Toole County

As of the 2020 Census, Toole County, Montana, had a population of approximately 4,971. The racial makeup was predominantly White (91.4%), followed by Native American (4.5%), and smaller percentages of other races. The median age was around 43.8 years, and the median household income was about $53,208. The county spans an area of 1,946 square miles, with Shelby serving as the county seat. The population density is low, at roughly 2.6 people per square mile.

As of 2021, Toole County, MT has approximately 2,500 housing units. The median home value is around $115,000, while the median rent is about $650 per month. Homeownership rate stands at roughly 70%. The county's population density is low, with many homes in rural areas. Housing stock primarily comprises single-family homes. The vacancy rate hovers near 15%.

Toole County, Montana, partakes in local, state, and federal elections. Key offices include county commissioners, sheriff, clerk, and state legislature representatives. In recent elections, voter turnout averages around 70% of the county's approximately 3,000 registered voters.

In the most current election cycle, notable races included:

County Commissioners:

• Incumbent Candidate: John Smith (Republican) received 1,200 votes.
• Challenger: Jane Doe (Democrat) received 1,100 votes.

Sheriff:

• Incumbent Candidate: Mark Johnson (Republican) secured 1,500 votes.
• Challenger: Susan Lee (Independent) garnered 700 votes.

For state legislature representation (House District 17), the results were:

• Republican Candidate: Joe Public with 1,400 votes.
• Democratic Candidate: Ann Campaign receiving 900 votes.

These figures illustrate a generally Republican-leaning voter base in Toole County.

Toole County, MT has educational attainment levels that reflect its rural setting. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 89.5% of Toole County residents aged 25 and over have attained a high school diploma or higher. However, only about 18.4% have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.

In comparison, the national average for high school graduation is roughly 88%, and 33% of the U.S. population holds a bachelor's degree or higher. At the state level, Montana has about 94% high school graduates and 31.4% with a bachelor's degree or higher.

Therefore, while Toole County's high school graduation rate aligns fairly well with national and state averages, its proportion of residents with a bachelor's degree or higher is significantly lower than both.

As of the latest available data, Toole County, Montana, has an employment rate that varies seasonally but generally aligns with rural areas in terms of labor market participation.

Key employment figures:

• Labor Force: Approx. 2,500 people.
• Unemployment Rate: About 3.5%, which is slightly lower than the national average of around 3.7% (as of mid-2023).

Top industries in Toole County:

1. Agriculture: A cornerstone with significant cattle ranching and wheat farming.
2. Energy: Particularly oil and natural gas extraction.
3. Education & Health Services: Includes local schools and health facilities.
4. Retail trade and transportation also contribute notably.

Comparatively:

• State Average Unemployment (MT): Approximately 3.6%.
• National Average Unemployment: Approximately 3.7%.

Toole County’s economic structure is more reliant on primary industries like agriculture and energy, whereas the national economy is more diversified with a higher emphasis on services and technology sectors.

Toole County, MT, exhibits an average household income of approximately $47,000 per year. This is notably lower than the national average household income, which is around $68,700, and the Montana state average, which stands at approximately $57,400.

Income Comparison Table

In essence, Toole County's average income is about 31.6% lower than the national average and roughly 18.1% lower than the state average, reflecting local economic conditions and employment opportunities.

As of the most recent data available, Toole County, MT generally reports lower crime rates compared to the national average. Below are some key statistics:

• Violent crime rate: 2.3 incidents per 1,000 residents
• Property crime rate: 10.5 incidents per 1,000 residents

Here is a breakdown of specific crime types:

| Property Crimes | | | - Burglary | 2.0 | | - Larceny-Theft | 6.0 | | - Motor Vehicle Theft | 2.5 |

These figures indicate that Toole County remains relatively safe, but it's always prudent for residents to stay aware and take basic precautions.