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Is Miles City a Good Place to Live? Miles City, Montana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Miles City ranks #713 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #119 of 234 towns and #8 of 20 in Montana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (10.8 min, #9 of 234) and high graduation rates (92%, #27 of 153), and trails on high violent crime (356 per 100,000, #111 of 146).
Miles City by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Miles City'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 Miles City?
Miles City'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 $926/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $248,668, 47% below the typical Montana home ($471,746).
| Measure | Miles City | 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 | $248,668#243 of 1,187 | $471,746 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $200,200#230 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $926/mo#127 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3x#182 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 16.4%#122 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.
Miles City 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 Miles City safe?
Miles City recorded 356 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 9% above the US rate of 328 and 15% below Montana's 419. That ranks #651 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #111 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Miles City Police Department. Property crime runs 1,686 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Miles City | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 356#651 of 1,085 | 419 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,686#570 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 Miles City?
The median household in Miles City earns $67,727, 19% below the US figure of $83,163 and 10% below Montana ($75,340). 11.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Miles City | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $67,727#861 of 1,312 | $75,340 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 11.4%#608 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +0.4%#435 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 Miles City?
The median resident of Miles City is 42.6 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 25.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #956 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Miles City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 42.6 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 25.5%#956 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 63.9% | 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 Miles City's schools and health?
Miles City's 6 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Montana 85.8%), with 15.4 students per teacher and $12,179 spent per pupil. 32.4% of adults are obese and 10.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Miles City | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 92%#222 of 1,063 | 85.8% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 15.4#529 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $12,179#915 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 32.4%#564 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 10.5%#500 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 17.5%#754 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 9.4%#575 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. 1,449 students are enrolled in Miles City's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Miles City?
The average commute in Miles City is 10.8 minutes (Montana 19.5); 0.4% of workers take transit and 3.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Miles City scores 10.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #609 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.8°F and winters 21.8°F, with 12.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Miles City | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 10.8 min#9 of 1,312 | 19.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 2.1%#63 of 1,312 | 5% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 73.5% | 71.6% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.8% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 6.6% | 3.8% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.1% | 0.9% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 3.9% | 11.7% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 10.8#609 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 | 30.1 | 8.9 | 0.3 |
| Feb | 34.7 | 12.5 | 0.3 |
| Mar | 46.8 | 22.5 | 0.6 |
| Apr | 58.1 | 32.9 | 1.5 |
| May | 68.1 | 42.9 | 2.7 |
| Jun | 78.6 | 52.5 | 2.5 |
| Jul | 88.7 | 59.6 | 1.5 |
| Aug | 87.4 | 57.6 | 0.9 |
| Sep | 75.6 | 46.9 | 1.1 |
| Oct | 59 | 33.8 | 1 |
| Nov | 44.3 | 21.2 | 0.3 |
| Dec | 33.1 | 11.7 | 0.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Miles City Airport.
| Measure | Miles City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 46.2°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 70.8°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 21.8°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 12.9 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 Miles City Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Miles City?
Custer County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 87% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Custer County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, wildfire, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 67% of US counties.
| Measure | Miles City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 40#354 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.13%#466 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 Custer County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Custer County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Winter weather | 0.0028% | 96% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.015% | 88% of counties |
| Hail | 0.003% | 59% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.088% | 57% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0015% | 36% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0011% | 33% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0015% | 19% 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 Miles City compare with similar-size cities?
Miles City is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #119 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 8,407.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miles City, MTPop. 8,407 | #713 | 54.8 | $67,727 | $926/mo | 356 | 10.8 min |
| Ellsworth, MEPop. 8,657 | #328 | 61.5 | $77,375 | $1,017/mo | 67 | 24.5 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 |
| Seaford, DEPop. 8,485 | #1167 | 46.2 | $54,016 | $1,176/mo | 641 | 28.1 min |
| Hanover, NHPop. 8,479 | #1 | 80.8 | $153,281 | $2,254/mo | 17 | 19 min |
| Barre, VTPop. 8,412 | #852 | 52.5 | $65,625 | $1,093/mo | 533 | 18.6 min |
| Sitka, AKPop. 8,368 | #85 | 68.9 | $101,727 | $1,341/mo | 242 | 13 min |
| Greenville, RIPop. 8,296 | #439 | 59.3 | $97,234 | $1,264/mo | no data | 24.4 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 Miles City compare with the rest of Montana?
Miles City ranks #8 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 54.8 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 10% below the Montana median. Violent crime is 15% below the statewide rate. Homes are 47% 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 Miles City's score calculated?
Miles City scores 54.8 out of 100, #713 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 Miles City. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
28.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Miles City's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
72.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Miles City. Similar-size median 56.5.
57.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Miles City's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
59.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Miles City's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
83.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Miles City. Similar-size median 50.8.
48.7 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Miles City. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
34.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Miles City. Similar-size median 48.3.
54.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Miles City's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
51.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
63.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Miles City'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 Miles City 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 Miles City
Is Miles City, MT a good place to live?
Miles City ranks #713 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #119 of 234 towns and #8 of 20 in Montana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (10.8 min, #9 of 234) and high graduation rates (92%, #27 of 153), and trails on high violent crime (356 per 100,000, #111 of 146).
What is the cost of living in Miles City?
Miles City'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 $926/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $248,668, 47% below the typical Montana home ($471,746).
What is the crime rate in Miles City?
Miles City recorded 356 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 9% above the US rate of 328 and 15% below Montana's 419. That ranks #651 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #111 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Miles City Police Department. Property crime runs 1,686 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Miles City?
The median household in Miles City earns $67,727, 19% below the US figure of $83,163 and 10% below Montana ($75,340). 11.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Miles City?
Median rent in Miles City is $926/mo (Census), #127 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 16.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Miles City?
The typical home value in Miles City is $248,668, up 9.2% in a year, against $471,746 for Montana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $200,200.
How are the public schools in Miles City?
Miles City's 6 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Montana 85.8%), with 15.4 students per teacher and $12,179 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Miles City?
The average commute is 10.8 minutes, #9 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.5 minutes across Montana. 2.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Miles City?
Miles City averages 46.2°F over the year, 70.8°F in summer and 21.8°F in winter, with 12.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Miles City walkable?
Miles City scores 10.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #609 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 Miles City at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Custer County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, wildfire, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 67% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Miles City?
Custer County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 87% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Miles City?
Miles City has 8,407 residents. The median resident of Miles City is 42.6 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 25.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #956 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Miles City compare with the rest of Montana?
Miles City ranks #8 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 54.8 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 10% below the Montana median. Violent crime is 15% below the statewide rate. Homes are 47% below the typical Montana home.
What cities are similar in size to Miles City?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Miles City's population of 8,407 are Ellsworth, ME (#328 overall), Gering, NE (#672 overall), Harrisburg, SD (#276 overall), Seaford, DE (#1167 overall), and Hanover, NH (#1 overall). Miles City is #713.