| City: | Hays, Montana |
| County: | Blaine County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:59:27 PM |
| Population: | 1,177 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 406 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 48.2323, -108.6574 |
| Land Area: | 213.245 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Hays, Montana serves a Native American community on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation in north-central Montana. Of the 1,177 residents in this ZIP code, 1,090 are Native American (93%). This is home to the Gros Ventre and Assiniboine peoples in Blaine County.
This is a PO Box Only Zone covering 266 square miles of reservation land. There's no alternative mail delivery across this territory. The Hays post office maintains 343 PO Boxes for 356 households, meaning 96% of families rely on PO Boxes as their only way to receive mail, packages, and government documents.
The area has limited rural delivery along two rural carrier routes serving 154 delivery points, but most residents must travel to the post office. Street names like Lodge Pole Road, White Cow Canyon Road, and Blackfoot Lane mark the community's roads. State Highway 66 is the main corridor through the area.
With an average of 3.3 people per household, families here are larger than the national average. Extended family living arrangements are common in Native American communities. The median age of 29.1 years indicates a younger population compared to Montana overall.
The 2020 Census counted 1,177 residents living in 356 occupied housing units. There are 191 owner-occupied homes and 165 renter-occupied units. No seasonal vacancy exists here; this is a year-round residential community.
The local economy centers on tribal government and public services. Of the employed residents, 185 work in public administration (likely tribal government positions). The community has 5 business establishments employing 282 people. Median household income is $58,000, with a median home value of $64,300.
About 16% of workers (38 people) work from home, and 40% of employed residents drive alone to work while 25% carpool. The combination of rural distances and limited public transit makes vehicle access important for daily life.
The ZIP code spans 266 square miles of Montana prairie and badlands. The area includes distinctive geographic features like White Cow Canyon, Pine Grove, and various creek drainages. Roads bear names connected to the landscape and community history.
Educational attainment stands at 15% with bachelor's degrees or higher among adults 25 and over (791 adults total). About 86% of residents were born in the United States.
Mailing to Hays requires using a PO Box address. Most mail goes to PO Box addresses at the Hays post office (ZIP 59527). Some rural delivery is available, but coverage is limited across the vast reservation territory.
Address format:
Recipient Name
PO Box [Number]
Hays, MT 59527Roads carry names tied to the landscape (White Cow Canyon, Pine Grove, Lodge Pole) and Native American heritage (Blackfoot, Thunderbird, Chippewa).
ZIP Code 59527 has 1,177 residents and 356 households (average 3.31 persons per household). The median age is 29.1 years, significantly younger than the state (40.5) and significantly younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 50.0% male and 50.0% female, which is about the same as the national male share (49.1%). Largest groups are American Indian & Alaska Native (92.6%, much higher than the state average of 6.2% and well above the national average of 1.1%) and White (3.7%, much lower than the state average of 84.5% and well below the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 1.8%, 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: | 1,177Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 1,114Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 5.5 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $58,000Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 356Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $64,300Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 3.31Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.86Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 775 | 812 | 962 | 1,037 | 1,153 | 1,098 | 1,126 | 1,087 | 1,006 | 1,041 | 1,303 | 1,210 | 1,114 |
| Decennial Census | 974 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1,177 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 29.1
Male Median Age: 29.9
Female Median Age: 28.6
| 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 | 58 | 29 | 72 | 65 | 40 | 31 | 60 | 37 | 40 | 18 | 18 | 38 | 41 | 21 | 10 | 7 | 2 | 2 |
| Female | 59 | 50 | 51 | 52 | 48 | 44 | 42 | 47 | 22 | 23 | 21 | 33 | 37 | 23 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 13 |
| Total | 117 | 79 | 123 | 117 | 88 | 75 | 102 | 84 | 62 | 41 | 39 | 71 | 78 | 44 | 20 | 15 | 7 | 15 |
| White: | 44 | 3.78% |
| Black: | 4 | 0.34% |
| Hispanic:* | 21 | 1.80% |
| Asian: | 4 | 0.34% |
| American Indian: | 1,090 | 93.56% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 2 | 0.17% |
| Total: | 1,165 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 589 | 50.04% | 29.9 years |
| Females: | 588 | 49.96% | 28.6 years |
| Total: | 1,177 | 100% | 29.1 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 1,096 | 98.38% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 4 | 0.36% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 14 | 1.62% |
| Total Population: | 1,114 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 1,096 | 98.38% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 18 | 1.62% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $58,000, which is far less than the national median ($78,538), is up $33,078 (132.7%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $25,625. Family households earn a median of $73,125 versus $19,250 for nonfamily households (a difference of $53,875). By gender, male median income is $65,200 and female is $43,365, which is far less than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $21,835 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 56.3%, which is markedly below the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 26.6%, which is markedly higher than the state rate (3.7%). The largest occupation group is Management (37.6%).
