Pondera County

As of the 2020 Census, Pondera County, Montana, has a population of approximately 5,896 residents. The racial composition is predominantly White (81%), followed by Native American (14%), and smaller percentages of other races. The median age is around 43 years. The county has about 2,549 households with an average household size of 2.3. The median household income is approximately $43,000, and about 16% of the population lives below the poverty line. The geographic area covers 1,625 square miles, primarily rural with agriculture as a key economic activity.

Pondera County, MT, has a median home value of approximately $162,000. The average rent is around $700 per month. The homeownership rate is about 70%, with a relatively low vacancy rate of 8%. The housing market consists mainly of single-family homes, with a smaller proportion of multi-family units. Housing costs are below the national average, making it an affordable place to live. The area also offers diverse housing options, from historical properties to more modern homes.

Pondera County, Montana, holds various elections, including federal, state, and local levels. As of the 2022 midterm elections, key offices included U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives (Montana District At-Large), Montana State Senate and House of Representatives, and various county positions.

For the U.S. Senate, incumbent Democrat Jon Tester and Republican Matt Rosendale were notable candidates. The U.S. House race saw Republican Matt Rosendale against Democrat Penny Ronning. Local elections included positions for County Commissioner, Clerk and Recorder, and Sheriff. Detailed results and candidate listings are available on the Pondera County or Montana Secretary of State websites.

In recent elections, voter turnout has been around 70%. For example, the 2020 Presidential Election saw 3,000 ballots cast from approximately 4,300 registered voters, demonstrating high engagement.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's advised to refer to the official Pondera County elections website or contact the county election office directly.

As of the latest available data, Pondera County, MT has an educational attainment that trails state and national averages. Approximately 86.3% of Pondera County residents aged 25 and older have at least a high school diploma, compared to 93.8% for Montana and 88% nationally. Only around 17.4% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, which is lower than Montana’s 31.5% and the national average of 33.1%. This indicates that Pondera County is less educated relative to both state and national figures.

Sources:

• U.S. Census Bureau
• American Community Survey

As of the latest available data, Pondera County, MT, has a labor force of approximately 2,500 people, with an unemployment rate around 3.6%, which is lower than the national average of approximately 6.0% but comparable to Montana's statewide rate of 3.5%.

Top industries in Pondera County include:

1. Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting – a dominant sector contributing significantly to local employment.
2. Education and Health Services – substantial employment due to local schools and healthcare facilities.
3. Retail Trade – driven by local businesses catering to residents and surrounding areas.
4. Public Administration – state and local government roles are vital.

Nationally, sectors like Professional and Business Services, Healthcare, and Retail dominate. In contrast, Montana statewide sees more emphasis on natural resources, mining, and construction compared to national trends. Pondera's strong agricultural focus highlights its local economic uniqueness.

As of the latest available data, the average household income in Pondera County, Montana, is approximately $47,000. This is significantly lower than the national average household income, which stands at roughly $68,700. Compared to the state of Montana, where the average household income is about $57,000, Pondera County also falls behind.

Below is a statistics table for clearer comparison:

Pondera County's economic landscape, primarily driven by agriculture, contributes to this income disparity. Furthermore, the county's relatively small population and rural character play a role in its lower average income when compared to larger urban areas.

As of the latest available data, Pondera County, MT, has relatively low crime rates compared to state and national averages. The overall crime rate in Pondera County is approximately 30.2 per 1,000 residents annually.

Sources may vary slightly due to updates and reporting standards. However, these figures indicate a community with lower crime levels overall, particularly in violent crime categories.