Fort Benton city, Montana Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Fort Benton city, Montana has a total population of 1,470, the 74th largest city in Montana, with a median household income of $67,171, which is 4% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 2.9%.
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 2.9% — among the lowest in Montana.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%.
Fort Benton city Quick Facts
How Fort Benton city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 28 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Fort Benton city Rankings in Montana
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Cities Similar to Fort Benton city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Belknap Agency CDP | 1,434 | N/A | $73,000 | 11.3% | 35.9% |
| Chinook city | 1,460 | $71,500 | $205,900 | 41.9% | 10.4% |
| Big Timber city | 1,530 | $63,514 | $235,100 | 15.1% | 10.1% |
| Bonner-West Riverside CDP | 1,445 | $59,609 | $162,100 | 23.5% | 14.7% |
| Sun Prairie CDP | 1,514 | $61,004 | $156,800 | 23.9% | 9.3% |
Population Overview
Fort Benton city is a small community located in Montana. The total population is 1,470. It ranks as the 74th most populous out of 470 cities and towns in Montana.
Age Demographics
The median age in Fort Benton city is 43.3 years. This is 8% higher than the state median of 40.2 years. 14.0% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Fort Benton city is $67,171. This is 4% lower than the state median of $69,922. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 14% lower. The poverty rate stands at 2.9%. This is 76% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 0.0%. This is 100% lower than the state rate of 3.8%. The median home value is $201,900. Housing costs are 40% lower than the state median of $338,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x. 76.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 11% higher than the state average of 69.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
Fort Benton city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 86.7% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 9.2%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (9.2% vs 4.4%).
Education
29.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 16% lower than the state rate of 34.5%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 95.9%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Fort Benton city, Montana is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Montana state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 470 Census-designated places in Montana. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Fort Benton city, Montana?
Fort Benton city, Montana has a population of 1,470 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Fort Benton city, MT?
The median household income in Fort Benton city is $67,171, which is 14% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Benton city, MT?
The poverty rate in Fort Benton city is 2.9%. This means approximately 42 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Fort Benton city, Montana?
Fort Benton city's population is 86.7% White, 0.0% Black, 9.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Fort Benton city, MT?
The median home value in Fort Benton city is $201,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x.
How educated is Fort Benton city, Montana?
29.1% of adults (25+) in Fort Benton city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 9.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.