Red Lodge, MT
Population 2,399 · Montana
About Red Lodge, MT
Red Lodge is a small town located in Montana with a population of 2,399 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,857 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 57.9 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 Red Lodge features a median home value of $374,900, which is 53% above the national median of $244,900. This places Red Lodge in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $805, 31% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,944 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (854 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (560 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Red Lodge shows an unemployment rate of 4.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Red Lodge have an average one-way commute time of 15.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
44.7% of Red Lodge residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.8% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 4.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Red Lodge Ranks in Montana
Cost of Living in Red Lodge, MT
Compared to national averages, Red Lodge has a median household income of $43,857 (42% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $374,900, which is 53% above the national median. Monthly rent at $805 is 31% below the US average of $1,163. Within Montana, Red Lodge's income is 33% below the state average of $65,821, and home values are 30% above the state median of $288,703.
Why Live in Red Lodge, MT?
Red Lodge offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $805/month, and a well-educated community where 44.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.0%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 15.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,857) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $374,900. However, Red Lodge’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Red Lodge has a population of 2,399 with a median age of 57.9 years. Compare Red Lodge with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Montana.
Similar Cities Near Red Lodge
Cities in Montana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Sky | 2,388 | $103,625 | $884,700 | Compare |
| King Arthur Park | 2,343 | $107,341 | $333,500 | Compare |
| Conrad | 2,553 | $47,348 | $158,400 | Compare |
| Townsend | 2,232 | $70,774 | $212,800 | Compare |
| Wolf Point | 2,604 | $48,750 | $124,600 | Compare |
| Stevensville | 2,172 | $52,745 | $336,500 | Compare |
| Colstrip | 2,156 | $86,000 | $193,700 | Compare |
| Manhattan | 2,149 | $69,671 | $460,400 | 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 Red Lodge With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Red Lodge
What is the population of Red Lodge, MT?
The population of Red Lodge, MT is 2,399 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 Red Lodge?
The median household income in Red Lodge, MT is $43,857 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Red Lodge?
The median home value in Red Lodge, MT is $374,900, which is 53% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Red Lodge?
The median monthly rent in Red Lodge, MT is $805, which is 31% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Red Lodge?
The unemployment rate in Red Lodge, MT is 4.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Red Lodge, MT a good place to live?
Red Lodge offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,399 and a median age of 57.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Red Lodge, MT?
44.7% of residents in Red Lodge aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Red Lodge?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Red Lodge, MT: median home value is $374,900 (53% above national), median rent is $805/month, and median household income is $43,857. 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 Red Lodge?
The poverty rate in Red Lodge, MT is 7.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Red Lodge, MT?
Red Lodge's population is 1.8% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 4.0% of residents are foreign-born.