Hamilton, Montana Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Hamilton, Montana had a total population of 5,101, the 27th largest city in Montana, with a median household income of $49,204, which is 32% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 8.8%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 32% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 2.0%.
Hamilton Quick Facts
How Hamilton 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 | 4,949 | 5,101 | +3.1% |
| Median household income | $52,917 | $49,204 | -7.0% |
| Median home value | $299,800 | $310,000 | +3.4% |
How Hamilton 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+)
Hamilton Rankings in Montana
Explore Montana Rankings
Other Cities in Ravalli County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stevensville | 2,130 | $60,096 | 13.6% | $377,300 |
| Corvallis | 1,227 | $78,103 | 12.9% | $249,800 |
| Florence | 923 | $102,222 | 6.1% | $486,000 |
| Victor | 867 | $48,750 | 0.9% | $238,500 |
| Pinesdale | 833 | $66,875 | 13.8% | $230,000 |
| Darby | 527 | $43,627 | 13.5% | $327,100 |
| Charlos Heights | 163 | N/A | 4.9% | $2,000,000+ |
| Conner | 147 | N/A | 11.6% | N/A |
| Sula | 9 | N/A | 0.0% | N/A |
Cities Similar to Hamilton
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polson | 5,428 | $53,418 | $356,300 | 29.6% | 17.5% |
| Lewistown | 6,087 | $48,750 | $198,400 | 17.7% | 20.9% |
| Orchard Homes | 5,588 | $64,904 | $553,700 | 44.4% | 8.7% |
| Glendive | 4,810 | $72,670 | $182,600 | 23.5% | 13.5% |
| Malmstrom AFB | 4,302 | $64,833 | N/A | 36.6% | 5.8% |
Population Overview
Hamilton is a small city located in Montana, within Ravalli County. The total population is 5,101. It ranks as the 27th most populous out of 475 Census-designated places in Montana.
Age Demographics
The median age in Hamilton is 51.8 years. This is 28% higher than the state median of 40.4 years. Only 13.9% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 18.3% 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 Hamilton is $49,204. This is 32% lower than the state median of $72,509. It is also 39% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 8.8%. This is 24% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.5%. The unemployment rate is 2.0%. This is 44% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $310,000. Housing costs are 18% lower than the state median of $375,800. The home-value-to-income ratio of 6.3x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 55.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 20% lower than the state average of 69.2%.
Race & Ethnicity
Hamilton has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 93.0% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.7%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.7%) is well below the state average of 4.6%.
Education
30.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 13% 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 92.5%. Notably, 16.9% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Hamilton, 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 Hamilton, Montana?
Hamilton, Montana has a population of 5,101 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Hamilton, MT?
The median household income in Hamilton is $49,204, which is 39% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Hamilton, MT?
The poverty rate in Hamilton is 8.8%. This means approximately 433 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Hamilton, Montana?
Hamilton's population is 93.0% White, 0.0% Black, 1.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Hamilton, MT?
The median home value in Hamilton is $310,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.3x.
How educated is Hamilton, Montana?
30.8% of adults (25+) in Hamilton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 16.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.