Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Deer Lodge, MT
Thinking of moving to Deer Lodge, MT? This friendly, historic town of just under 3,000 offers affordable living with median home prices around $192,000 and average rents near $720. Residents enjoy short 13-minute commutes, low utility costs, and a sunny, dry climate. While education rates and incomes are modest, Deer Lodge boasts a close-knit community, low crime, and quick access to outdoor recreation—making it a peaceful Montana retreat worth considering.
Demographics - Deer Lodge, MT
Demographics - Deer Lodge, MT
Deer Lodge is a small Montana city with a population of about 2,990, featuring a predominantly White community and a median age of 45.3 years. The area offers a balanced gender ratio and a welcoming environment for non-English speakers, who make up just over 3% of residents.
Population:
2,990
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.3
Gender Ratio:
112 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
93.2%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
5.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Deer Lodge, MT?
Deer Lodge offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $192,000 and average rents at $720 per month. State taxes are reasonable, and the overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making it attractive for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$192,000
Gross Rent:
$720
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$95
Auto Insurance:
$900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,170
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$425
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
6.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.1
Grocery:
98.5
Housing:
72.3
Utilities:
91.2
Transportation:
92.1
Health Care:
98.4
Miscellaneous:
87.5
Crime
Is Deer Lodge, MT a safe place to live?
The city maintains a relatively low crime rate, with only 254 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 394 chance of experiencing such an incident. Property crime is more common but still moderate for a small town, contributing to Deer Lodge's reputation for safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
254
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,480
Crime Index:
1,734
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 394
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 68
Weather
What is the weather like in Deer Lodge, MT year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with cold winters dipping to 7°F and warm summers reaching up to 82°F. Deer Lodge enjoys plenty of sunshine, boasting 62% sunny days annually and a dry climate with about 12.7 inches of rainfall each year.
Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
28°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
31°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
12.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Deer Lodge neighborhoods are close-knit, with a median household income of $47,800 and a poverty rate of 13.9%. Commutes are short, averaging just 13.5 minutes, and most residents have at least a high school education, supporting a friendly and stable local atmosphere.
Median Income:
$28,300
Household Income:
$47,800
Family Income:
$58,000
Per Capita Income:
$25,900
Income Male:
$38,400
Income Female:
$31,600
Poverty Rate:
13.9%
Non English Speakers:
3.2%
Rent:
$720
Unemployment Rate:
4.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0.1%
Commute Time:
13.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.8%
Bachelors or More:
17.5%
Education
How are the schools in Deer Lodge, MT?
Students attend well-rated public schools like Deer Lodge Elementary and Powell County High School, both offering small class sizes. While there are no local colleges, higher education is accessible with the University of Montana Western located just 62 miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Deer Lodge Elementary School
Street:
315 W 4th St
Phone:
406-846-1553
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1
Name:
Powell County High School
Street:
709 Missouri Ave
Phone:
406-846-2757
Students:
240
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.8
Colleges
Name:
The University of Montana Western (Dillon, MT)
City:
Dillon
State:
MT
Distance:
62 miles
Students:
1,500
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is convenient, anchored by Powell County Memorial Hospital offering emergency services and general care. With 1.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 89% health insurance coverage, residents receive solid medical support for a city of this size.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Powell County Memorial Hospital
Address:
1100 Hollenback Ln, Deer Lodge, MT 59722
Phone:
(406) 846-2212
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.7%
Health Care Index:
78.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Deer Lodge, MT?
The housing market is stable, with a median home price of $192,000 and about two-thirds of residents owning their homes. Rental opportunities are available, and a low foreclosure rate keeps the market healthy for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$192,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$720
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Deer Lodge residents can access Montana's Motor Vehicle Division services through the state office in Helena or online. The DMV provides vehicle registration, licensing, and other essential services for local drivers.
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.