Garfield County

As of the 2020 census, Garfield County, Montana, had a population of approximately 1,173 people. The county covers about 4,847 square miles. The population density is roughly 0.2 people per square mile, making it one of the least densely populated counties in the United States. The racial composition is predominantly White, with small percentages of Native American, other races, and individuals of two or more races. The median age is around 50 years, and the median household income is approximately $47,000.

Garfield County, MT has a sparse housing market, with a median home value around $130,500. The county has less than 500 housing units, with the majority being owner-occupied. Home appreciation rates have been modest over the past decade. Rental options are limited, resulting in a rental vacancy rate significantly below the national average. The area’s low population density contributes to housing availability challenges.

Garfield County, Montana, hosts elections for various local, state, and federal positions. The county's election office manages voter registration, polling places, and ballot counting. Key positions typically contested include the County Commissioner, Sheriff, Clerk and Recorder, among others.

In the November 2020 election, voter turnout in Garfield County was approximately 90%, with 798 of the 886 registered voters participating. The county heavily favored Republican candidates; for example, in the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump received 674 votes (84.6%) compared to Joe Biden's 96 votes (12%).

For up-to-date details on candidates and upcoming election dates, residents should refer to the Garfield County Elections Office website or contact them directly. Election results and candidate information are also available through the Montana Secretary of State's website.

Garfield County, MT, has a relatively low level of educational attainment compared to state and national averages. About 86.9% of residents have a high school diploma, whereas the U.S. average is approximately 88%. For higher education, around 15.6% of Garfield County residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly below both the Montana state average of about 32.7% and the national average of 34%. This demonstrates that Garfield County trails behind in educational achievement compared to broader measures, highlighting potential areas for educational development and investment in the county.

As of the most recent data available, Garfield County, MT, exhibits a relatively limited job market owing to its low population and rural nature. Employment is primarily driven by agriculture, with a significant focus on cattle ranching and wheat farming. Key employment statistics include:

• Labor Force Participation Rate: Approximately 61%
• Unemployment Rate: Approx. 1.8%, lower than the national average of around 3.7%

Top industries in Garfield County:

1. Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting: Dominant sector.
2. Government: Includes local schools and county services.
3. Construction: Small but present industry.

In contrast, at the state level, the most prominent industries include retail trade, healthcare, and educational services, with agriculture also playing a crucial role but more diversified. Nationally, sectors like healthcare, retail, and professional services take precedence, indicating Garfield County's unique economic landscape focused on primary sector activities.

As of the most recent data, the average household income in Garfield County, Montana, is approximately $47,000. This is significantly lower than both the national average household income, which stands around $68,700, and the Montana state average of $57,153.

Garfield County's lower average income can be attributed to its rural nature and the prevalence of agricultural industry, which generally offers lower wages compared to urban areas with diversified industries.

Garfield County, Montana, is characterized by a low crime rate due to its small population and rural nature. Detailed crime data for Garfield County can be hard to obtain due to its low incidence rates. However, in a typical year, the crime rates in Garfield County are among the lowest in Montana. According to publicly available data from similar rural counties in Montana, crime rates could be roughly estimated as shown in the table below:

These estimates suggest that Garfield County is a relatively safe place to live, with significantly lower crime rates compared to more urbanized areas.