Box Elder ZIP Code List — Hill County, MT

There is one unique ZIP code in Box Elder, Montana and it is 59521. Area code: 406.

ZIP codes

283.64

sq mi land

0.30

sq mi water

406

area code

Box Elder, MT ZIP code map

About Box Elder, MT

Box Elder, MT, is a small yet vibrant town located in the heart of Hill County. Known for its expansive views of the Montana landscape, this community has a rich agricultural backdrop. The town offers residents a quiet lifestyle while maintaining a close-knit atmosphere.

Location & geography

Box Elder covers a land area of 283.64 square miles, with a water area of 0.30 square miles, showcasing the vastness of Montana's terrain. It is situated approximately 10 miles east of Havre and about 40 miles from the Canadian border, making it a gateway to the natural beauty of northern Montana. The surrounding areas consist primarily of rolling plains, with the Milk River flowing nearby.

Community & economy

The character of Box Elder is defined by its agricultural roots, with many residents involved in farming and ranching industries. Daily life in the town is shaped by a strong sense of community and mutual support among its inhabitants. Local events and gatherings often reflect the agricultural heritage that is central to the town's identity.

Transportation

Highway 87 runs through Box Elder, providing essential connectivity to nearby cities and regions. The nearest named airport is Havre City Airport, located approximately 19 miles away, which offers services for regional travel.

History

Box Elder was established in the late 1800s as a rural community focused on agriculture and ranching. The town has been a pivotal part of Hill County's development, giving rise to various industries foundational to the local economy. Over the years, Box Elder has retained its small-town charm while adapting to modern challenges.

Did you know?

A little-known fact about Box Elder is that it was historically used as a way station for travelers heading to Canada. This small town also boasts a unique sense of community warmth, where residents often come together for various local events and festivals.

ZIP codes for Box Elder, MT (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
59521	Box Elder	Hill	View map

Demographics & statistics

3,662

Population

30.1

Median age

$42,617

Median household income

$15,195

Per capita income

$92,800

Median home value

$330

Median monthly rent

46.3%

Home ownership

33.1%

Poverty rate

10.4%

Unemployment

610

Housing units

15.1%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

183

Under 5

153

193

5–9

162

173

10–14

145

184

15–19

154

193

20–24

162

195

25–34

164

250

35–44

210

235

45–54

197

137

55–59

115

60–64

143

65–74

120

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	1,201	32.8%
18 and over	2,461	67.2%
65 and over	361	9.9%
Median age	30.1 years

Race & ethnicity

American Indian / Alaska Native 91.8%

White 3.9%

Two or more races 3.8%

Hispanic or Latino 0.4%

Asian 0.1%

Group	Count	%
American Indian / Alaska Native	3,375	91.8%
White	145	3.9%
Two or more races	140	3.8%
Hispanic or Latino	14	0.4%
Asian	2	0.1%

Household income

Under $10k 9.2%

$10k–$15k 12.0%

$15k–$25k 10.6%

$25k–$35k 9.9%

$35k–$50k 20.9%

$50k–$75k 19.4%

$75k–$100k 5.6%

$100k–$150k 8.2%

$150k–$200k 4.3%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	9.2%
$10k–$15k	12.0%
$15k–$25k	10.6%
$25k–$35k	9.9%
$35k–$50k	20.9%
$50k–$75k	19.4%
$75k–$100k	5.6%
$100k–$150k	8.2%
$150k–$200k	4.3%
Median income	$42,617

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 27.5%

$50k–$100k 25.2%

$100k–$150k 16.0%

$150k–$200k 21.0%

$200k–$300k 8.2%

$300k–$500k 0.6%

$1M+ 1.5%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$92,800
Median rent / month	$330
Owner occupied	46.3%
Renter occupied	53.7%
Vacant	11.5%
Single-family detached	92.9%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	5.2%
Median rooms	5.7
Avg household size (owned)	3.66

