Median Income
$54,375
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$421,400
49% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
454/100K
19% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.3%
22% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.3%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Wise River Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population24
Median Age59.0 yrs
Density32/mi²
Male / Female33% / 67%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans19.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$54,375
Per Capita$36,125
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,216M
Housing
C
Home Value$421,400
Ownership84.6%
Zillow$607,823
Housing Units36
Rent Burden28.5%
Crime
F
Violent454/100K
Property3,761/100K
Health
Obesity33.3%
Depression26.4%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp38°F (3°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain12.9 in/yr
Sunny Days311/yr
Elevation5,654 ft (1,723 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.3%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.15
Community
2024 VoteR 45% / D 52%
Broadband13.0%
Libraries2
Is Wise River a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wise River receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, below-average incomes. Wise River has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wise River is $54,375, 28% 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%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wise River is $421,400, 49% above the national median. With a home price-to-income ratio of 7.7x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 454 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,761 per 100,000, 92% above the national average.
Education
26.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Wise River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F. Winters average 20°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 12.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Wise River has a population of 24 with a density of 32 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 59.0 years, 52% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 66.7% female and 33.3% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 19.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 4.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
59.0yrs
Median Age
52% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Wise River 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
Wise River vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Wise River is $54,375, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,125. The average weekly wage is $1,061, 26% 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 1,484 business establishments, including 131 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 8.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Wise River vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,375 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,125 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,061 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,911 |
| Gini Index | 0.496 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,484 |
| County GDP | $2,216M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 131 |
| Healthcare | 193 |
| Retail | 148 |
| Manufacturing | 41 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,998 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.95% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 50.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.3% |
The median home value in Wise River is $421,400, 49% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $607,823, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 36 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. The average annual property tax is $3,998. 28.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.7x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $421,400 |
| 49% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $607,823 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
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 | 84.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.4% |
| Housing Units | 36 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,998 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.95% |
In Wise River, 33.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 21.8% report binge drinking. 22.0% are physically inactive. 26.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.1% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,265. The dentist ratio is 1:1,093. 83.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wise River vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.3% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 21.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.0% |
| Depression | 26.4% |
| Mental Distress | 20.1% |
| Physical Distress | 14.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,265 |
| Dentists | 1:1,093 |
| Mental Health | 1:168 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.1% |
| Premature Death | 10,493/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 83.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 193 |
Wise River has a violent crime rate of 454 per 100,000 residents, 19% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,761 per 100,000, 92% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wise River receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wise River vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 454.0/100K |
| 19% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,761.4/100K |
| 92% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 12 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wise River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (3°C). Winters average 20°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 12.9 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 5,654 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
58°F Jul (15°C)
| Annual Average | 37.7°F |
| 30% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 58°F (15°C) |
| Sunny Days | 311 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,654 ft (1,723 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 32/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.7944°N, 112.9438°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Silver Bow County County |
| Nearest Airport | Helena Regional (HLN)
73 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.9"
66% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.20"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 38.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 62.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
621 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 15, 2025.
