Cost of Living in Lockwood, MT

Population 7,474 · Montana · Data vintage 2023

80
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Incomes in Lockwood punch well above what you'd expect from a town of 7,474. The reason is straightforward: extraction-sector wages. Median household earnings of $74,451 pair with home values that remain well below the national median.

Located 8 miles east of Billings, Lockwood falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 20% lower than Billings' $312,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 82
Rent 76

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Lockwood

The median home value in Lockwood is $250,900 — 18% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $995/month, 24% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $74,451/year is equal to than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.2%, below 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 59.4°F and lows of 37.0°F, with about 57.4" of annual snowfall. Overall, Lockwood has a cost of living index of 80 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 20% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$250,900
18% below avg
Median Rent
$995/mo
24% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
21.0x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.8%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$930
1 BR
$1,018
2 BR
$1,266
3 BR
$1,671
4 BR
$1,925
Owner-occupied 78.7%
Renter-occupied 21.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$995
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,609/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
22.9 min
15% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
79.2%
Carpooled
12.5%
Public transit
0.0%
Walked
0.8%
Work from home
6.8%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 6.8%
Total Sales Tax 0.0%
State rate 0.0%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 0.8%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$74,451
0% below avg
Per Capita Income
$34,833
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
12% below avg
Poverty Rate
14.3%
Labor Force Participation
67.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 11.6%
Graduate degree 3.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 36.1
Male median age 36.2
Female median age 36

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
59.4°F
Avg Low
37.0°F
Annual Precip
14.3"
Annual Snowfall
57.4"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 363949576777878674594636
Low °F 182027354452595849372719
Precip" 0.550.570.901.722.362.221.220.871.361.370.600.57
Snow" 10.69.18.27.50.90.00.00.00.34.56.59.8

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 29 — Good
85.7%
Good air days/yr
191
Max AQI recorded
357
PM2.5 days
0
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Lockwood, MT?

Lockwood has a cost index of 80 (100 = national average). It is 20% below the national average.

What is average rent in Lockwood, MT?

The median gross rent in Lockwood is $995 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Lockwood?

The median home value in Lockwood is $250,900 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Lockwood?

The median household income in Lockwood is $74,451 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Lockwood, MT?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lockwood is 0.0%. The Montana state income tax top rate is 6.8%.

Is Lockwood, MT affordable?

Yes, Lockwood is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 80 — about 20% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Lockwood?

Lockwood has average high temperatures of 59.4°F and average lows of 37.0°F. Annual precipitation is 14.3". Average annual snowfall is 57.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Lockwood at a Glance

Population
7,474
Median Income
$74,451
Home Value
$250,900
Median Rent
$995/mo
Unemployment
4.2%
Avg High Temp
59.4°F
Sales Tax
0.0%
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