West Yellowstone, MT demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,474
1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$58,839/yr
2.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
855
-10.6% year-over-year change

West Yellowstone population

How many people live in West Yellowstone

West Yellowstone is home to 1,474 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.5% of West Yellowstone locals are male, and 50.5% are female.

Total population
1,474
1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.5%
729
Female
50.5%
745
Value Percent YoY change
Male 729 49.5% -6.8%
Female 745 50.5% 10.4%
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 West Yellowstone is 31, with the population distributed as follows: about 18% are children under 15, then 23.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.3% of the population, while another 23.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 8.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
31.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
18%
15 to 24
23.5%
25 to 44
26.3%
45 to 64
23.5%
Over 65
8.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 266 18% 2.3%
15 to 24 346 23.5% 12.0%
25 to 44 387 26.3% -3.7%
45 to 64 347 23.5% 9.1%
Over 65 128 8.7% -23.8%
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

In West Yellowstone, 75.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 11.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 12.8% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 30.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
75.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
11.5%
Non-citizens
12.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,117 75.8% -0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 169 11.5% 32.0%
Non-citizens 188 12.8% -7.8%
Racial breakdown
White
62.5%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
5.6%
Asian
1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
30.7%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 921 62.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 82 5.6%
Asian 19 1.3%
Two or more races 452 30.7%

Households in West Yellowstone

A peek inside West Yellowstone households

West Yellowstone has 493 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 58.6% are families, while the remaining 41.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
493
-4.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
204
Family households
289
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 204 41.4% -20.3%
Family households 289 58.6% 12.0%
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 West Yellowstone

The housing landscape of West Yellowstone

West Yellowstone's housing consists of 855 units, with 37.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3% 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 7.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
855
-10.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 323 37.8%
1 unit, attached 26 3%
2 units 32 3.7%
3 or 4 units 148 17.3%
5 to 9 units 121 14.2%
10 to 19 units 127 14.8%
Mobile home 66 7.7%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 12 1.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in West Yellowstone

In West Yellowstone, the median construction year is 1986. About 7.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.8% 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 62 7.2% -22.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 67 7.8% 11.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 71 8.3% -12.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 13 1.5% -81.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 107 12.5% -7.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 168 19.6% 0.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 139 16.3% 13.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 166 19.4% -18.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 62 7.2% 10.7%
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.

West Yellowstone occupancy rates

Out of the 493 occupied housing units in West Yellowstone, 39.2% are owner-occupied, while 60.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 42.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
493
-4.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
300
Owner occupied
193
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 300 60.8% 17.6%
Owner occupied 193 39.2% -25.5%
Unoccupied housing units
42.3%
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.

West Yellowstone housing costs

Housing costs in West Yellowstone come to a median of $1,030 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,045.

Median housing costs per month
$1,030/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 West Yellowstone
$1,045/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 West Yellowstone

West Yellowstone education at a glance

About 24.8% of the population in West Yellowstone went to high school, while 32.8% pursued college studies. Another 6.9% earned an associate degree and 14.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 142 13.4% 13.6%
High school diploma 264 24.8% 20.0%
College diploma 349 32.8% -11.4%
Associate degree 73 6.9% 7.3%
Bachelor's degree 158 14.9% -2.5%
Graduate degree 77 7.2% -15.4%
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 West Yellowstone

How much people earn in West Yellowstone

The average annual household income in West Yellowstone was $84,543 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 $58,839, reflecting a +2.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in West Yellowstone
$84,543/year
1.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in West Yellowstone
$58,839/year
2.9% year-over-year change

West Yellowstone income by age

In West Yellowstone, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $87,930. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $61,667 overall. Overall, 86.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $87,930 N/A
45 - 64 $61,667 -25.8%
Over 65 $58,125 4.3%
Above poverty level
1,281
Below poverty level
193
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,281 86.9% 0.1%
Below poverty level 193 13.1% 9.0%

Average renter income in West Yellowstone

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in West Yellowstone, their median household income was $42,303 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 29.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$42,303
Rent-to-income ratio
29.6%
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 West Yellowstone

Workforce and job types in West Yellowstone

The job market in West Yellowstone is powered by 932 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 84.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.3% run their own businesses, 71.8% are employed by private companies, and 7.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
932
5.7% year-over-year change
White collar
789
Blue collar
143
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 789 84.7% 0.9%
Blue collar 143 15.3% 43.0%
Employer type
Self employees
13.3%
Private companies
71.8%
Governmental workers
7.6%
Not for profit companies
7.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 124 13.3% 5.1%
Private companies 669 71.8% 0.5%
Governmental workers 71 7.6% -5.3%
Not for profit companies 68 7.3% 195.7%
Unemployment rate
2.3%
175.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in West Yellowstone stands at 2.3%, 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 West Yellowstone

How people get around in West Yellowstone

In West Yellowstone, the average commute time is 9 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 79.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 10.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
9 min
32.8% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 715 79.7% 14.4%
Bicycle 79 8.8% 0.0%
Walk 96 10.7% -28.4%
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 West Yellowstone by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
59758 2,180 822 $66,375 $133,209

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FAQs about West Yellowstone demographics 

What is the total population of West Yellowstone?

West Yellowstone 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 +1.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in West Yellowstone?

The gender ratio in West Yellowstone is as follows:
  • 49.5% males (729 residents)
  • 50.5% females (745 residents)

What is the median age in West Yellowstone?

The median age in West Yellowstone is 31.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in West Yellowstone?

The age distribution in West Yellowstone is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18% (266 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 23.5% (346 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.3% (387 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.5% (347 residents)
  • Over 65: 8.7% (128 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of West Yellowstone?

The racial and ethnic makeup of West Yellowstone is as follows:
  • White: 62.5% (921 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 5.6% (82 residents)
  • Asian: 1.3% (19 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 30.7% (452 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 75.8% of the population in West Yellowstone.

How many housing units are there in West Yellowstone?

There are 855 housing units in West Yellowstone, reflecting a -10.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

West Yellowstone has a total of 493 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in West Yellowstone?

West Yellowstone has a median household income of $58,839, representing a +2.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for West Yellowstone?

The employment rate is 97.7% in West Yellowstone, with a workforce of 932 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84.7% (789 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15.3% (143 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.3% (124 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.8% (669 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 7.6% (71 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.3% (68 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