Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Busby, MT
Thinking of moving to Busby, MT? This small town of 695 offers affordable living, with home prices around $80,000 and rents averaging $650. Residents enjoy a low cost of living, short average commutes of 18 minutes, and a tight-knit, predominantly Native American community. While education options are local and climate brings over 60% sunny days, note the higher crime and poverty rates compared to state averages. Explore the details below to plan your move with confidence.
Demographics - Busby, MT
Busby, Montana is a small community of 695 residents with a youthful median age of 25 and a strong Native American presence making up over 90% of the population. The area is characterized by a balanced gender ratio and a close-knit, culturally rich community, with a modest percentage of non-English speakers. The low population density provides residents with a sense of space and rural charm.
Population:
695
Density:
16 per sq mi
Median Age:
25.2
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
4.2%
Black:
0.0%
Others:
2.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Busby, MT?
Busby offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values at $80,000 and average rent around $650 per month. Utility and grocery costs remain below national averages, making it a budget-friendly choice for families and individuals. State income tax rates are moderate, and overall expenses are generally lower than in many other parts of Montana.
Median House Value:
$80,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$690
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$290
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
6.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.0
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
64.8
Utilities:
90.7
Transportation:
88.1
Health Care:
93.4
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Busby, MT a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Busby are higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 420 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2,100 per 100,000. Residents face a 1 in 238 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 48 chance of property crime. It's important for newcomers to be aware of local safety measures and stay engaged with community initiatives.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
420
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,520
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 238
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Busby, MT year-round?
Busby experiences a full range of seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 10°F and warm summers reaching up to 87°F. The area enjoys about 64% sunny days annually and receives roughly 16 inches of rainfall each year. This climate supports outdoor activities for much of the year, especially during the pleasant spring and fall months.
Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
35°F
Spring
Min:
28°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
48°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
30°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
16.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
64%
Neighbors
Local households in Busby typically earn a median income of around $24,000, with a higher-than-average poverty rate of 44.4%. Educational attainment is moderate, with most adults having completed high school, but college degrees are less common. The community is tight-knit, commutes are short, and nearly everyone drives due to the absence of public transportation.
Median Income:
$24,000
Household Income:
$29,800
Family Income:
$32,200
Per Capita Income:
$9,800
Income Male:
$26,000
Income Female:
$22,000
Poverty Rate:
44.4%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
16.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
18.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
78.2%
Bachelors or More:
7.8%
Education
How are the schools in Busby, MT?
Busby's education options include local public schools such as Northern Cheyenne Tribal School and Busby High School, both offering low student-teacher ratios for personalized attention. Higher education is accessible nearby at Chief Dull Knife College, located just 19 miles away in Lame Deer. While there are no private schools in town, the community supports lifelong learning through its local institutions.
Public Schools
Name:
Northern Cheyenne Tribal School
Street:
100 Eagle Dr
Phone:
406-477-6565
Students:
240
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.0
Name:
Busby High School
Street:
Busby School Rd
Phone:
406-477-6345
Students:
120
Student Teacher Ratio:
9.2
Colleges
Name:
Chief Dull Knife College
City:
Lame Deer
State:
MT
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
280
Healthcare
Healthcare in Busby is anchored by the Crow/Northern Cheyenne Hospital located nearby, offering general and emergency services. The area has about 1.3 physicians per 1,000 residents, and 85% of locals have health insurance coverage. While healthcare resources are available, some residents may need to travel for specialized services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Crow/Northern Cheyenne Hospital
Address:
10110 S. Hospital Loop, Crow Agency, MT 59022
Phone:
(406) 638-3500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.0%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Busby, MT?
The housing market in Busby is accessible, with median home prices at $80,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $650. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and both vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low. Home appreciation has been modest but steady, making this market appealing for first-time buyers or those seeking affordable options.
Median Home Price:
$80,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents of Busby are served by the Montana Motor Vehicle Division, headquartered in Helena, for all licensing and vehicle registration needs. Helpful resources and services are available online and by phone, making DMV tasks straightforward for new arrivals. The Montana DMV provides comprehensive support for drivers throughout the state.
State:
Montana
Department:
Montana Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
303 N. Roberts, Helena, MT 59620
Phone:
1-406-444-3933
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.