Экалака қаласы: тарихы, халқы және географиясы

Ekalaka is a town in and the county seat of Carter County, Montana, United States. The population was 399 at the 2020 census.

Ekalaka was named after a Sioux girl, Ijkalaka, who was the wife of David Harrison Russell, a scout. Ijkalaka (Restless or Moving About) was an Oglala Lakota and the daughter of Wombalee We chosh (Eagle Man). The site became a trade center for cattle ranchers and sheepherders. The area is known for its sandstone rock and open plains. Nearby is the Custer National Forest. Russell Creek flows through town.

Ekalaka experiences a dry continental climate (Köppen Dfb) with cold, dry winters and hot, wetter summers.

At the 2000 census, there were 410 people, 195 households and 109 families residing in the town. The population density was There were 287 housing units at an average density of The racial makeup of the town was 99.02% White, 0.49% Native American, and 0.49% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.49% of the population. There were 195 households, of which 21.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.6% were married couples living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.6% were non families. 42.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 25.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.02 and the average family size was 2.73. 21.7% of the population were under the age of 18, 2.4% from 18 to 24, 21.7% from 25 to 44, 24.1% from 45 to 64, and 30.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49 years. For every 100 females there were 85.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.3 males. The median household income was $19,432 and the median family income was $27,750. Males had a median income of $22,656 and females $18,125. The per capita income $13,667. About 7.1% of families and 12.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.5% of those under age 18 and 15.0% of those age 65 or over.

Ekalaka is part of the Montana Dinosaur Trail, and is home to the Carter County Museum, which is known for its dinosaur collection. Ekalaka Public Library serves the town.

Ekalaka Public Schools educates students from kindergarten through 12th grade. There is the Ekalaka Elementary District and Carter County High School. They are known as the Bulldogs.

The Ekalaka Eagle is the official newspaper of Carter County. It is published weekly both in print and online.

Ekalaka is the southern start of Montana Highway 7 and the northern end of Montana Secondary Highway 323. Ekalaka Airport is a public use airport located 2 miles southeast of town.