Chinook, MT
Population 1,460 · Montana
About Chinook, MT
Chinook is a small town located in Montana with a population of 1,460 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $71,500 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Chinook features a median home value of $205,900, which is 16% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Chinook in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $811, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 728 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (469 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (171 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chinook shows an unemployment rate of 2.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Chinook have an average one-way commute time of 10.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
41.9% of Chinook residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 6.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Chinook, MT
Compared to national averages, Chinook has a median household income of $71,500 (5% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $205,900, which is 16% below the national median. Monthly rent at $811 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Montana, Chinook's income is 9% above the state average of $65,821, and home values are 29% below the state median of $288,703.
Why Live in Chinook, MT?
Chinook offers affordable housing with a median home value of $205,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $811/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.7%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 41.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 10.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 10.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($71,500) that falls below the national average. However, Chinook’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Chinook has a population of 1,460 with a median age of 39 years. Compare Chinook with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Montana.
Similar Cities Near Chinook
Cities in Montana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Yellowstone | 1,457 | $57,167 | $402,600 | Compare |
| Fort Benton | 1,470 | $67,171 | $201,900 | Compare |
| Bonner-West Riverside | 1,445 | $59,609 | $162,100 | Compare |
| Fort Belknap Agency | 1,434 | $0 | $73,000 | Compare |
| Sun Prairie | 1,514 | $61,004 | $156,800 | Compare |
| Big Timber | 1,530 | $63,514 | $235,100 | Compare |
| Baker | 1,535 | $78,971 | $198,800 | Compare |
| Corvallis | 1,356 | $83,011 | $237,900 | 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 Chinook With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chinook
What is the population of Chinook, MT?
The population of Chinook, MT is 1,460 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 Chinook?
The median household income in Chinook, MT is $71,500 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chinook?
The median home value in Chinook, MT is $205,900, which is 16% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Chinook?
The median monthly rent in Chinook, MT is $811, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chinook?
The unemployment rate in Chinook, MT is 2.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Chinook, MT a good place to live?
Chinook offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,460 and a median age of 39, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Chinook, MT?
41.9% of residents in Chinook 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 Chinook?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chinook, MT: median home value is $205,900 (16% below national), median rent is $811/month, and median household income is $71,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Chinook?
The poverty rate in Chinook, MT is 10.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Chinook, MT?
Chinook's population is 0.0% White, 6.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.