Libby, Montana Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Libby, Montana had a total population of 3,042, the 38th largest city in Montana, with a median household income of $34,143, which is 53% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 24.0%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 53% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 7.5x the median household income.
Libby Quick Facts
How Libby 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 | 2,948 | 3,042 | +3.2% |
| Median household income | $39,261 | $34,143 | -13.0% |
| Median home value | $218,500 | $257,400 | +17.8% |
How Libby 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+)
Libby Rankings in Montana
Explore Montana Rankings
Other Cities in Lincoln County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eureka | 1,840 | $38,750 | 31.3% | $172,000 |
| White Haven | 978 | $41,154 | 25.2% | $205,300 |
| Troy | 871 | $32,250 | 39.8% | $257,600 |
| Pioneer Junction | 798 | $59,107 | 2.5% | $321,600 |
| Trego | 692 | $108,750 | 3.9% | $328,800 |
| West Kootenai | 494 | $93,869 | 0.0% | $270,000 |
| Fortine | 351 | $66,402 | 18.8% | $325,900 |
| Yaak | 293 | $60,000 | 19.6% | $380,800 |
| Bull Lake | 247 | N/A | 0.0% | $592,100 |
| Happys Inn | 229 | $40,221 | 18.3% | $435,000 |
Cities Similar to Libby
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Browning | 3,144 | $37,155 | $187,500 | 12.3% | 43.3% |
| Cut Bank | 3,028 | $49,432 | $164,100 | 16.6% | 18.9% |
| Deer Lodge | 3,021 | $60,302 | $247,600 | 23.8% | 7.2% |
| Conrad | 2,618 | $47,857 | $188,900 | 23.4% | 17.6% |
| Shelby | 3,216 | $58,413 | $232,700 | 19.5% | 13.8% |
Population Overview
Libby is a small community located in Montana, within Lincoln County. The total population is 3,042. It ranks as the 38th most populous out of 475 Census-designated places in Montana.
Age Demographics
The median age in Libby is 51.0 years. This is 26% higher than the state median of 40.4 years. 17.8% 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 Libby is $34,143. This is 53% lower than the state median of $72,509. It is also 58% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 24.0%. This is 108% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.5%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 3.4%. This is 7% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $257,400. Housing costs are 32% lower than the state median of $375,800. The home-value-to-income ratio of 7.5x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 57.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 18% lower than the state average of 69.2%.
Race & Ethnicity
Libby has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 89.5% of all residents. Asian residents account for 0.4%. The Black or African American population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 0.4%. The Hispanic or Latino population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 4.6%. The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 0.8%.
Education
19.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 45% 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 90.4%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Libby, 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 Libby, Montana?
Libby, Montana has a population of 3,042 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Libby, MT?
The median household income in Libby is $34,143, which is 58% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Libby, MT?
The poverty rate in Libby is 24.0%. This means approximately 698 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Libby, Montana?
Libby's population is 89.5% White, 0.2% Black, 0.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in Libby, MT?
The median home value in Libby is $257,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.5x.
How educated is Libby, Montana?
19.4% of adults (25+) in Libby hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 7.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.