West Yellowstone, Montana Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, West Yellowstone, Montana had a total population of 1,474, the 75th largest town in Montana, with a median household income of $58,839, which is 19% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 13.1%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 8.6x the median household income.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%.
West Yellowstone Quick Facts
How West Yellowstone 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 | 1,457 | 1,474 | +1.2% |
| Median household income | $57,167 | $58,839 | +2.9% |
| Median home value | $402,600 | $504,300 | +25.3% |
How West Yellowstone 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
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 29 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
West Yellowstone Rankings in Montana
Explore Montana Rankings
Other Cities in Gallatin County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bozeman | 56,114 | $85,747 | 13.7% | $687,900 |
| Belgrade | 11,872 | $97,328 | 11.2% | $535,200 |
| Four Corners | 5,791 | $100,917 | 6.3% | $648,400 |
| Big Sky | 2,445 | $138,805 | 4.7% | $1,137,900 |
| Manhattan | 2,288 | $87,865 | 2.9% | $517,800 |
| King Arthur Park | 1,992 | $109,106 | 7.4% | N/A |
| Three Forks | 1,919 | $79,784 | 6.2% | $395,800 |
| Churchill | 1,167 | $108,281 | 6.3% | $690,600 |
| Ponderosa Pines | 950 | $73,681 | 18.0% | N/A |
| Gallatin Gateway | 933 | $82,500 | 9.8% | $814,400 |
Cities Similar to West Yellowstone
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% |
| Fort Benton | 1,474 | $67,188 | $247,600 | 30.2% | 3.0% |
| Choteau | 1,479 | $51,632 | $206,000 | 30.5% | 5.7% |
| Bonner-West Riverside | 1,563 | $62,039 | $210,900 | 23.6% | 14.5% |
| Seeley Lake | 1,496 | $49,574 | $361,100 | 23.0% | 9.8% |
Population Overview
West Yellowstone is a small community located in Montana, within Gallatin County. The total population is 1,474. It ranks as the 75th most populous out of 475 Census-designated places in Montana.
Age Demographics
The median age in West Yellowstone is 31.4 years. This is 22% lower than the state median of 40.4 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in West Yellowstone is $58,839. This is 19% lower than the state median of $72,509. It is also 27% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 13.1%. This is 14% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.5%. The unemployment rate is 2.3%. This is 36% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $504,300. Housing costs are 34% higher than the state median of $375,800. The home-value-to-income ratio of 8.6x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 39.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 43% lower than the state average of 69.2%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in West Yellowstone is White (non-Hispanic), making up 53.0% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 42.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (42.8% vs 4.6%). The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (1.3% vs 0.8%).
Education
25.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 29% 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 83.4%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for West Yellowstone, 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 West Yellowstone, Montana?
West Yellowstone, Montana has a population of 1,474 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in West Yellowstone, MT?
The median household income in West Yellowstone is $58,839, which is 27% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in West Yellowstone, MT?
The poverty rate in West Yellowstone is 13.1%. This means approximately 193 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of West Yellowstone, Montana?
West Yellowstone's population is 53.0% White, 0.0% Black, 42.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in West Yellowstone, MT?
The median home value in West Yellowstone is $504,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.6x.
How educated is West Yellowstone, Montana?
25.1% of adults (25+) in West Yellowstone hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 8.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.