The population of the Bitterroot valley is 53,294.
We have a relatively small population living in a large geographic area.
This article explores the total population of the Bitterroot Valley, Ravalli County, and our individual communities.
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Bitterroot Valley Population Overview
With a population just over 53,000, the Bitterroot Valley has less population than most small cities.
This makes for low density living, which is one of the main attractions of the Bitterroot Valley.
Our population is divided among ten small communities located in the 90 mile long valley.
BITTERROOT VALLEY POPULATION BY COMMUNITY
Bitterroot Valley Population by Community (2023) / US Census ACS Survey
The community with the largest population is Hamilton followed by Stevensville and Lolo.
Our least populated communities are Conner, Sula, and Pinesdale.
Bitterroot Valley population is widely disbursed across neighborhoods, agricultural lands, remote cabins, and established homes with acreage outside of our communities.
Total Bitterroot Valley Population is 53,294
We added up the population totals from the 10 Zip Codes in the Bitterroot Valley and we came up with a total population of 53,294.
Here’s the population breakdown by Zip Code from the 2023 US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5 Year Estimate, released in December 2024.
| COMMUNITY | ZIP CODE | POPULATION |
|---|---|---|
| Conner | 59827 | 277 |
| Corvallis | 59828 | 5,798 |
| Darby | 59829 | 2,338 |
| Florence | 59833 | 6,046 |
| Hamilton | 59840 | 14,775 |
| Pinesdale | 59841 | 847 |
| Lolo | 59847 | 6,579 |
| Stevensville | 59870 | 12,247 |
| Sula | 59871 | 277 |
| Victor | 59875 | 4,110 |
| TOTAL | 53,294 |
Updated – January, 2025
Bitterroot Valley vs Ravalli County Population
According to the 2023 US Census Bureau ACS 5 Year Estimate, Ravalli County’s population is 45,807.
Many people cite the population of Ravalli County as the total population of the Bitterroot Valley, but we don’t.
BITTERROOT VALLEY VS. RAVALLI COUNTY (2023)
Bitterroot Valley vs Ravalli County Population / US Census ACS Survey 2023
While most of the Bitterroot Valley is within Ravalli County, the north end of the valley is in Missoula County.
Ravalli County’s population excludes some of Florence, and all of Lolo’s population, both of which are located in the Bitterroot Valley.
Bitterroot Valley Population Trends
We’ve analyzed the population of the Bitterroot Valley since 2011, and charted the growth below.
The population of the Bitterroot Valley grew during this period from 46,901 to 53,294.
This is an increase of 6,393 people, and a growth rate of 13.6% over 12 years.
BITTERROOT VALLEY POPULATION (2011–2023)
Bitterroot Valley Total Population / US Census ACS Survey
The largest gain in this period has been in Hamilton, adding 2,207 people, growing 17.6% over 12 years.
The next largest gains were in Lolo, adding 1,362 people (26.1%), and Stevensville, adding 1,805 (17.3%).
Corvallis and Florence both had the smaller gains, growing only 1.3% each over the 12 year period.
Bitterroot Valley Population Observations
Here's a few Bitterroot Valley population observations from the 2023 ACS data.
Bitterroot Valley's population skews older with a median age of 47.3 year old.
About 19.4% of the Bitterroot Valley population is under 18 years old, and 24.9% is over age 65.
BITTERROOT VALLEY — AGE DISTRIBUTION (2023)
Bitterroot Valley Population Age Distribution (2023) / US Census ACS Survey
The gender ratio in the Bitterroot Valley is 102.5 males per 100 females.
Pinesdale, with an average age of 22.4 years old is the youngest community.
Conner, with an average age of 70.9 years old is the oldest community.
Source of observations: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates, Table DP05, 2023.
About this Data
We've derived our Bitterroot Valley Population data, tables, and charts using the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey population estimates, based on zip codes.
This is the best method for determining the total population of the Bitterroot Valley, since each community has its own Zip Code that includes the town and its surrounding area.
POPULATION CHANGE BY COMMUNITY
Bitterroot Valley Population Change by Community (2011 - 2023) / US Census ACS Survey
Here's a link to the ACS data for Hamilton, MT for 2023 that shows a sample of the data used.
We've also used AI agents to analyze the data in these surveys, and to draw conclusions and observations.
We make no guarantee of accuracy of the underlying data, or our analysis of the data.
That's a Good Question
An estimated 53,294 people live in the Bitterroot Valley according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5 Year Estimate.
Hamilton, MT has the largest population in the Bitterroot Valley with an estimated 14,775 residents living in the 59840 Zip Code.
Additional Resources
You can generate your own population and Census reports here.