Plains, MT
Population 1,077 · Montana
About Plains, MT
Plains is a small town located in Montana with a population of 1,077 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $24,661 per year, which is 67% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.5 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 Plains features a median home value of $209,200, which is 15% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Plains in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $782, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 699 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (307 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (302 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Plains shows an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 19.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Plains have an average one-way commute time of 18.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.0% of Plains 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 0.2% White, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Plains, MT
Compared to national averages, Plains has a median household income of $24,661 (67% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $209,200, which is 15% below the national median. Monthly rent at $782 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within Montana, Plains's income is 63% below the state average of $65,821, and home values are 28% below the state median of $288,703.
Why Live in Plains, MT?
Plains offers affordable housing with a median home value of $209,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $782/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($24,661) that falls below the national average. However, Plains’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Plains has a population of 1,077 with a median age of 43.5 years. Compare Plains with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Montana.
Similar Cities Near Plains
Cities in Montana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gallatin Gateway | 1,092 | $81,429 | $747,900 | Compare |
| White Sulphur Springs | 1,097 | $56,424 | $231,700 | Compare |
| Harlowton | 1,054 | $53,750 | $178,800 | Compare |
| St. Ignatius | 1,053 | $50,781 | $194,200 | Compare |
| Churchill | 1,120 | $95,550 | $588,800 | Compare |
| Pray | 1,018 | $102,143 | $601,400 | Compare |
| Helena Flats | 1,014 | $88,125 | $544,900 | Compare |
| Philipsburg | 1,012 | $40,096 | $304,200 | 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 Plains With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Plains
What is the population of Plains, MT?
The population of Plains, MT is 1,077 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 Plains?
The median household income in Plains, MT is $24,661 per year, which is 67% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Plains?
The median home value in Plains, MT is $209,200, which is 15% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Plains?
The median monthly rent in Plains, MT is $782, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Plains?
The unemployment rate in Plains, MT is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Plains, MT a good place to live?
Plains offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,077 and a median age of 43.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Plains, MT?
20.0% of residents in Plains 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 Plains?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Plains, MT: median home value is $209,200 (15% below national), median rent is $782/month, and median household income is $24,661. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.5x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Plains?
The poverty rate in Plains, MT is 19.1%, 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 Plains, MT?
Plains's population is 0.2% White, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 2.1% of residents are foreign-born.