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 | $24,922 | $31,667 | $27,750 | $26,875 | $27,969 | $30,268 | $27,734 | $29,167 | $32,375 | $38,026 | $42,656 | $49,327 | $58,000 |
| Median Family Income | $27,500 | $31,875 | $28,500 | $28,036 | $34,167 | $35,429 | $31,667 | $35,455 | $38,424 | $38,684 | $44,643 | $64,844 | $73,125 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $16,750 | $22,969 | $21,875 | $22,188 | $17,292 | $11,875 | $12,917 | $14,000 | $16,875 | $17,500 | $0 | $14,583 | $19,250 |
| Median Male Income | $41,667 | $41,250 | $40,938 | $43,750 | $0 | $34,464 | $40,893 | $37,813 | $36,250 | $38,250 | $45,556 | $44,750 | $65,200 |
| Median Female Income | $29,000 | $35,208 | $40,750 | $38,750 | $0 | $35,893 | $36,667 | $38,750 | $26,000 | $31,458 | $32,321 | $43,125 | $43,365 |
| Employed: | 348 | 41.33% |
| Unemployed: | 126 | 14.96% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 368 | 43.71% |
| Total: | 842 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 131 | 37.64% |
| Service: | 60 | 17.24% |
| Sales and Office: | 43 | 12.36% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 94 | 27.01% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 20 | 5.75% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 348 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $64,300, which is far less than the state median ($338,100), is up $30,200 (88.56%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $22,800. The median gross rent is $550, which is well under the national median ($1,348), is up $258 (88.36%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $122. Of occupied housing, owners make up 54.86% (8.86% with a mortgage, 91.14% free-and-clear) and renters 45.14% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 17.00%, 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 | $34,100 | $51,200 | $55,700 | $55,600 | $53,800 | $58,900 | $49,300 | $38,500 | $41,500 | $36,700 | $55,300 | $65,400 | $64,300 |
| Less than $500: | 49 | 37.69% |
| $500 to $999: | 65 | 50.00% |
| $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: | 16 | 12.31% |
| Total: | 130 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $292 | $328 | $333 | $335 | $375 | $375 | $419 | $421 | $428 | $448 | $472 | $496 | $550 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 14 | 4.86% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 144 | 50.00% |
| Renter Occupied: | 130 | 45.14% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 288 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 288 | 83.00% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 59 | 17.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 347 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 255 | 73.49% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 54 | 15.56% |
| Other Units: | 38 | 10.95% |
| Total Housing Units: | 347 | 100% |
In 2023, 14.60% 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 85.50%, which is markedly below the state rate (94.60%). The uninsured rate is 35.10%, which is markedly above the state rate (8.40%). Private coverage is 19.20%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.30%). Public coverage is 50.30%, which is well above the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 26.40%, which is markedly above the state rate (7.10%), down 8.70 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 10.30 percentage points. This points to a pronounced improvement in local conditions - rising incomes, firmer consumer demand, and a stronger tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (53.93%). College enrollment is 14.29%, which is far lower than the national rate (26.70%), indicating the community may be more oriented toward vocational/trade or direct-to-workforce opportunities.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 16 | 2.39% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 81 | 12.11% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 145 | 21.67% |
| Some college, no degree: | 125 | 18.68% |
| Associate's degree: | 204 | 30.49% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 87 | 13.00% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 11 | 1.64% |
| Total: | 669 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 572 | 85.50% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 98 | 14.65% |
| Private Insurance: | 214 | 18.37% |
| Public Insurance: | 560 | 48.07% |
| No Insurance: | 391 | 33.56% |
| Total: | 1,165 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 774 | 66.44% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 35.1% | 31.4% | 36.7% | 38.9% | 33.6% | 36.3% | 39.6% | 38.9% | 36.7% | 40.3% | 35.1% | 24.6% | 26.4% |
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: | 6 | 2.14% |
| Kindergarten: | 4 | 1.43% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 151 | 53.93% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 79 | 28.21% |
| College or graduate school: | 40 | 14.29% |
| Total: | 280 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 10 | 3.57% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 234 | 83.57% |
ZIP Code 59527 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 6 business establishments, employing about 253 people with an annual payroll of $16,856,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 551Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 6Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $4,380,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $16,856,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 253Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 59527 is located in Blaine 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 59527. It covers 213.245 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.969 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: | 213.245 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.969 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: | 3035275Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Hays CDP; MontanaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 59527 is in the Hays-Lodge Pole K-12 Schools, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 3 public schools and 1 private school(s) in this ZIP Code. 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.