| City: | Melrose, Montana |
| County: | Silver Bow County |
| Timezone: | Mountain (GMT -07:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:01:05 PM |
| Population: | 190 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 406 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 45.6494, -112.6218 |
| Land Area: | 209.733 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Melrose sits in southwestern Montana's Big Hole Valley, spanning 85 square miles of Silver Bow County ranchland. With just 190 residents in 82 households and a median age of 57, this is a small rural community where older residents and ranchers outnumber young families. The post office maintains 116 PO Boxes for 82 households (a 1.42 adoption rate), serving not just the immediate area but surrounding ranches and seasonal properties across the valley.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. No alternative mail delivery exists across the territory. Rural carrier routes serve some addresses, but many residents rely exclusively on post office boxes. Street names like Trapper Creek Road, Camp Creek Road, and Soap Gulch Road point to the area's mining history and rugged terrain.
Nearly 30% of housing units (40 of 134) are vacant seasonal properties, typical of Montana communities that attract hunters, anglers, and seasonal ranch workers. The median home value of $484,600 is high for rural Montana, likely driven by recreational property values. Just 10 business establishments operate here, employing 21 people. This isn't a commercial center but a quiet ranching community with aging demographics and spectacular surroundings.
Mail reaches Melrose via Highway 91, which runs through the Big Hole Valley. With 36% of workers commuting by carpool or public transit (unusual for rural areas) and 28% in transportation jobs, residents often travel considerable distances for work. The post office serves as the central connection point for a spread-out population.
Street names feature creeks, gulches, and mining references typical of Montana's Big Hole Valley ranching and mineral extraction history.
ZIP Code 59743 has 190 residents and 82 households (average 2.32 persons per household). The median age is 57.2 years, significantly older than the state (40.5) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 53.7% male and 46.3% female, which is higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (92.1%, much higher than the state average of 84.5% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (1.1%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 1.1%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 190Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 192Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 0.9 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $50,938Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 82Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $484,600Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.32Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.67Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 112 | 138 | 159 | 123 | 122 | 125 | 115 | 103 | 125 | 153 | 175 | 186 | 192 |
| Decennial Census | 134 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 190 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 57.2
Male Median Age: 59.5
Female Median Age: 52
| 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 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 15 | 11 | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 |
| Female | 3 | 8 | 10 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 1 |
| Total | 6 | 11 | 15 | 4 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 13 | 14 | 22 | 20 | 19 | 14 | 7 | 2 |
| White: | 175 | 97.77% |
| Black: | 1 | 0.56% |
| Hispanic:* | 2 | 1.12% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 1 | 0.56% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 179 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 102 | 53.68% | 59.5 years |
| Females: | 88 | 46.32% | 52.0 years |
| Total: | 190 | 100% | 57.2 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 192 | 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: | 192 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 192 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $50,938, which is much lower than the national median ($78,538), is up $10,750 (26.7%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $5,938. Family households earn a median of $87,031 versus $32,135 for nonfamily households (a difference of $54,896). By gender, male median income is $71,875 and female is $78,958, which is markedly greater than the state female median ($46,896), with a current gap of $7,083 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 61.5%, which is modestly under the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 29.0%, which is considerably above the state rate (3.7%). The largest occupation group is Natural resources (36.8%).
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 | $40,188 | $39,663 | $39,293 | $40,000 | $40,104 | $40,455 | $44,375 | $45,000 | $45,000 | $45,000 | $0 | $37,292 | $50,938 |
| Median Family Income | $56,250 | $63,333 | $77,813 | $79,250 | $77,750 | $50,625 | $51,875 | $39,792 | $53,333 | $58,750 | $77,321 | $86,250 | $87,031 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $39,861 | $39,567 | $39,022 | $38,625 | $38,250 | $40,114 | $0 | $46,250 | $0 | $26,974 | $28,631 | $32,120 | $32,135 |
| Median Male Income | $49,375 | $36,250 | $31,250 | $34,375 | $0 | $28,393 | $33,333 | $40,625 | $51,250 | $56,250 | $71,875 | $91,250 | $71,875 |
| Median Female Income | $25,000 | $38,750 | $39,018 | $40,982 | $0 | $40,833 | $26,250 | $28,750 | $36,250 | $36,458 | $71,406 | $76,375 | $78,958 |
| Employed: | 76 | 43.68% |
| Unemployed: | 31 | 17.82% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 67 | 38.51% |
| Total: | 174 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 27 | 35.53% |
| Service: | 10 | 13.16% |
| Sales and Office: | 4 | 5.26% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 28 | 36.84% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 7 | 9.21% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 76 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $484,600, which is much higher than the national median ($303,400), is up $419,600 (645.54%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $270,700. The median gross rent is $943, which is well under the national median ($1,348), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $943. Of occupied housing, owners make up 79.55% (45.71% with a mortgage, 54.29% free-and-clear) and renters 20.45% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 34.81%, which is far 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 | $65,000 | $61,000 | $60,000 | $67,000 | $0 | $131,300 | $145,800 | $143,100 | $213,900 | $234,100 | $0 | $485,700 | $484,600 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 9 | 50.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 1 | 5.56% |
| $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: | 8 | 44.44% |
| Total: | 18 | 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 | $0 | $0 | $840 | $840 | $943 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 32 | 36.36% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 38 | 43.18% |
| Renter Occupied: | 18 | 20.45% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 88 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 88 | 65.19% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 47 | 34.81% |
| Total Housing Units: | 135 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 113 | 83.70% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 1 | 0.74% |
| Other Units: | 21 | 15.56% |
| Total Housing Units: | 135 | 100% |
In 2023, 29.20% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 72.50%, which is on par with the state rate (94.60%). The uninsured rate is 1.00%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.60%). Public coverage is 55.20%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 5.40%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.70%), down 16.00 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 5.40 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 kindergarten (60.00%). 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: | 1 | 0.58% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 46 | 26.90% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 16 | 9.36% |
| Some college, no degree: | 30 | 17.54% |
| Associate's degree: | 28 | 16.37% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 26 | 15.20% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 24 | 14.04% |
| Total: | 171 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 124 | 72.51% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 50 | 29.24% |
| Private Insurance: | 108 | 50.00% |
| Public Insurance: | 106 | 49.07% |
| No Insurance: | 2 | 0.93% |
| Total: | 216 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 214 | 99.07% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 21.4% | 25.0% | 18.9% | 22.2% | 13.8% | 8.1% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 4.5% | 5.1% | 6.3% | 5.4% |
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: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Kindergarten: | 9 | 60.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 5 | 33.33% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 1 | 6.67% |
| College or graduate school: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 15 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 9 | 60.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 15 | 100.00% |
ZIP Code 59743 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 11 business establishments, employing about 19 people with an annual payroll of $862,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 431Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 11Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $89,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $862,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 19Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 59743 is located in Silver Bow County, Montana, within the Butte-Silver Bow, MT Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 15580) and Montana's 1st Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 35,589 people, about 0.53% of whom live in ZIP Code 59743. It covers 209.733 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.371 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Butte-Silver Bow, MTSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 15580Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 35,589Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 209.733 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.371 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: | --Source: Census |
| Place Name: | --Source: Census |
ZIP Code 59743 is in the Melrose 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.