Cost of Living in Lolo, MT
Population 4,378 · Montana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Lolo's economy is tied closely to the extraction industries that dominate much of Montana. Median household incomes of $73,700 run at or above national figures despite the small population — a direct signal of the wage premium that mining, oil, and gas employers pay. Home values of $354,000 keep the overall cost equation favorable. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.9% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Lolo lies roughly 160 miles east of the nearest major metro, Spokane Valley — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Spokane Valley's $344,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lolo
The median home value in Lolo is $353,700 — 16% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,126/month, 14% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $73,700/year is 1% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.9%, 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 56.7°F and lows of 33.6°F, with about 43" of annual snowfall. Overall, Lolo has a cost of living index of 104 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 4% more expensive.
Lolo 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 | 32 | 37 | 48 | 56 | 66 | 73 | 85 | 84 | 73 | 56 | 40 | 31 |
| Low °F | 18 | 21 | 27 | 32 | 40 | 46 | 52 | 50 | 42 | 32 | 25 | 18 |
| Precip" | 0.96 | 0.88 | 0.92 | 1.36 | 1.77 | 2.14 | 0.85 | 0.83 | 0.96 | 1.18 | 1.18 | 1.08 |
| Snow" | 9.9 | 8.5 | 5.0 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.9 | 5.4 | 11.6 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lolo, MT?
Lolo has a cost index of 104 (100 = national average). It is 4% above the national average.
What is average rent in Lolo, MT?
The median gross rent in Lolo is $1,126 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lolo?
The median home value in Lolo is $353,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lolo?
The median household income in Lolo is $73,700 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lolo, MT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lolo is 0.0%. The Montana state income tax top rate is 6.8%.
Is Lolo, MT affordable?
Lolo is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 104 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Lolo?
Lolo has average high temperatures of 56.7°F and average lows of 33.6°F. Annual precipitation is 14.1". Average annual snowfall is 43". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Lolo at a Glance
- Population
- 4,378
- Median Income
- $73,700
- Home Value
- $353,700
- Median Rent
- $1,126/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 0.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Montana Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs