MontanaPop. 8,780Towns
Is Livingston a Good Place to Live? Livingston, Montana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Livingston ranks #838 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #151 of 234 towns and #12 of 20 in Montana. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on expensive homes ($392,400, #181 of 231) and long commutes (25.5 min, #179 of 234).
Livingston by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Livingston'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 Livingston?
Livingston'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 $1,046/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $535,479, 14% above the typical Montana home ($471,746).
| Measure | Livingston | 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 | $535,479#875 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 | $1,448/mo#297 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $392,400#772 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,046/mo#260 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 6x#1040 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 19.1%#344 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.
Livingston 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 Livingston safe?
Livingston recorded 317 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3% below the US rate of 328 and 24% below Montana's 419. That ranks #583 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #99 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Livingston Police Department. Property crime runs 1,397 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Livingston | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 317#583 of 1,085 | 419 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,397#419 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 Livingston?
The median household in Livingston earns $65,861, 21% below the US figure of $83,163 and 13% below Montana ($75,340). 13.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Livingston | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $65,861#908 of 1,312 | $75,340 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 13.7%#777 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +0.6%#343 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 Livingston?
The median resident of Livingston is 43.8 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 38.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #505 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Livingston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 43.8 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 38.6%#505 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 59.9% | 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 Livingston's schools and health?
Livingston's 4 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Montana 85.8%), with 15.7 students per teacher and $14,718 spent per pupil. 30.9% of adults are obese and 9.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Livingston | 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 | 15.7#584 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $14,718#619 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 30.9%#449 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 9.7%#339 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 17.1%#657 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 8.6%#465 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. 1,255 students are enrolled in Livingston's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Livingston?
The average commute in Livingston is 25.5 minutes (Montana 19.5); 1% of workers take transit and 14.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Livingston scores 12.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #428 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 64.6°F and winters 28.2°F, with 14.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Livingston | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 25.5 min#814 of 1,312 | 19.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 8.3%#942 of 1,312 | 5% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 68.4% | 71.6% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1% | 0.8% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 3.2% | 3.8% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 1.9% | 0.9% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 14.1% | 11.7% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 12.4#428 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 | 37.4 | 18.8 | 0.4 |
| Feb | 38.9 | 18.9 | 0.5 |
| Mar | 47.8 | 24.3 | 0.8 |
| Apr | 54.4 | 30 | 1.7 |
| May | 64.4 | 37.6 | 2.7 |
| Jun | 73.8 | 44.8 | 2.4 |
| Jul | 85.7 | 50.2 | 1.3 |
| Aug | 84.8 | 48.1 | 1.1 |
| Sep | 73.5 | 41.2 | 1.2 |
| Oct | 58.2 | 32.7 | 1.4 |
| Nov | 44.9 | 25.3 | 0.6 |
| Dec | 36.4 | 18.8 | 0.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Livingston Airport.
| Measure | Livingston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 45.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 64.6°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 28.2°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 14.6 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 Livingston Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Livingston?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Livingston's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Park County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
| Measure | Livingston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.24%#1024 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 Park County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Park County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.045% | 95% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.15% | 90% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.018% | 85% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0035% | 62% 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 Livingston compare with similar-size cities?
Livingston is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #151 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 8,780.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Livingston, MTPop. 8,780 | #838 | 52.7 | $65,861 | $1,046/mo | 317 | 25.5 min |
| Bath, MEPop. 8,815 | #199 | 64.5 | $69,390 | $1,044/mo | 57 | 24 min |
| Franklin, NHPop. 8,799 | #532 | 57.6 | $71,648 | $1,110/mo | 113 | 31.6 min |
| Claymont, DEPop. 8,786 | #805 | 53.3 | $74,712 | $1,306/mo | no data | 26.2 min |
| Meadow Lakes, AKPop. 8,689 | #1212 | 44.6 | $81,699 | $1,377/mo | no data | 38.7 min |
| Cumberland Hill, RIPop. 8,648 | #129 | 67.3 | $130,506 | $1,310/mo | no data | 26.3 min |
| Gering, NEPop. 8,550 | #672 | 55.6 | $75,093 | $823/mo | 105 | 15.1 min |
| Harrisburg, SDPop. 8,519 | #276 | 62.7 | $108,724 | $1,362/mo | no data | 21.9 min |
| Barre, VTPop. 8,412 | #852 | 52.5 | $65,625 | $1,093/mo | 533 | 18.6 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 Livingston compare with the rest of Montana?
Livingston ranks #12 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 52.7 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 13% below the Montana median. Violent crime is 24% below the statewide rate. Homes are 14% 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 Livingston's score calculated?
Livingston scores 52.7 out of 100, #838 of 1,312 (grade C+, 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 Livingston. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
26.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Livingston's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
76.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Livingston. Similar-size median 56.5.
61.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Livingston's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
58.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Livingston's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
73.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Livingston. Similar-size median 50.8.
43.6 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Livingston. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
37.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Livingston. Similar-size median 48.3.
51.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Livingston's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
60.0 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% 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.
18.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Livingston'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 Livingston 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 Livingston
Is Livingston, MT a good place to live?
Livingston ranks #838 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #151 of 234 towns and #12 of 20 in Montana. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on expensive homes ($392,400, #181 of 231) and long commutes (25.5 min, #179 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Livingston?
Livingston'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 $1,046/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $535,479, 14% above the typical Montana home ($471,746).
What is the crime rate in Livingston?
Livingston recorded 317 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3% below the US rate of 328 and 24% below Montana's 419. That ranks #583 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #99 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Livingston Police Department. Property crime runs 1,397 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Livingston?
The median household in Livingston earns $65,861, 21% below the US figure of $83,163 and 13% below Montana ($75,340). 13.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Livingston?
Median rent in Livingston is $1,046/mo (Census), #260 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,448/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Livingston?
The typical home value in Livingston is $535,479, down 0.3% in a year, against $471,746 for Montana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $392,400.
How are the public schools in Livingston?
Livingston's 4 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Montana 85.8%), with 15.7 students per teacher and $14,718 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Livingston?
The average commute is 25.5 minutes, #814 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.5 minutes across Montana. 8.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Livingston?
Livingston averages 45.5°F over the year, 64.6°F in summer and 28.2°F in winter, with 14.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Livingston walkable?
Livingston scores 12.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #428 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 Livingston at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Park County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
Who lives in Livingston?
Livingston has 8,780 residents. The median resident of Livingston is 43.8 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 38.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #505 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Livingston compare with the rest of Montana?
Livingston ranks #12 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 52.7 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 13% below the Montana median. Violent crime is 24% below the statewide rate. Homes are 14% above the typical Montana home.
What cities are similar in size to Livingston?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Livingston's population of 8,780 are Bath, ME (#199 overall), Franklin, NH (#532 overall), Claymont, DE (#805 overall), Meadow Lakes, AK (#1212 overall), and Cumberland Hill, RI (#129 overall). Livingston is #838.