Bitterroot Valley Population

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The population of the Bitterroot valley is 53,748.

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 under 54,000, the Bitterroot Valley has less population than most small US 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 a 90 mile long river valley.

The community with the largest population is Hamilton (15,679), followed by Stevensville (12,506).

Our least populated communities are Pinesdale (833), Conner (371), and Sula (289).

Bitterroot Valley population is widely disbursed across neighborhoods, agricultural lands, remote cabins, and established homes with acreage outside of our communities.

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Total Bitterroot Valley Population is 53,748

We added up the population totals from the 10 zip codes in the Bitterroot Valley and we came up with a total population of 53,748.

Here’s the population breakdown by zip code from the US Census Bureau’s 2024 American Community Survey 5-year estimates (ACS), released January 2026.

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Zip Code Population vs Town Population

We use US Census Bureau zip code population estimates to determine the Bitterroot Valley’s total population.

Some sources cite the population of the Bitterroot Valley as the number of people living within our city or town limits, but this excludes those living outside of the town’s defined boundaries.

The map below illustrates the population of each of our zip codes and towns, and highlights the substantial population differences between them.

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Bitterroot Valley vs Ravalli County Population

Many people cite the population of Ravalli County as the total population of the Bitterroot Valley, but we don’t.

While most of the Bitterroot Valley lies within Ravalli County, the north end of the valley is in Missoula County.

Citing only Ravalli County’s population excludes some of Florence, and all of Lolo’s population, both of which are located in the Bitterroot Valley.

According to the US Census Bureau’s 2024 ACS Survey, Ravalli County’s population is 46,727.

According to our population total by zip code, the Bitterroot Valley’s population is 53,748.

That’s a difference of over 7,000 people — about 13% of the valley’s total — and why we don’t cite Ravalli County’s population as the total population of the Bitterroot Valley.

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Bitterroot Valley Population Trends

We’ve charted the population growth of the Bitterroot Valley since 2011 below.

The valley’s population grew during this period from 46,901 to 53,748.

This is an increase of 6,845 people, and a growth rate of 14.6% over 13 years.

The largest gain in this period has been in Hamilton, adding 3,111 people, growing 24.8%.

The next largest gains were in Stevensville, adding 2,064 (19.8%), and Lolo, adding 798 people (15.3%).

Darby was the only community to decline (-3.4%), while Corvallis (1.8%) and Victor (5.6%) had the smallest gains.

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Bitterroot Valley Population Observations

Here’s a few Bitterroot Valley population observations from the 2024 ACS data.

Bitterroot Valley’s population skews older with a median age of 47.1 years old.

About 19.0% of the Bitterroot Valley population is under 18 years old, and 25.7% is over age 65.

The gender ratio in the Bitterroot Valley is 101.7 males per 100 females.

Pinesdale, with an average age of 23.6 years old is the youngest community.

Conner, with an average age of 71.6 years old is the oldest community.

Source of observations: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates, Table DP05, 2024.

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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.

Here’s a link to the ACS data for Hamilton, MT for 2024 that shows a sample of the data used.

We’ve also used AI agents to analyze the data in these surveys, to prepare charts, and to assist with conclusions and observations.

We make no guarantee of accuracy of the underlying data, or our analysis of the data.

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