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Is Anaconda a Good Place to Live? Anaconda, Montana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Anaconda ranks #845 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #153 of 234 towns and #13 of 20 in Montana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($696/mo, #2 of 231), and trails on low household income ($57,527, #185 of 234) and a shrinking population (-0.6%, #116 of 151).
Anaconda by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Anaconda's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Anaconda: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Anaconda safe?
What is the cost of living in Anaconda?
Anaconda's cost of living index is 91.6, 8% below the US level of 100 and #265 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $696/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $231,700.
| Measure | Anaconda | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 91.6#265 of 1,308 | 94.6 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $231,700#334 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $696/mo#2 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 4x#577 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 14.5%#46 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Is Anaconda safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Anaconda alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Anaconda crime rate or rank it on safety. Montana as a whole records 419 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Anaconda?
The median household in Anaconda earns $57,527, 31% below the US figure of $83,163 and 24% below Montana ($75,340). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 16.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Anaconda | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $57,527#1094 of 1,312 | $75,340 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 3.3% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 16.3%#936 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.6%#988 of 1,132 | +0.6% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Anaconda?
The median resident of Anaconda is 49.9 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 24.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1013 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 73% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Anaconda | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 49.9 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 24.1%#1013 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 73% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Anaconda's schools and health?
Anaconda's 4 public schools graduate 82% of students in four years (Montana 85.8%), with 14.9 students per teacher and $15,733 spent per pupil. 32.5% of adults are obese and 13% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Anaconda | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 82%#809 of 1,063 | 85.8% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 14.9#445 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $15,733#501 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 32.5%#573 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 13%#950 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 17.4%#730 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 10.3%#691 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 1,026 students are enrolled in Anaconda's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Anaconda?
The average commute in Anaconda is 18.6 minutes (Montana 19.5); 0% of workers take transit and 8.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Anaconda scores 6.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #1257 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 62.6°F and winters 26.2°F, with 14.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Anaconda | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 18.6 min#231 of 1,312 | 19.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 4.5%#488 of 1,312 | 5% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 75.3% | 71.6% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.8% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 6.3% | 3.8% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.2% | 0.9% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 8.1% | 11.7% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 6.8#1257 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 36.6 | 15.9 | 0.6 |
| Feb | 39.3 | 16.4 | 1 |
| Mar | 47.5 | 22.9 | 1.2 |
| Apr | 54.7 | 28.4 | 1.5 |
| May | 64.1 | 36.4 | 2.1 |
| Jun | 72.5 | 43 | 2.2 |
| Jul | 82.7 | 48.7 | 1.3 |
| Aug | 81.5 | 47.3 | 1.2 |
| Sep | 72.2 | 39.7 | 1.2 |
| Oct | 57.1 | 30.5 | 1 |
| Nov | 43.4 | 21.3 | 1 |
| Dec | 34.4 | 14.7 | 0.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Anaconda.
| Measure | Anaconda | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 43.8°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 62.6°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 26.2°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 14.9 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Anaconda.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Anaconda?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Anaconda's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Deer Lodge County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 96% of US counties.
| Measure | Anaconda | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.08%#63 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Deer Lodge County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Deer Lodge County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.0083% | 83% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0081% | 76% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0012% | 39% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.052% | 13% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Anaconda compare with similar-size cities?
Anaconda is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #153 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 9,597.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anaconda, MTPop. 9,597 | #845 | 52.6 | $57,527 | $696/mo | no data | 18.6 min |
| Cody, WYPop. 10,276 | #398 | 60.1 | $72,570 | $1,051/mo | 124 | 9.5 min |
| Cross Lanes, WVPop. 9,671 | #1198 | 45.1 | $63,537 | $949/mo | no data | 25.8 min |
| Brewer, MEPop. 9,652 | #527 | 57.7 | $66,613 | $1,086/mo | 31 | 16.9 min |
| Tanaina, AKPop. 9,646 | #923 | 51.4 | $105,536 | $1,398/mo | no data | 37.9 min |
| Berlin, NHPop. 9,383 | #804 | 53.3 | $45,180 | $815/mo | 337 | 18.7 min |
| Wakefield-Peace Dale, RIPop. 9,302 | #282 | 62.5 | $106,551 | $1,258/mo | no data | 24 min |
| Bennington, VTPop. 9,245 | #603 | 56.7 | $54,257 | $1,115/mo | county/metro | 17.2 min |
| Gretna, NEPop. 9,193 | #173 | 65.3 | $123,992 | $1,540/mo | no data | 21.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Anaconda compare with the rest of Montana?
