Is Glendive Safe, Pros and cons of living in Glendive
Glendive, Montana, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to natural beauty, making it an appealing option for those seeking a more relaxed pace of life. Situated in the heart of eastern Montana, this community provides a distinct living experience characterized by its friendly atmosphere and connection to the outdoors. Glendive is a place where community ties are strong, and the surrounding landscape offers ample opportunities for recreation and exploration.
The town’s location along the Yellowstone River and near Makoshika State Park, Montana’s largest state park, provides residents with direct access to scenic badlands and outdoor adventures. This proximity to natural wonders is a significant draw for individuals and families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of larger urban centers. Glendive’s cost of living and housing affordability further enhance its appeal, presenting a more accessible lifestyle compared to many other areas in the state and nation.
Is it Safe to Live in Glendive?
Crime Statistics
Glendive’s overall crime rate is reported to be 25% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (AreaVibes). However, a closer examination reveals a more nuanced picture. While the total crime rate is lower, violent crime in Glendive is 86.7% higher than the national average (AreaVibes). Your chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Glendive is 1 in 63 (AreaVibes).
Specific crime data indicates that the violent crime rate is 670 per 100,000 individuals, while the property crime rate is 922 per 100,000 residents (AreaVibes). Glendive is considered to be safer than only 14% of cities in the United States (AreaVibes). Residents generally perceive the northern part of the city as the safest area (NeighborhoodScout, CrimeGrade.org).
Safety Perceptions and Cost of Crime
The crime rate in Glendive is considered slightly higher than the average US city, earning it a “C” grade for safety (CrimeGrade.org). This indicates that while not among the highest crime areas, Glendive is not statistically one of the safest communities in America (NeighborhoodScout). The estimated cost of crime per resident in Glendive is $372 annually, which is lower than both the national and Montana state averages (CrimeGrade.org).
The total projected cost of crime in Glendive for 2025 is estimated at $2,218,180, translating to approximately $372 per resident and $888 per household (CrimeGrade.org). These figures encompass criminal justice system costs, direct costs to victims, and lost economic contributions from offenders (CrimeGrade.org).
Housing Market and Cost of Living
Housing Affordability
Glendive presents a highly attractive housing market, especially for those seeking affordability. The median home value in Glendive is approximately $166,400 (Kurby AI), with some sources listing it around $193,000 (Treasure State) or $182,600 (Niche). This is significantly lower than the national median home value, which stands at $332,700 (Niche).
The affordability ratio in Glendive, which compares home prices to median household income, is notably low at 2.7. This figure is well below the commonly cited national comfort zone of 3.0 to 5.0, indicating that homes are less than three times the median household income (Treasure State). Glendive ranks in the lower quartile for home prices among Montana towns (Treasure State).
Rental Costs and Overall Expenses
Rental prices in Glendive are also considerably lower than the national average. The median rent is reported to be $800 per month (Zumper), with some sources indicating an average rent of $650 or $750 (Zillow, Trulia). This is substantially less than the national average rent, which is around $1,895 per month (Trulia).
The overall cost of living in Glendive is approximately 8% lower than the national average (AreaVibes, Salary.com). Housing costs are particularly affordable, being 25% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). While food and transportation costs are also generally lower, some sources suggest that overall living costs in Glendive might be 1% higher than the U.S. national average due to factors like housing and transportation expenses (Salary.com).
Job Market and Economy
Average Salaries and Income
The average salary in Glendive, Montana, is reported to be around $65,482 per year or $31 per hour (ERI SalaryExpert). Other estimates place the average salary at $66,102 annually (ERI Economic Research Institute) or $74,500 as a median wage (ZipRecruiter). The median household income in Glendive was $72,670 in 2024 (US Census Bureau), with a poverty rate of 13.48% (World Population Review).
The job market in Glendive supports a range of industries, with major employers including UPS, the United States Postal Service, Dollar Tree, and Circle K (Indeed). Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. is also a significant entity in the region (Lensa). Dawson Community College is a notable employer and educational institution within the city (Zippia, Lensa).
