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Red Lodge, Montana Demographics & Population 2026

Oldest CityAmong the oldest communities in Montana with a median age of 59.7 years

During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Red Lodge, Montana had a total population of 2,502, the 43rd largest city in Montana, with a median household income of $55,750, which is 23% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 6.7%.

Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes

Red Lodge Quick Facts

Population 2,502
Median Household Income $55,750
Median Home Value $380,700
Poverty Rate 6.7%
Unemployment Rate 2.8%
Median Age 59.7 years
Homeownership Rate 66.2%
Affordability Ratio 6.8x
Bachelor's Degree or Higher 46.3%
High School Graduation Rate 96.1%
Diversity Index 16/100
Population 2,502 43rd of 475
Median Income $55,750 below average
Poverty Rate 6.7% 47% lower than national
Median Home Value $380,700 top 30%

How Red Lodge Changed

Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.

Metric2019–20232020–2024Change
Population2,3992,502+4.3%
Median household income$43,857$55,750+27.1%
Median home value$374,900$380,700+1.5%

How Red Lodge Compares

Economy & Housing

Household Income Distribution

Under $25K 24.3%
$25K-$50K 23.8%
$50K-$100K 19.0%
$100K+ 32.9%
Detailed income brackets
Under $10K
5.5%
$10K-$15K
0.7%
$15K-$20K
10.8%
$20K-$25K
7.3%
$25K-$30K
5.3%
$30K-$35K
2.9%
$35K-$40K
5.3%
$40K-$45K
9.7%
$45K-$50K
0.7%
$50K-$60K
2.2%
$60K-$75K
8.1%
$75K-$100K
8.7%
$100K-$125K
9.7%
$125K-$150K
1.9%
$150K-$200K
10.4%
$200K+
10.9%

Employment

2.8% Unemployment Rate State: 3.6%|National: 5.2%
58.9% Labor Force Participation

Housing Overview

Owner 66.2%
Renter 33.8%
Affordability Index Expensive
6.8x home value to income ratio
Median gross rent $717/mo 15.4% of median household income annually

People & Demographics

Diversity Index

16out of 100
Very Low Diversity

A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.

State average: 29 | National average: 61

Education

Red Lodge Rankings in Montana

#43 Population of 475
#225 Median Income of 341
#54 Education of 473
#97 Home Value of 320

Other Cities in Carbon County

CityPopulationMedian IncomePovertyHome Value
Bridger 788 $42,891 15.0% $250,000
Joliet 613 $77,396 14.0% $235,500
Fromberg 438 $64,500 13.5% $212,500
Rockvale 350 N/A 6.9% N/A
Belfry 231 $102,823 34.2% N/A
Roberts 191 $95,917 19.4% N/A
Montaqua 145 $124,250 2.1% $467,700
Bearcreek 88 $115,000 3.4% $204,200
Fox 80 N/A 0.0% $765,600
Edgar 60 N/A 6.7% $247,200

Cities Similar to Red Lodge

These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.

CityPopulationMedian IncomeHome ValueBachelor's+Poverty
Wolf Point2,602$52,868$118,60011.9%23.3%
Conrad2,618$47,857$188,90023.4%17.6%
Crow Agency2,192$52,339$58,80012.1%39.2%
West Glendive2,121$54,922$179,40018.9%2.6%
Malta2,100$54,483$160,80030.8%9.9%

Population Overview

Red Lodge is a small community located in Montana, within Carbon County. The total population is 2,502. It ranks as the 43rd most populous out of 475 Census-designated places in Montana.

Age Demographics

The median age in Red Lodge is 59.7 years. This is 48% higher than the state median of 40.4 years. Only 11.5% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 10.5% 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 Red Lodge is $55,750. This is 23% lower than the state median of $72,509. It is also 31% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 6.7%. This is 42% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.5%. The unemployment rate is 2.8%. This is 22% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $380,700. Housing costs are 1% higher than the state median of $375,800. The home-value-to-income ratio of 6.8x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 66.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 4% lower than the state average of 69.2%.

Race & Ethnicity

Red Lodge has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 91.8% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.9%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.9%) is well below the state average of 4.6%.

Education

46.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 32% higher 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 96.1%. Notably, 17.7% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.

Data Sources & Methodology

All demographic data for Red Lodge, 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 Red Lodge, Montana?

Red Lodge, Montana has a population of 2,502 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.

What is the median household income in Red Lodge, MT?

The median household income in Red Lodge is $55,750, which is 31% lower than the national median of $80,734.

What is the poverty rate in Red Lodge, MT?

The poverty rate in Red Lodge is 6.7%. This means approximately 163 residents live below the federal poverty line.

What is the racial makeup of Red Lodge, Montana?

Red Lodge's population is 91.8% White, 0.6% Black, 1.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.

What is the median home value in Red Lodge, MT?

The median home value in Red Lodge is $380,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.8x.

How educated is Red Lodge, Montana?

46.3% of adults (25+) in Red Lodge hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 17.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.