| City: | Elliston, Montana |
| County: | Powell County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 7:00:29 AM |
| Population: | 335 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 406 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 46.4612, -112.4984 |
| Land Area: | 181.659 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Elliston is a small rural community in Powell County, Montana, where PO Boxes aren't optional. This is a PO Box Only Zone across 186 square miles of mountain and valley terrain. There's no street delivery available. The 191 PO Boxes at Elliston's post office serve 165 households plus surrounding areas, making the post office a necessary stop for anyone living here.
The community spreads across one of Montana's larger rural delivery territories. Two rural carrier routes cover 186 square miles, serving homes along 45 different roads. Street names like Little Blackfoot River Road, Old Mullan Trail, and Last Chance Gulch Road reference the area's mining heritage and mountain geography. Main Street divides into East and West sections through the small town center, while US Highway 12 runs through the territory.
At 335 people, Elliston has an older population. Median age is 54.7 years. Just 16 residents are under 18. The population-to-household ratio of 2.03 indicates mostly couples and individuals rather than families with children. Of 181 total housing units, 165 are occupied year-round and 16 sit vacant (all seasonal or occasional use).
Economically, this is a working-class community. Median household income is $74,792 and per capita income is $34,535. About 33% of workers work from home. Employment clusters in transportation and warehousing (127 workers) and other services (44 workers). Public administration employs 76 people. The territory contains 13 business establishments employing 187 people total.
Homeownership dominates. Of 165 occupied homes, 129 are owner-occupied and 36 are rentals. Median home value is $397,200. Among the oldest housing stock in Montana for a PO Box ZIP, 224 units were built before 1939. About 25 homes are mobile homes. The historic building stock and rural character define Elliston's identity as a small Montana mountain community where the post office remains the only way to receive mail.
Street names reference Montana mining history (Last Chance Gulch, Old Mullan Trail) and local geography (Little Blackfoot River, Hat Creek, Moose Gulch).
ZIP Code 59728 has 335 residents and 165 households (average 2.03 persons per household). The median age is 54.7 years, significantly older than the state (40.5) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 48.4% male and 51.6% female, which is slightly lower than the state male share (50.2%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (95.5%, much higher than the state average of 84.5% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (2.7%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 2.7%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 335Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 394Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 1.8 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $78,750Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 165Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $421,400Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.03Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.57Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 338 | 398 | 403 | 484 | 421 | 383 | 362 | 311 | 271 | 327 | 360 | 373 | 394 | 394 |
| Decennial Census | 343 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 335 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 54.7
Male Median Age: 54
Female Median Age: 55.1
| 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 | 16 | 6 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 11 | 5 | 8 | 4 | 5 | 14 | 18 | 19 | 8 | 16 | 14 | 3 | 1 |
| Female | 3 | 5 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 11 | 5 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 11 | 6 | 19 | 13 | 24 | 8 | 14 | 3 |
| Total | 19 | 11 | 17 | 10 | 7 | 22 | 10 | 21 | 14 | 13 | 25 | 24 | 38 | 21 | 40 | 22 | 17 | 4 |
| White: | 320 | 96.10% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 9 | 2.70% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 4 | 1.20% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 333 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 162 | 48.36% | 54.0 years |
| Females: | 173 | 51.64% | 55.1 years |
| Total: | 335 | 100% | 54.7 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 392 | 99.49% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 2 | 0.51% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.51% |
| Total Population: | 394 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 392 | 99.49% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 2 | 0.51% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $78,750, which is slightly below the national median ($80,734), is up $23,281 (42.0%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $24,583. Family households earn a median of $98,750 versus $65,000 for nonfamily households (a difference of $33,750). By gender, male median income is $62,292 and female is $67,083, which is markedly greater than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $4,791 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 69.7%, which is higher than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 5.8%, which is slightly higher than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (44.7%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $55,469 | $51,875 | $51,389 | $57,000 | $56,477 | $57,813 | $55,833 | $59,464 | $54,167 | $76,875 | $64,375 | $68,906 | $74,792 | $78,750 |
