Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wise River, MT
Considering a move to Wise River, MT? This tranquil town of about 70 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $310,000 and average rents near $900. Enjoy a low violent crime rate (120 per 100k) and short 23-minute commutes amid Montana’s scenic beauty. Wise River boasts a small, close-knit community, high rates of home ownership, and abundant sunny days—perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking peaceful rural living.
Demographics - Wise River, MT
Demographics - Wise River, MT
Wise River is a small, close-knit community with around 70 residents and a low population density of 8 people per square mile. The median age is 56.5, reflecting a mature population, and the town is predominantly White, with 97% of residents identifying as such. A slight male majority exists, and nearly all residents speak English as their primary language.
Population:
70
Density:
8 per sq mi
Median Age:
56.5
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
97.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wise River, MT?
Living in Wise River is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $310,000 and average monthly rent of $900. The cost of living index is just below the national average, and utilities, groceries, and transportation remain reasonably priced. State taxes are moderate and typical for Montana.
Median House Value:
$310,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$450
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
6.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
98.0
Grocery:
98.5
Housing:
92.0
Utilities:
104.0
Transportation:
97.0
Health Care:
95.0
Miscellaneous:
96.0
Crime
Is Wise River, MT a safe place to live?
Wise River experiences low crime rates, with violent crime at 120 incidents per 100,000 residents and property crime at 730 per 100,000. Residents enjoy a strong sense of safety, with the chance of being a victim of violent crime at just 1 in 830. The overall crime index suggests the town is a safe place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
120
Property Crimes Per 100k:
730
Crime Index:
850
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 830
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 137
Weather
What is the weather like in Wise River, MT year-round?
Wise River features classic Montana seasons, with cold winters (lows near 5°F), mild summers (highs up to 78°F), and an annual average of nearly 15 inches of rainfall. Residents enjoy about 60% sunny days, making it great for outdoor activities. Spring and fall are cool and crisp, providing a true four-season climate.
Winter
Min:
5°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
25°F
Max:
55°F
Summer
Min:
42°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
22°F
Max:
58°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
14.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
The community has a median household income of $47,200 and a low poverty rate of 7.1%. Most neighbors are well-educated, with over 93% holding at least a high school diploma, and unemployment is low at 3.2%. Nearly all residents commute by car, averaging about 23 minutes to work.
Median Income:
$34,500
Household Income:
$47,200
Family Income:
$60,000
Per Capita Income:
$29,800
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
23.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.6%
Bachelors or More:
26.4%
Education
How are the schools in Wise River, MT?
Education in Wise River is centered around the small Wise River School, which provides a personalized learning environment with a 5:1 student-teacher ratio. There are no private schools in town, but higher education is accessible at the University of Montana Western, located 38 miles away in Dillon. The community values education, and students benefit from close attention and support.
Public Schools
Name:
Wise River School
Street:
51835 MT Hwy 43, Wise River, MT 59762
Phone:
406-832-3281
Students:
10
Student Teacher Ratio:
5.0
Colleges
Name:
University of Montana Western
City:
Dillon
State:
MT
Distance:
38 miles
Students:
1,400
Healthcare
Wise River residents have access to Barrett Hospital & Healthcare in nearby Dillon, which offers emergency and general medical services. The area provides about 1.8 physicians per 1,000 people, and 91% of residents have health insurance coverage. Healthcare quality is strong, and services are accessible within a reasonable distance.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Barrett Hospital & Healthcare
Address:
600 MT-91, Dillon, MT 59725
Phone:
(406) 683-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.0%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wise River, MT?
The housing market is stable, with a median home price of $310,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 83.5%. Rental options are limited but affordable, with average rents around $900 for a two-bedroom unit. Home values have appreciated by 4.7% in the past year, reflecting steady demand in this rural market.
Median Home Price:
$310,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
83.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Wise River residents are served by the Montana Motor Vehicle Division, located in Helena. Services such as licensing and registration are available, and information can be accessed through the state DMV website. The office provides essential support for all motor vehicle needs in Montana.
State:
Montana
Department:
Montana Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
302 N Roberts St, Helena, MT 59601
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.