Fort Benton, MT
Population 1,470 · Montana
About Fort Benton, MT
Fort Benton is a small town located in Montana with a population of 1,470 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,171 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.3 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 Fort Benton features a median home value of $201,900, which is 18% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Fort Benton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $745, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 732 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (440 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (133 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fort Benton shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Fort Benton have an average one-way commute time of 15.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
29.1% of Fort Benton 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 9.2% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Fort Benton, MT
Compared to national averages, Fort Benton has a median household income of $67,171 (11% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $201,900, which is 18% below the national median. Monthly rent at $745 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Montana, Fort Benton's income is 2% above the state average of $65,821, and home values are 30% below the state median of $288,703.
Why Live in Fort Benton, MT?
Fort Benton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $201,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $745/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 3.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 15.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,171) that falls below the national average. However, Fort Benton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fort Benton has a population of 1,470 with a median age of 43.3 years. Compare Fort Benton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Montana.
Similar Cities Near Fort Benton
Cities in Montana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinook | 1,460 | $71,500 | $205,900 | Compare |
| West Yellowstone | 1,457 | $57,167 | $402,600 | 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 |
| Thompson Falls | 1,568 | $53,203 | $182,200 | 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 Fort Benton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Benton
What is the population of Fort Benton, MT?
The population of Fort Benton, MT is 1,470 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 Fort Benton?
The median household income in Fort Benton, MT is $67,171 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fort Benton?
The median home value in Fort Benton, MT is $201,900, which is 18% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fort Benton?
The median monthly rent in Fort Benton, MT is $745, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Benton?
The unemployment rate in Fort Benton, MT is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Fort Benton, MT a good place to live?
Fort Benton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,470 and a median age of 43.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fort Benton, MT?
29.1% of residents in Fort Benton 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 Fort Benton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fort Benton, MT: median home value is $201,900 (18% below national), median rent is $745/month, and median household income is $67,171. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Benton?
The poverty rate in Fort Benton, MT is 3.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Fort Benton, MT?
Fort Benton's population is 9.2% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.6% of residents are foreign-born.