Hardin, Montana Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Hardin, Montana had a total population of 3,742, the 33rd largest city in Montana, with a median household income of $60,423, which is 17% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 7.2%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.4x.
Hardin Quick Facts
How Hardin 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 | 3,766 | 3,742 | -0.6% |
| Median household income | $60,463 | $60,423 | -0.1% |
| Median home value | $142,800 | $147,100 | +3.0% |
How Hardin 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 diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 29 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Hardin Rankings in Montana
Explore Montana Rankings
Other Cities in Big Horn County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crow Agency | 2,192 | $52,339 | 39.2% | $58,800 |
| Muddy | 724 | N/A | 52.3% | $163,800 |
| Busby | 569 | $46,071 | 28.4% | $133,600 |
| Pryor | 497 | $47,083 | 36.4% | $90,700 |
| Wyola | 481 | $63,032 | 14.2% | $65,200 |
| Lodge Grass | 429 | $49,375 | 39.9% | $62,200 |
| Fort Smith | 78 | $51,190 | 0.0% | $119,600 |
| St. Xavier | 55 | N/A | 38.2% | $202,900 |
Cities Similar to Hardin
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dillon | 4,085 | $61,134 | $256,700 | 37.2% | 11.5% |
| Shelby | 3,216 | $58,413 | $232,700 | 19.5% | 13.8% |
| Malmstrom AFB | 4,302 | $64,833 | N/A | 36.6% | 5.8% |
| Deer Lodge | 3,021 | $60,302 | $247,600 | 23.8% | 7.2% |
| Cut Bank | 3,028 | $49,432 | $164,100 | 16.6% | 18.9% |
Population Overview
Hardin is a small community located in Montana, within Big Horn County. The total population is 3,742. It ranks as the 33rd most populous out of 475 Census-designated places in Montana.
Age Demographics
The median age in Hardin is 37.1 years. This is 8% lower than the state median of 40.4 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Hardin is $60,423. This is 17% lower than the state median of $72,509. It is also 25% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 7.2%. This is 38% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.5%. The unemployment rate is 5.6%. This is 56% higher than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $147,100. Housing costs are 61% lower than the state median of $375,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.4x, Hardin is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 54.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 22% lower than the state average of 69.2%.
Race & Ethnicity
Hardin is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 11.9%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (11.9% vs 4.6%).
Education
20.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 42% 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 90.1%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Hardin, 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 Hardin, Montana?
Hardin, Montana has a population of 3,742 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Hardin, MT?
The median household income in Hardin is $60,423, which is 25% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Hardin, MT?
The poverty rate in Hardin is 7.2%. This means approximately 261 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Hardin, Montana?
Hardin's population is 41.9% White, 0.0% Black, 11.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in Hardin, MT?
The median home value in Hardin is $147,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x.
How educated is Hardin, Montana?
20.5% of adults (25+) in Hardin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 6.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.