Custer County

Custer County, MT, with the county seat in Miles City, had an estimated population of 11,000 as of 2020. The racial composition was about 93% White, 3% Native American, and 4% other races. The median age was around 42 years. The county spans 3,793 square miles, with a population density of roughly 2.9 people per square mile. The median household income was approximately $50,000, and the poverty rate hovered around 13%. The area is largely rural with agriculture playing a significant role in the local economy.

Custer County, MT, has a median home value of around $160,000 as of the latest data. The median household income is approximately $50,000. Homeownership rate is about 70%, with a vacancy rate near 15%. Monthly rent for a two-bedroom home averages $800. Housing stock includes a mix of single-family homes, mobile homes, and apartments. The county's population is around 11,500, with Miles City being the largest town. The market is generally stable, with moderate growth projections.

Custer County, MT, participates in federal, state, and local elections. The most recent data might not be current, but here's a general snapshot:

• Federal Elections (2022 Midterms):

  • U.S. House: Republican Matt Rosendale won with 69.4% of the vote.
  • U.S. Senate: No Senate election in 2022; Republican Steve Daines holds the seat, elected in 2020 with 55% of the statewide vote.

• State Elections (2022):

  • Governor: Greg Gianforte (Republican) won with 54.4%.
  • State Legislature: Custer County is part of Montana’s House District 37 and Senate District 19. Rep. Jerry Schillinger (R) and Sen. Ken Bogner (R) are incumbents.

• Local Elections:

  • County Commission: The 2022 race included candidates like Democrat Lorraine Kuehn and Republican Nathan Stennerson, with results typically favoring Republicans.

For the latest details and numerical values, always consult the Custer County elections office or their official website.

Custer County, MT, reflects the following educational statistics: approximately 91.3% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, while around 24.1% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Comparatively, these figures are slightly lower than the national averages, where 88.5% of people aged 25 and older have high school diplomas, and 32.1% possess bachelor's degrees or higher. Within Montana, 94% of residents have a high school diploma or higher, and 31% have attained a bachelor's degree or higher. Hence, Custer County trails both the state and national averages in higher education attainment.

As of the most recent data, Custer County, MT, has an employment rate that typically aligns with broader state averages in Montana but may slightly lag behind national figures. The labor force participation rate is approximately 60%, with an unemployment rate fluctuating around 4-5%.

Top industries in Custer County include agriculture, retail trade, healthcare, and education. The agricultural sector is notably stronger than the national average due to the county's rural setting and fertile land. Healthcare and social assistance employ a significant portion of the labor force, similar to state and national trends, but with a higher proportional emphasis on community and technical services. Retail trade also plays a vital role, contributing to local employment more than the U.S. average, reflecting the county's service-oriented economy.

Overall, Custer County's employment landscape is primarily driven by sectors that cater to its rural and agricultural setting, differing from more urbanized national employment patterns.

As of the latest available data, the average household income in Custer County, Montana, is approximately $55,000. In comparison, the average household income in Montana is around $57,000, and the national average household income in the United States is about $68,700. Below is a simplified statistical table for a clearer comparison:

Custer County's average income is slightly below the state's average and significantly below the national average. This discrepancy highlights the economic challenges faced by residents in this specific region compared to broader geographic areas.

As of recent data, Custer County, Montana, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The overall crime rate is approximately 2,200 per 100,000 people. Below is a table detailing specific types of crimes and their frequency per 100,000 inhabitants:

These figures indicate that property crimes, particularly larceny-theft, are the most common in Custer County. Violent crime rates are significantly lower, showing a relatively safe environment in terms of physical harm or threats.