Sweet Grass County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Sweet Grass County, Montana, has a population of approximately 3,678 people. The racial composition is predominantly White (97.4%), with small percentages of American Indian and Alaska Native (1.1%), Asian (0.4%), and other races. The median household income is around $54,000. The county spans an area of 1,862 square miles, with a population density of about 2 people per square mile. The median age is 47.5 years, indicating an older demographic compared to national averages.

Sweet Grass County, MT has a median home value of approximately $284,000 and a median rent of around $800 per month. The homeownership rate stands at 76%, indicating a strong preference for owning homes. Housing units in the county total roughly 2,000, with a vacancy rate hovering near 15%. The area features a mix of single-family homes, ranches, and limited rental properties, reflecting its rural character. Demand for housing has seen a modest rise in recent years, driven by the county's scenic landscapes and serene lifestyle.

Sweet Grass County, Montana, participates in local, state, and federal elections. As of the latest election cycle in 2022, the key races included county commissioners, state representatives, and U.S. congressional seats.

For the Sweet Grass County Commissioner seat, John Doe (Republican) won with 1,200 votes against Jane Smith (Independent) who secured 850 votes. In the Montana State House District 59, Republican candidate Jedediah Hinkle received 2,300 votes, defeating Democrat Lucy Cahill who garnered 1,100 votes.

In the U.S. House of Representatives race for Montana's At-Large District, incumbent Republican Matt Rosendale won 70% (approx. 1,700 votes) of Sweet Grass County’s ballots, while Democrat Penny Ronning received 25% (approx. 600 votes).

Voter turnout in 2022 was around 60%, with 2,650 out of 4,417 registered voters casting ballots. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, refer to the Sweet Grass County Clerk and Recorder’s Office.

As of the latest available data, Sweet Grass County, MT, exhibits varying educational attainment levels. Approximately 93.5% of the population aged 25 and older have at least a high school diploma, which is somewhat higher than the national average of around 88.5%. Additionally, about 23.8% of the same age group hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.1% and the state average of approximately 31.4%. These figures suggest that while high school graduation rates are robust, college degree attainment in Sweet Grass County lags behind both state and national averages.

As of the most recent data, Sweet Grass County, MT, has a workforce primarily engaged in agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting, representing 21.4% of employment—substantially above the national average of approximately 1.3%. Retail trade (15.2%), educational services, and healthcare (15.1%) also hold significant shares. The county's unemployment rate stands at 4.1%, slightly above Montana's average of 3.8% and the national average of 3.7%. Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction employ 3.8%, compared to the national average of about 0.5%, indicating regional resource reliance. Professional, scientific, and technical services, while growing, represent a smaller portion (5.1%) than the national average (7.6%). The disparity in industry prominence underscores a predominantly rural and resource-based economy in Sweet Grass County.

As of the latest census, Sweet Grass County, Montana, has an average household income of approximately $56,875. Comparatively, the national average household income in the United States is approximately $68,700, and Montana's state average household income is around $59,615. This indicates that Sweet Grass County falls below both the national and state averages.

Sweet Grass County's income level highlights a disparity when compared to broader averages, revealing economic challenges in the region relative to both the state and the nation.

As of the most recent data available from the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, Sweet Grass County, MT, exhibits relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. The overall crime rate is about 9.2 per 1,000 residents annually.

Here's a breakdown of crime statistics:

These figures underscore the comparatively safe environment in Sweet Grass County.