Gardiner, MT
Population 791 · Montana
About Gardiner, MT
Gardiner is a small community located in Montana with a population of 791 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,835 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.9 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 Gardiner features a median home value of $609,200, which is 149% above the national median of $244,900. This places Gardiner in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $795, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 528 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (208 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (219 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Gardiner shows an unemployment rate of 3.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 15.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Gardiner have an average one-way commute time of 17 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
45.7% of Gardiner residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 4.0% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Gardiner, MT
Compared to national averages, Gardiner has a median household income of $57,835 (23% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $609,200, which is 149% above the national median. Monthly rent at $795 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Montana, Gardiner's income is 12% below the state average of $65,821, and home values are 111% above the state median of $288,703.
Why Live in Gardiner, MT?
Gardiner offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $795/month, and a well-educated community where 45.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 17 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,835) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $609,200. However, Gardiner’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Gardiner has a population of 791 with a median age of 43.9 years. Compare Gardiner with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Montana.
Similar Cities Near Gardiner
Cities in Montana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheridan | 788 | $83,264 | $298,600 | Compare |
| Spokane Creek | 783 | $137,552 | $699,500 | Compare |
| Scobey | 824 | $49,797 | $184,800 | Compare |
| Fairfield | 746 | $66,544 | $203,000 | Compare |
| Batavia | 740 | $61,346 | $310,000 | Compare |
| Big Sandy | 844 | $58,083 | $129,600 | Compare |
| Pinesdale | 847 | $70,694 | $198,100 | Compare |
| Pioneer Junction | 734 | $42,250 | $264,400 | 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 Gardiner With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Gardiner
What is the population of Gardiner, MT?
The population of Gardiner, MT is 791 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 Gardiner?
The median household income in Gardiner, MT is $57,835 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gardiner?
The median home value in Gardiner, MT is $609,200, which is 149% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Gardiner?
The median monthly rent in Gardiner, MT is $795, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gardiner?
The unemployment rate in Gardiner, MT is 3.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Gardiner, MT a good place to live?
Gardiner offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 791 and a median age of 43.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Gardiner, MT?
45.7% of residents in Gardiner aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Gardiner?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gardiner, MT: median home value is $609,200 (149% above national), median rent is $795/month, and median household income is $57,835. The home-value-to-income ratio is 10.5x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Gardiner?
The poverty rate in Gardiner, MT is 15.7%, 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 Gardiner, MT?
Gardiner's population is 4.0% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 2.9% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.