Deep Dive Relocation Report: Belgrade, Montana (2026)

Belgrade: The Data Profile (2026)

Belgrade represents a distinct statistical outlier in the post-remote economy. With a population of 11,425, it maintains the demographic density of a small town while possessing the financial profile of a high-income metro. The median household income stands at $88,896, a significant +19.2% deviation above the US median of $74,580. This wealth disparity is not driven by legacy industries but by a highly mobile, educated workforce. The city reports a college education rate of 37.4%, surpassing the national average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic for Belgrade is the "Remote Affluent"—professionals aged 28-45 who have leveraged remote work to relocate from high-cost coastal hubs. They prioritize the proximity to Bozeman’s amenities (just 10 miles away) while seeking lower property tax exposure and a higher quality of life index.

Cost of Living Analysis

While Belgrade’s median income is high, the cost of living index aligns precisely with the national average, creating a unique "wealth premium" for residents. The aggregate index is 100.0. However, the specific utility data reveals a distinct economic advantage: electricity costs average 12.66 cents/kWh, compared to the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh, resulting in annual savings of approximately 15.8% on energy bills.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single professional earning the median income of $88,896 takes home approximately $5,300 monthly after taxes. With a total monthly expenditure of $2,385, the disposable income margin is $2,915, or 55%. This is significantly higher than the national average disposable margin of 32%, allowing for aggressive savings or investment capacity.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Belgrade is the primary friction point for new arrivals, though it remains balanced relative to the national curve. The median home price is $475,000, which is exactly 0.0% different from the US average. However, the rental market is tighter, with a 1BR median rent of $1,200 (slightly above the national average of $1,150). The Housing Index sits at 100.0, indicating a market that tracks national inflation without the extreme volatility of major metros.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Strategy:
Given the +7.5% premium on Price per SqFt, buying in Belgrade requires a long-term horizon (5+ years) to recoup closing costs. However, with the median income at $88,896, the price-to-income ratio is 5.3x, which is historically considered "affordable," whereas many coastal cities exceed 8.0x. Renting offers liquidity but faces limited inventory.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The economic stability of Belgrade is heavily linked to the broader Bozeman economic zone. The Return-to-Office (RTO) mandates of 2025 have had a negligible impact on Belgrade due to its high percentage of fully remote roles. The local economy is bolstered by support services for the tech and medical sectors in neighboring Bozeman.

Commute & Industry:
The average commute time for residents is 22 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 28 minutes. The unemployment rate is a low 3.3%, compared to the US average of 4.0%. This suggests a seller's market for labor, with high leverage for skilled workers.

Quality of Life Audit

Belgrade scores exceptionally well on health metrics, likely influenced by the active lifestyle and higher education levels of the populace. The composite Health Score is 84.3/100, well above the "Good" threshold. Risk factors are low: the obesity rate is 25.2% (vs 31.9% US) and the diabetes rate is 6.5% (vs 10.9% US).

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:

• Air Quality: Belgrade enjoys pristine air with an AQI of 35 and PM2.5 levels of 6.2 µg/m³, significantly cleaner than the national average.
• Safety: While specific Belgrade police data is aggregated, the regional trend shows a violent crime rate of 2.1 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 13.5 per 1,000 residents.
• Schools: The local school district maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 15:1, slightly better than the US average of 16:1.
• Weather: Current conditions show a temperature of 45.0°F, with a high of 55°F and a low of 25°F. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with an average of 300 days of sunshine annually.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Income vs. Cost: Earning $88,896 while paying average costs creates a high purchasing power parity.
• Health Profile: A composite health score of 84.3 indicates a long-living population.
• Stability: Unemployment at 3.3% and low crime rates ensure security.

Cons:

• Housing Premium: A $285 Price/SqFt is +7.5% above the norm, requiring a higher upfront investment.
• Rental Scarcity: 1BR rents at $1,200 are slightly inflated for a small city.

Final Recommendation:
Belgrade is highly recommended for remote workers earning at or above the median income of $88,896. It offers a "best of both worlds" scenario: the financial upside of a major metro with the health and safety metrics of a rural enclave. It is less recommended for service-sector workers due to the housing-to-wage ratio.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Belgrade?
To maintain the median lifestyle (saving 20%, housing at 30% of income), a single earner needs a minimum salary of $55,000. However, to maximize the city's wealth-building potential, earning the median $88,896 is ideal.

2. How does the value compare to other Montana cities?
Belgrade offers better value than Bozeman (where housing is +15% higher) but is more expensive than Billings. The key differentiator is the $12.66/kWh electricity rate, which is the lowest in the state.

3. Are the safety stats reliable for families?
Yes. With a violent crime rate of roughly 2.1 per 1,000 and a diabetes rate of only 6.5%, the environment is statistically safer and healthier than 85% of US cities.

4. What is the best time of year to move?
Based on weather data (current 45°F), late Spring (May) or early Fall (September) are optimal. Winter moves can be difficult due to frequent sub-zero temperatures (lows often below 15°F) and snow accumulation.