Hamilton, MT
Population 4,949 · Montana
About Hamilton, MT
Hamilton is a small town located in Montana with a population of 4,949 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,917 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.7 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 Hamilton features a median home value of $299,800, which is 22% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Hamilton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $958, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,849 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (1,242 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (1,307 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 Hamilton shows an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Hamilton have an average one-way commute time of 11.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
31.4% of Hamilton 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 0.8% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 8.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Hamilton Ranks in Montana
Cost of Living in Hamilton, MT
Compared to national averages, Hamilton has a median household income of $52,917 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $299,800, which is 22% above the national median. Monthly rent at $958 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within Montana, Hamilton's income is 20% below the state average of $65,821, and home values are 4% above the state median of $288,703.
Why Live in Hamilton, MT?
Hamilton offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $958/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.9%, and a low poverty rate of 12.0%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 11.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,917) that falls below the national average. However, Hamilton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hamilton has a population of 4,949 with a median age of 47.7 years. Compare Hamilton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Montana.
Similar Cities Near Hamilton
Cities in Montana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glendive | 4,831 | $71,063 | $176,900 | Compare |
| Helena Valley Northwest | 5,070 | $101,278 | $358,600 | Compare |
| Bigfork | 5,249 | $82,648 | $614,300 | Compare |
| Orchard Homes | 5,280 | $68,649 | $473,100 | Compare |
| Polson | 5,334 | $51,463 | $321,000 | Compare |
| Helena Valley Northeast | 4,398 | $137,724 | $462,400 | Compare |
| Lolo | 4,378 | $73,700 | $353,700 | Compare |
| Columbia Falls | 5,531 | $65,313 | $346,700 | 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 Hamilton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hamilton
What is the population of Hamilton, MT?
The population of Hamilton, MT is 4,949 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 Hamilton?
The median household income in Hamilton, MT is $52,917 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hamilton?
The median home value in Hamilton, MT is $299,800, which is 22% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Hamilton?
The median monthly rent in Hamilton, MT is $958, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hamilton?
The unemployment rate in Hamilton, MT is 1.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Hamilton, MT a good place to live?
Hamilton offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,949 and a median age of 47.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Hamilton, MT?
31.4% of residents in Hamilton 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 Hamilton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hamilton, MT: median home value is $299,800 (22% above national), median rent is $958/month, and median household income is $52,917. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Hamilton?
The poverty rate in Hamilton, MT is 12.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Hamilton, MT?
Hamilton's population is 0.8% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 8.2% of residents are foreign-born.