Ekalaka, MT
Population 366 · Montana
About Ekalaka, MT
Ekalaka is a small community located in Montana with a population of 366 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $45,417 per year, which is 40% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 62.6 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 Ekalaka features a median home value of $118,300, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ekalaka one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $678, 42% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 264 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (141 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (70 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ekalaka shows an unemployment rate of 0.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 20.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ekalaka have an average one-way commute time of 6.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
11.9% of Ekalaka 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 0.8% White, 7.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ekalaka Ranks in Montana
Cost of Living in Ekalaka, MT
Compared to national averages, Ekalaka has a median household income of $45,417 (40% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $118,300, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $678 is 42% below the US average of $1,163. Within Montana, Ekalaka's income is 31% below the state average of $65,821, and home values are 59% below the state median of $288,703.
Why Live in Ekalaka, MT?
Ekalaka offers affordable housing with a median home value of $118,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $678/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.8%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 6.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($45,417) that falls below the national average. However, Ekalaka’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ekalaka has a population of 366 with a median age of 62.6 years. Compare Ekalaka with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Montana.
Similar Cities Near Ekalaka
Cities in Montana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beaver Creek | 365 | $95,813 | $265,600 | Compare |
| Clyde Park | 364 | $57,813 | $237,500 | Compare |
| Rudyard | 363 | $86,250 | $93,800 | Compare |
| Basin | 360 | $49,167 | $228,600 | Compare |
| Kings Point | 373 | $105,000 | $1,503,900 | Compare |
| Rader Creek | 373 | $83,171 | $379,700 | Compare |
| Parker School | 357 | $43,000 | $42,800 | Compare |
| Fortine | 378 | $64,427 | $270,000 | 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 Ekalaka With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ekalaka
What is the population of Ekalaka, MT?
The population of Ekalaka, MT is 366 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 Ekalaka?
The median household income in Ekalaka, MT is $45,417 per year, which is 40% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ekalaka?
The median home value in Ekalaka, MT is $118,300, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ekalaka?
The median monthly rent in Ekalaka, MT is $678, which is 42% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ekalaka?
The unemployment rate in Ekalaka, MT is 0.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ekalaka, MT a good place to live?
Ekalaka offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 366 and a median age of 62.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Ekalaka, MT?
11.9% of residents in Ekalaka 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 Ekalaka?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ekalaka, MT: median home value is $118,300 (52% below national), median rent is $678/month, and median household income is $45,417. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ekalaka?
The poverty rate in Ekalaka, MT is 20.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Ekalaka, MT?
Ekalaka's population is 0.8% White, 7.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.4% of residents are foreign-born.