Employment and Unemployment Rates
Montana’s unemployment rate was 3.6% in March 2026, remaining unchanged from the previous month (USAFacts, Montana.gov). This rate is lower than the national unemployment rate (Montana.gov). Glendive’s specific unemployment rate is not directly provided in the search results, but the state’s low rate suggests a generally stable job market.
The employment rate in Glendive is estimated at 53.8%, with 25.8% of the population holding a bachelor’s degree or higher and 92.3% holding a high school diploma (Wikipedia). The median age in Glendive is around 44.4 years (World Population Review, Census Reporter).
Climate and Environment
Temperature and Seasonal Averages
Glendive experiences a climate with significant seasonal variations. Average high temperatures in the summer (July) reach around 88.9°F, while average low temperatures in the winter (January) can drop to 3.8°F (Western Regional Climate Center). The average annual temperature is approximately 58.4°F for highs and 31.9°F for lows (Western Regional Climate Center).
The city’s climate is characterized by warm summers and cold winters. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures, making them pleasant times to enjoy the outdoor surroundings. Glendive has an average annual snowfall of about 28.8 inches (Western Regional Climate Center).
Precipitation and Weather Patterns
Glendive receives an average annual precipitation of about 13.93 inches (Western Regional Climate Center). The majority of this rainfall occurs during the late spring and summer months, with June and July typically being the wettest months. Snowfall is most common from November through March.
The weather in Glendive can be dynamic, with chances of showers present throughout much of the year, particularly in spring and summer (National Weather Service). Residents should be prepared for typical Great Plains weather patterns, including potential for wind and varying temperatures.
Education and Demographics
School District Performance
Glendive’s public school system includes the Glendive Elementary School District and Dawson High School. The Glendive Elementary School District serves grades PK-8 and has a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1 (Niche). State test scores indicate that 24% of students are proficient in math and 39% in reading within this district (Niche).
Dawson High School, serving grades 9-12, has a similar student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1 (Niche). Proficiency rates at the high school level show 26% of students are proficient in math and 38% in reading (Niche). Overall, Niche assigns a “C” grade to Dawson High School and a “C+” to the elementary district (Niche).
Population and Demographics
Glendive has an estimated population of 4,810 people (US Census Bureau, World Population Review). The population is predominantly White, making up 89.0% of residents (US Census Bureau, Census Dots). Hispanic residents constitute about 5.2% of the population, followed by those of Two or More races at 3.1% (US Census Bureau).
The median age in Glendive is 44.4 years (World Population Review), indicating a population that is slightly older than the national average. The community is largely composed of homeowners, with approximately 70% of residents owning their homes and 30% renting (Niche).
Pros and Cons of Living in Glendive
Advantages of Glendive Living
Glendive offers significant advantages for those prioritizing affordability and a connection to nature. The cost of living is notably lower than the national average, particularly in housing, making homeownership attainable for many (AreaVibes, Niche). The town’s proximity to Makoshika State Park and the Yellowstone River provides abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation and scenic beauty (Kurby AI).
The community atmosphere is a key draw, with a friendly, small-town feel where neighbors tend to know each other (Kurby AI). This can foster a strong sense of belonging and security. The stable housing market also presents a compelling case for potential buyers and investors (Kurby AI).
Potential Challenges
While Glendive offers many benefits, potential residents should be aware of certain challenges. Crime rates, particularly for violent offenses, are higher than the national average, which may be a concern for some individuals (AreaVibes, CrimeGrade.org). Some reviews suggest that school facilities and curricula may be dated, impacting educational experiences (Niche).
The climate features cold winters and the town’s walkability is limited, suggesting a reliance on personal vehicles for transportation (Niche, Salary.com). Additionally, while the overall cost of living is lower, some specific expenses like utilities and transportation might be higher than the national average (Salary.com).