Anaconda ranks #13 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 52.6 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 24% below the Montana median.
| City | Rank in MT | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bozeman, MTPop. 56,114 | #1 | 64.2 | $85,747 | $1,717/mo | 397 |
| Belgrade, MTPop. 11,872 | #2 | 60.3 | $97,328 | $1,877/mo | 331 |
| Missoula, MTPop. 76,514 | #3 | 58.6 | $70,392 | $1,189/mo | 591 |
| Whitefish, MTPop. 8,749 | #4 | 58.0 | $73,811 | $1,354/mo | 176 |
| Helena, MTPop. 33,639 | #5 | 57.9 | $71,036 | $1,092/mo | 582 |
| Kalispell, MTPop. 28,504 | #6 | 56.6 | $63,415 | $1,078/mo | 409 |
| Butte, MTPop. 35,052 | #7 | 55.8 | $61,857 | $856/mo | no data |
| Miles City, MTPop. 8,407 | #8 | 54.8 | $67,727 | $926/mo | 356 |
| Helena Valley West Central, MTPop. 8,056 | #9 | 54.8 | $90,082 | $1,327/mo | no data |
| Sidney, MTPop. 6,171 | #10 | 54.6 | $62,538 | $931/mo | 655 |
| Billings, MTPop. 119,434 | #11 | 52.8 | $73,712 | $1,138/mo | 763 |
| Livingston, MTPop. 8,780 | #12 | 52.7 | $65,861 | $1,046/mo | 317 |
| Anaconda, MTPop. 9,597 | #13 | 52.6 | $57,527 | $696/mo | no data |
| Laurel, MTPop. 7,215 | #14 | 52.6 | $68,474 | $974/mo | 303 |
| Helena Valley Southeast, MTPop. 9,108 | #15 | 50.4 | $74,075 | $1,106/mo | no data |
| Evergreen, MTPop. 9,611 | #16 | 50.3 | $76,446 | $1,166/mo | no data |
| Great Falls, MTPop. 60,329 | #17 | 50.1 | $63,373 | $900/mo | 631 |
| Lockwood, MTPop. 7,181 | #18 | 48.7 | $75,700 | $1,138/mo | no data |
| Lewistown, MTPop. 6,087 | #19 | 48.0 | $48,750 | $1,007/mo | 639 |
| Havre, MTPop. 9,258 | #20 | 43.8 | $50,329 | $844/mo | 763 |
All 20 Montana cities we track, by overall score. Montana statewide: median income $75,340, violent crime 419.1 per 100,000.
How is Anaconda's score calculated?
Anaconda scores 52.6 out of 100, #845 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; safety and outdoor access are left out rather than filled with Montana's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Anaconda. Similar-size median 41.9.
45.1 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Anaconda. Similar-size median 56.5.
52.5 - EducationCity data · 15% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Anaconda's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
56.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Anaconda's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
84.4 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Anaconda. Similar-size median 50.8.
35.2 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Anaconda. Similar-size median 35.2.
35.2 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Anaconda. Similar-size median 48.3.
51.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Anaconda's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
30.5 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 59.2.
95.9 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Anaconda alone.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Anaconda's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Anaconda has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Anaconda
Is Anaconda, MT a good place to live?
Anaconda ranks #845 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #153 of 234 towns and #13 of 20 in Montana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($696/mo, #2 of 231), and trails on low household income ($57,527, #185 of 234) and a shrinking population (-0.6%, #116 of 151).
What is the cost of living in Anaconda?
Anaconda's cost of living index is 91.6, 8% below the US level of 100 and #265 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $696/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $231,700.
Is Anaconda safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Anaconda alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Anaconda crime rate or rank it on safety. Montana as a whole records 419 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Anaconda?
The median household in Anaconda earns $57,527, 31% below the US figure of $83,163 and 24% below Montana ($75,340). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 16.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Anaconda?
Median rent in Anaconda is $696/mo (Census), #2 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 14.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Anaconda?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in Anaconda is $231,700, #334 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in Anaconda?
Anaconda's 4 public schools graduate 82% of students in four years (Montana 85.8%), with 14.9 students per teacher and $15,733 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Anaconda?
The average commute is 18.6 minutes, #231 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.5 minutes across Montana. 4.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Anaconda?
Anaconda averages 43.8°F over the year, 62.6°F in summer and 26.2°F in winter, with 14.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Anaconda walkable?
Anaconda scores 6.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1257 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Anaconda at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Deer Lodge County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 96% of US counties.
Who lives in Anaconda?
Anaconda has 9,597 residents. The median resident of Anaconda is 49.9 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 24.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1013 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 73% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Anaconda compare with the rest of Montana?
Anaconda ranks #13 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 52.6 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 24% below the Montana median.
What cities are similar in size to Anaconda?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Anaconda's population of 9,597 are Cody, WY (#398 overall), Cross Lanes, WV (#1198 overall), Brewer, ME (#527 overall), Tanaina, AK (#923 overall), and Berlin, NH (#804 overall). Anaconda is #845.