Seeley Lake, Montana Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Seeley Lake, Montana had a total population of 1,496, the 72nd largest community in Montana, with a median household income of $49,574, which is 32% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 9.8%.
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.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 7.3x the median household income.
Seeley Lake Quick Facts
How Seeley Lake 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 | 1,335 | 1,496 | +12.1% |
| Median household income | $46,031 | $49,574 | +7.7% |
| Median home value | $270,400 | $361,100 | +33.5% |
How Seeley Lake 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+)
Seeley Lake Rankings in Montana
Explore Montana Rankings
Other Cities in Missoula County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missoula | 76,514 | $70,392 | 11.8% | $473,100 |
| Orchard Homes | 5,588 | $64,904 | 8.7% | $553,700 |
| Lolo | 4,314 | $86,065 | 5.3% | $431,800 |
| East Missoula | 2,099 | $57,500 | 7.3% | $358,500 |
| Frenchtown | 1,927 | $94,500 | 9.9% | $475,500 |
| Bonner-West Riverside | 1,563 | $62,039 | 14.5% | $210,900 |
| Wye | 1,055 | $109,625 | 2.8% | $569,100 |
| Clinton | 1,040 | $103,750 | 3.8% | $386,600 |
| Carlton | 682 | $107,155 | 7.3% | $712,500 |
| Turah | 543 | $130,417 | 3.5% | $470,400 |
Cities Similar to Seeley Lake
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Browning | 1,538 | N/A | $73,000 | 9.3% | 42.2% |
| Choteau | 1,479 | $51,632 | $206,000 | 30.5% | 5.7% |
| Thompson Falls | 1,500 | $46,313 | $266,400 | 18.6% | 6.5% |
| West Yellowstone | 1,474 | $58,839 | $504,300 | 25.1% | 13.1% |
| Bonner-West Riverside | 1,563 | $62,039 | $210,900 | 23.6% | 14.5% |
Population Overview
Seeley Lake is a small community located in Montana, within Missoula County. The total population is 1,496. It ranks as the 72nd most populous out of 475 Census-designated places in Montana.
Age Demographics
The median age in Seeley Lake is 62.3 years. This is 54% higher than the state median of 40.4 years. Only 12.1% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 15.6% 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 Seeley Lake is $49,574. 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 9.8%. This is 15% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.5%. The survey records no unemployed residents in Seeley Lake, which reflects the size of the sample rather than a labor market without joblessness. The median home value is $361,100. Housing costs are 4% lower than the state median of $375,800. The home-value-to-income ratio of 7.3x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 84.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 22% higher than the state average of 69.2%.
Race & Ethnicity
Seeley Lake has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 91.5% of all residents. Asian residents account for 2.4%. The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (2.4% vs 0.8%).
Education
23.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 35% 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 95.8%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Seeley Lake, 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 Seeley Lake, Montana?
Seeley Lake, Montana has a population of 1,496 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Seeley Lake, MT?
The median household income in Seeley Lake is $49,574, which is 39% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Seeley Lake, MT?
The poverty rate in Seeley Lake is 9.8%. This means approximately 146 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Seeley Lake, Montana?
Seeley Lake's population is 91.5% White, 0.0% Black, 0.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in Seeley Lake, MT?
The median home value in Seeley Lake is $361,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.3x.
How educated is Seeley Lake, Montana?
23.0% of adults (25+) in Seeley Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 8.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.