City profile · Montana · Census ACS 2023

Libby, MT

Population, income, housing, safety, climate and schools for Libby - drawn straight from Census ACS, FBI UCR, NOAA, NCES, HUD and FEMA, refreshed on the 2024–2025 release cycle.

2,948
Residents
$39,261
Median income
$218,500
Median home
$1,170
Median rent (state)

Libby - the verdict

Out of every US city with 1,000+ residents, Libby places in the 7th percentile for household income and the 68th percentile for safety. Source: Census ACS + FBI UCR.

7th
percentile, household income
48th
percentile, home value
34th
percentile, median rent
68th
percentile, safety
📝 How we sourced this

Population, income, and housing-cost figures come from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year estimates (B-series tables). Crime data uses FBI UCR; climate uses NOAA Climate Normals; school counts come from NCES Common Core of Data; permits use the Census Building Permits Survey (BPS). See our methodology page for the full ETL pipeline and OMB / FIPS join keys.

Data Snapshot: Libby, MT

2,948 people live in Libby, Montana - a small town by U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023 estimates. Median household income here is $39,261 per year, in the lower quartile of U.S. cities for household income, with a poverty rate of 17.6%. Typical homes in Libby are valued around $218,500, and the median resident age is 49.0 years. About 17.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, while 45.3% of working-age residents are in the labor force.

Housing supply pressure shows in Census Building Permit Survey data: 15 residential units were authorized in 2024 (Building Boom), up 67% from five years earlier. Libby reports a comparatively low crime rate: FBI UCR figures show 907.4 crimes per 100,000 residents, below the national average (reporting is voluntary across agencies, so treat this as reporting activity rather than a definitive danger score). The annual average temperature per NOAA climate normals runs 40.2°F with 22.3 inches of precipitation per year and 92.7 inches of snowfall.

Living costs in Montana run below the national norm: on BEA's 100-equals-national-average cost index, Montana scores 94.6 (Below Average), per the 2024 Regional Price Parities release. Statewide, HUD pegs Fair Market Rent for a two-bedroom unit at $1,170 monthly. Statewide, average monthly utility bills in Montana run around $175, per EIA 2023 residential energy data. Workers in Libby report an average commute of 12.7 minutes, with 66.4% driving alone and 7.9% working from home. Natural-hazard exposure scores 64.3 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (Moderate).

Population

2,948 residents

Census ACS 2023 - Montana

Median Household Income

$39,261 /yr

Poverty 17.6%

Cost of Living Index (state)

94.6 (US=100)

Below Average - BEA RPP 2024, Montana average

How does Libby compare to other US cities?

Here's how Libby stacks up against the full field of US cities (population 1,000+), computed live from Census and FBI data.

Household income 7% higher than other cities
Home value 48% pricier than other cities
Median rent 34% pricier than other cities
Safety 68% safer than other cities

"Safer than" reflects total crime rate from FBI UCR; the others use Census ACS estimates.

National percentiles can mask local variation. Looking only at Montana, Libby ranks #11 of 39 Montana cities by lowest crime rate - a narrower, more locally useful cut than the national comparison above.

How we calculate these percentiles & ranks

For each metric we count every US city with population 1,000+ and a non-null value, then compute what share of them fall below Libby's value: round(cities-below ÷ total × 100). Safety is inverted (percentile = share of cities with a higher crime rate) so a higher number always means safer. The in-state rank narrows that same crime-rate comparison to only the cities PlainCities tracks in Montana, breaking ties alphabetically. See the methodology page for the full source-to-figure lineage.

7thIncome percentile
68thSafety percentile

7th percentile nationally for median household income · 68th percentile for safety (lower crime rate). Source: Census ACS 2023 / FBI UCR 2023.

Libby's profile vs. every US city

Income, affordability, and safety percentile

Libby's percentile rank on 3 favorable-direction measures (income, affordability, safety) vs. every tracked US city -- higher on every axis is more favorable. Not a composite quality score, just the arithmetic mean of the axes shown. 3-axis radar comparing 1 series across Income, Affordability, Safety. IncomeAffordabilitySafety 45 Avg. percentile National median
Libby's percentile rank on 3 favorable-direction measures (income, affordability, safety) vs. every tracked US city -- higher on every axis is more favorable. Not a composite quality score, just the arithmetic mean of the axes shown.

