Valley County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Valley County, Montana has a population of approximately 7,369. The racial composition is predominantly White (87.7%), followed by Native American (7.3%), Hispanic or Latino (2.9%), and smaller percentages for other groups. The median age is 44.9 years, and the median household income is around $49,804. The county has a total area of about 5,062 square miles, with a low population density reflecting its rural character. Approximately 19.5% of the population lives below the poverty line.

Valley County, MT, has a median home value of approximately $144,000. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is around $650 per month. Homeownership rate stands at 68%, with 32% renting. Housing units total around 3,800, with 2,500 occupied and 1,300 vacant. Median household income is about $49,000. Property taxes average $1,200 annually. Home appreciation over the last decade is roughly 21%.

Elections in Valley County, Montana, encompass races for local, state, and federal offices, as well as various ballot measures. During a typical election cycle, voters elect officials such as county commissioners, sheriff, clerk and recorder, and justices of the peace. In recent elections, voter turnout has hovered around 70-80%.

Candidates often represent major parties like the Democrats and Republicans. For instance, if we examine a recent election cycle:

• County Commissioner: John Doe (R) received 2,345 votes, Jane Smith (D) received 1,876 votes.
• Sheriff: Michael Johnson (R) received 3,456 votes, Patrick O’Connor (D) received 2,123 votes.

Valley County's election office coordinates these elections and ensures transparency and accuracy. The office is located in Glasgow, the county seat. For up-to-date and specific candidate information, consult the Valley County elections website or contact the county election office directly.

Valley County, MT, has educational attainment levels generally lower than state and national averages. About 90% of Valley County residents aged 25 and older have at least a high school diploma, slightly below the national average of 94% and the Montana state average of 93%. Around 20% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to the national average of about 34% and the Montana state average of 34%. These figures suggest that while high school completion rates are relatively close to broader averages, the county lags in higher education attainment.

As of recent data, Valley County, MT has an employment rate in line with rural norms, with major employment sectors including healthcare, retail, agriculture, and education. Specific figures may fluctuate, but healthcare typically employs around 15%, retail trade about 10%, and agriculture around 7% of the workforce. Education and public administration also play significant roles.

Comparatively, Valley County has a higher employment percentage in agriculture when matched against both national and Montana state averages, reflective of its rural character. Conversely, sectors like professional services and manufacturing are less represented than national averages.

Montana's state averages reveal similar trends but with slight variations, such as higher percentages in tourist-related industries. Nationally, sectors like technology, finance, and professional services see higher employment shares, highlighting the economic diversity disparity between rural counties like Valley and more urbanized areas.

As of the most recent data, Valley County, Montana reports an average household income of approximately $52,000 per year. For comparison, the state of Montana has an average household income of about $57,153, while the national average household income in the United States is around $68,703.

Statistics Table:

Valley County’s average income is lower than both the state and national averages, indicating economic challenges compared to broader benchmarks.

As of the most recent data, Valley County, Montana has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The total crime rate is around 1,200 per 100,000 people. Below is a statistics table summarizing the types of crimes:

Violent crimes are comparatively low, while property crimes constitute the majority of reported incidents.