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	0.4%
2000–2009	9.7%
1990–1999	25.6%
1980–1989	23.3%
1970–1979	21.1%
1960–1969	9.3%
1950–1959	4.8%
1940–1949	1.6%
1939 or earlier	4.2%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.2%
1 bedroom	5.5%
2 bedrooms	15.2%
3 bedrooms	57.7%
4 bedrooms	19.2%
5+ bedrooms	2.2%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	17.5%
1 vehicle	33.2%
2 vehicles	23.2%
3 or more	26.1%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	1.4%
Electricity	6.0%
Propane / LP gas	75.3%
Wood	12.8%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	324	31.5%
Cohabiting couple	78	7.6%
Male householder, no spouse	294	28.6%
Female householder, no spouse	331	32.2%
Households with children under 18	593	57.7%
Households with seniors (65+)	302	29.4%
Average household size	3.56

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	57.3%	48.0%
Married	26.7%	31.9%
Separated	3.4%	0.3%
Widowed	2.8%	12.1%
Divorced	9.7%	7.7%

Education

Less than 9th grade 2.2%

Some HS, no diploma 15.1%

HS graduate 34.9%

Some college, no degree 18.4%

Associate's degree 14.2%

Bachelor's degree 12.6%

Graduate / professional 2.5%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	82.7%
Bachelor's or higher	15.1%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	63	5.7%
Kindergarten	107	9.6%
Elementary school	494	44.4%
High school	310	27.9%
College / grad school	138	12.4%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 25.4%

Public administration 25.1%

Arts, food & hospitality 10.2%

Professional & management 9.4%

Finance & real estate 8.9%

Retail trade 8.7%

Agriculture & mining 3.6%

Construction 3.5%

Other services 2.3%

Transportation & utilities 2.0%

Manufacturing 0.9%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	32.9%
Service	23.2%
Sales & office	20.8%
Natural resources & construction	13.0%
Production & transportation	10.1%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	29.9%
Government	64.2%
Self-employed	3.6%
Unpaid family workers	2.4%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	57.0%
Carpool	28.0%
Public transit	0.1%
Walk	3.8%
Other means	1.8%
Avg commute (minutes)	17.5

Poverty

All people 33.1%

Under 18 years 36.0%

18 and over 31.8%

Married-couple families 22.5%

Female-led households 41.9%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	39.9%
Retirement income	12.6%
Supplemental Security	10.7%
Cash public assistance	14.3%
Food stamps / SNAP	37.2%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	31.0%
High cholesterol	24.2%
Heart disease	7.2%
Stroke	4.7%
Asthma	14.3%
Arthritis	24.2%
Kidney disease	3.7%
Pulmonary disease	9.3%
Cancer	4.5%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	22.1%
No physical activity	30.7%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	39.2%
Fair or poor health	24.1%
Poor mental health	20.7%
Poor physical health	16.6%
No health insurance	16.9%
Visited doctor (checkup)	70.6%
Visited dentist	48.1%
Cholesterol screening	80.9%
Teeth loss	31.1%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	94	3.8%

Disability	%
Any disability	11.4%
Under 18	1.4%
18–64 years	16.3%
65 and over	16.1%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	13.7%
Public insurance	78.1%
Uninsured under 19	3.2%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	3,326	90.8%
Spanish	31	0.9%
Other Indo-European	0	0.0%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	3,658	99.9%
Born in same state	3,611	98.6%
Born in different state	3,128	85.4%
Foreign born	47	1.3%
Naturalized citizen	4	0.1%
Not a US citizen	4	100.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	41	1.1%
French	33	0.9%

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	7	0.2%
Polish	2	0.1%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	28.0%
Internet access	81.1%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Box Elder, MT?

Box Elder, MT has one ZIP code: 59521.

What is the main ZIP code for Box Elder, MT?

The primary ZIP code for Box Elder, MT is 59521. The city uses area code 406 for phone service.

What county is Box Elder, MT in?

Box Elder is located in Hill County, Montana.

How many ZIP codes are in Box Elder, MT?

Box Elder, MT has 1 ZIP code.

What ZIP code should I use when mailing a package to a business in downtown Box Elder?

All addresses in Box Elder, Montana use the ZIP code 59521, including the downtown area.

What is the ZIP code for the Box Elder school district area in Hill County?

The Box Elder school district and all local addresses in Box Elder are serviced by the single ZIP code 59521.