Cost of Living in Lewistown, MT
Population 6,028 · Montana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Lewistown's median household income of $44,195 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (21% here). At 6.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Lewistown lies roughly 95 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Billings. Median home values run roughly 49% lower than Billings' $312,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lewistown
The median home value in Lewistown is $159,500 — 48% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $896/month, 32% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $44,195/year is 41% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.8%, above the national average of 4.8%. Montana's top state income tax rate is 6.8% and the combined sales tax is 0.0%. The climate averages highs of 55.7°F and lows of 30.6°F. Overall, Lewistown has a cost of living index of 59 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% less expensive.
Lewistown has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 34 | 35 | 44 | 53 | 63 | 71 | 82 | 81 | 70 | 56 | 43 | 35 |
| Low °F | 13 | 14 | 21 | 29 | 37 | 45 | 51 | 50 | 42 | 31 | 21 | 14 |
| Precip" | 0.58 | 0.49 | 0.87 | 1.71 | 2.88 | 3.35 | 1.76 | 1.69 | 1.39 | 1.27 | 0.67 | 0.51 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lewistown, MT?
Lewistown has a cost index of 59 (100 = national average). It is 41% below the national average.
What is average rent in Lewistown, MT?
The median gross rent in Lewistown is $896 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lewistown?
The median home value in Lewistown is $159,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lewistown?
The median household income in Lewistown is $44,195 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lewistown, MT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lewistown is 0.0%. The Montana state income tax top rate is 6.8%.
Is Lewistown, MT affordable?
Yes, Lewistown is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 59 — about 41% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Lewistown?
Lewistown has average high temperatures of 55.7°F and average lows of 30.6°F. Annual precipitation is 17.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Lewistown at a Glance
- Population
- 6,028
- Median Income
- $44,195
- Home Value
- $159,500
- Median Rent
- $896/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 55.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 0.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Montana Rankings
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