Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cooke City, MT
Considering a move to Cooke City, MT? This tiny mountain town of about 75 residents offers a quiet lifestyle, scenic views, and a median home price around $425,000. Living costs are moderate for the region, with average rents near $1,250 and low crime rates well below national averages. Expect short commutes, a close-knit feel, and cool summers—plus outdoor recreation right at your doorstep. Public schooling options are nearby, and the climate brings snowy winters and plenty of sunny days for year-round adventure.
Demographics - Cooke City, MT
Demographics - Cooke City, MT
Cooke City is a small, close-knit community of just 75 residents, with a median age of 55, reflecting its appeal to older adults and retirees. The population is predominantly White, and the area has a slightly higher ratio of males to females. The low population density ensures a peaceful, rural atmosphere ideal for those seeking tranquility.
Population:
75
Density:
50 per sq mi
Median Age:
55.0
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
97.5%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
2.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cooke City, MT?
The cost of living in Cooke City is moderately above the national average, with a cost of living index of 108 and a median home value of $425,000. Residents can expect average rents around $1,250 per month, while utilities and groceries remain in line with regional norms. State taxes are relatively low, making it a manageable choice for those seeking mountain living.
Median House Value:
$425,000
Gross Rent:
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,680
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$460
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
6.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
108.0
Grocery:
102.0
Housing:
118.0
Utilities:
94.0
Transportation:
105.0
Health Care:
102.0
Miscellaneous:
100.0
Crime
Is Cooke City, MT a safe place to live?
Cooke City enjoys very low crime rates, with violent crimes at just 50 per 100,000 residents and property crimes significantly below national levels. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is only 1 in 2,000, providing peace of mind for those prioritizing safety. This makes it an attractive destination for families and retirees alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
50
Property Crimes Per 100k:
350
Crime Index:
400
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 2,000
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 285
Weather
What is the weather like in Cooke City, MT year-round?
The weather in Cooke City features cold, snowy winters with temperatures often between 0°F and 25°F, while summers are mild, rarely exceeding 75°F. The town receives about 14.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny days 60% of the year, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents should be prepared for cooler temperatures year-round and abundant opportunities for winter recreation.

Winter
Min:
0°F
Max:
25°F

Spring
Min:
20°F
Max:
45°F

Summer
Min:
38°F
Max:
75°F

Fall
Min:
15°F
Max:
50°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
14.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Residents of Cooke City typically enjoy a median household income of $45,000 and a low unemployment rate of 4.8%. The community is well-educated, with 94% holding a high school diploma or higher, and most neighbors have a short, 7-minute average commute. The area’s low poverty rate and strong sense of community contribute to its welcoming, small-town feel.
Median Income:
$34,500
Household Income:
$45,000
Family Income:
$54,000
Per Capita Income:
$30,000
Income Male:
$35,000
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
11.0%
Non English Speakers:
2.0%
Rent:
$1,250
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
7.0 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.0%
Bachelors or More:
35.0%
Education
How are the schools in Cooke City, MT?
Public education for Cooke City students is available through Gardiner Public School, a nearby K-12 facility known for its small class sizes and personalized attention. For higher education, Montana State University in Bozeman is about 110 miles away, providing a range of academic opportunities. While private schools are not present locally, the region supports strong educational values.

Public Schools
Name:
Gardiner Public School (K-12)
Street:
510 Stone St
Phone:
406-848-7563
Students:
200
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5

Colleges
Name:
Montana State University
City:
Bozeman
State:
MT
Distance:
110 miles
Students:
16,700
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Cooke City is supported by nearby facilities like the Beartooth Billings Clinic, located in Red Lodge, which offers emergency services. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and 88% of locals having health insurance, essential medical needs are covered. The area’s healthcare index of 68 reflects reliable, albeit limited, health resources suited to the town’s size.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Beartooth Billings Clinic
Address:
2525 N Broadway Ave, Red Lodge, MT 59068
Phone:
(406) 446-2345
Type:
Critical Access Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.0%
Health Care Index:
68.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cooke City, MT?
Cooke City's housing market features a median home price of $425,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 75%, indicating a stable and established community. Rental options are available with average rents around $1,250, and the market sees modest appreciation at 4.5% annually. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates suggest a healthy, desirable place to invest in property.
Median Home Price:
$425,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
75.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Motor vehicle services for Cooke City residents are provided by the Montana Motor Vehicle Division in Helena, offering licensing, registration, and driver resources. The state DMV can be reached online or by phone for convenient access to information and services. This ensures residents can efficiently manage all vehicle-related needs.
State:
Montana
Department:
Montana Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
303 N Roberts St, Helena, MT 59601
Phone:
(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.