Polson city, Montana Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Polson city, Montana has a total population of 5,334, the 23rd largest city in Montana, with a median household income of $51,463, which is 26% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 20.0%.
Polson city Quick Facts
How Polson city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 28 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Polson city Rankings in Montana
Explore Montana Rankings
Cities Similar to Polson city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamilton city | 4,949 | $52,917 | $299,800 | 31.4% | 12.0% |
| Orchard Homes CDP | 5,280 | $68,649 | $473,100 | 45.3% | 9.7% |
| Columbia Falls city | 5,531 | $65,313 | $346,700 | 31.6% | 16.1% |
| Lewistown city | 6,028 | $44,195 | $159,500 | 16.9% | 20.6% |
| Bigfork CDP | 5,249 | $82,648 | $614,300 | 51.0% | 6.2% |
Population Overview
Polson city is a small city located in Montana. The total population is 5,334. It ranks as the 23rd most populous out of 470 cities and towns in Montana.
Age Demographics
The median age in Polson city is 42.9 years. This is 7% higher than the state median of 40.2 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Polson city is $51,463. This is 26% lower than the state median of $69,922. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 34% lower. The poverty rate stands at 20.0%. This is 66% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 6.9%. This is 83% higher than the state rate of 3.8%. The median home value is $321,000. Housing costs are 5% lower than the state median of $338,100. The home-value-to-income ratio of 6.2x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 52.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 24% lower than the state average of 69.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Polson city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 59.6% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 7.3%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (7.3% vs 4.4%). The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 0.8%.
Education
28.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 18% 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 92.3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Polson 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 Polson city, Montana?
Polson city, Montana has a population of 5,334 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Polson city, MT?
The median household income in Polson city is $51,463, which is 34% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Polson city, MT?
The poverty rate in Polson city is 20.0%. This means approximately 1,045 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Polson city, Montana?
Polson city's population is 59.6% White, 0.4% Black, 7.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in Polson city, MT?
The median home value in Polson city is $321,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.2x.
How educated is Polson city, Montana?
28.3% of adults (25+) in Polson city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 11.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.