| Jul 6, 2017 |
11 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M5.8 |
124 km |
| Jul 26, 2005 |
16 km N of Dillon, Montana |
M5.6 |
54 km |
| Aug 20, 1999 |
22 km NW of Lima, Montana |
M5.1 |
113 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
15 km S of Lincoln, Montana |
M5.0 |
115 km |
| Apr 9, 2019 |
9 km NE of Lima, Montana |
M4.6 |
127 km |
| May 8, 2007 |
8 km NNW of Alder, Montana |
M4.4 |
77 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
14 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.4 |
122 km |
| Feb 5, 2006 |
44 km NE of Spencer, Idaho |
M4.4 |
149 km |
| Apr 5, 2011 |
28 km NNE of Spencer, Idaho |
M4.4 |
148 km |
| Jan 30, 2016 |
19 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.3 |
134 km |
| Oct 28, 1998 |
18 km S of Whitehall, Montana |
M4.3 |
64 km |
| Aug 16, 2019 |
4 km NW of Manhattan, Montana |
M4.2 |
123 km |
| Jul 14, 2023 |
3 km S of Lima, Montana |
M4.2 |
135 km |
| Apr 8, 2000 |
8 km ENE of Townsend, Montana |
M4.1 |
133 km |
| Jun 18, 2006 |
6 km S of Pony, Montana |
M4.1 |
84 km |
| Aug 6, 2019 |
3 km NW of Manhattan, Montana |
M4.1 |
123 km |
| Oct 7, 2024 |
11 km E of Dillon, Montana |
M4.1 |
73 km |
| Sep 3, 2016 |
16 km S of Whitehall, Montana |
M4.0 |
64 km |
| Feb 17, 1992 |
24 km NE of Lima, Montana |
M4.0 |
123 km |
| Mar 10, 1996 |
17 km NNW of Lima, Montana |
M4.0 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
18 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 14, 1962 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1962 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1988 |
EF1 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1982 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1976 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1965 |
EF1 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1956 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 2018 |
EF0 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2016 |
EF0 |
68 km |
0 |
| Sep 15, 1997 |
EF0 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1997 |
EF0 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1992 |
EF0 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1991 |
EF0 |
39 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1988 |
EF0 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1971 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1962 |
EF0 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1962 |
EF0 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1959 |
EF0 |
47 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: VALLEY COMPLEX (BEAR) (118,045 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
VALLEY COMPLEX (BEAR) |
118,045 |
91 km |
| 2017 |
MEYERS |
68,711 |
52 km |
| 2007 |
SAWMILL COMPLEX (WYMAN 2) |
68,236 |
95 km |
| 2000 |
MUSSIGBROD COMPLEX (MUSSIGBROD) |
64,810 |
53 km |
| 2000 |
SULA COMPLEX (MAYNARD) |
62,967 |
79 km |
| 2021 |
TRAIL CREEK |
62,432 |
67 km |
| 2021 |
ALDER CREEK |
38,189 |
16 km |
| 2017 |
LITTLE HOGBACK |
34,646 |
87 km |
| 2007 |
ROMBO MOUNTAIN |
28,215 |
93 km |
| 2021 |
HAYSTACK |
26,118 |
68 km |
| 2007 |
RAT CREEK |
25,929 |
63 km |
| 2000 |
TAYLOR SPRINGS FIRES |
22,598 |
93 km |
| 2000 |
VALLEY COMPLEX (COYOTE) |
20,601 |
77 km |
| 2022 |
TRAIL RIDGE |
19,532 |
68 km |
| 2006 |
CLARKS CANYON |
14,848 |
84 km |
| 2007 |
PATTENGAIL CREEK |
13,471 |
22 km |
| 2011 |
FORTY ONE COMPLEX |
12,679 |
86 km |
| 2005 |
SIGNAL ROCK |
12,653 |
74 km |
| 2000 |
MIDDLE FORK COMPLEX (COUGAR CREEK) |
11,655 |
69 km |
| 2018 |
GOLDSTONE |
9,812 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
33°F (1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| May |
41°F (5°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| June |
49°F (10°C) |
2.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
58°F (15°C) |
1.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
55°F (13°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| September |
47°F (8°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
38°F (3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
Wise River has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 19°F in December to 58°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 13.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.2") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Wise River. 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 | $973 |
| Preschool | $836 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $753 |
| Toddler | $768 |
| Preschool | $768 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wise River
What is the population of Wise River?
Wise River has a population of 24 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 32 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 59.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 66.7% female and 33.3% male.
Is Wise River expensive to live in?
Wise River 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 $54,375, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $421,400 (49% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 7.7x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Wise River safe?
The violent crime rate in Wise River is 454 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,761 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Wise River receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wise River?
Wise River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (3°C). Winter temperatures average 20°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 12.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Wise River?
The job market in Wise River is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,061. There are 1,484 business establishments in the area, including 131 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Wise River?
The median home value in Wise River is $421,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $607,823. The homeownership rate is 84.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,998.
How are the schools in Wise River?
Schools in Wise River score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.3% of adults in Wise River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wise River?
The obesity rate in Wise River is 33.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.0% are physically inactive. 26.4% of residents report depression. 83.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,265.
What are the demographics of Wise River?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wise River is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 19.0% of the population are military veterans. 4.2% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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