Lake County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Lake County, Montana, had a population of 31,134. The racial composition was 66.7% White, 22.3% Native American, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 8.8% identifying with two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race made up 3.5% of the population. The median household income was approximately $49,944, and around 17.4% of the population lived below the poverty line. The county seat is Polson, and the county is part of the Flathead Indian Reservation.

As of 2023, Lake County, Montana has a median home value of around $400,000. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,000, while a two-bedroom apartment averages around $1,200. The area has seen a growth rate in property values of about 10% annually. The median household income is roughly $47,000. Housing availability varies, with a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and some rural properties.

Lake County, MT, oversees local, state, and federal elections. In the 2020 general election, voter turnout was approximately 79% of the 17,425 registered voters. Local races often include county commissioner seats, sheriff, and city council positions.

For example, in the 2020 election, Steve Stanley and Bill Barron ran for County Commissioner, with Barron winning 56% of the vote. Election numbers and candidate lists update each election cycle. For the most accurate and current information, consult Lake County Election Office or Montana Secretary of State’s website.

Please check for the latest election information as this data changes with each voting cycle.

Lake County, MT has varying education levels. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 91.5% of residents aged 25 and older have at least a high school diploma, compared to the national average of 88.5% and Montana's 92%. About 20.1% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is lower than the national average of 32.1% and Montana's 32.4%. The county’s high school graduation rate is slightly above the national average but lags in higher education attainment compared to both state and national figures.

Lake County, Montana, has a diverse employment landscape. According to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

1. Top Industries:

   • Healthcare and Social Assistance: 18.2%
   • Education Services: 11.7%
   • Retail Trade: 11.5%
   • Construction: 8.9%
   • Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting: 7.2%

2. Employment Numbers: The labor force participation rate is around 55.6%, with an unemployment rate near 4.5% as of the most recent data.

3. Comparison to National and State Averages:

   • Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting: Significantly higher than the national average of 1.3% and the Montana state average of around 3.4%.
   • Healthcare and Social Assistance: Comparable to the national average of 18%, but slightly below Montana's 19%.
   • Retail Trade: Similar to both national and state averages at around 11%.

Lake County exhibits a higher reliance on agriculture and related industries compared to national averages, reflecting its

As of the most recent data available, Lake County, Montana has an average household income of approximately $50,320. In comparison, the average household income in the state of Montana is about $57,153. Nationally, the average household income in the United States stands at around $68,700. This indicates that Lake County's average income is below both the state and national averages. Here’s a quick comparison:

Lake County's income levels reflect a less affluent community compared to statewide and nationwide figures, highlighting potential economic challenges in the region.

As of the latest available data, Lake County, MT, experiences a variety of crimes, with property and violent crimes being the most common. The overall crime rate in Lake County is approximately 40.4 per 1,000 residents. Violent crimes make up 4.0 per 1,000 residents, while property crimes occur at a rate of 36.4 per 1,000 residents.

Crime Statistics Table

These figures provide an overview of the types and frequencies of crimes occurring in Lake County, MT.