Musselshell County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Musselshell County, Montana, had a population of approximately 4,700 people. The racial composition is predominantly White (94%), with smaller percentages of Native American (3%), Hispanic or Latino (2.2%), and other races. The county has a total area of 1,871 square miles, resulting in a population density of about 2.5 people per square mile. The median age is 50 years, and the median household income is around $44,000. About 12.5% of the population lives below the poverty line.

As of recent data, Musselshell County, MT has a median home value of approximately $130,000. The average rent is around $720 per month. Homeownership rate stands at 75.6%, while renter-occupied households account for 24.4%. Housing units total about 2,200, with a vacancy rate of around 11%. Housing market trends show a slow but steady appreciation rate of 2-3% annually. The county offers a mix of single-family homes, ranch properties, and some multifamily units.

Musselshell County, Montana, holds elections in line with state and federal schedules, including primary, general, and special elections.

In the 2022 general election:

• U.S. House (MT-02): Republican Matt Rosendale won with 12,853 votes against Democrat Penny Ronning's 7,652 votes.
• Montana House District 29: Republican candidate Barry Usher won with 3,415 votes.
• Local races included positions for County Commissioner, Clerk and Recorder, Sheriff, and other offices. Detailed candidate lists and vote counts for local positions are generally available on the county's official election website or by contacting the Clerk and Recorder's Office.

Election data may also include school board positions, local levies, and referendums, depending on the election cycle. Specific numerical details for smaller, local contests are typically published by the Musselshell County election authorities.

For the most current information and detailed vote counts, visit the Musselshell County elections website or contact the Clerk and Recorder's Office.

Musselshell County, MT, has educational attainment levels that are generally lower than state and national averages. According to recent data:

• About 87% of residents have a high school diploma or higher, compared to the national average of about 90% and the Montana state average of roughly 92%.
• Around 16% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average of about 32% and the Montana average of approximately 31%.

These figures suggest that Musselshell County lags behind both the state and national averages in terms of higher educational attainment.

As of the most recent data, Musselshell County, Montana, has an employment rate that largely reflects its rural setting and industrial makeup. The top industries in Musselshell County include agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting, which account for around 25% of employment, significantly higher compared to the national average of about 1.5% and the Montana state average of 8%. Other major industries include educational services, healthcare, and social assistance, making up approximately 19% of employment, compared to the national average of about 23% and the state average of around 24%. Retail trade is also notable, representing around 10% of employment, which is slightly below the national average of 11% but aligns closely with Montana's average. These figures illustrate a local economy heavily reliant on primary industries and essential services, contrasting with more diverse economic structures seen both statewide and nationally.

As of the latest available data, the average household income in Musselshell County, MT is approximately $46,770. In comparison, the median household income in the entire state of Montana is around $54,970. Nationally, the median household income in the United States is approximately $68,703.

These figures indicate that Musselshell County's median household income is lower than both the state and national averages, reflecting economic disparities that may exist in this rural area.

As of the most recent data available, Musselshell County, MT, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The total crime rate is approximately 20.45 per 1,000 residents, considering both violent and property crimes.

Crime Statistics Table (Annual per 1,000 Residents)

These rates reflect a smaller volume of criminal activity, characteristic of many rural areas. Data should be verified with local law enforcement or state databases for the most current information.