MontanaPop. 9,258Towns
Is Havre a Good Place to Live? Havre, Montana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Havre ranks #1228 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #219 of 234 towns and #20 of 20 in Montana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (10.5 min, #5 of 234) and low rents ($844/mo, #34 of 231), and trails on high violent crime (763 per 100,000, #139 of 146) and low household income ($50,329, #215 of 234).
Havre by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Havre'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 Havre?
Havre'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 $844/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $233,821, 50% below the typical Montana home ($471,746).
| Measure | Havre | 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 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $233,821#209 of 1,187 | $471,746 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $211,700#266 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $844/mo#46 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 4.2x#631 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 20.1%#458 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.
Havre 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.
Montana housing market →Is Havre safe?
Havre recorded 763 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.3 times the US rate of 328 and 82% above Montana's 419. That ranks #993 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #139 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Havre Police Department. Property crime runs 2,965 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Havre | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 763#993 of 1,085 | 419 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 2,965#948 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 Havre?
The median household in Havre earns $50,329, 39% below the US figure of $83,163 and 33% below Montana ($75,340). 18.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Havre | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $50,329#1225 of 1,312 | $75,340 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 18.2%#1041 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +0.3%#489 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 Havre?
The median resident of Havre is 32.1 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 27.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #897 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 67.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Havre | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 32.1 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 27.3%#897 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 67.5% | 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 Havre's schools and health?
Havre's 5 public schools graduate 82% of students in four years (Montana 85.8%), with 16.5 students per teacher and $12,325 spent per pupil. 36.7% of adults are obese and 10.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Havre | 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 | 16.5#685 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $12,325#899 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 36.7%#923 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 10.8%#578 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 20.1%#1183 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 10.7%#741 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. 1,785 students are enrolled in Havre's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Havre?
The average commute in Havre is 10.5 minutes (Montana 19.5); 0.2% of workers take transit and 3.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Havre scores 9.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #812 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 66.8°F and winters 20°F, with 11.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Havre | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 10.5 min#5 of 1,312 | 19.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 0.4%#6 of 1,312 | 5% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 75.2% | 71.6% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.8% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 8.8% | 3.8% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.9% | 0.9% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 3.1% | 11.7% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.1#812 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 | 28.3 | 7.2 | 0.4 |
| Feb | 32.5 | 10.1 | 0.4 |
| Mar | 44 | 20.1 | 0.5 |
| Apr | 57.3 | 30.6 | 1 |
| May | 67.5 | 40.2 | 1.9 |
| Jun | 75.7 | 48.5 | 2.5 |
| Jul | 85.8 | 53.9 | 1.5 |
| Aug | 84.6 | 52.2 | 0.9 |
| Sep | 73 | 42.5 | 1.1 |
| Oct | 57.5 | 30.7 | 0.8 |
| Nov | 42.1 | 19.7 | 0.5 |
| Dec | 31.7 | 10.5 | 0.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Havre Airport Asos.
| Measure | Havre | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 43.6°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 66.8°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 20°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 11.8 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 Havre Airport Asos.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Havre?
Hill County's air had a median air quality index of 14, and 92% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hill County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 86% of US counties.
| Measure | Havre | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 14#22 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.1%#211 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 Hill County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Hill County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Winter weather | 0.0022% | 94% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0013% | 61% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.083% | 52% 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 Havre compare with similar-size cities?
Havre is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #219 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 9,258.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Havre, MTPop. 9,258 | #1228 | 43.8 | $50,329 | $844/mo | 763 | 10.5 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 |
| Bridgeport, WVPop. 9,252 | #269 | 62.8 | $100,022 | $1,105/mo | 74 | 18.9 min |
| Bennington, VTPop. 9,245 | #603 | 56.7 | $54,257 | $1,115/mo | county/metro | 17.2 min |
| Old Orchard Beach, MEPop. 9,244 | #295 | 62.2 | $60,050 | $1,246/mo | 157 | 22 min |
| Gretna, NEPop. 9,193 | #173 | 65.3 | $123,992 | $1,540/mo | no data | 21.1 min |
| Claymont, DEPop. 8,786 | #805 | 53.3 | $74,712 | $1,306/mo | no data | 26.2 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 Havre compare with the rest of Montana?
Havre ranks #20 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 43.8 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 33% below the Montana median. Violent crime is 82% above the statewide rate. Homes are 50% below 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 Havre's score calculated?
Havre scores 43.8 out of 100, #1228 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Havre. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
13.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Havre's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
37.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Havre. Similar-size median 56.5.
45.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Havre's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
47.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Havre's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
83.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Havre. Similar-size median 50.8.
28.5 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Havre. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
32.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Havre. Similar-size median 48.3.
55.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Havre's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
42.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
93.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Havre'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 Havre 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 Havre
Is Havre, MT a good place to live?
Havre ranks #1228 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #219 of 234 towns and #20 of 20 in Montana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (10.5 min, #5 of 234) and low rents ($844/mo, #34 of 231), and trails on high violent crime (763 per 100,000, #139 of 146) and low household income ($50,329, #215 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Havre?
Havre'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 $844/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $233,821, 50% below the typical Montana home ($471,746).
What is the crime rate in Havre?
Havre recorded 763 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.3 times the US rate of 328 and 82% above Montana's 419. That ranks #993 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #139 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Havre Police Department. Property crime runs 2,965 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Havre?
The median household in Havre earns $50,329, 39% below the US figure of $83,163 and 33% below Montana ($75,340). 18.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Havre?
Median rent in Havre is $844/mo (Census), #46 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 20.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Havre?
The typical home value in Havre is $233,821, up 6% in a year, against $471,746 for Montana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $211,700.
How are the public schools in Havre?
Havre's 5 public schools graduate 82% of students in four years (Montana 85.8%), with 16.5 students per teacher and $12,325 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Havre?
The average commute is 10.5 minutes, #5 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.5 minutes across Montana. 0.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Havre?
Havre averages 43.6°F over the year, 66.8°F in summer and 20°F in winter, with 11.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Havre walkable?
Havre scores 9.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #812 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 Havre at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hill County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 86% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Havre?
Hill County's air had a median air quality index of 14, and 92% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Havre?
Havre has 9,258 residents. The median resident of Havre is 32.1 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 27.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #897 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 67.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Havre compare with the rest of Montana?
Havre ranks #20 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 43.8 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 33% below the Montana median. Violent crime is 82% above the statewide rate. Homes are 50% below the typical Montana home.
What cities are similar in size to Havre?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Havre's population of 9,258 are Tanaina, AK (#923 overall), Berlin, NH (#804 overall), Wakefield-Peace Dale, RI (#282 overall), Bridgeport, WV (#269 overall), and Bennington, VT (#603 overall). Havre is #1228.