Plains, MT demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,195
11.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$25,491/yr
3.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
707
1.1% year-over-year change

Plains population

How many people live in Plains

Plains is home to 1,195 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.4% of Plains locals are male, and 51.6% are female.

Total population
1,195
11.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.4%
578
Female
51.6%
617
Value Percent YoY change
Male 578 48.4% -1.7%
Female 617 51.6% 26.2%
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 Plains is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 10.2% are children under 15, then 20.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.3% of the population, while another 21% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.2%
15 to 24
20.6%
25 to 44
26.3%
45 to 64
21%
Over 65
21.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 122 10.2% 15.1%
15 to 24 246 20.6% 11.8%
25 to 44 314 26.3% 21.2%
45 to 64 251 21% 24.9%
Over 65 262 21.9% -10.0%
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 Plains, 98.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. As for race, 89.8% of locals are Caucasian, 1.8% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.9%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,172 98.1% 11.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 23 1.9% 21.1%
Racial breakdown
White
89.8%
Black or African American
1.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.3%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.8%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,073 89.8%
Black or African American 21 1.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 27 2.3%
Asian 5 0.4%
Two or more races 69 5.8%

Households in Plains

A peek inside Plains households

Plains has 631 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 31.5% are families, while the remaining 68.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
631
3.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
432
Family households
199
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 432 68.5% 6.1%
Family households 199 31.5% -1.5%
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 Plains

The housing landscape of Plains

Plains's housing consists of 707 units, with 50.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.4% 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 29.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
707
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 360 50.9%
1 unit, attached 10 1.4%
2 units 25 3.5%
3 or 4 units 82 11.6%
5 to 9 units 4 0.6%
Mobile home 208 29.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 18 2.6%
Homes built since 2020
29
190.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Plains

In Plains, the median construction year is 1978. About 15.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 4.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 112 15.8% -15.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 36 5.1% 63.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 14 2% -56.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 62 8.8% -7.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 154 21.8% -2.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 93 13.2% 22.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 124 17.5% 8.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 51 7.2% -19.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 32 4.5% 33.3%
Built in 2020 or later 29 4.1% 190.0%
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.

Plains occupancy rates

Out of the 631 occupied housing units in Plains, 53.1% are owner-occupied, while 46.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
631
3.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
296
Owner occupied
335
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 296 46.9% -2.0%
Owner occupied 335 53.1% 9.1%
Unoccupied housing units
10.7%
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.

Plains housing costs

Housing costs in Plains come to a median of $832 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $843.

Median housing costs per month
$832/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 Plains
$843/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 Plains

Plains education at a glance

About 52.7% of the population in Plains went to high school, while 27.7% pursued college studies. Another 5.9% earned an associate degree and 9.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 20 1.9% -46.0%
High school diploma 560 52.7% 5.5%
College diploma 294 27.7% 98.7%
Associate degree 63 5.9% 117.2%
Bachelor's degree 99 9.3% -29.3%
Graduate degree 27 2.5% -35.7%
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 Plains

How much people earn in Plains

The average annual household income in Plains was $74,089 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $25,491, reflecting a +3.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Plains
$74,089/year
6.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Plains
$25,491/year
3.4% year-over-year change

Plains income by age

In Plains, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $23,857. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $39,013 overall. Overall, 68.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $64,135 1.1%
25 - 44 $23,857 1.3%
45 - 64 $39,013 N/A
Above poverty level
808
Below poverty level
367
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 808 68.8% -5.3%
Below poverty level 367 31.2% 81.7%

Average renter income in Plains

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Plains, their median household income was $21,318 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 47.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$21,318
Rent-to-income ratio
47.5%
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 Plains

Workforce and job types in Plains

The job market in Plains is powered by 515 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 61.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 38.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.1% run their own businesses, 71.5% are employed by private companies, and 12.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
515
2.0% year-over-year change
White collar
317
Blue collar
198
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 317 61.6% -8.4%
Blue collar 198 38.4% 24.5%
Employer type
Self employees
9.1%
Private companies
71.5%
Governmental workers
12.4%
Not for profit companies
7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 47 9.1% -14.6%
Private companies 368 71.5% 9.8%
Governmental workers 64 12.4% -28.9%
Not for profit companies 36 7% 44.0%
Unemployment rate
19.2%
542.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Plains stands at 19.2%, 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 Plains

How people get around in Plains

Commuting methods vary: 67.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 15.1% 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 341 67.7% -7.3%
Bus or trolleybus 7 1.4% N/A
Walk 76 15.1% 40.7%
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 Plains by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
59859 4,360 1,854 $64,846 $84,758

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FAQs about Plains demographics 

What is the total population of Plains?

Plains has a total population of 1,195 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 +11.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Plains?

The gender ratio in Plains is as follows:
  • 48.4% males (578 residents)
  • 51.6% females (617 residents)

What is the median age in Plains?

The median age in Plains is 43.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Plains?

The age distribution in Plains is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10.2% (122 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 20.6% (246 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.3% (314 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21% (251 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.9% (262 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Plains?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Plains is as follows:
  • White: 89.8% (1,073 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.8% (21 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.3% (27 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (5 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.8% (69 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.1% of the population in Plains.

How many housing units are there in Plains?

There are 707 housing units in Plains, reflecting a +1.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Plains has a total of 631 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Plains?

Plains has a median household income of $25,491, representing a +3.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 80.8% in Plains, with a workforce of 515 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 61.6% (317 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 38.4% (198 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.1% (47 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.5% (368 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.4% (64 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7% (36 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