Is Miles City Safe, Pros and cons of living in Miles City

Miles City, Montana, nestled in the southeastern part of the state, offers a distinct lifestyle characterized by its Western heritage and connection to the land. Known as the “Cow Capital of Montana,” this city serves as a vital hub for ranching and agriculture, shaping its economy and community spirit.

The city’s location at the confluence of the Tongue and Yellowstone Rivers provides a scenic backdrop, while its position along Interstate 94 makes it a key commercial center for a vast region. Miles City presents a unique blend of small-town charm and practical amenities, making it a noteworthy consideration for those seeking a life away from the hustle and bustle of larger metropolitan areas.

Is it Safe to Live in Miles City?

Miles City presents a complex picture regarding safety, with varying crime statistics depending on the source and methodology. Some reports indicate a crime rate that is lower than the national average, with specific categories like violent crime showing rates below national figures (as reported by AreaVibes). However, other analyses suggest that the overall crime rate is higher than in many other communities across the United States (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Miles City is estimated at 1 in 323, while the risk for property crime is approximately 1 in 133 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). It is noted that the south part of the city is generally considered the safest, with crime rates varying significantly by neighborhood (as reported by CrimeGrade.org and NeighborhoodScout).

Violent Crime Rates

Violent crime in Miles City occurs at a rate that is considered higher than in most communities of comparable size nationwide (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime, such as armed robbery, aggravated assault, rape, or murder, is approximately 3 per 1,000 inhabitants (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Despite these figures, some sources indicate that Miles City’s violent crime rate is lower than the national average by 14.5% (as reported by AreaVibes). The specific risk for violent crime is cited as 1 in 435 per year, which is 40% lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit).

Property Crime Overview

Property crime in Miles City is reported to be around average for all cities and towns in America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The rate of property crime, including burglary, larceny, and vehicle theft, is approximately 7 per 1,000 residents (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

However, another assessment indicates that the property crime rate is 34% lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). The chance of being a victim of property crime is noted as 1 in 135 annually (as reported by AreaVibes).

Cost of Living in Miles City

Miles City is recognized as a genuinely affordable place to live, particularly when compared to other areas in Montana and the nation. The overall cost of living is reported to be lower than the national average, with some sources indicating it is 9% less expensive than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). Another source states it is 1% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Housing costs in Miles City are notably more affordable. The median home value is reported around $195,966 (as reported by Livability.com), with other estimates placing it at $182,700 (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute) or $200,200 (as reported by Niche). Rents are also considerably lower, with a median rent reported at $728 per month (as reported by Livability.com) and other estimates around $750 per month (as reported by Treasure State) or $926 per month (as reported by Niche).

Housing Expenses

Housing expenses in Miles City are a significant factor contributing to its affordability. The median home value is substantially lower than the national median home value of $332,700 (as reported by Niche). This affordability extends to rental properties as well, with average rents for apartments being around $600 per month (as reported by Zumper).

The price-to-rent ratio in ZIP code 59267 (Miles City) is 27, suggesting that renting may be more cost-effective than buying in the long term. This ratio indicates it takes 27 years of rent payments to equal the purchase price of a home (as reported by Rent.com).

Daily Expenses

Beyond housing, daily expenses in Miles City are also generally lower than the national average. Transportation costs are reported as affordable, and while food costs might be slightly less affordable than the U.S. average, overall expenses remain competitive (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).

Monthly expenses for a single person are estimated around $2,472, and for a family of four, approximately $5,443, which is noted as being 0% lower than the U.S. national average (as reported by Salary.com). These figures reflect a combination of housing, food, transportation, healthcare, utilities, and other miscellaneous costs.

Job Market and Economy

Miles City’s economy is significantly influenced by its agricultural roots, with ranching and related industries playing a prominent role. The city serves as a commercial center for southeastern Montana, supporting a diverse range of businesses and employment opportunities.

The average salary in Miles City is reported to be around $65,840 annually, or approximately $32 per hour (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). Other salary data indicates a median wage of $60,300 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter) and a median household income of $67,727 (as reported by Zippia and Montana Demographics).

Major Employers

Key employers in Miles City contribute to the local economy and provide employment for residents. These include Stockman Financial, Miles City Hotel & Suites, and Miles Community College, among others (as reported by Zippia). Eastern Montana Industries, a vocational rehabilitation organization, also plays a role in the employment landscape, with 123 employees (as reported by Cause IQ).

Other notable companies in the area include Agri Industries, which is involved in the water industry, and Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply, a retail store offering a variety of goods (as reported by Zippia). These businesses, along with others, form the backbone of Miles City’s job market.

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in Miles City is reported to be lower than the national average. One source indicates it is 37% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). In Montana, the statewide unemployment rate was 3.6% in February 2026, unchanged from the previous month (as reported by USAFacts).

The median household income in Miles City is approximately $67,727 (as reported by Zippia and Montana Demographics), and the poverty level is noted as being 14% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). These figures suggest a relatively stable employment situation for the city.

Climate in Miles City

Miles City experiences a climate characteristic of the northern Great Plains, with distinct seasons. Summers are typically hot and mostly clear, while winters are cold, snowy, and windy (as reported by Weather Spark). The climate is classified as semi-arid, receiving less than 10 inches of liquid precipitation about one year in seven (as reported by NOAA).

The average temperature over the course of the year typically varies from 12°F to 91°F, with rare occurrences outside this range (as reported by Weather Spark). The city does not have nearby mountain ranges to significantly influence its climatic conditions.

Average Temperatures

The hot season in Miles City lasts for about three months, from mid-June to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 79°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 90°F and lows of 63°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Conversely, the cold season extends for over three months, from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 42°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 13°F and highs of 32°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Precipitation and Snowfall

Miles City receives an average annual rainfall of about 12 inches (as reported by Livability.com). The average annual snowfall is around 29 inches (as reported by Livability.com).

The semi-arid climate means that significant precipitation is not a constant feature, with less than 10 inches of liquid precipitation occurring roughly one year out of seven (as reported by NOAA). This contributes to the characteristic landscape of the region.

Education in Miles City

Miles City is served by a public school system that includes elementary, junior high, and high school levels. The Miles City Elementary School District provides education for younger students, with a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1 (as reported by Niche).

State test scores indicate that approximately 21% of students in the district are proficient in math and 32% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche). While some schools receive lower grades, Highland Park Elementary School is noted with a B+ rating (as reported by Niche).

School Ratings and Performance

School performance in Miles City shows some variation. Custer County District High School has a rating of 3.34 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). Lincoln School, serving grades 3-5, has a C-minus rating, with 10% of students proficient in math and 27% in reading (as reported by Niche).

Overall, the public schools in Miles City are rated, with some receiving grades in the C range. For those seeking higher education, Miles Community College is also located in Miles City, offering various programs and certificates (as reported by Zippia).

Demographics and Diversity

Miles City has an estimated population of 8,407 residents, with a slight decrease of -0.1% from the previous year (as reported by Point2Homes). The population is predominantly White, making up 88.3% of residents, followed by smaller percentages for Multiracial (5.0%), Hispanic (4.2%), and Native American/Other (1.8%) populations (as reported by Census Dots).

The city is considerably less diverse than Montana overall. The median age in Miles City is 42.6 years (as reported by Zippia and Montana Demographics), with a slightly higher male population at 51.5% compared to females at 48.5% (as reported by Point2Homes).