Shepherd, MT demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
353
-42.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$80,125/yr
% year-over-year change
Housing units
183
-29.9% year-over-year change

Shepherd population

How many people live in Shepherd

Shepherd is home to 353 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.9% of Shepherd locals are male, and 54.1% are female.

Total population
353
-42.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.9%
162
Female
54.1%
191
Value Percent YoY change
Male 162 45.9% -47.9%
Female 191 54.1% -36.8%
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 Shepherd is 48, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.2% are children under 15, then 2.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.1% of the population, while another 43.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
47.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.2%
15 to 24
2.8%
25 to 44
18.1%
45 to 64
43.1%
Over 65
14.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 75 21.2% -52.5%
15 to 24 10 2.8% -81.5%
25 to 44 64 18.1% -23.8%
45 to 64 152 43.1% -40.6%
Over 65 52 14.7% -14.8%
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

There’s also a share of 2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
100%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 353 100% -42.4%
Racial breakdown
White
98%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 346 98%
Two or more races 7 2%

Households in Shepherd

A peek inside Shepherd households

Shepherd has 183 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
183
-29.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
75
Family households
108
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 75 41% -10.7%
Family households 108 59% -39.0%
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 Shepherd

The housing landscape of Shepherd

Shepherd's housing consists of 183 units, with 39.3% 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 60.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
183
-29.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 72 39.3%
Mobile home 111 60.7%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Shepherd

In Shepherd, the median construction year is 1990. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1970 and 1979 24 13.1% -64.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 69 37.7% -1.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 90 49.2% -8.2%
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.

Shepherd occupancy rates

Occupied housing units
183
-29.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
0
Owner occupied
183
Value Percent YoY
change
Owner occupied 183 100% -25.6%
Unoccupied housing units
0.0%
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.

Shepherd housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$831/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.

Education in Shepherd

Shepherd education at a glance

About 25.4% of the population in Shepherd went to high school, while 30.6% pursued college studies. Another 13.4% earned an associate degree and 30.6% hold a bachelor’s.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 68 25.4% -49.2%
College diploma 82 30.6% -33.9%
Associate degree 36 13.4% -50.0%
Bachelor's degree 82 30.6% 26.1%
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 Shepherd

How much people earn in Shepherd

The average annual household income in Shepherd was $96,344 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -22.7% change from the previous year.

Average household income in Shepherd
$96,344/year
-22.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Shepherd
$80,125/year
% year-over-year change

Shepherd income by age

In Shepherd, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $103,750. Overall, 95.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $103,750 N/A
Above poverty level
336
Below poverty level
17
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 336 95.2% -39.6%
Below poverty level 17 4.8% -70.2%

Employment in Shepherd

Workforce and job types in Shepherd

The job market in Shepherd is powered by 189 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs.

Workforce demographics

Working population
189
-45.4% year-over-year change
White collar
143
Blue collar
46
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 143 75.7% -50.4%
Blue collar 46 24.3% -20.7%
Employer type
Self employees
0%
Private companies
91%
Governmental workers
3.2%
Not for profit companies
5.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Private companies 172 91% -40.1%
Governmental workers 6 3.2% -45.5%
Not for profit companies 11 5.8% 22.2%
Unemployment rate
6.0%
0.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Shepherd stands at 6%, 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 Shepherd

How people get around in Shepherd

In Shepherd, the average commute time is 30 minutes.

Commute time
30 min
6.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 124 67% -55.9%
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 Shepherd by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
59079 3,940 1,600 $68,047 $86,383

Explore more communities

FAQs about Shepherd demographics 

What is the total population of Shepherd?

Shepherd has a total population of 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 -42.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Shepherd?

The gender ratio in Shepherd is as follows:
  • 45.9% males (162 residents)
  • 54.1% females (191 residents)

What is the median age in Shepherd?

The median age in Shepherd is 47.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Shepherd?

The age distribution in Shepherd is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.2% (75 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 2.8% (10 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.1% (64 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 43.1% (152 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.7% (52 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Shepherd?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Shepherd is as follows:
  • White: 98% (346 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2% (7 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 100% of the population in Shepherd.

How many housing units are there in Shepherd?

There are 183 housing units in Shepherd, reflecting a -29.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Shepherd has a total of 183 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Shepherd?

Shepherd has a median household income of $80,125, representing a % shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94% in Shepherd, with a workforce of 189 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.7% (143 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.3% (46 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 0% (0 residents)
  • Private companies: 91% (172 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 3.2% (6 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.8% (11 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