Libby, MT
Population 2,948 · Montana
About Libby, MT
Libby is a small town located in Montana with a population of 2,948 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $39,261 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49 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 Libby features a median home value of $218,500, which is 11% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Libby in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $679, 42% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,535 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (849 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (578 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Libby 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 26.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Libby have an average one-way commute time of 13.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.2% of Libby 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 1.3% White, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Libby Ranks in Montana
Cost of Living in Libby, MT
Compared to national averages, Libby has a median household income of $39,261 (48% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $218,500, which is 11% below the national median. Monthly rent at $679 is 42% below the US average of $1,163. Within Montana, Libby's income is 40% below the state average of $65,821, and home values are 24% below the state median of $288,703.
Why Live in Libby, MT?
Libby offers affordable housing with a median home value of $218,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $679/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.9%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 13.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($39,261) that falls below the national average. However, Libby’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Libby has a population of 2,948 with a median age of 49 years. Compare Libby with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Montana.
Similar Cities Near Libby
Cities in Montana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana City | 2,899 | $125,223 | $519,100 | Compare |
| North Browning | 2,894 | $40,813 | $131,300 | Compare |
| Deer Lodge | 3,035 | $53,676 | $196,400 | Compare |
| Cut Bank | 3,040 | $55,848 | $161,400 | Compare |
| Shelby | 3,129 | $53,357 | $206,000 | Compare |
| Lakeside | 2,730 | $83,958 | $589,500 | Compare |
| Glasgow | 3,194 | $76,985 | $206,000 | Compare |
| Wolf Point | 2,604 | $48,750 | $124,600 | 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 Libby With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Libby
What is the population of Libby, MT?
The population of Libby, MT is 2,948 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 Libby?
The median household income in Libby, MT is $39,261 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Libby?
The median home value in Libby, MT is $218,500, which is 11% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Libby?
The median monthly rent in Libby, MT is $679, which is 42% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Libby?
The unemployment rate in Libby, 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 Libby, MT a good place to live?
Libby offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,948 and a median age of 49, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Libby, MT?
17.2% of residents in Libby 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 Libby?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Libby, MT: median home value is $218,500 (11% below national), median rent is $679/month, and median household income is $39,261. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Libby?
The poverty rate in Libby, MT is 26.1%, 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 Libby, MT?
Libby's population is 1.3% White, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 2.1% of residents are foreign-born.