How Libby's home value compares nationally

Median home value vs. every US city (population 1,000+)

$218,500 Among the most affordable more affordable than 52% of 15,600 US cities

$0–$25,000: 5 US cities (0%). Below this entry. $25,000–$50,000: 54 US cities (0%). Below this entry. $50,000–$75,000: 352 US cities (2%). Below this entry. $75,000–$100,000: 1,086 US cities (7%). Below this entry. $100,000–$125,000: 1,516 US cities (10%). Below this entry. $125,000–$150,000: 1,170 US cities (8%). Below this entry. $150,000–$175,000: 1,278 US cities (8%). Below this entry. $175,000–$200,000: 1,229 US cities (8%). Below this entry. $200,000–$225,000: 1,035 US cities (7%). This entry sits in this band. $225,000–$250,000: 976 US cities (6%). Above this entry. $250,000–$275,000: 754 US cities (5%). Above this entry. $275,000–$300,000: 712 US cities (5%). Above this entry. $300,000–$325,000: 521 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $325,000–$350,000: 526 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $350,000–$375,000: 465 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $375,000–$400,000: 393 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $400,000–$425,000: 317 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $425,000–$450,000: 300 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $450,000–$475,000: 307 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $475,000–$500,000: 250 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $500,000–$525,000: 160 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $525,000–$550,000: 156 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $550,000–$575,000: 172 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $575,000–$600,000: 172 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $600,000–$625,000: 163 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $625,000–$650,000: 167 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $650,000–$675,000: 135 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $675,000–$700,000: 101 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $700,000–$725,000: 95 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $725,000–$750,000: 71 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $750,000–$775,000: 65 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $775,000–$800,000: 70 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $800,000–$825,000: 57 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $825,000–$850,000: 67 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $850,000–$875,000: 60 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $875,000–$900,000: 58 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $900,000–$925,000: 47 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $925,000–$950,000: 37 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $950,000–$975,000: 31 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $975,000–$1,000,000: 470 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $1,000,000–$1,025,000: 0 US cities (0%). Above this entry. Libby $0 $1,025,000 every US city, bucketed by value

Each bar is a $25K-wide band; taller bars hold more US cities. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count, share, and where it sits relative to this entry.

Source U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates · 2023

Income distribution context

Household income distribution - Libby, MT Libby, MT's reported median household income shown against the U.S. national quintile-share pattern (not Libby, MT-specific quintile data). The Lorenz curve traces the national cumulative income share against cumulative population share, perfect equality is the diagonal; observed inequality bows below. $ Household Income Distribution Libby, MT median $39,261/yr, vs. U.S. national quintile pattern QUINTILE SHARE OF AGGREGATE INCOME Lowest 20% 3.4% Second 20% 9.2% Middle 20% 15.1% Fourth 20% 23.2% Top 20% 49.1% LORENZ CURVE cumulative income vs. population 100% 0% 100% pop. 0%
Libby, MT's median household income (Census ACS 5-year estimate) plotted against the U.S. national income-quintile distribution pattern for context; the quintile shares and Lorenz curve are national figures, not computed specifically for Libby, MT. Diagonal = perfect equality.

Key socioeconomic indicators

Bachelor's degree or higher (adults 25+) 17.2%

Census ACS S1501, educational attainment

Poverty rate (households below FPL) 17.6%

Census ACS S1701, poverty status

Labor force participation (adults 16+) 45.3%

Census ACS S2301, share of working-age residents in the labor force

Population
2,948
Median Income
$39,261
Median Home Value
$218,500
Median Age
49.0
Poverty Rate
17.6%
Labor force participation
45.3%
Bachelor's Degree+
17.2%

Safety & Crime

Total Crime Rate
907.4
per 100,000 residents
Violent Crime
151.2
per 100,000 residents
Property Crime
756.2
per 100,000 residents

Reflects incidents reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting program — agency participation is voluntary and reporting completeness varies by jurisdiction and year, so this reflects reporting activity, not a definitive danger score. Not adjusted for tourism, commuter, or daytime population.

Climate

Avg Temperature
40.2°F
Annual Precipitation
22.3"
Annual Snowfall
92.7"

Schools

Total Schools
3
Public schools in this city

Population Change

Annual U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates Program (PEP) estimates, 2020–2025

See the fastest-growing cities →
2,600 residents2,800 residents3,000 residents3,200 residents3,400 residents 202020212022202320242025 2,796 residents 3,274 residents ▲ +17.1%
Libby's Census PEP population estimates, 2020–2025.

Housing Supply

Census Bureau Building Permits Survey (BPS) - annual residential permits authorized

📈 Building Boom
Total Permits (2024)
15
housing units authorized
Single-Family
9
detached homes
Multifamily
6
apartments & condos
Supply Intensity
5.1
permits per 1,000 residents

5-Year Permit Trend (2019–2024)

Year Total
2019 9
2020 23
2021 13
2022 16
2023 14
2024 15

Permit volume increased 67% from 2019 to 2024.

Commute Patterns

How workers travel to work, Census ACS 2023

Average Commute Time
12.7 minutes
Drive Alone
66.4%
Carpool
16.8%
Public Transit
0.0%
Walk
3.3%
Work from Home
7.9%
Other
5.6%

Based on 1,153 workers 16 and over.

