| City: | Cooke City, Montana |
| County: | Park County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:53:47 PM |
| Population: | 85 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 406 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 45.0872, -109.9056 |
| Land Area: | 239.26 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Cooke City sits at 7,600 feet elevation just outside Yellowstone National Park's northeast entrance. This tiny mountain community spans 262 square miles of wilderness territory in Park County, Montana. With only 85 year-round residents and 45 occupied homes, it's one of the smallest gateway towns serving a major national park.
The post office maintains 149 PO Boxes for those 45 households. That's an adoption rate of 3.31, more than triple the local population. This pattern is typical for seasonal resort communities: second homeowners keep boxes year-round, summer workers need temporary addresses, and visitors renting cabins use them for deliveries. Of the 131 total housing units, 76 (58%) are used seasonally, transforming Cooke City's population during summer months when Yellowstone visitors arrive.
Mail delivery combines PO Boxes with rural routes. Two rural carrier routes serve scattered residences along roads like Main Street, Broadway, and US Highway 212. The community has 25 business establishments employing 89 people during peak season, most serving tourists heading to or from Yellowstone. Median home values of $362,500 and a median age of 44.9 years indicate an established seasonal community rather than a working-class mining town.
Street names preserve the area's character. Main Street runs through the compact town center with secondary units (apartments, lots, and units) indicating multi-family buildings or cabin clusters. Roads like Erma Mine Road and Mineral Road reference the region's mining history, while names like Bannock Trail and Lake Abundance Road point to the surrounding wilderness. Cooke City isn't incorporated, and the ZIP territory extends deep into the Absaroka-Beartooth mountains.
This post office serves one of America's most isolated mountain communities. The Beartooth Highway (US 212) closes each winter, cutting off the northern route and leaving only the route through Yellowstone's Lamar Valley for winter access. During those months, the year-round population dwindles to a few dozen hardy residents who maintain the handful of businesses that stay open for snowmobilers.
Street names mix the compact town center (Main, Broadway) with mining-era roads (Erma Mine, Mineral) and wilderness references (Bannock Trail, Lake Abundance).
ZIP Code 59020 has 85 residents and 45 households (average 1.89 persons per household). The median age is 44.9 years, older than the state (40.5) and older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 55.3% male and 44.7% female, which is higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (85.9%, much higher than the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (5.9%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 5.9%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 85Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 97Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 0.4 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $42,500Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 45Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $362,500Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 1.89Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.42Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 22 | 28 | 28 | 22 | 39 | 37 | 41 | 46 | 63 | 69 | 87 | 86 | 97 |
| Decennial Census | 77 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 85 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 44.9
Male Median Age: 61.2
Female Median Age: 40.5
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 11 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| Female | 1 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 2 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 8 | 2 | 16 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 12 | 6 | 1 | 8 | 5 | 0 |
| White: | 73 | 86.90% |
| Black: | 1 | 1.19% |
| Hispanic:* | 5 | 5.95% |
| Asian: | 1 | 1.19% |
| American Indian: | 4 | 4.76% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 84 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 47 | 55.29% | 61.2 years |
| Females: | 38 | 44.71% | 40.5 years |
| Total: | 85 | 100% | 44.9 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 88 | 90.72% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 7 | 7.22% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 2 | 9.28% |
| Total Population: | 97 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 88 | 90.72% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 9 | 9.28% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $42,500, which is considerably lower than the national median ($78,538), is up $16,042 (60.6%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $5,625. Family households earn a median of $64,500 versus $33,750 for nonfamily households (a difference of $30,750). By gender, male median income is $23,750 and female is $42,143, which is well under the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $18,393 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 68.1%, which is higher than the state rate (62.8%). The unemployment rate is 0.0%, which is markedly below the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (50.0%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $26,458 | $29,375 | $39,375 | $54,167 | $31,786 | $38,750 | $45,625 | $36,250 | $36,875 | $53,281 | $42,500 | $46,250 | $42,500 |
| Median Family Income | $38,125 | $39,688 | $51,563 | $53,750 | $52,500 | $51,563 | $53,571 | $53,750 | $56,563 | $54,688 | $57,321 | $75,536 | $64,500 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $22,188 | $24,688 | $23,750 | $0 | $30,000 | $29,375 | $30,208 | $30,208 | $31,964 | $34,063 | $35,313 | $34,583 | $33,750 |
| Median Male Income | $19,167 | $41,250 | $41,875 | $43,750 | $31,607 | $31,000 | $30,625 | $30,625 | $30,417 | $19,063 | $19,464 | $26,250 | $23,750 |
| Median Female Income | $0 | $25,000 | $30,625 | $30,625 | $0 | $26,250 | $21,500 | $0 | $0 | $36,458 | $36,964 | $43,750 | $42,143 |
| Employed: | 62 | 68.13% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 29 | 31.87% |
| Total: | 91 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 31 | 50.00% |
| Service: | 21 | 33.87% |
| Sales and Office: | 9 | 14.52% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 1 | 1.61% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 62 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $362,500, which is much higher than the national median ($303,400), is up $101,800 (39.05%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $81,200. The median gross rent is $1,225, which is markedly greater than the state median ($1,031), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $395. Of occupied housing, owners make up 48.21% (22.22% with a mortgage, 77.78% free-and-clear) and renters 51.79% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 60.84%, which is markedly above the national rate (10.43%).
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $260,700 | $272,700 | $284,400 | $350,000 | $265,900 | $263,900 | $266,700 | $262,500 | $281,300 | $475,000 | $450,000 | $394,400 | $362,500 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 4 | 13.79% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 17 | 58.62% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 5 | 17.24% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 3 | 10.34% |
| Total: | 29 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $830 | $1,125 | $1,075 | $1,156 | $1,225 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 6 | 10.71% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 21 | 37.50% |
| Renter Occupied: | 29 | 51.79% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 56 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 56 | 39.16% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 87 | 60.84% |
| Total Housing Units: | 143 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 129 | 90.21% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 5 | 3.50% |
| Other Units: | 9 | 6.29% |
| Total Housing Units: | 143 | 100% |
In 2023, 41.00% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is on par with the state rate (34.50%). High school or higher is 96.40%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 6.20%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). The share of people in poverty is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.70%). Poverty has been broadly stable, which may reflect structural barriers or offsetting gains and setbacks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (75.00%). College enrollment is 25.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 3 | 3.61% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 16 | 19.28% |
| Some college, no degree: | 19 | 22.89% |
| Associate's degree: | 11 | 13.25% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 16 | 19.28% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 18 | 21.69% |
| Total: | 83 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 80 | 96.39% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 34 | 40.96% |
| Private Insurance: | 77 | 65.25% |
| Public Insurance: | 35 | 29.66% |
| No Insurance: | 6 | 5.08% |
| Total: | 118 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 112 | 94.92% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 6 | 75.00% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 0 | 0.00% |
| College or graduate school: | 2 | 25.00% |
| Total: | 8 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 6 | 75.00% |
ZIP Code 59020 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 25 business establishments, employing about 82 people with an annual payroll of $2,467,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 370Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 25Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $501,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $2,467,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 82Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 59020 is located in Park County, Montana, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and Montana's 2nd Congressional District. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 59020. It covers 239.26 sq mi of land and a water area of 2.996 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Number: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 0Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 239.26 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 2.996 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 02Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 0 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 3017350Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Cooke City CDP; MontanaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 59020 is in the Cooke City Elementary School District, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 8th. There are 1 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 3 private school(s). It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on January 1, 2026.