MontanaPop. 11,872Towns
Is Belgrade a Good Place to Live? Belgrade, Montana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Belgrade ranks #389 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #63 of 234 towns and #2 of 20 in Montana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.4%, #14 of 151) and high household income ($97,328, #52 of 234), and trails on high rents ($1,877/mo, #214 of 231) and expensive homes ($535,200, #207 of 231).
Belgrade by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Belgrade's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Belgrade?
Belgrade's cost of living index is 102.5, 2% above the US level of 100 and #813 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,877/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $551,966, 17% above the typical Montana home ($471,746).
| Measure | Belgrade | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 102.5#813 of 1,308 | 94.6 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $551,966#891 of 1,187 | $471,746 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,256/mo#824 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $535,200#1013 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,877/mo#1022 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 5.5x#933 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 23.1%#789 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.
Belgrade housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Belgrade is in the Bozeman, MT metro.
Montana housing market →Is Belgrade safe?
Belgrade recorded 331 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 1% above the US rate of 328 and 21% below Montana's 419. That ranks #603 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #103 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Belgrade Police Department. Property crime runs 1,420 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Belgrade | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 331#603 of 1,085 | 419 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,420#431 of 1,085 | 1,449 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
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. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Belgrade?
The median household in Belgrade earns $97,328, 17% above the US figure of $83,163 and 29% above Montana ($75,340). 11.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Belgrade | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $97,328#378 of 1,312 | $75,340 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 11.2%#585 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +2.4%#71 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 Belgrade?
The median resident of Belgrade is 33.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 37.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #535 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Belgrade | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 33.3 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 37.5%#535 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 56.1% | 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 Belgrade's schools and health?
Belgrade's 4 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Montana 85.8%), with 15.1 students per teacher and $11,344 spent per pupil. 25.2% of adults are obese and 6.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Belgrade | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 87%#576 of 1,063 | 85.8% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 15.1#478 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $11,344#1032 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 25.2%#146 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 6.5%#37 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 18.8%#1010 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 10.4%#706 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. 2,843 students are enrolled in Belgrade's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Belgrade?
The average commute in Belgrade is 24.6 minutes (Montana 19.5); 0.2% of workers take transit and 10.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Belgrade scores 11.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #545 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 64°F and winters 22°F, with 13.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Belgrade | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 24.6 min#743 of 1,312 | 19.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 8.1%#931 of 1,312 | 5% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 80.2% | 71.6% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.8% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 0.2% | 3.8% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.9% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 10.8% | 11.7% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 11.4#545 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 | 32.2 | 10.2 | 0.4 |
| Feb | 35.6 | 12.7 | 0.4 |
| Mar | 46.4 | 21.6 | 0.9 |
| Apr | 55.3 | 29.1 | 1.7 |
| May | 65 | 37.6 | 2.1 |
| Jun | 73.8 | 44.1 | 2.5 |
| Jul | 85.4 | 49.4 | 1.1 |
| Aug | 84.1 | 47.4 | 0.9 |
| Sep | 73 | 39.5 | 1 |
| Oct | 57.5 | 29.3 | 1.1 |
| Nov | 41.7 | 18.2 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 31.7 | 9.7 | 0.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Bozeman Gallatin Fld Airport.
| Measure | Belgrade | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 43°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 64°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 22°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 13.4 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 Bozeman Gallatin Fld Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Belgrade?
Gallatin County's air had a median air quality index of 11, and 98% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Gallatin County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 65% of US counties.
| Measure | Belgrade | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 11#17 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.13%#480 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 Gallatin County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Gallatin County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.045% | 91% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0084% | 83% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0058% | 74% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.055% | 16% 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 Belgrade compare with similar-size cities?
