Dodson, MT
Population 156 · Montana
About Dodson, MT
Dodson is a small community located in Montana with a population of 156 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,172 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 77.4 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 Dodson features a median home value of $44,700, which is 82% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Dodson one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 65 total housing units, 97% are owner-occupied (58 units) and 3% are renter-occupied (2 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Dodson shows an unemployment rate of 36.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 7.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Dodson have an average one-way commute time of 0 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
1.7% of Dodson 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 3.2% White, 39.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Dodson Ranks in Montana
Cost of Living in Dodson, MT
Compared to national averages, Dodson has a median household income of $41,172 (45% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $44,700, which is 82% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Montana, Dodson's income is 37% below the state average of $65,821, and home values are 85% below the state median of $288,703.
Why Live in Dodson, MT?
Dodson offers affordable housing with a median home value of $44,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a low poverty rate of 7.1%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 0 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,172) that falls below the national average. However, Dodson’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Dodson has a population of 156 with a median age of 77.4 years. Compare Dodson with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Montana.
Similar Cities Near Dodson
Cities in Montana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custer | 155 | $70,000 | $121,700 | Compare |
| Rimrock Colony | 157 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Sylvanite | 157 | $52,396 | $376,900 | Compare |
| West Havre | 155 | $63,819 | $330,000 | Compare |
| Saco | 154 | $51,250 | $64,400 | Compare |
| Little Bitterroot Lake | 153 | $105,114 | $775,000 | Compare |
| Broadview | 152 | $66,250 | $148,800 | Compare |
| Maxville | 150 | $143,462 | $450,000 | 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 Dodson With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Dodson
What is the population of Dodson, MT?
The population of Dodson, MT is 156 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Montana.
What is the median household income in Dodson?
The median household income in Dodson, MT is $41,172 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dodson?
The median home value in Dodson, MT is $44,700, which is 82% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Dodson?
The median monthly rent in Dodson, MT is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dodson?
The unemployment rate in Dodson, MT is 36.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Dodson, MT a good place to live?
Dodson offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 156 and a median age of 77.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Dodson, MT?
1.7% of residents in Dodson 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 Dodson?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Dodson, MT: median home value is $44,700 (82% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $41,172. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Dodson?
The poverty rate in Dodson, MT is 7.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Dodson, MT?
Dodson's population is 3.2% White, 39.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.