| Median Family Income | $63,125 | $68,333 | $56,406 | $69,375 | $70,125 | $76,250 | $68,125 | $73,125 | $75,536 | $86,667 | $64,792 | $90,625 | $79,167 | $98,750 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $13,500 | $14,063 | $17,750 | $18,438 | $37,778 | $38,611 | $42,083 | $40,875 | $25,625 | $19,875 | $0 | $40,417 | $57,917 | $65,000 |
| Median Male Income | $40,714 | $40,833 | $44,167 | $48,333 | $0 | $50,469 | $54,583 | $57,000 | $62,500 | $49,112 | $51,528 | $53,580 | $56,845 | $62,292 |
| Median Female Income | $44,063 | $42,679 | $40,000 | $36,667 | $0 | $42,500 | $50,625 | $52,778 | $52,250 | $60,375 | $51,429 | $58,125 | $70,441 | $67,083 |
| Employed: | 226 | 65.32% |
| Unemployed: | 14 | 4.05% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 106 | 30.64% |
| Total: | 346 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 101 | 44.69% |
| Service: | 43 | 19.03% |
| Sales and Office: | 34 | 15.04% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 33 | 14.60% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 15 | 6.64% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 226 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $421,400, which is considerably higher than the national median ($332,700), is up $230,400 (120.63%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $208,200. The median gross rent is $775, which is far less than the national median ($1,413), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $200. Of occupied housing, owners make up 81.62% (42.38% with a mortgage, 57.62% free-and-clear) and renters 18.38% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 24.18%, which is far higher than the national rate (10.12%).
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 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $191,000 | $189,600 | $204,000 | $185,600 | $195,800 | $150,000 | $204,800 | $169,800 | $213,200 | $269,600 | $302,500 | $387,500 | $397,200 | $421,400 |
| Less than $500: | 5 | 14.71% |
| $500 to $999: | 21 | 61.76% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 1 | 2.94% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 7 | 20.59% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 34 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $0 | $475 | $443 | $613 | $619 | $630 | $613 | $671 | $575 | $575 | $725 | $790 | $742 | $775 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 64 | 34.59% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 87 | 47.03% |
| Renter Occupied: | 34 | 18.38% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 185 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 185 | 75.82% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 59 | 24.18% |
| Total Housing Units: | 244 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 224 | 91.80% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 20 | 8.20% |
| Total Housing Units: | 244 | 100% |
In 2024, 24.10% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 95.00%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 2.50%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.40%). The share of people in poverty is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), up 4.20 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 4.60 percentage points. 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 high school (63.24%). College enrollment is 27.94%, 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: | 5 | 1.65% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 10 | 3.30% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 106 | 34.98% |
| Some college, no degree: | 97 | 32.01% |
| Associate's degree: | 12 | 3.96% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 62 | 20.46% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 11 | 3.63% |
| Total: | 303 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 288 | 95.05% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 73 | 24.09% |
| Private Insurance: | 308 | 67.25% |
| Public Insurance: | 140 | 30.57% |
| No Insurance: | 10 | 2.18% |
| Total: | 458 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 448 | 97.82% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 0.0% | 2.9% | 8.7% | 6.0% | 7.0% | 5.7% | 9.5% | 4.8% | 8.8% | 4.5% | 8.2% | 2.7% | 4.2% | 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: | 1 | 1.47% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 5 | 7.35% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 43 | 63.24% |
| College or graduate school: | 19 | 27.94% |
| Total: | 68 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 1 | 1.47% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 49 | 72.06% |
ZIP Code 59728 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 13 business establishments, employing about 203 people with an annual payroll of $25,002,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 206Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 13Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $3,091,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $25,002,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 203Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 59728 is located in Powell County, Montana, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and Montana's 1st Congressional District. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 59728. It covers 181.659 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.011 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: | 181.659 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.011 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 01Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 0 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 3023950Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Elliston CDP; MontanaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 59728 is in the Elliston 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.