Dawson County

Dawson County, Montana, has a population of approximately 8,613, with a median age of 41.4 years. The racial makeup is around 94.7% White, 2.8% Native American, 0.4% Asian, and 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. The county consists of 3,558 households, with an average household size of 2.34 people. The median household income is about $53,125 and the poverty rate stands at 12.3%. Glendive is the county seat and largest city.

(Note: Demographic details are based on the most recent available data, usually from the U.S. Census Bureau or other reliable sources.)

As of the most recent data, Dawson County, MT has approximately 4,511 housing units. The median home value is around $150,000, and the median rent is about $650 per month. The homeownership rate stands at 67.4%, while the vacancy rate is roughly 15%. Housing costs are comparatively lower than national averages, making it an affordable option for residents.

As of the most recent updates, Dawson County, MT, participates in state and local elections under standard Montana electoral procedures. Key offices typically up for election include county commissioners, sheriff, assessor, clerk and recorder, public administrator, and local school board positions.

Voter turnout in recent elections has ranged from 50% to 70% of registered voters. In the 2022 elections, for example, Dawson County had approximately 5,000 registered voters with around 3,000 participating in the general election. For precise candidate names and up-to-date ballot information, including write-in candidates and local initiatives, interested parties should consult the Dawson County Clerk and Recorder’s office or their official website directly.

As of recent data, Dawson County, MT has a high school graduation rate of approximately 91%, which is higher than the national average of around 85% and comparable to Montana’s state average of about 90%. When it comes to higher education, approximately 22% of Dawson County residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average of roughly 33% and the Montana state average of around 31%. Therefore, while Dawson County excels in high school education compared to national averages, it lags behind both national and state averages in terms of higher education attainment.

As of recent data, Dawson County, MT, has an employment rate of approximately 64% for individuals aged 16 and over. Top industries in the county include agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (approximately 13%), healthcare and social assistance (around 12%), and retail trade (about 11%).

Compared to the national averages, agriculture in Dawson County has a higher employment share, as agriculture contributes less than 2% nationwide. Healthcare and social assistance employ roughly 13% of the U.S. workforce, making Dawson County slightly below the national average in this sector. Retail trade employment in Dawson County is on par with the national average, which is around 11%.

Montana statewide data also highlights agriculture, healthcare, and retail as significant sectors, though agriculture’s prevalence in Dawson County surpasses the state average, reflecting the county's rural character.

As of the latest available data, Dawson County, Montana, has a median household income of approximately $52,000. By comparison, the median household income for the state of Montana is around $57,000, and the national median is approximately $68,700. Dawson County's income levels fall below both the state and national averages.

Dawson County's median income is about 8.8% less than the state's median and 24.3% less than the national median, indicating a relatively lower economic status compared to broader regions.

As of the most recent data, Dawson County, MT, generally experiences relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. The following table summarizes key crime statistics for Dawson County:

The violent crime rate in Dawson County is 2.3 per 1,000 residents, which includes offenses such as assault and robbery. Property crime rate stands at 12.5 per 1,000 residents, encompassing burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft. The county's crime rates are often below national averages, making it a relatively safe area to live in.