Moving to Absarokee, Montana

The current estimated population of Absarokee is 1,150, with a nearly equal gender distribution of 50% male and 50% female. The town has experienced slight population growth due to its location near popular outdoor recreational areas, attracting both tourists and new residents.

City Facts

  • Founded: 1900
  • County: Stillwater County
  • Land Area: 1.5 square miles
  • Population Density: 767 people per square mile
  • Area Code: 406
  • Zip Code: 59001

Geography and Location

Absarokee is a small town located in southern Montana, nestled in the foothills of the Beartooth Mountains. The town is about 60 miles southwest of Billings, providing a remote yet accessible location for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. Absarokee sits near the Stillwater River, making it a gateway to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and Yellowstone National Park. The town’s economy is heavily based on agriculture and tourism, with ranching and farming playing key roles. Its picturesque setting and small-town charm draw visitors year-round, particularly those looking for a peaceful escape in the Montana wilderness. The area’s rugged natural beauty and proximity to outdoor adventures make Absarokee a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Demographics

Median resident age: 39.5 years
Median household income: $43,676
Median house value: $117,000

Population by Race

Races in Absarokee:

  • White Non-Hispanic (96.2%)
  • Hispanic (2.5%)
  • Other race (1.5%)
  • Two or more races (0.9%)
  • American Indian (0.6%)

Ancestries: German (29.3%), English (16.7%), Irish (13.8%), Norwegian (12.1%), United States (6.6%), Scottish (4.1%).

Elevation: 4044 feet

Land area: 2.0 square miles

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Absarokee

  • High school or higher: 87.1%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 15.4%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 3.6%
  • Unemployed: 3.0%
  • Mean travel time to work: 28.8 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Absarokee CDP

  • Never married: 14.3%
  • Now married: 65.8%
  • Separated: 2.0%
  • Widowed: 8.2%
  • Divorced: 9.7%

1.0% Foreign born

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Absarokee:

  • STILLWATER COMMUNITY HOSPITAL CAH (about 14 miles; COLUMBUS, MT)
  • BEARTOOTH HOSPITAL & HEALTH CENTER (about 21 miles; RED LODGE, MT)
  • PIONEER MEDICAL CENTER – CAH (about 42 miles; BIG TIMBER, MT)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Absarokee:

  • BILLINGS LOGAN INTL (about 66 miles; BILLINGS, MT; Abbreviation: BIL)
  • YELLOWSTONE REGIONAL (about 76 miles; CODY, WY; Abbreviation: COD)
  • GALLATIN FIELD (about 120 miles; BOZEMAN, MT; Abbreviation: BZN)

Other public-use airports nearest to Absarokee:

  • COLUMBUS (about 15 miles; COLUMBUS, MT; Abbreviation: 6S3)
  • RED LODGE (about 27 miles; RED LODGE, MT; Abbreviation: RED)
  • BRIDGER MUNI (about 40 miles; BRIDGER, MT; Abbreviation: 6S1)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Absarokee:

  • MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY-BILLINGS (about 68 miles; BILLINGS, MT; Full-time enrollment: 3,105)
  • MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY-BOZEMAN (about 102 miles; BOZEMAN, MT; Full-time enrollment: 10,380)
  • RICKS COLLEGE (about 197 miles; REXBURG, ID; Full-time enrollment: 8,670)
  • IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY (about 281 miles; POCATELLO, ID; Full-time enrollment: 10,057)
  • CASPER COLLEGE (about 283 miles; CASPER, WY; Full-time enrollment: 2,564)
  • UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY (about 316 miles; LOGAN, UT; Full-time enrollment: 16,384)
  • THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA-MISSOULA (about 337 miles; MISSOULA, MT; Full-time enrollment: 11,112)

Schools

Public high school in Absarokee:

  • ABSAROKEE HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 117; Location: 327 S WOODARD AVE; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Absarokee:

  • ABSAROKEE SCHOOL (Students: 186; Location: 327 S WOODARD AVE; Grades: PK – 06)
  • ABSAROKEE 7-8 (Students: 55; Location: 327 S WOODARD AVE; Grades: 07 – 08)
  • NYE SCHOOL (Students: 4; Location: 16 MILLER ROAD; Grades: PK – 06)