58,370, 22% below the national average of $75,149. 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%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $625 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Wisdom is below the national average at 236 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 826 per 100,000, 58% below the national average.
Education
14.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 99.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Wisdom has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 35°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July. With 311 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 12.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Wisdom has a population of 117 with a density of 116 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 65.3 years, 68% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 31.6% female and 68.4% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.1% of residents. 8.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.0% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
65.3yrs
Median Age
68% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.1%
22% above US avg
Spanish
3.9%
71% below US avg
The median household income in Wisdom is $58,370, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,927. The average weekly wage is $1,024, 28% 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 350 business establishments, including 40 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 12.9% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,370 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,927 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,024 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,122 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 350 |
| County GDP | $431M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 40 |
| Healthcare | 85 |
| Retail | 27 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,435 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 45.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.9% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $376,060. Monthly rent averages $625 (46% 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. 84.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 110 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. The average annual property tax is $3,435. 30.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $625 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.8% |
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 | 84.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.7% |
| Housing Units | 110 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,435 |
| 2% below US avg |
In Wisdom, 26.5% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 27.8% have high blood pressure. 13.9% are current smokers. 19.4% report binge drinking. 18.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 9.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,186. The dentist ratio is 1:1,189. 90.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wisdom vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 26.5% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.8% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.5% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 28.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.3% |
| Uninsured | 9.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,186 |
| Dentists | 1:1,189 |
| Mental Health | 1:170 |
| Checkup Rate | 63.7% |
| Dental Visits | 59.1% |
| Premature Death | 11,358/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 85 |
Wisdom has a violent crime rate of 236 per 100,000 residents, 38% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 826 per 100,000, 58% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wisdom receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wisdom vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 235.9/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 825.7/100K |
| 58% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wisdom has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 35°F (2°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July. The area gets 311 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 12.3 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 6,069 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
58°F Jul (14°C)
| Annual Average | 35.2°F |
| 35% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 58°F (14°C) |
| Sunny Days | 311 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 6,069 ft (1,850 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 116/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.6100°N, 113.4457°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Deer Lodge County County |
| Nearest Airport | Missoula Montana (MSO) 95 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.3"
68% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
1.85"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 17.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 53.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 34.9 / 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 |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
624 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 15, 2025.
| Jul 26, 2005 |
16 km N of Dillon, Montana |
M5.6 |
70 km |
| Aug 20, 1999 |
22 km NW of Lima, Montana |
M5.1 |
105 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
15 km S of Lincoln, Montana |
M5.0 |
147 km |
| Jan 3, 2015 |
9 km E of Challis, Idaho |
M5.0 |
133 km |
| Apr 13, 2014 |
15 km NNW of Challis, Idaho |
M4.8 |
130 km |
| Jun 7, 1994 |
18 km E of Challis, Idaho |
M4.8 |
132 km |
| Apr 9, 2019 |
9 km NE of Lima, Montana |
M4.6 |
125 km |
| May 4, 1992 |
20 km E of Challis, Idaho |
M4.6 |
129 km |
| May 6, 1992 |
17 km E of Challis, Idaho |
M4.4 |
133 km |
| Apr 14, 2014 |
13 km NW of Challis, Idaho |
M4.4 |
132 km |
| Dec 28, 1991 |
southern Idaho |
M4.4 |
128 km |
| May 8, 2007 |
8 km NNW of Alder, Montana |
M4.4 |
105 km |
| Mar 22, 1992 |
11 km NE of Challis, Idaho |
M4.3 |
126 km |
