MontanaPop. 6,171Towns
Is Sidney a Good Place to Live? Sidney, Montana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Sidney ranks #725 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #125 of 234 towns and #10 of 20 in Montana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.7%, #8 of 151), and trails on high violent crime (655 per 100,000, #133 of 146).
Sidney by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Sidney'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 Sidney?
Sidney'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 $931/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $273,345, 42% below the typical Montana home ($471,746).
| Measure | Sidney | 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 | $273,345#309 of 1,187 | $471,746 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $236,900#354 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $931/mo#133 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3.8x#506 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 17.9%#231 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.
Sidney 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 Sidney safe?
Sidney recorded 655 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2 times the US rate of 328 and 56% above Montana's 419. That ranks #943 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #133 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sidney Police Department. Property crime runs 756 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Sidney | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 655#943 of 1,085 | 419 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 756#114 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 Sidney?
The median household in Sidney earns $62,538, 25% below the US figure of $83,163 and 17% below Montana ($75,340). 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Sidney | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $62,538#988 of 1,312 | $75,340 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 7.7%#300 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +2.7%#60 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 Sidney?
The median resident of Sidney is 37.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 22% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1093 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Sidney | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 37.3 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 22%#1093 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 57.6% | 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 Sidney's schools and health?
Sidney's 4 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Montana 85.8%), with 14.5 students per teacher and $13,672 spent per pupil. 38% of adults are obese and 8.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Sidney | 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 | 14.5#379 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $13,672#749 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 38%#1010 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 8.6%#159 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% | 9.8%#637 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. 1,230 students are enrolled in Sidney's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Sidney?
The average commute in Sidney is 21.2 minutes (Montana 19.5); 0% of workers take transit and 1.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Sidney scores 13 of 20 (above average walkable), #325 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.5°F and winters 19.6°F, with 15.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Sidney | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 21.2 min#441 of 1,312 | 19.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 12%#1147 of 1,312 | 5% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 79.5% | 71.6% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.8% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 6.3% | 3.8% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 1.6% | 0.9% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 1.9% | 11.7% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 13#325 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 | 27.2 | 6.5 | 0.5 |
| Feb | 32 | 10.6 | 0.4 |
| Mar | 45.8 | 21 | 0.6 |
| Apr | 60.5 | 31.8 | 1.2 |
| May | 71.3 | 42.7 | 2.4 |
| Jun | 79.1 | 52.3 | 2.8 |
| Jul | 86.6 | 57.3 | 2.7 |
| Aug | 86.4 | 55.1 | 1.3 |
| Sep | 75.8 | 45.5 | 1.6 |
| Oct | 59.4 | 33.6 | 1.1 |
| Nov | 41.9 | 21.2 | 0.6 |
| Dec | 30.6 | 10.7 | 0.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Sidney.
| Measure | Sidney | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 45.2°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 69.5°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 19.6°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 15.5 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 Sidney.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Sidney?
Richland County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 80% of measured days were rated good; 7 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Richland County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, ice storm, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 77% of US counties.
| Measure | Sidney | 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 | 7#789 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.11%#344 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 Richland County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Richland County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Winter weather | 0.0031% | 97% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0014% | 68% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0018% | 65% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.003% | 62% of counties |
| Hail | 0.003% | 58% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.083% | 52% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0062% | 41% 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 Sidney compare with similar-size cities?
Sidney is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #125 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 6,171.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sidney, MTPop. 6,171 | #725 | 54.6 | $62,538 | $931/mo | 655 | 21.2 min |
| Caribou, MEPop. 7,382 | #615 | 56.5 | $53,709 | $757/mo | 82 | 14.7 min |
| Kingston, RIPop. 7,332 | #215 | 64.1 | $107,404 | — | no data | 18.4 min |
| Shelburne, VTPop. 6,499 | #6 | 76.0 | $109,583 | $1,439/mo | 61 | 20.7 min |
| Elsmere, DEPop. 6,203 | #971 | 50.6 | $67,944 | $1,339/mo | 144 | 24.4 min |
| Torrington, WYPop. 6,182 | #853 | 52.5 | $47,902 | $901/mo | 321 | 13.6 min |
| South Lakes, AKPop. 6,180 | #716 | 54.8 | $98,141 | $1,178/mo | no data | 27.8 min |
| Madison, SDPop. 6,094 | #662 | 55.7 | $65,593 | $981/mo | 99 | 11.4 min |
| Watford City, NDPop. 6,039 | #333 | 61.3 | $102,260 | $1,336/mo | 387 | 20.8 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 Sidney compare with the rest of Montana?
Sidney ranks #10 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 54.6 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 17% below the Montana median. Violent crime is 56% above the statewide rate. Homes are 42% 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 Sidney's score calculated?
Sidney scores 54.6 out of 100, #725 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 Sidney. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
23.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Sidney's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
59.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Sidney. Similar-size median 56.5.
53.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Sidney's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
58.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Sidney's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
81.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Sidney. Similar-size median 50.8.
53.3 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Sidney. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
67.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Sidney. Similar-size median 48.3.
39.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Sidney's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
63.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
68.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Sidney'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 Sidney 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 Sidney
Is Sidney, MT a good place to live?
Sidney ranks #725 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #125 of 234 towns and #10 of 20 in Montana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.7%, #8 of 151), and trails on high violent crime (655 per 100,000, #133 of 146).
What is the cost of living in Sidney?
Sidney'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 $931/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $273,345, 42% below the typical Montana home ($471,746).
What is the crime rate in Sidney?
Sidney recorded 655 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2 times the US rate of 328 and 56% above Montana's 419. That ranks #943 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #133 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sidney Police Department. Property crime runs 756 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Sidney?
The median household in Sidney earns $62,538, 25% below the US figure of $83,163 and 17% below Montana ($75,340). 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Sidney?
Median rent in Sidney is $931/mo (Census), #133 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 17.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Sidney?
The typical home value in Sidney is $273,345, up 5.8% in a year, against $471,746 for Montana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $236,900.
How are the public schools in Sidney?
Sidney's 4 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Montana 85.8%), with 14.5 students per teacher and $13,672 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Sidney?
The average commute is 21.2 minutes, #441 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.5 minutes across Montana. 12% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Sidney?
Sidney averages 45.2°F over the year, 69.5°F in summer and 19.6°F in winter, with 15.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Sidney walkable?
Sidney scores 13 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #325 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 Sidney at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Richland County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, ice storm, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 77% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Sidney?
Richland County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 80% of measured days were rated good; 7 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Sidney?
Sidney has 6,171 residents. The median resident of Sidney is 37.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 22% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1093 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Sidney compare with the rest of Montana?
Sidney ranks #10 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 54.6 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 17% below the Montana median. Violent crime is 56% above the statewide rate. Homes are 42% below the typical Montana home.
What cities are similar in size to Sidney?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Sidney's population of 6,171 are Caribou, ME (#615 overall), Kingston, RI (#215 overall), Shelburne, VT (#6 overall), Elsmere, DE (#971 overall), and Torrington, WY (#853 overall). Sidney is #725.