Petroleum County

Petroleum County, Montana, has a population of approximately 507 people according to the 2020 U.S. Census. The racial composition is predominantly White, accounting for around 96.6% of the population, with small percentages of other races including Native American at 2.4%. The median age is 54.7 years. There are about 274 households, with an average household size of 1.85 people. The median household income is approximately $44,375, and about 18% of the population lives below the poverty line. The county spans about 1,674 square miles, making it one of the least densely populated counties in the U.S.

Petroleum County, MT, is sparsely populated with approximately 487 residents as of the 2020 Census. Housing units total around 483, with a median home value estimated at $128,600. The region sees a homeownership rate of about 74.5%, with a median household income of $42,500. Due to its rural nature, rental options are limited, and vacancy rates can be higher compared to urban areas.

Petroleum County, Montana, is known for its small population and conservative voting patterns. In recent elections, the county leans heavily Republican. In the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump received approximately 88% of the vote (433 votes), while Joe Biden garnered around 10% (49 votes). For local elections, typically only a few hundred votes are cast. In county commissioner races, candidates often run unopposed; for instance, Republican candidates frequently secure over 90% of the vote. For the state legislative elections, GOP candidates consistently win the majority. The voter turnout is relatively high, reflecting strong community engagement despite the county’s small size.

Petroleum County, MT, has limited education data due to its small population. Based on available statistics, approximately 89.1% of residents aged 25 and older have completed high school, which is slightly lower than the national average of about 91% and the Montana state average of around 93.8%. Only about 11.7% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 35% and Montana's 31.4%. These figures indicate that Petroleum County is less educated compared to both national and state averages.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (latest available data)

Petroleum County, MT, has a sparse population and a limited job market. As of recent data, the county's employment rate was approximately 60%, significantly lower than Montana's average of around 62% and the national average of 61.1%. Key industries in Petroleum County include agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting, which account for about 25% of employment. Educational services, and health care and social assistance comprise roughly 20%, while retail trade makes up around 10%.

Comparatively, at the state level in Montana, the top industries are also agriculture (14%), education and health services (14%), and retail (11%). Nationally, the leading sectors include health care (14.7%), professional and business services (13.8%), and retail (10.9%). Thus, Petroleum County's employment landscape is more heavily weighted towards agriculture than both state and national averages.

As of the latest available data, the average household income in Petroleum County, Montana, is approximately $41,000 per year. This is notably lower than both the national and state averages. For comparison, the national average household income is around $68,700, while the state average in Montana is approximately $56,000.

Below is a comparison table:

Petroleum County’s income levels reflect its rural and sparsely populated nature, impacting economic opportunities and household earnings compared to state and national figures.

As of the latest available data, Petroleum County, Montana, exhibits one of the lowest crime rates both statewide and nationally. The reported crime rate is approximately 464 crimes per 100,000 residents annually, which is significantly lower than the national average. This reflects the county's rural nature and close-knit community.

Crime Statistics Table for Petroleum County, MT:

These values indicate a generally safe environment with minimal criminal activities. However, smaller populations may lead to fluctuations in crime data year over year.