| City: | Fort Smith, Montana |
| City Alias: | Yellowtail |
| County: | Big Horn County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:54:05 PM |
| Population: | 312 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 406 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 45.3007, -107.9537 |
| Land Area: | 88.791 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Fort Smith sits on the Crow Indian Reservation in southeastern Montana, where the Bighorn River flows through 82 square miles of canyon country. The ZIP serves 312 residents across one of Montana's most geographically isolated communities, accessible primarily through the Yellowtail Dam area. Despite its name, this isn't a military installation today. The Fort Smith designation comes from a 19th-century trading post, but the area now functions as a small tribal community near the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area.
The post office maintains 123 PO Boxes for 124 occupied households, producing an adoption rate of 99%. That near-universal reliance isn't a choice. With only one street route (Front Drive) serving the immediate vicinity, most residents depend entirely on PO Boxes for mail delivery. The classification as "Mixed Service" reflects the single rural carrier route that operates alongside the PO Box system, but the reality is stark: if you live in Fort Smith, you're getting your mail at the post office.
The population density tells the real story. Across 82 square miles, 312 people work out to fewer than four residents per square mile. The housing ratio of 2.52 people per household falls within normal ranges for rural Montana, but the geographic spread makes traditional mail delivery impractical for most addresses. Front Drive represents the only street with USPS delivery records, handling minimal traffic compared to the 123 boxes inside the post office building.
Median household income runs $52,679, with a median home value of $176,200. Those figures reflect the economic constraints of reservation life combined with the appeal of canyon country for some retirees and recreation workers. The median age of 50 skews older than Montana's average, suggesting a stable population without the youth flight common to rural areas. With 67% of households having internet access, digital connectivity hasn't eliminated the need for physical mail service in this corner of Big Horn County.
The Yellowtail alias appears frequently on mail, named for the massive dam that created Bighorn Lake. That engineering project transformed the local landscape in the 1960s, flooding canyon lands and creating new recreation opportunities. Today, the area serves a mixed population of Crow tribal members and non-tribal residents drawn by fishing, boating, and the stark beauty of the Bighorn Canyon. The post office serves as one of the few gathering points in a community spread across river breaks and benchlands where road access remains challenging.
With only Front Drive appearing in delivery records, this ZIP reflects a community where roads exist but USPS street delivery doesn't. The absence of street diversity isn't an oversight—it's the reality of canyon country settlement where most addresses can't receive carrier delivery.
ZIP Code 59035 has 312 residents and 124 households (average 2.52 persons per household). The median age is 50.0 years, significantly older than the state (40.5) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 53.2% male and 46.8% female, which is higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (58.3%, much lower than the state average of 84.5%) and American Indian & Alaska Native (36.2%, much higher than the state average of 6.2% and well above the national average of 1.1%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 1.3%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%), and American Indian & Alaska Native share is much higher than both the state (6.2%) and national averages (1.1%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 312Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 187Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 3.5 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $52,679Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 124Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $176,200Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.52Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.20Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 234 | 117 | 123 | 123 | 123 | 53 | 181 | 182 | 204 | 226 | 261 | 182 | 187 |
| Decennial Census | 227 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 312 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 50
Male Median Age: 50.1
Female Median Age: 49
| 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 | 11 | 13 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 19 | 5 | 9 | 6 | 7 | 18 | 23 | 7 | 18 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 5 |
| Female | 9 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 15 | 26 | 12 | 5 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| Total | 20 | 25 | 17 | 7 | 7 | 23 | 8 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 33 | 49 | 19 | 23 | 17 | 5 | 1 | 9 |
| White: | 182 | 60.26% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 4 | 1.32% |
| Asian: | 1 | 0.33% |
| American Indian: | 113 | 37.42% |
| Hawaiian: | 1 | 0.33% |
| Other: | 1 | 0.33% |
| Total: | 302 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 166 | 53.21% | 50.1 years |
| Females: | 146 | 46.79% | 49.0 years |
| Total: | 312 | 100% | 50.0 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 187 | 100.00% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Population: | 187 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 187 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $52,679, which is considerably lower than the national median ($78,538), is up $6,495 (14.1%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $5,387. Family households earn a median of $55,179 versus $50,556 for nonfamily households (a difference of $4,623). By gender, male median income is $0 and female is $29,632, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $29,632 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 31.1%, which is markedly below the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 9.8%, which is much higher than the state rate (3.7%). The largest occupation group is Service (84.8%).
