Chinook, MT demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,353
-7.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$61,750/yr
-13.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
682
-6.3% year-over-year change

Chinook population

How many people live in Chinook

Chinook is home to 1,353 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.1% of Chinook locals are male, and 48.9% are female.

Total population
1,353
-7.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.1%
691
Female
48.9%
662
Value Percent YoY change
Male 691 51.1% -2.5%
Female 662 48.9% -11.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Chinook is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 23.9% are children under 15, then 9.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17% of the population, while another 25.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.9%
15 to 24
9.3%
25 to 44
17%
45 to 64
25.8%
Over 65
24%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 323 23.9% -11.5%
15 to 24 126 9.3% -8.7%
25 to 44 230 17% -24.3%
45 to 64 349 25.8% 1.4%
Over 65 325 24% 5.2%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Chinook, 98% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 4.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,326 98% -7.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 27 2% 35.0%
Racial breakdown
White
85.8%
Black or African American
0.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
8.6%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.8%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,161 85.8%
Black or African American 10 0.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 117 8.6%
Two or more races 65 4.8%

Households in Chinook

A peek inside Chinook households

Chinook has 581 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 59% are families, while the remaining 41% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
581
-9.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
238
Family households
343
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 238 41% -16.5%
Family households 343 59% -3.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Chinook

The housing landscape of Chinook

Chinook's housing consists of 682 units, with 77.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 5.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
682
-6.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 526 77.1%
1 unit, attached 21 3.1%
2 units 22 3.2%
3 or 4 units 13 1.9%
5 to 9 units 14 2%
20 to 49 units 48 7%
Mobile home 38 5.6%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Chinook

In Chinook, the median construction year is 1957. About 29.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 15.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 200 29.3% 10.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 108 15.8% -17.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 45 6.6% -55.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 48 7% -9.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 154 22.6% -1.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 72 10.6% 60.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 28 4.1% -15.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 10 1.5% 66.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 17 2.5% -19.1%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Chinook occupancy rates

Out of the 581 occupied housing units in Chinook, 79.7% are owner-occupied, while 20.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
581
-9.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
118
Owner occupied
463
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 118 20.3% -31.0%
Owner occupied 463 79.7% -1.3%
Unoccupied housing units
14.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Chinook housing costs

Housing costs in Chinook come to a median of $778 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $763.

Median housing costs per month
$778/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Chinook
$763/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Chinook

Chinook education at a glance

About 39.6% of the population in Chinook went to high school, while 16.6% pursued college studies. Another 8.9% earned an associate degree and 19.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 6 0.6% 0.0%
High school diploma 374 39.6% 28.1%
College diploma 157 16.6% -26.3%
Associate degree 84 8.9% -3.5%
Bachelor's degree 186 19.7% -11.8%
Graduate degree 138 14.6% -27.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Chinook

How much people earn in Chinook

The average annual household income in Chinook was $84,653 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $61,750, reflecting a -13.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Chinook
$84,653/year
1.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Chinook
$61,750/year
-13.6% year-over-year change

Chinook income by age

In Chinook, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $127,557. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $55,921 overall. Overall, 91.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $127,557 40.9%
45 - 64 $55,921 -26.0%
Over 65 $36,500 39.0%
Above poverty level
1,231
Below poverty level
113
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,231 91.6% -4.7%
Below poverty level 113 8.4% -25.2%

Average renter income in Chinook

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Chinook, their median household income was $36,023 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 25.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$36,023
Rent-to-income ratio
25.4%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Chinook

Workforce and job types in Chinook

The job market in Chinook is powered by 617 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.3% run their own businesses, 51.2% are employed by private companies, and 24.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
617
-8.6% year-over-year change
White collar
476
Blue collar
141
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 476 77.2% -13.9%
Blue collar 141 22.8% 15.6%
Employer type
Self employees
14.3%
Private companies
51.2%
Governmental workers
24.6%
Not for profit companies
9.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 88 14.3% -13.7%
Private companies 316 51.2% -1.2%
Governmental workers 152 24.6% -27.3%
Not for profit companies 61 9.9% 38.6%
Unemployment rate
6.2%
115.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Chinook stands at 6.2%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Chinook

How people get around in Chinook

Commuting methods vary: 78.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 7.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 457 78.9% -5.4%
Walk 42 7.2% -56.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Chinook by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
59523 2,356 911 $73,906 $89,036

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FAQs about Chinook demographics 

What is the total population of Chinook?

Chinook has a total population of 1,353 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -7.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Chinook?

The gender ratio in Chinook is as follows:
  • 51.1% males (691 residents)
  • 48.9% females (662 residents)

What is the median age in Chinook?

The median age in Chinook is 44.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Chinook?

The age distribution in Chinook is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23.9% (323 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.3% (126 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17% (230 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.8% (349 residents)
  • Over 65: 24% (325 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Chinook?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chinook is as follows:
  • White: 85.8% (1,161 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.7% (10 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 8.6% (117 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.8% (65 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Chinook are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98% of the population in Chinook.

How many housing units are there in Chinook?

There are 682 housing units in Chinook, reflecting a -6.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Chinook and what is the average household size?

Chinook has a total of 581 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Chinook?

Chinook has a median household income of $61,750, representing a -13.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Chinook?

The employment rate is 93.8% in Chinook, with a workforce of 617 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.2% (476 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.8% (141 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.3% (88 residents)
  • Private companies: 51.2% (316 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 24.6% (152 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.9% (61 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025