Colstrip, MT
Population 2,156 · Montana
About Colstrip, MT
Colstrip is a small town located in Montana with a population of 2,156 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $86,000 per year, which is 14% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.5 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 Colstrip features a median home value of $193,700, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Colstrip in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $632, 46% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 980 total housing units, 81% are owner-occupied (716 units) and 19% are renter-occupied (170 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Colstrip shows an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Colstrip have an average one-way commute time of 10.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
25.2% of Colstrip 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 7.6% White, 19.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Colstrip Ranks in Montana
Cost of Living in Colstrip, MT
Compared to national averages, Colstrip has a median household income of $86,000 (14% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $193,700, which is 21% below the national median. Monthly rent at $632 is 46% below the US average of $1,163. Within Montana, Colstrip's income is 31% above the state average of $65,821, and home values are 33% below the state median of $288,703.
Why Live in Colstrip, MT?
Colstrip offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $86,000, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $193,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $632/month. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 10.8 minutes.
Colstrip has a population of 2,156 with a median age of 43.5 years. Compare Colstrip with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Montana.
Similar Cities Near Colstrip
Cities in Montana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manhattan | 2,149 | $69,671 | $460,400 | Compare |
| Stevensville | 2,172 | $52,745 | $336,500 | Compare |
| Crow Agency | 2,110 | $49,333 | $88,500 | Compare |
| Townsend | 2,232 | $70,774 | $212,800 | Compare |
| East Missoula | 2,072 | $65,541 | $323,900 | Compare |
| Three Forks | 2,034 | $80,394 | $382,400 | Compare |
| Eureka | 2,009 | $43,750 | $172,300 | Compare |
| King Arthur Park | 2,343 | $107,341 | $333,500 | 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 Colstrip With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Colstrip
What is the population of Colstrip, MT?
The population of Colstrip, MT is 2,156 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 Colstrip?
The median household income in Colstrip, MT is $86,000 per year, which is 14% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Colstrip?
The median home value in Colstrip, MT is $193,700, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Colstrip?
The median monthly rent in Colstrip, MT is $632, which is 46% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Colstrip?
The unemployment rate in Colstrip, MT is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Colstrip, MT a good place to live?
Colstrip offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,156 and a median age of 43.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Colstrip, MT?
25.2% of residents in Colstrip aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Colstrip?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Colstrip, MT: median home value is $193,700 (21% below national), median rent is $632/month, and median household income is $86,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Colstrip?
The poverty rate in Colstrip, MT is 9.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Colstrip, MT?
Colstrip's population is 7.6% White, 19.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.8% of residents are foreign-born.