Townsend, MT
Population 2,232 · Montana
About Townsend, MT
Townsend is a small town located in Montana with a population of 2,232 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,774 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.6 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 Townsend features a median home value of $212,800, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Townsend in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $976, 16% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 978 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (639 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (278 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Townsend shows an unemployment rate of 11.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 12.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Townsend have an average one-way commute time of 30.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.2% of Townsend 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 0.5% White, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 3.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Townsend Ranks in Montana
Cost of Living in Townsend, MT
Compared to national averages, Townsend has a median household income of $70,774 (6% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $212,800, which is 13% below the national median. Monthly rent at $976 is 16% below the US average of $1,163. Within Montana, Townsend's income is 8% above the state average of $65,821, and home values are 26% below the state median of $288,703.
Why Live in Townsend, MT?
Townsend offers affordable housing with a median home value of $212,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $976/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,774) that falls below the national average. However, Townsend’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Townsend has a population of 2,232 with a median age of 47.6 years. Compare Townsend with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Montana.
Similar Cities Near Townsend
Cities in Montana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stevensville | 2,172 | $52,745 | $336,500 | Compare |
| Colstrip | 2,156 | $86,000 | $193,700 | Compare |
| Manhattan | 2,149 | $69,671 | $460,400 | Compare |
| King Arthur Park | 2,343 | $107,341 | $333,500 | Compare |
| Crow Agency | 2,110 | $49,333 | $88,500 | Compare |
| Big Sky | 2,388 | $103,625 | $884,700 | Compare |
| East Missoula | 2,072 | $65,541 | $323,900 | Compare |
| Red Lodge | 2,399 | $43,857 | $374,900 | 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 Townsend With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Townsend
What is the population of Townsend, MT?
The population of Townsend, MT is 2,232 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 Townsend?
The median household income in Townsend, MT is $70,774 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Townsend?
The median home value in Townsend, MT is $212,800, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Townsend?
The median monthly rent in Townsend, MT is $976, which is 16% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Townsend?
The unemployment rate in Townsend, MT is 11.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Townsend, MT a good place to live?
Townsend offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,232 and a median age of 47.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Townsend, MT?
18.2% of residents in Townsend 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 Townsend?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Townsend, MT: median home value is $212,800 (13% below national), median rent is $976/month, and median household income is $70,774. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Townsend?
The poverty rate in Townsend, MT is 12.8%, 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 Townsend, MT?
Townsend's population is 0.5% White, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 3.6% of residents are foreign-born.