| Oct 28, 1998 |
18 km S of Whitehall, Montana |
M4.3 |
103 km |
| Aug 13, 1998 |
3 km ESE of Challis, Idaho |
M4.2 |
137 km |
| Jul 14, 2023 |
3 km S of Lima, Montana |
M4.2 |
130 km |
| Jun 7, 1994 |
21 km E of Challis, Idaho |
M4.1 |
126 km |
| Jun 18, 2006 |
6 km S of Pony, Montana |
M4.1 |
120 km |
| Oct 7, 2024 |
11 km E of Dillon, Montana |
M4.1 |
86 km |
| Sep 3, 2016 |
16 km S of Whitehall, Montana |
M4.0 |
103 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
19 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 injury.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 23, 1975 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1962 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1962 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1988 |
EF1 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1987 |
EF1 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 1984 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1976 |
EF1 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1965 |
EF1 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1956 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 2018 |
EF0 |
1 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2016 |
EF0 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 15, 1997 |
EF0 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1997 |
EF0 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1991 |
EF0 |
23 km |
0 |
| Oct 16, 1988 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1988 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1962 |
EF0 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1962 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1959 |
EF0 |
45 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MUSTANG COMPLEX (377,632 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
MUSTANG COMPLEX |
377,632 |
84 km |
| 2000 |
CLEAR CREEK DIVIDE COMPLEX (CLEAR CREEK) |
170,322 |
84 km |
| 2022 |
MOOSE |
142,221 |
65 km |
| 2000 |
VALLEY COMPLEX (BEAR) |
118,045 |
66 km |
| 2017 |
MEYERS |
68,711 |
43 km |
| 2007 |
SAWMILL COMPLEX (WYMAN 2) |
68,236 |
99 km |
| 2000 |
MUSSIGBROD COMPLEX (MUSSIGBROD) |
64,810 |
35 km |
| 2000 |
SULA COMPLEX (MAYNARD) |
62,967 |
46 km |
| 2021 |
TRAIL CREEK |
62,432 |
25 km |
| 2013 |
GOLD PAN COMPLEX |
43,216 |
93 km |
| 1996 |
SWET-WARRIOR COMPLEX (SWET CREEK) |
39,495 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
ALDER CREEK |
38,189 |
31 km |
| 2017 |
LITTLE HOGBACK |
34,646 |
92 km |
| 2011 |
SADDLE COMPLEX |
30,877 |
78 km |
| 1985 |
BUTTE |
28,559 |
84 km |
| 2007 |
ROMBO MOUNTAIN |
28,215 |
57 km |
| 2007 |
RAT CREEK |
25,929 |
26 km |
| 2007 |
BITTERROOT FIRE USE COMPLEX (MAGRUDER MTN 1) |
25,031 |
96 km |
| 2000 |
TAYLOR SPRINGS FIRES |
22,598 |
54 km |
| 2011 |
SALT |
22,314 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
35°F (2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| May |
44°F (7°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| June |
51°F (11°C) |
1.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
58°F (14°C) |
1.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
57°F (14°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| September |
49°F (9°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
39°F (4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Wisdom has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 15°F in January to 58°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 11.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (1.9") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Wisdom. 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 | $900 |
| Toddler | $932 |
| Preschool | $804 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $727 |
| Toddler | $739 |
| Preschool | $739 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom
What is the population of Wisdom?
Wisdom has a population of 117 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 116 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 65.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 31.6% female and 68.4% male.
Is Wisdom expensive to live in?
Wisdom 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 $58,370, 22% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $625 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Wisdom safe?
Wisdom is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 236 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 826 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Wisdom receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wisdom?
Wisdom has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 35°F (2°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 58°F in July. The area receives 311 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 12.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Wisdom?
The job market in Wisdom is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,024. There are 350 business establishments in the area, including 40 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 12.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wisdom?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $625. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,435.
How are the schools in Wisdom?
Schools in Wisdom score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.7% of adults in Wisdom hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 99.0% have completed high school. 1.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wisdom?
The obesity rate in Wisdom is 26.5% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 13.9% of adults are smokers. 18.5% are physically inactive. 23.1% of residents report depression. 9.2% lack health insurance. 90.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,186.
What is transportation like in Wisdom?
The average commute in Wisdom is 26 minutes. 45.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wisdom?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wisdom is 100% White. 96.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.9% speak Spanish. 8.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.0% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.