Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chinook, MT
Thinking of moving to Chinook, MT? With a friendly population of around 1,200, Chinook offers small-town charm, affordable living, and scenic Montana landscapes. Median home prices are just $119,000, and rents average $650, making housing accessible. The crime rate is low, and commutes are quick—under 11 minutes on average. Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, a strong local school community, and convenient access to healthcare, making Chinook a welcoming option for families and individuals alike.
Demographics - Chinook, MT
Demographics - Chinook, MT
Chinook is home to about 1,200 residents, with a median age of 41 and a balanced gender ratio. The community is predominantly White (81%) with a significant Native American presence (15%), and a small proportion of non-English speakers, fostering a close-knit, diverse environment.
Population:
1,200
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.0
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
81.0%
Others:
2.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chinook, MT?
Living in Chinook is affordable, with median home values at $119,000 and average rents around $650. The cost of living index is 87.5, which is below the national average, making everyday expenses like utilities and groceries manageable for most households.
Median House Value:
$119,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
6.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.5
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
68.7
Utilities:
94.4
Transportation:
84.5
Health Care:
97.8
Miscellaneous:
90.6
Crime
Is Chinook, MT a safe place to live?
Chinook experiences relatively low crime, with a violent crime rate of 180 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,140 per 100,000. Residents enjoy a strong sense of safety, with the chance of violent crime at just 1 in 555.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
180
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,140
Crime Index:
1,320
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 555
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 88
Weather
What is the weather like in Chinook, MT year-round?
Chinook experiences four distinct seasons, including cold winters with lows around 7°F and warm summers reaching up to 85°F. The area enjoys about 60% sunny days and receives a moderate 13 inches of annual rainfall, providing a classic Montana climate.
Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
29°F
Spring
Min:
28°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
50°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
29°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Residents of Chinook benefit from a median household income of $44,200 and a low average commute of 11 minutes. The community has a high educational attainment rate, with over 91% holding a high school diploma or higher, and maintains a small-town, welcoming atmosphere.
Median Income:
$29,500
Household Income:
$44,200
Family Income:
$57,000
Per Capita Income:
$22,200
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
13.5%
Non English Speakers:
5.5%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
4.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
10.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.0%
Bachelors or More:
21.2%
Education
How are the schools in Chinook, MT?
Chinook offers solid educational opportunities through its public schools, including Chinook High School and Meadowlark Elementary, which feature low student-teacher ratios. For higher education, Aaniiih Nakoda College is located just 20 miles away, making post-secondary options accessible to residents.
Public Schools
Name:
Chinook High School
Street:
528 Ohio St
Phone:
406-357-2236
Students:
110
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.2
Name:
Meadowlark Elementary School
Street:
604 2nd St
Phone:
406-357-2033
Students:
170
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.0
Colleges
Name:
Aaniiih Nakoda College
City:
Harlem
State:
MT
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
250
Healthcare
Healthcare in Chinook is anchored by Sweet Memorial Nursing Home & Hospital, offering general and emergency services locally. With about 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 90% health insurance coverage, essential medical needs are well-supported within the community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Sweet Memorial Nursing Home & Hospital
Address:
125 Airport Rd, Chinook, MT 59523
Phone:
(406) 357-2549
Type:
General & Nursing
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.2%
Health Care Index:
72.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chinook, MT?
Chinook’s housing market is accessible, with median home prices at $119,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 73.5%. Home values have appreciated modestly in the past year, and rental vacancies remain low, making it a stable and attractive option for homebuyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$119,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
For vehicle services, Chinook residents are served by the Montana Motor Vehicle Division, headquartered in Helena. Local and online resources simplify licensing, registration, and title transfers for drivers in the area.
State:
Montana
Department:
Montana Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
302 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.