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Is Bozeman a Good Place to Live? Bozeman, Montana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Bozeman ranks #211 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #102 of 524 smaller cities and #1 of 20 in Montana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.4%, #6 of 476) and short commutes (15.5 min, #7 of 524), and trails on expensive homes ($687,900, #438 of 524).
Bozeman by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Bozeman'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 Bozeman?
Bozeman'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 $1,717/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $725,769, 54% above the typical Montana home ($471,746).
| Measure | Bozeman | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 102.5#813 of 1,308 | 94.6 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $725,769#1023 of 1,187 | $471,746 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,149/mo#783 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $687,900#1142 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,717/mo#893 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 8x#1216 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 24%#900 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Bozeman 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. Bozeman is in the Bozeman, MT metro.
Montana housing market →Is Bozeman safe?
Bozeman recorded 397 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 21% above the US rate of 328 and 5% below Montana's 419. That ranks #711 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #316 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bozeman Police Department. Property crime runs 1,622 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Bozeman | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 397#711 of 1,085 | 419 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,622#531 of 1,085 | 1,449 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Bozeman?
The median household in Bozeman earns $85,747, 3% above the US figure of $83,163 and 14% above Montana ($75,340). Unemployment is 2.4% (US 4.3%). 13.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Bozeman | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $85,747#526 of 1,312 | $75,340 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 2.4%#19 of 1,058 | 3.3% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 13.7%#777 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.2%#198 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Bozeman?
The median resident of Bozeman is 28.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 65.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #84 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 44.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Bozeman | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 28.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 65.1%#84 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 44.7% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Bozeman's schools and health?
Bozeman's 12 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Montana 85.8%), with 16.9 students per teacher and $11,937 spent per pupil. 22% of adults are obese and 5.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Bozeman | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 87%#576 of 1,063 | 85.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 16.9#722 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $11,937#969 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 22%#41 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 5.2%#9 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.9%#1033 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 8.9%#500 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 7,391 students are enrolled in Bozeman's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Bozeman?
The average commute in Bozeman is 15.5 minutes (Montana 19.5); 0.7% of workers take transit and 16.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Bozeman scores 15.3 of 20 (most walkable), #24 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 64°F and winters 22°F, with 13.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Bozeman | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 15.5 min#75 of 1,312 | 19.5 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.4%#276 of 1,312 | 5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 63.2% | 71.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.7% | 0.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 8.5% | 3.8% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 3.3% | 0.9% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 16.1% | 11.7% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 15.3#24 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | Bozeman | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 43°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 64°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 22°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 13.4 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Bozeman?
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 | Bozeman | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 11#17 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.13%#480 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Bozeman compare with similar-size cities?
Bozeman is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #102 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 56,114.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bozeman, MTPop. 56,114 | #211 | 64.2 | $85,747 | $1,717/mo | 397 | 15.5 min |
| New Brunswick, NJPop. 56,345 | #914 | 51.5 | $65,810 | $1,814/mo | 504 | 23.3 min |
| Kingsport, TNPop. 56,262 | #927 | 51.3 | $52,490 | $907/mo | 572 | 19.1 min |
| Fountain Valley, CAPop. 56,258 | #450 | 59.0 | $115,237 | $2,631/mo | 176 | 26 min |
| Southaven, MSPop. 56,226 | #640 | 56.0 | $78,483 | $1,445/mo | 266 | 24 min |
| DeSoto, TXPop. 56,211 | #884 | 52.0 | $82,782 | $1,666/mo | 283 | 30.8 min |
| Tigard, ORPop. 56,011 | #353 | 60.9 | $108,823 | $1,782/mo | 256 | 22.9 min |
| Olympia, WAPop. 55,951 | #497 | 58.1 | $81,302 | $1,599/mo | 475 | 20 min |
| Bonita Springs, FLPop. 55,904 | #780 | 53.6 | $95,210 | $1,882/mo | no data | 24.2 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 Bozeman compare with the rest of Montana?
Bozeman ranks #1 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 64.2 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 14% above the Montana median. Violent crime is 5% below the statewide rate. Homes are 54% 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 Bozeman's score calculated?
Bozeman scores 64.2 out of 100, #211 of 1,312 (grade A, 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 · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Bozeman. Similar-size median 55.5.
66.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Bozeman's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
69.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Bozeman. Similar-size median 58.9.
79.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Bozeman's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
50.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Bozeman's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
46.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Bozeman. Similar-size median 56.1.
52.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Bozeman. Similar-size median 42.4.
58.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Bozeman. Similar-size median 50.0.
69.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Bozeman's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
75.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
82.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Bozeman's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Bozeman 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 Bozeman
Is Bozeman, MT a good place to live?
Bozeman ranks #211 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #102 of 524 smaller cities and #1 of 20 in Montana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.4%, #6 of 476) and short commutes (15.5 min, #7 of 524), and trails on expensive homes ($687,900, #438 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Bozeman?
Bozeman'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 $1,717/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $725,769, 54% above the typical Montana home ($471,746).
What is the crime rate in Bozeman?
Bozeman recorded 397 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 21% above the US rate of 328 and 5% below Montana's 419. That ranks #711 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #316 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bozeman Police Department. Property crime runs 1,622 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Bozeman?
The median household in Bozeman earns $85,747, 3% above the US figure of $83,163 and 14% above Montana ($75,340). Unemployment is 2.4% (US 4.3%). 13.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Bozeman?
Median rent in Bozeman is $1,717/mo (Census), #893 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,149/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Bozeman?
The typical home value in Bozeman is $725,769, up 0.4% in a year, against $471,746 for Montana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $687,900.
How are the public schools in Bozeman?
Bozeman's 12 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Montana 85.8%), with 16.9 students per teacher and $11,937 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Bozeman?
The average commute is 15.5 minutes, #75 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.5 minutes across Montana. 3.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Bozeman?
Bozeman 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 Bozeman walkable?
Bozeman scores 15.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (most walkable), #24 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 Bozeman 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 Bozeman?
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 Bozeman?
Bozeman has 56,114 residents. The median resident of Bozeman is 28.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 65.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #84 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 44.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Bozeman compare with the rest of Montana?
Bozeman ranks #1 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 64.2 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 14% above the Montana median. Violent crime is 5% below the statewide rate. Homes are 54% above the typical Montana home.
What cities are similar in size to Bozeman?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Bozeman's population of 56,114 are New Brunswick, NJ (#914 overall), Kingsport, TN (#927 overall), Fountain Valley, CA (#450 overall), Southaven, MS (#640 overall), and DeSoto, TX (#884 overall). Bozeman is #211.