Westby, MT
Population 253 · Montana
About Westby, MT
Westby is a small community located in Montana with a population of 253 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $24,583 per year, which is 67% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 53.7 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 Westby features a median home value of $61,900, which is 75% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Westby one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $575, 51% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 132 total housing units, 88% are owner-occupied (79 units) and 12% are renter-occupied (11 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Westby shows an unemployment rate of 1.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Westby have an average one-way commute time of 17.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.1% of Westby 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 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Westby Ranks in Montana
Cost of Living in Westby, MT
Compared to national averages, Westby has a median household income of $24,583 (67% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $61,900, which is 75% below the national median. Monthly rent at $575 is 51% below the US average of $1,163. Within Montana, Westby's income is 63% below the state average of $65,821, and home values are 79% below the state median of $288,703.
Why Live in Westby, MT?
Westby offers affordable housing with a median home value of $61,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $575/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.3%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 17.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($24,583) that falls below the national average. However, Westby’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Westby has a population of 253 with a median age of 53.7 years. Compare Westby with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Montana.
Similar Cities Near Westby
Cities in Montana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drummond | 255 | $44,375 | $210,000 | Compare |
| Hinsdale | 250 | $40,250 | $111,800 | Compare |
| Lodge Pole | 257 | $0 | $110,000 | Compare |
| Dutton | 258 | $55,469 | $129,500 | Compare |
| Ryegate | 259 | $48,750 | $126,900 | Compare |
| Bear Dance | 262 | $71,458 | $570,000 | Compare |
| Savage | 244 | $87,083 | $225,000 | Compare |
| South Glastonbury | 263 | $58,750 | $457,900 | 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 Westby With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Westby
What is the population of Westby, MT?
The population of Westby, MT is 253 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 Westby?
The median household income in Westby, MT is $24,583 per year, which is 67% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Westby?
The median home value in Westby, MT is $61,900, which is 75% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Westby?
The median monthly rent in Westby, MT is $575, which is 51% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Westby?
The unemployment rate in Westby, MT is 1.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Westby, MT a good place to live?
Westby offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 253 and a median age of 53.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Westby, MT?
21.1% of residents in Westby 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 Westby?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Westby, MT: median home value is $61,900 (75% below national), median rent is $575/month, and median household income is $24,583. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Westby?
The poverty rate in Westby, MT is 10.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Westby, MT?
Westby's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.