Living in West Yellowstone, Montana
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of West Yellowstone · Census data 2020–2024
West Yellowstone has 1,474 residents with a median age of 31.4. The median household income is $58,839 (19% lower than the Montana median), the median home value is $504,300, the median rent is $1,045/month.
West Yellowstone is a small town, so Census survey estimates have wide margins of error. Treat percentages as approximate.
West Yellowstone at a glance
- Population
- 1,474
- Median age
- 31.4State: 40.4
- Median household income
- $58,839State: $72,509
- Median home value
- $504,300State: $375,800
- Median rent
- $1,045/moState: $1,081
- Homeowners
- 39.1%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 25.1%
- Average commute
- 9 min
Is West Yellowstone a good place to live?
Pros: An average commute of 9 minutes; unemployment of 2.3%.
Cons: Median household income 19% lower than the Montana median; home values 34% higher than the state median; a poverty rate of 13.1%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in West Yellowstone
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In West Yellowstone the median home value is $504,300, 52% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,045 per month, which is 26.4% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $2,167 a month in housing costs.
West Yellowstone median household income
The median household income in West Yellowstone is $58,839 and the income per person is $31,032. 13.1% of residents live below the poverty line (Montana: 11.5%).
Housing in West Yellowstone: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 855
- Owner-occupied
- 39.1%
- Renter-occupied
- 60.9%
- Vacant
- 42.3%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1986
- Average household size
- 2.79
42.3% of homes are vacant most of the year, a sign that West Yellowstone has many vacation and second homes.
West Yellowstone demographics
- Population
- 1,474
- Median age
- 31.4
- Under 18
- 27.9%
- 65 and older
- 8.7%
- Households
- 493
- Foreign-born
- 22%
- Veterans
- 6.2%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of West Yellowstone ›
Education in West Yellowstone
25.1% of adults 25 and older in West Yellowstone have a bachelor's degree or higher (Montana: 35.2%), and 8.9% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in West Yellowstone
- Unemployment rate
- 2.3%State: 3.6%
- Average commute
- 9 minState: 19 min
- Work from home
- 0.8%
- Drive alone
- 53.1%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 10.7%
- Homes with broadband
- 93.9%
West Yellowstone vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Yellowstone | 1,474 | $58,839 | $504,300 | $1,045 |
| Island Park | 170 | $91,250 | $293,800 | — |
| Gardiner | 647 | $60,598 | $633,400 | $769 |
| Corwin Springs | 207 | $48,244 | — | $222 |
| Big Sky | 2,445 | $138,805 | $1,137,900 | $877 |
| Ashton | 1,417 | $65,428 | $221,300 | $1,025 |
| South Glastonbury | 175 | $68,516 | $464,300 | — |
More for people moving to West Yellowstone
West Yellowstone ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in West Yellowstone: FAQ
What is the median household income in West Yellowstone, MT?
The median household income in West Yellowstone is $58,839, 19% lower than the Montana median of $72,509 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in West Yellowstone?
The median home value in West Yellowstone is $504,300, compared with $375,800 in Montana.
How much is rent in West Yellowstone?
The median gross rent in West Yellowstone is $1,045 per month, about 26.4% of household income.
Is West Yellowstone, MT a good place to live?
Pluses: an average commute of 9 minutes; unemployment of 2.3%. Minuses: median household income 19% lower than the Montana median; home values 34% higher than the state median; a poverty rate of 13.1%.
What is the median age in West Yellowstone?
The median age in West Yellowstone is 31.4 years (Montana: 40.4).
How long is the commute in West Yellowstone?
The average commute to work in West Yellowstone is 9 minutes; 0.8% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in West Yellowstone?
The unemployment rate in West Yellowstone is 2.3% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is West Yellowstone?
25.1% of adults in West Yellowstone have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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