Ryegate, MT
Population 259 · Montana
About Ryegate, MT
Ryegate is a small community located in Montana with a population of 259 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,750 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 62.5 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 Ryegate features a median home value of $126,900, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ryegate one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $820, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 153 total housing units, 83% are owner-occupied (104 units) and 17% are renter-occupied (21 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ryegate shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 25.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ryegate have an average one-way commute time of 19.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
8.5% of Ryegate 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 0.4% White, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.7% Asian residents, with 1.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ryegate, MT
Compared to national averages, Ryegate has a median household income of $48,750 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $126,900, which is 48% below the national median. Monthly rent at $820 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Montana, Ryegate's income is 26% below the state average of $65,821, and home values are 56% below the state median of $288,703.
Why Live in Ryegate, MT?
Ryegate offers affordable housing with a median home value of $126,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $820/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,750) that falls below the national average. However, Ryegate’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ryegate has a population of 259 with a median age of 62.5 years. Compare Ryegate with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Montana.
Similar Cities Near Ryegate
Cities in Montana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dutton | 258 | $55,469 | $129,500 | Compare |
| Lodge Pole | 257 | $0 | $110,000 | Compare |
| Bear Dance | 262 | $71,458 | $570,000 | Compare |
| Drummond | 255 | $44,375 | $210,000 | Compare |
| South Glastonbury | 263 | $58,750 | $457,900 | Compare |
| Geraldine | 264 | $42,639 | $73,300 | Compare |
| Wyola | 264 | $48,750 | $232,700 | Compare |
| Westby | 253 | $24,583 | $61,900 | 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 Ryegate With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ryegate
What is the population of Ryegate, MT?
The population of Ryegate, MT is 259 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 Ryegate?
The median household income in Ryegate, MT is $48,750 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ryegate?
The median home value in Ryegate, MT is $126,900, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ryegate?
The median monthly rent in Ryegate, MT is $820, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ryegate?
The unemployment rate in Ryegate, MT is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ryegate, MT a good place to live?
Ryegate offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 259 and a median age of 62.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Ryegate, MT?
8.5% of residents in Ryegate 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 Ryegate?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ryegate, MT: median home value is $126,900 (48% below national), median rent is $820/month, and median household income is $48,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ryegate?
The poverty rate in Ryegate, MT is 25.1%, 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 Ryegate, MT?
Ryegate's population is 0.4% White, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.7% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.2% of residents are foreign-born.