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 | $46,184 | $28,750 | $29,091 | $22,500 | $29,018 | $0 | $32,344 | $41,000 | $47,292 | $46,094 | $43,750 | $49,120 | $52,679 |
| Median Family Income | $39,219 | $41,875 | $48,125 | $42,375 | $41,607 | $51,071 | $51,912 | $59,063 | $54,750 | $57,232 | $49,766 | $53,523 | $55,179 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $29,844 | $2,499 | $2,499 | $11,250 | $16,250 | $0 | $30,313 | $32,692 | $0 | $33,333 | $37,171 | $48,287 | $50,556 |
| Median Male Income | $22,409 | $17,031 | $48,125 | $16,912 | $16,713 | $0 | $31,016 | $31,667 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Female Income | $33,611 | $22,031 | $0 | $0 | $21,818 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $24,050 | $0 | $30,781 | $29,844 | $29,632 |
| Employed: | 46 | 28.05% |
| Unemployed: | 5 | 3.05% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 113 | 68.90% |
| Total: | 164 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 7 | 15.22% |
| Service: | 39 | 84.78% |
| Sales and Office: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 46 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $176,200, which is much lower than the state median ($338,100), is up $166,201 (1,662.18%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $97,500. The median gross rent is $0, which is far less than the state median ($1,031), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Of occupied housing, owners make up 94.68% (20.22% with a mortgage, 79.78% free-and-clear) and renters 5.32% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 58.59%, which is considerably higher than 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 | $9,999 | $9,999 | $9,999 | $9,999 | $0 | $82,500 | $80,400 | $78,500 | $78,700 | $79,000 | $99,800 | $131,700 | $176,200 |
| Less than $500: | 5 | 100.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 5 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $693 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 18 | 19.15% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 71 | 75.53% |
| Renter Occupied: | 5 | 5.32% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 94 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 94 | 41.41% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 133 | 58.59% |
| Total Housing Units: | 227 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 143 | 63.00% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 84 | 37.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 227 | 100% |
In 2023, 5.60% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 100.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 33.70%, which is on par with the state rate (8.40%). The share of people in poverty is 12.50%, which is on par with the state rate (7.10%), up 12.50 percentage points since 2011. This signals a sharp increase in hardship - a shrinking consumer base, heavy pressure on public services, and job-market contraction risks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (64.29%). College enrollment is 0.00%, 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: | 0 | 0.00% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 19 | 13.19% |
| Some college, no degree: | 94 | 65.28% |
| Associate's degree: | 23 | 15.97% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 8 | 5.56% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 144 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 144 | 100.00% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 8 | 5.56% |
| Private Insurance: | 93 | 40.79% |
| Public Insurance: | 72 | 31.58% |
| No Insurance: | 63 | 27.63% |
| Total: | 228 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 165 | 72.37% |
| 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% | 13.0% | 11.5% | 12.5% | 12.7% | 23.6% | 21.9% | 12.5% |
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): | 18 | 64.29% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 10 | 35.71% |
| College or graduate school: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 28 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 28 | 100.00% |
ZIP Code 59035 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 10 business establishments, employing about 26 people with an annual payroll of $1,471,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 405Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 10Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $101,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $1,471,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 26Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 59035 is located in Big Horn 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 59035. It covers 88.791 sq mi of land and a water area of 2.148 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: | 88.791 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 2.148 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: | 3028650Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Fort Smith CDP; MontanaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 59035 is in the Hardin 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 February 1, 2026.