Belgrade is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #63 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 11,872.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belgrade, MTPop. 11,872 | #389 | 60.3 | $97,328 | $1,877/mo | 331 | 24.6 min |
| Pike Creek Valley, DEPop. 12,431 | #361 | 60.8 | $102,434 | $1,751/mo | no data | 20.7 min |
| Beatrice, NEPop. 12,225 | #916 | 51.5 | $57,264 | $758/mo | 73 | 15.6 min |
| Somersworth, NHPop. 12,111 | #362 | 60.8 | $74,504 | $1,477/mo | 114 | 25.8 min |
| Portales, NMPop. 11,968 | #1249 | 42.5 | $50,555 | $903/mo | 419 | 12.3 min |
| College, AKPop. 11,924 | #823 | 52.9 | $83,895 | $1,454/mo | no data | 16 min |
| Vermillion, SDPop. 11,878 | #1081 | 48.4 | $50,456 | $764/mo | 185 | 16.9 min |
| Evanston, WYPop. 11,800 | #614 | 56.5 | $76,516 | $805/mo | 163 | 17.2 min |
| Orono, MEPop. 11,151 | #526 | 57.7 | $59,784 | $1,280/mo | part year | 15.2 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 Belgrade compare with the rest of Montana?
Belgrade ranks #2 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 60.3 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 29% above the Montana median. Violent crime is 21% below the statewide rate. Homes are 17% above the typical Montana home.
| 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 Belgrade's score calculated?
Belgrade scores 60.3 out of 100, #389 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is 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, some inputs missing · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Belgrade. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
54.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Belgrade's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
75.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Belgrade. Similar-size median 56.5.
72.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Belgrade's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
53.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Belgrade's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
50.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Belgrade. Similar-size median 50.8.
61.9 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Belgrade. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
62.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Belgrade. Similar-size median 48.3.
40.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Belgrade's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
54.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
82.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Belgrade'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 Belgrade 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 Belgrade
Is Belgrade, MT a good place to live?
Belgrade ranks #389 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #63 of 234 towns and #2 of 20 in Montana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.4%, #14 of 151) and high household income ($97,328, #52 of 234), and trails on high rents ($1,877/mo, #214 of 231) and expensive homes ($535,200, #207 of 231).
What is the cost of living in Belgrade?
Belgrade's cost of living index is 102.5, 2% above the US level of 100 and #813 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,877/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $551,966, 17% above the typical Montana home ($471,746).
What is the crime rate in Belgrade?
Belgrade recorded 331 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 1% above the US rate of 328 and 21% below Montana's 419. That ranks #603 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #103 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Belgrade Police Department. Property crime runs 1,420 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Belgrade?
The median household in Belgrade earns $97,328, 17% above the US figure of $83,163 and 29% above Montana ($75,340). 11.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Belgrade?
Median rent in Belgrade is $1,877/mo (Census), #1022 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,256/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Belgrade?
The typical home value in Belgrade is $551,966, down 0.6% in a year, against $471,746 for Montana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $535,200.
How are the public schools in Belgrade?
Belgrade's 4 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Montana 85.8%), with 15.1 students per teacher and $11,344 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Belgrade?
The average commute is 24.6 minutes, #743 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.5 minutes across Montana. 8.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Belgrade?
Belgrade averages 43°F over the year, 64°F in summer and 22°F in winter, with 13.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Belgrade walkable?
Belgrade scores 11.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #545 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 Belgrade at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Gallatin County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 65% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Belgrade?
Gallatin County's air had a median air quality index of 11, and 98% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Belgrade?
Belgrade has 11,872 residents. The median resident of Belgrade is 33.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 37.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #535 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Belgrade compare with the rest of Montana?
Belgrade ranks #2 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 60.3 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 29% above the Montana median. Violent crime is 21% below the statewide rate. Homes are 17% above the typical Montana home.
What cities are similar in size to Belgrade?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Belgrade's population of 11,872 are Pike Creek Valley, DE (#361 overall), Beatrice, NE (#916 overall), Somersworth, NH (#362 overall), Portales, NM (#1249 overall), and College, AK (#823 overall). Belgrade is #389.