Bigfork, MT
Population 5,249 · Montana
About Bigfork, MT
Bigfork is a small town located in Montana with a population of 5,249 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $82,648 per year, which is 10% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 53.7 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bigfork features a median home value of $614,300, which is 151% above the national median of $244,900. This places Bigfork in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,103, 5% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,207 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (1,790 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (487 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bigfork shows an unemployment rate of 2.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Bigfork have an average one-way commute time of 21.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
51.0% of Bigfork residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 7.2% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.0% Asian residents, with 3.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bigfork Ranks in Montana
Cost of Living in Bigfork, MT
Compared to national averages, Bigfork has a median household income of $82,648 (10% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $614,300, which is 151% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,103 is 5% below the US average of $1,163. Within Montana, Bigfork's income is 26% above the state average of $65,821, and home values are 113% above the state median of $288,703.
Why Live in Bigfork, MT?
Bigfork offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $82,648, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,103/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.9%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 51.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 6.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 21.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $614,300. However, Bigfork’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bigfork has a population of 5,249 with a median age of 53.7 years. Compare Bigfork with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Montana.
Similar Cities Near Bigfork
Cities in Montana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orchard Homes | 5,280 | $68,649 | $473,100 | Compare |
| Polson | 5,334 | $51,463 | $321,000 | Compare |
| Helena Valley Northwest | 5,070 | $101,278 | $358,600 | Compare |
| Columbia Falls | 5,531 | $65,313 | $346,700 | Compare |
| Hamilton | 4,949 | $52,917 | $299,800 | Compare |
| Four Corners | 5,562 | $111,474 | $620,200 | Compare |
| Glendive | 4,831 | $71,063 | $176,900 | Compare |
| Lewistown | 6,028 | $44,195 | $159,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Montana
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Bigfork With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bigfork
What is the population of Bigfork, MT?
The population of Bigfork, MT is 5,249 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Montana.
What is the median household income in Bigfork?
The median household income in Bigfork, MT is $82,648 per year, which is 10% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bigfork?
The median home value in Bigfork, MT is $614,300, which is 151% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bigfork?
The median monthly rent in Bigfork, MT is $1,103, which is 5% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bigfork?
The unemployment rate in Bigfork, MT is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Bigfork, MT a good place to live?
Bigfork offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,249 and a median age of 53.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Bigfork, MT?
51.0% of residents in Bigfork aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Bigfork?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bigfork, MT: median home value is $614,300 (151% above national), median rent is $1,103/month, and median household income is $82,648. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.4x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Bigfork?
The poverty rate in Bigfork, MT is 6.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Bigfork, MT?
Bigfork's population is 7.2% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.0% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 3.4% of residents are foreign-born.