Deer Lodge, MT
Population 3,035 · Montana
About Deer Lodge, MT
Deer Lodge is a small town located in Montana with a population of 3,035 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,676 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 53.2 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 Deer Lodge features a median home value of $196,400, which is 20% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Deer Lodge in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $781, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,651 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (955 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (521 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Deer Lodge shows an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Deer Lodge have an average one-way commute time of 15.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.9% of Deer Lodge residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.7% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 2.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Deer Lodge Ranks in Montana
Cost of Living in Deer Lodge, MT
Compared to national averages, Deer Lodge has a median household income of $53,676 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $196,400, which is 20% below the national median. Monthly rent at $781 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within Montana, Deer Lodge's income is 18% below the state average of $65,821, and home values are 32% below the state median of $288,703.
Why Live in Deer Lodge, MT?
Deer Lodge offers affordable housing with a median home value of $196,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $781/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 15.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,676) that falls below the national average. However, Deer Lodge’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Deer Lodge has a population of 3,035 with a median age of 53.2 years. Compare Deer Lodge with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Montana.
Similar Cities Near Deer Lodge
Cities in Montana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cut Bank | 3,040 | $55,848 | $161,400 | Compare |
| Libby | 2,948 | $39,261 | $218,500 | Compare |
| Shelby | 3,129 | $53,357 | $206,000 | Compare |
| Montana City | 2,899 | $125,223 | $519,100 | Compare |
| North Browning | 2,894 | $40,813 | $131,300 | Compare |
| Glasgow | 3,194 | $76,985 | $206,000 | Compare |
| Lakeside | 2,730 | $83,958 | $589,500 | Compare |
| Wolf Point | 2,604 | $48,750 | $124,600 | 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 Deer Lodge With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Deer Lodge
What is the population of Deer Lodge, MT?
The population of Deer Lodge, MT is 3,035 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 Deer Lodge?
The median household income in Deer Lodge, MT is $53,676 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Deer Lodge?
The median home value in Deer Lodge, MT is $196,400, which is 20% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Deer Lodge?
The median monthly rent in Deer Lodge, MT is $781, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Deer Lodge?
The unemployment rate in Deer Lodge, MT is 2.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Deer Lodge, MT a good place to live?
Deer Lodge offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,035 and a median age of 53.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Deer Lodge, MT?
21.9% of residents in Deer Lodge 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 Deer Lodge?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Deer Lodge, MT: median home value is $196,400 (20% below national), median rent is $781/month, and median household income is $53,676. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Deer Lodge?
The poverty rate in Deer Lodge, MT is 8.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Deer Lodge, MT?
Deer Lodge's population is 0.7% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.6% of residents are foreign-born.