Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cut Bank, MT
Thinking of moving to Cut Bank, MT? This friendly town of about 3,000 residents offers affordable living, with median home values around $145,000 and average rents of $670. Enjoy short commutes averaging 12 minutes, wide open skies with 65% sunny days, and a close-knit community. While the cost of living is low and outdoor recreation is abundant, be aware property crime rates are higher than average and educational attainment is below national averages. Cut Bank is a charming choice for those seeking small-town Montana life on a budget.
Demographics - Cut Bank, MT
Demographics - Cut Bank, MT
Cut Bank, Montana is a small town of just over 3,000 residents with a median age of 38, a balanced gender ratio, and a diverse community that includes over 20% Native American residents alongside a predominantly White population. The population density is moderate for a rural area, and just under 6% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This mix creates a friendly and culturally unique atmosphere in a classic Montana setting.
Population:
3,056
Density:
1,620 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.3
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
75.4%
Black:
0.3%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
3.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cut Bank, MT?
Cut Bank offers a notably affordable lifestyle, with a median home value of $145,000 and average rents at $670, both well below national averages. The overall cost of living index is 84.6, meaning day-to-day expenses like groceries, utilities, and healthcare tend to be lower than in many other U.S. cities. Residents also benefit from relatively low state taxes, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious households.
Median House Value:
$145,000
Gross Rent:
$670
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,110
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$440
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
6.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.6
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
59.3
Utilities:
89.1
Transportation:
89.9
Health Care:
92.4
Miscellaneous:
87.3
Crime
Is Cut Bank, MT a safe place to live?
While violent crime rates are lower than the national average, property crime is more common in Cut Bank, with a 1 in 48 chance of being affected. The overall crime index is 2,343, so new residents should take standard safety precautions, especially regarding property security. Despite this, the community remains generally safe and welcoming.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
283
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,060
Crime Index:
2,343
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 354
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Cut Bank, MT year-round?
Cut Bank experiences distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 11°F and warm, pleasant summers reaching highs of 82°F. The area receives about 11.6 inches of rainfall annually and boasts approximately 65% sunny days, making it ideal for those who appreciate Montana's open skies and outdoor activities year-round. Spring and fall are mild, offering comfortable transitions between the extremes.
Winter
Min:
11°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
28°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
46°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
30°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
11.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
Local households in Cut Bank have a median income of $41,700, and the average commute is just over 12 minutes, reflecting a relaxed small-town pace. Educational attainment is solid, with nearly 89% holding a high school diploma, though only 17% have a bachelor's degree or higher. With a poverty rate of 15.8% and a low rate of public transport usage, the community is close-knit and relies heavily on personal vehicles.
Median Income:
$41,700
Household Income:
$49,900
Family Income:
$58,200
Per Capita Income:
$23,800
Income Male:
$36,200
Income Female:
$29,900
Poverty Rate:
15.8%
Non English Speakers:
5.7%
Rent:
$670
Unemployment Rate:
5.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
12.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.9%
Bachelors or More:
17.2%
Education
How are the schools in Cut Bank, MT?
Cut Bank's public school system includes elementary, middle, and high schools with small class sizes and student-teacher ratios around 12:1, supporting personalized learning. While there are no private schools in town, Blackfeet Community College is located just 36 miles away, providing access to higher education. The community values education, with a strong rate of high school completion among residents.
Public Schools
Name:
Cut Bank High School
Street:
101 3rd Ave SE
Phone:
406-873-2221
Students:
240
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.4
Name:
Cut Bank Middle School
Street:
6 7th Ave SE
Phone:
406-873-5517
Students:
180
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.7
Name:
Anna Jeffries Elementary
Street:
800 7th Ave SE
Phone:
406-873-5513
Students:
200
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.2
Colleges
Name:
Blackfeet Community College
City:
Browning
State:
MT
Distance:
36 miles
Students:
500
Healthcare
Healthcare in Cut Bank is anchored by the Northern Rockies Medical Center, a critical access hospital providing emergency services locally. With 1.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and health insurance coverage for over 86% of the population, basic healthcare needs are met within the community. The local healthcare index of 68.2 indicates services are accessible, though options may be more limited than in larger cities.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Northern Rockies Medical Center
Address:
802 2nd St SE, Cut Bank, MT 59427
Phone:
(406) 873-2251
Type:
Critical Access Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.4%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cut Bank, MT?
The housing market in Cut Bank is highly affordable, with a median home price of $145,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $670. About 62% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a healthy rental vacancy rate of 7.8%, offering options for both buyers and renters. Home values have appreciated modestly at just over 2% in the past year.
Median Home Price:
$145,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$670
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Cut Bank residents are served by the Montana Motor Vehicle Division located conveniently within the city. The local DMV offers standard licensing and vehicle services, and information is easily accessible via the Montana DOJ website. This ensures that taking care of vehicle registration and driver licensing is straightforward for new arrivals.
State:
Montana
Department:
Montana Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
303 1st Ave SE, Cut Bank, MT 59427
Phone:
(406) 873-3651
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.