Fort Benton, MT demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,474
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$67,188/yr
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
750
2.5% year-over-year change

Fort Benton population

How many people live in Fort Benton

Fort Benton is home to 1,474 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.8% of Fort Benton locals are male, and 51.2% are female.

Total population
1,474
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.8%
720
Female
51.2%
754
Value Percent YoY change
Male 720 48.8% 3.3%
Female 754 51.2% -2.5%
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 Fort Benton is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.3% are children under 15, then 5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.3% of the population, while another 16.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 32.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.3%
15 to 24
5%
25 to 44
25.3%
45 to 64
16.4%
Over 65
32.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 314 21.3% -10.3%
15 to 24 73 5% -1.4%
25 to 44 373 25.3% 10.7%
45 to 64 241 16.4% -9.1%
Over 65 473 32.1% 6.5%
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 Fort Benton, 98.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.6% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 7.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.2%
Non-citizens
0.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,447 98.2% 0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 18 1.2% 20.0%
Non-citizens 9 0.6% -18.2%
Racial breakdown
White
91.2%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.8%
Other
0.1%
Value Percent
White 1,345 91.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 8 0.5%
Asian 4 0.3%
Two or more races 115 7.8%
Other 2 0.1%

Households in Fort Benton

A peek inside Fort Benton households

Fort Benton has 555 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 63.4% are families, while the remaining 36.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
555
-3.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
203
Family households
352
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 203 36.6% -1.9%
Family households 352 63.4% -3.8%
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 Fort Benton

The housing landscape of Fort Benton

Fort Benton's housing consists of 750 units, with 73.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 14.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
750
2.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 549 73.2%
2 units 5 0.7%
3 or 4 units 25 3.3%
5 to 9 units 35 4.7%
10 to 19 units 8 1.1%
20 to 49 units 12 1.6%
50 or more units 9 1.2%
Mobile home 107 14.3%
Homes built since 2020
36
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Fort Benton

In Fort Benton, the median construction year is 1958. About 26.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 0.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 4.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 198 26.4% -15.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 44 5.9% -17.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 160 21.3% 22.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 47 6.3% -11.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 92 12.3% 4.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 85 11.3% -11.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 47 6.3% 9.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4 0.5% 0.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 37 4.9% 23.3%
Built in 2020 or later 36 4.8% N/A
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.

Fort Benton occupancy rates

Out of the 555 occupied housing units in Fort Benton, 79.6% are owner-occupied, while 20.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 26% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
555
-3.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
113
Owner occupied
442
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 113 20.4% -15.0%
Owner occupied 442 79.6% 0.5%
Unoccupied housing units
26.0%
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.

Fort Benton housing costs

Housing costs in Fort Benton come to a median of $812 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $736.

Median housing costs per month
$812/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 Fort Benton
$736/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 Fort Benton

Fort Benton education at a glance

About 41% of the population in Fort Benton went to high school, while 21.5% pursued college studies. Another 6.9% earned an associate degree and 21.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 8 0.7% -27.3%
High school diploma 448 41% 6.4%
College diploma 235 21.5% 7.8%
Associate degree 75 6.9% -28.6%
Bachelor's degree 237 21.7% 15.6%
Graduate degree 91 8.3% -8.1%
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 Fort Benton

How much people earn in Fort Benton

The average annual household income in Fort Benton was $67,082 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -7.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $67,188, reflecting a +0% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Fort Benton
$67,082/year
-7.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Fort Benton
$67,188/year
0.0% year-over-year change

Fort Benton income by age

In Fort Benton, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $81,806. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $78,646 overall. Overall, 97% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $81,806 -3.5%
45 - 64 $78,646 -4.9%
Over 65 $47,500 -0.6%
Above poverty level
1,374
Below poverty level
43
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,374 97% 0.7%
Below poverty level 43 3% 2.4%

Average renter income in Fort Benton

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Fort Benton, their median household income was $24,844 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 35.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$24,844
Rent-to-income ratio
35.5%
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 Fort Benton

Workforce and job types in Fort Benton

The job market in Fort Benton is powered by 530 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 84.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 27.6% run their own businesses, 46.4% are employed by private companies, and 14.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
530
-8.6% year-over-year change
White collar
446
Blue collar
84
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 446 84.2% -4.7%
Blue collar 84 15.8% -25.0%
Employer type
Self employees
27.6%
Private companies
46.4%
Governmental workers
14.9%
Not for profit companies
11.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 146 27.6% 15.0%
Private companies 246 46.4% 0.8%
Governmental workers 79 14.9% -48.7%
Not for profit companies 59 11.1% 7.3%

Transportation in Fort Benton

How people get around in Fort Benton

Commuting methods vary: 80.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 10.8% 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 408 80.2% -14.3%
Walk 55 10.8% -5.2%
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 Fort Benton by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
59442 1,838 677 $67,917 $76,478

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FAQs about Fort Benton demographics 

What is the total population of Fort Benton?

Fort Benton has a total population of 1,474 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 +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Fort Benton?

The gender ratio in Fort Benton is as follows:
  • 48.8% males (720 residents)
  • 51.2% females (754 residents)

What is the median age in Fort Benton?

The median age in Fort Benton is 42.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Fort Benton?

The age distribution in Fort Benton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.3% (314 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 5% (73 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.3% (373 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 16.4% (241 residents)
  • Over 65: 32.1% (473 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Benton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Benton is as follows:
  • White: 91.2% (1,345 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (8 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (4 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.8% (115 residents)
  • Other: 0.1% (2 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.2% of the population in Fort Benton.

How many housing units are there in Fort Benton?

There are 750 housing units in Fort Benton, reflecting a +2.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Fort Benton has a total of 555 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Fort Benton?

Fort Benton has a median household income of $67,188, representing a +0.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Fort Benton?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84.2% (446 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15.8% (84 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 27.6% (146 residents)
  • Private companies: 46.4% (246 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.9% (79 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.1% (59 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