Fort Benton, Montana Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Fort Benton, Montana had a total population of 1,474, the 75th largest city in Montana, with a median household income of $67,188, which is 7% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 3.0%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 3.0% — among the lowest in Montana.
Fort Benton Quick Facts
How Fort Benton Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,470 | 1,474 | +0.3% |
| Median household income | $67,171 | $67,188 | +0.0% |
| Median home value | $201,900 | $247,600 | +22.6% |
How Fort Benton Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
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: 29 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Fort Benton Rankings in Montana
Explore Montana Rankings
Other Cities in Chouteau County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Sandy | 784 | $60,521 | 8.6% | $187,500 |
| Geraldine | 317 | $43,036 | 24.3% | $106,300 |
| Boneau | 277 | $43,056 | 21.7% | N/A |
| Highwood | 205 | $85,500 | 6.8% | $200,000 |
| Loma | 73 | $51,227 | 13.7% | $112,300 |
| Carter | 60 | N/A | 28.3% | $111,400 |
| Twin Hills Colony | 48 | N/A | 0.0% | N/A |
| Square Butte | 28 | $48,500 | 0.0% | N/A |
| Floweree | 18 | $123,125 | 5.6% | $416,700 |
Cities Similar to Fort Benton
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helena West Side | 1,417 | $66,921 | $402,300 | 44.8% | 5.9% |
| South Browning | 1,538 | N/A | $73,000 | 9.3% | 42.2% |
| West Yellowstone | 1,474 | $58,839 | $504,300 | 25.1% | 13.1% |
| Big Timber | 1,611 | $66,898 | $278,200 | 16.2% | 10.4% |
| Bonner-West Riverside | 1,563 | $62,039 | $210,900 | 23.6% | 14.5% |
Population Overview
Fort Benton is a small community located in Montana, within Chouteau County. The total population is 1,474. It ranks as the 75th most populous out of 475 Census-designated places in Montana.
Age Demographics
The median age in Fort Benton is 42.7 years. This is 6% higher than the state median of 40.4 years. 13.6% 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 is $67,188. This is 7% lower than the state median of $72,509. It is also 17% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 3.0%. This is 74% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.5%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The survey records no unemployed residents in Fort Benton, which reflects the size of the sample rather than a labor market without joblessness. The median home value is $247,600. Housing costs are 34% lower than the state median of $375,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x. 79.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 15% higher than the state average of 69.2%.
Race & Ethnicity
Fort Benton has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 86.5% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 8.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (8.6% vs 4.6%).
Education
30.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 14% lower than the state rate of 35.2%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 96.4%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Fort Benton, Montana is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Montana state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 475 Census-designated places in Montana. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Fort Benton, Montana?
Fort Benton, Montana has a population of 1,474 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Fort Benton, MT?
The median household income in Fort Benton is $67,188, which is 17% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Benton, MT?
The poverty rate in Fort Benton is 3.0%. This means approximately 43 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Fort Benton, Montana?
Fort Benton's population is 86.5% White, 0.0% Black, 8.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Fort Benton, MT?
The median home value in Fort Benton is $247,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
How educated is Fort Benton, Montana?
30.2% of adults (25+) in Fort Benton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 8.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.