Medicine Lake, MT
Population 190 · Montana
About Medicine Lake, MT
Medicine Lake is a small community located in Montana with a population of 190 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,000 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.8 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 Medicine Lake features a median home value of $95,000, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Medicine Lake one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $492, 58% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 143 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (79 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (31 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Medicine Lake shows an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Medicine Lake have an average one-way commute time of 22.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.6% of Medicine Lake 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 8.9% White, 8.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Medicine Lake Ranks in Montana
Cost of Living in Medicine Lake, MT
Compared to national averages, Medicine Lake has a median household income of $41,000 (45% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $95,000, which is 61% below the national median. Monthly rent at $492 is 58% below the US average of $1,163. Within Montana, Medicine Lake's income is 38% below the state average of $65,821, and home values are 67% below the state median of $288,703.
Why Live in Medicine Lake, MT?
Medicine Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $95,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $492/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 12.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 22.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,000) that falls below the national average. However, Medicine Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Medicine Lake has a population of 190 with a median age of 49.8 years. Compare Medicine Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Montana.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Medicine Lake
What is the population of Medicine Lake, MT?
The population of Medicine Lake, MT is 190 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 Medicine Lake?
The median household income in Medicine Lake, MT is $41,000 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Medicine Lake?
The median home value in Medicine Lake, MT is $95,000, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Medicine Lake?
The median monthly rent in Medicine Lake, MT is $492, which is 58% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Medicine Lake?
The unemployment rate in Medicine Lake, MT is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Medicine Lake, MT a good place to live?
Medicine Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 190 and a median age of 49.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Medicine Lake, MT?
21.6% of residents in Medicine Lake 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 Medicine Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Medicine Lake, MT: median home value is $95,000 (61% below national), median rent is $492/month, and median household income is $41,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Medicine Lake?
The poverty rate in Medicine Lake, MT is 12.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Medicine Lake, MT?
Medicine Lake's population is 8.9% White, 8.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.1% of residents are foreign-born.