Monthly Utility Costs

State-average estimates for Montana - EIA 2023 residential energy data

Electricity
$80
avg/month
Natural Gas
$55
avg/month
Water & Sewer
$40
avg/month
Total Utilities
$175
estimated/month

Estimates reflect Montana state averages. Actual costs vary by home size, usage, and local rates. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2023.

Living Costs & Risk

Cost of living is a Montana state average from BEA; rent and hazard risk are county-level figures from HUD and FEMA for the county Libby sits in

Cost of Living Index
94.6
Below Average
US average = 100 · BEA RPP 2024
Typical 2-BR Rent
$1,170/mo
HUD Fair Market Rent
County-level FMR estimate
Natural Hazard Risk
64.3 / 100
Moderate
FEMA NRI composite score (county)

Similar Cities in Montana

Montana
2,899 people
North Browning
2,894 people
Deer Lodge
3,035 people
Cut Bank
3,040 people
Shelby
3,129 people
Lakeside
2,730 people

Cities of a Similar Size Nationwide

Population-matched peers from other states, closest to Libby's 2,948 residents (Census ACS 5-Year 2023).

Sharpes, FL
2,948 people
Plumsteadville, PA
2,948 people
Meadowdale, WA
2,948 people
Naranjito zona urbana, PR
2,948 people
Noroton Heights, CT
2,949 people
Ferrysburg, MI
2,949 people

Cities with a Similar Household Income Nationwide

Median-household-income-matched peers from other states, closest to Libby's $39,261 (Census ACS 5-Year 2023, table B19013).

Laurinburg, NC
$39,258 median income
Luzerne, PA
$39,257 median income
Hiltonia, GA
$39,250 median income
Emmett, KS
$39,250 median income
Nelliston, NY
$39,250 median income
Oilton, TX
$39,250 median income

Race & Ethnicity Composition

Race and ethnicity - Libby, MT Race categories sum to one hundred percent per Census methodology. Hispanic or Latino is shown separately as an ethnicity overlay; it cuts across all race categories per OMB Directive 15. Race & Ethnicity Composition Libby, MT - Census ACS, OMB race + ethnicity categories RACE, sums to 100% 87.6% 6.0% ETHNICITY, Hispanic or Latino (any race) 1.3% White 87.6% Black or African American 0.3% Asian 0.6% American Indian 5.5% Native Hawaiian 0.0% Some other race 0.0% Two or more races 6.0% Per OMB Directive 15: Hispanic/Latino ethnicity is reported separately from the race categories.
Race categories sum to 100%. Hispanic or Latino ethnicity is reported separately and cuts across race per Census/OMB methodology.

City-level race and ethnicity, Census ACS 5-year 2023 (tables B02001, B03001), OMB Directive 15 categories.

How Libby compares to nearby Montana cities

Population + median household income, sourced from Census Bureau ACS 5-year B01001 (population) and B19013 (median household income).

City Population Median Household Income
Libby (this city) 2,948 $39,261
Montana 2,899 $125,223
North Browning 2,894 $40,813
Deer Lodge 3,035 $53,676
Census ACS 5-year FIPS MT FBI UCR NOAA Normals NCES CCD Census BPS 2024 OMB Bulletin 23-01

What do people ask about Libby, MT?

What is the population of Libby, MT? +

2,948 people live in Libby, MT according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023 estimates.

What is the median household income in Libby, MT? +

Median annual household income in Libby runs $39,261, based on Census ACS 2023 data.

What is the cost of living in Libby? +

BEA does not publish a city-level cost-of-living figure for Libby; the closest available measure is the Montana state average, a cost of living index of 94.6 (U.S. average = 100), rated "Below Average" based on BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 data. Costs within Montana vary by metro area.

Is Libby, MT safe? +

Libby has a total crime rate of 907.4 per 100,000 residents, which is below the national average. This reflects incidents reported to the FBI UCR program, not a definitive safety score -- agency reporting is voluntary and completeness varies by jurisdiction.

What is the median home value in Libby, MT? +

Libby's median home value sits at $218,500, according to Census ACS 2023 estimates.

What is the climate like in Libby? +

Libby has an average annual temperature of 40.2°F, 22.3 inches of precipitation, and 92.7 inches of snowfall per year. Source: NOAA Climate Normals.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year 2023, FBI UCR, NOAA Climate Normals, NCES CCD, Census BPS 2024, Census ACS B08301/B08136, U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2023, BEA Regional Price Parities 2024, HUD Fair Market Rents 2026, FEMA National Risk Index.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.

Primary sources: Census ACS, FBI UCR, NOAA Climate Normals, NCES.

Citation & verification links Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainCities Editorial

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Every figure on PlainCities is rendered directly from Census ACS source data, no number is typed in by an editor. This page draws directly on Census ACS source data, no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.