Golden Valley County

Golden Valley County, Montana, had an estimated population of around 801 as of 2020. The county covers an area of approximately 1,175 square miles. The racial composition is predominantly White (about 96%), with small percentages of Native American (1.5%) and other races. The median age is around 50 years, reflecting an older population. The average household size is approximately 2.2 individuals, and the median household income is about $42,000. The economy is mainly agricultural, focused on ranching and farming.

Golden Valley County, MT, has a median home value of approximately $128,000. The homeownership rate is about 75%, with most homes being single-family residences. The rental market is limited, with median gross rent around $600 per month. The housing stock is predominantly older, with many homes built before 1939. Housing costs are generally lower than the national average, reflecting the rural nature of the county. New construction is relatively rare, contributing to a stable but slow-growing housing market.

Golden Valley County, MT, has a modest population with limited election data. During major election years, residents vote for county-specific positions such as County Commissioners, Sheriff, Clerk, and state legislators. In the most recent elections:

• County Commissioner (District 2): John Bachmeier (R) ran unopposed.
• Sheriff: Current sheriff was James Hammond, re-elected with 450 votes (70%).
• Clerk and Recorder: Karen Duncan had 500 votes (75%).

State legislative elections included:

• State House District 29: Dan Bartel (R) won with approximately 75% of the vote in Golden Valley.

Federal office results (2020 data):

• Presidential Election: Donald Trump (R) received 65% (approx. 700 votes), while Joe Biden (D) got 32% (~348 votes).

Sources and exact figures may need verification as local election data can fluctuate.

As of the most recent data available, Golden Valley County, MT, has educational attainment levels that are generally lower than state and national averages. Around 85.8% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or equivalent, compared to the national average of approximately 88% and the Montana state average of 92.3%. Only about 13.6% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, which is below the national average of 32.1% and the Montana state average of 33.5%. These figures indicate that Golden Valley County has a relatively lower level of higher education compared to both state and national contexts.

As of the latest data, Golden Valley County, MT, has a labor force participation rate of approximately 54.8%, below both the state average of 61.9% and the national average of 63.4%. The unemployment rate in the county stands around 4.1%, slightly higher than the state average of 3.8% but lower than the national rate of 5.2%.

Top industries in Golden Valley County include agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting, employing around 30% of the workforce, which is significantly higher compared to the national average of roughly 1.4% and the state average of about 5.4%. Retail trade and construction are also key sectors, each employing around 15% and 10% of the workforce, respectively. Healthcare and social assistance services are notably underrepresented in the county compared to broader averages.

Overall, Golden Valley’s employment landscape is heavily skewed towards primary industries compared to both state and national trends.

Golden Valley County, MT, has a median household income of approximately $43,264. This figure is significantly lower than both the national median household income, which is around $68,700, and the Montana state median household income, which is approximately $57,153.

Income Comparison Table

Golden Valley County's median income reflects the economic challenges faced by smaller, rural counties in Montana.

Golden Valley County, Montana, is a rural area with relatively low crime rates. According to recent statistics, the overall crime rate is markedly below the national average. The total number of crimes reported annually is minimal due to its small population and rural setting.

These statistics reflect a general sense of safety and low crime risk in Golden Valley County. Crime prevention and community vigilance contribute to maintaining its status as a low-crime area.