Lame Deer, MT
Population 1,939 · Montana
About Lame Deer, MT
Lame Deer is a small town located in Montana with a population of 1,939 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $26,364 per year, which is 65% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 21.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lame Deer features a median home value of $117,300, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Lame Deer one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $553, 52% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 625 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (255 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (221 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lame Deer shows an unemployment rate of 29.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 51.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lame Deer have an average one-way commute time of 9.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
11.1% of Lame Deer 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, 97.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Lame Deer Ranks in Montana
Cost of Living in Lame Deer, MT
Compared to national averages, Lame Deer has a median household income of $26,364 (65% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $117,300, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $553 is 52% below the US average of $1,163. Within Montana, Lame Deer's income is 60% below the state average of $65,821, and home values are 59% below the state median of $288,703.
Why Live in Lame Deer, MT?
Lame Deer offers affordable housing with a median home value of $117,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $553/month, and short commute times averaging just 9.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($26,364) that falls below the national average. However, Lame Deer’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lame Deer has a population of 1,939 with a median age of 21.8 years. Compare Lame Deer with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Montana.
Similar Cities Near Lame Deer
Cities in Montana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus | 1,925 | $62,500 | $264,000 | Compare |
| Ronan | 1,962 | $41,429 | $201,700 | Compare |
| Roundup | 1,964 | $57,632 | $118,300 | Compare |
| West Glendive | 1,968 | $57,743 | $179,700 | Compare |
| Malta | 1,902 | $59,449 | $139,000 | Compare |
| Eureka | 2,009 | $43,750 | $172,300 | Compare |
| East Helena | 1,855 | $53,611 | $254,400 | Compare |
| South Browning | 1,852 | $0 | $0 | 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 Lame Deer With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lame Deer
What is the population of Lame Deer, MT?
The population of Lame Deer, MT is 1,939 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 Lame Deer?
The median household income in Lame Deer, MT is $26,364 per year, which is 65% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lame Deer?
The median home value in Lame Deer, MT is $117,300, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lame Deer?
The median monthly rent in Lame Deer, MT is $553, which is 52% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lame Deer?
The unemployment rate in Lame Deer, MT is 29.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lame Deer, MT a good place to live?
Lame Deer offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,939 and a median age of 21.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Lame Deer, MT?
11.1% of residents in Lame Deer 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 Lame Deer?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lame Deer, MT: median home value is $117,300 (52% below national), median rent is $553/month, and median household income is $26,364. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Lame Deer?
The poverty rate in Lame Deer, MT is 51.3%, 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 Lame Deer, MT?
Lame Deer's population is 0.8% White, 97.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.