Is Anaconda Safe, Pros and cons of living in Anaconda
Anaconda, a city with a rich mining history, is nestled in the heart of southwestern Montana. Its unique identity is shaped by the dramatic Anaconda Range mountains and its proximity to the Continental Divide. The city offers a blend of natural beauty and a connection to its industrial past.
This unique setting provides residents with opportunities for outdoor recreation alongside a glimpse into the state’s historical economic drivers. Understanding the various facets of life in Anaconda, from its safety and cost of living to its job market and community offerings, is key for anyone considering a move to this Montana locale.
Is it Safe to Live in Anaconda?
Crime Rates
Anaconda’s crime rate is notably higher than the national average across all communities. When compared to other communities of similar population size, Anaconda’s combined violent and property crime rate is significantly above average. The chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Anaconda is approximately 1 in 51 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Specifically, the chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 146, while the property crime rate stands at 13 per one thousand residents. This means there is an above-average chance of becoming a victim of property crime, which includes motor vehicle theft, arson, larceny, and burglary (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Neighborhood Safety
While specific neighborhood crime data is not detailed here, general crime statistics indicate that Anaconda-Deer Lodge County residents often consider the northeast part of the city to be the safest. Conversely, the southwest neighborhoods present a higher risk, with a chance of being a victim of crime varying from 1 in 30 to 1 in 33 depending on the area (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
It is important to note that crime rate data for Anaconda-Deer Lodge County is not always directly reported by the FBI but may be estimated using demographic data or sourced from local enforcement agencies. These estimates should be used with caution (as reported by AreaVibes).
Cost of Living and Housing in Anaconda
Overall Cost of Living
Anaconda’s cost of living is generally considered to be less expensive than the national average, though some sources indicate slight variations. One calculation suggests Anaconda is about 5% less expensive than the national average, and 1% less expensive than the average city in Montana. Housing, transportation, and healthcare costs are noted as being more affordable than the U.S. average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).
However, another assessment indicates that living costs in Anaconda are 2% higher than the U.S. national average, with specific increases in housing, transportation, and food prices. This assessment also suggests that Anaconda is significantly less expensive than major coastal cities (as reported by Salary.com).
Housing Market
The housing market in Anaconda presents a median listing price of $350K, with a median rent of $1.2K per month. In contrast, other data indicates a median home price of $209,700 (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute) and an average rent of $1,250 (as reported by Zillow).
Anaconda is currently considered a buyer’s market, indicating that the supply of homes exceeds the demand. This trend suggests potential opportunities for those looking to purchase property in the area. Homes for sale have a median of 78 days on the market (as reported by Redfin).
Employment and Economic Landscape
Average Salary and Income
The average salary in Anaconda is reported to be around $60,983 per year, or $29 per hour (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). Other sources cite an average salary of $60,411 annually (as reported by SalaryExpert) and a median wage of $78.8K per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
The median household income in Anaconda-Deer Lodge County was $57,527 in 2024 (as reported by Anaconda-Deer Lodge County – Montana Census Data). This reflects a growing income trend, with a notable increase from previous years (as reported by Anaconda-Deer Lodge County – Montana Census Data).
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in Anaconda is reported as 3.4% (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). This figure is generally considered healthy and is in line with broader economic trends in the region and state. Other data from November 2022 indicated an unemployment rate of 2.2% for Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, which was equal to the Southwest Montana average and below the state average at that time (as reported by Anaconda-Deer Lodge County – Montana).
Montana’s overall unemployment rate was 3.6% in February 2026, unchanged from the previous month. This indicates a stable job market across the state (as reported by USAFacts).
Major Employers
Historically, the Anaconda Copper Company was the dominant employer in the region, significantly influencing the local economy and population. However, the company’s closure in 1980 led to substantial layoffs and a decline in the workforce (as reported by Anaconda, Montana An Economic Development Case Study).
Current major employers in the Anaconda area include NorthWestern Energy and Town Pump. Other businesses that operate in Anaconda and surrounding areas include Safeway, McDonald’s, CVS Health, and Honeywell (as reported by Lensa and Indeed.com).
Climate and Environment
Temperatures and Weather Patterns
Anaconda experiences a humid continental climate with distinct seasons. Summers are typically short, warm, dry, and mostly clear, with average high temperatures in July reaching around 78°F and lows around 46°F. The warm season generally runs from mid-June to mid-September.
Winters are freezing, snowy, and partly cloudy, with average daily high temperatures in December falling below 38°F, and average lows around 11°F. The cold season typically lasts from mid-November to early March. The temperature typically varies from 10°F to 79°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below -9°F or exceeding 88°F (as reported by Anaconda, Montana – Wikipedia and Anaconda Climate, Weather By Month, Average Temperature).
Precipitation and Snowfall
The average annual rainfall in Anaconda is approximately 15 inches. The rainy period typically spans from early April to late October, with June often being the wettest month, receiving about 1.9 inches of rain. The dry season generally lasts from late October to early April (as reported by Anaconda, Montana – Wikipedia).
Anaconda also experiences significant snowfall, with an average annual snowfall of about 75.2 inches. This contributes to the winter landscape and outdoor recreational opportunities in the region (as reported by Anaconda, Montana – Wikipedia).
Education and Demographics
School Ratings
Anaconda Junior/Senior High School has an overall Niche grade of C, with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. State test scores indicate that 27% of students are proficient in math and 56% in reading (as reported by Anaconda Junior/Senior High School – Niche).
The Anaconda Elementary School District, serving pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, also holds a C grade. It has a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1, with 27% of students proficient in math and 36% in reading (as reported by Anaconda Elementary School District – Montana – Niche).
Population and Diversity
As of the 2020 census, the consolidated city-county population of Anaconda was 9,421. Projections for 2026 estimate the population to reach around 9,804. The population is primarily White, making up 89.3% of residents, with smaller percentages of other racial and ethnic groups (as reported by Anaconda-Deer Lodge County – Montana Census Data and Anaconda-Deer Lodge County – Montana – World Population Review).
The median age in Anaconda-Deer Lodge County is 49.9 years, which is notably older than the state and national averages. This demographic trend is influenced by the historical economic shifts in the region (as reported by Anaconda-Deer Lodge County – Montana – World Population Review).