Big Horn County, Montana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 14th-largest in Montana
The population of Big Horn County, Montana is 12,963 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 14th-largest county in Montana. The median household income is $56,680, the median home value is $148,200, and the median age is 32.3.
The population of Big Horn County has declined 0.9% since 2010 (12,912 → 12,796), a -0.06% annualized rate.
12,963
Population
-0.06%
Annual growth
3
People / sq mi
$56,680
Median Income
$148,200
Median Home Value
Big Horn County covers 4,998 sq mi of land at 2.6 people per square mile.
About Big Horn County, MT
Big Horn County skews on age — the median resident is 32.3, younger than the national median. Big Horn County is a county in Montana with a population of 12,963. It ranks #14 among counties in Montana by population.
The typical household here earns about $56,680, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 18.1%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $148,200, with typical rent around $686.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 20.9% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 10.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Big Horn County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Big Horn County had a population of 12,912 in 2010 and 12,796 in 2024, a -0.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 13,454 in 2017. Average annual growth rate: -0.06%.
12,796
Population (2024)
12,912
Population (2010)
13,454
Peak (2017)
-0.06%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 12,912 |
| 2011 | 13,058 |
| 2012 | 12,996 |
| 2013 | 13,114 |
| 2014 | 13,341 |
| 2015 | 13,310 |
| 2016 | 13,438 |
| 2017 | 13,454 |
| 2018 | 13,305 |
| 2019 | 13,248 |
| 2020 | 13,083 |
| 2021 | 12,894 |
| 2022 | 12,858 |
| 2023 | 12,825 |
| 2024 | 12,796 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 28.7% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.4% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 68.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
32.3
Median Age
50.8%
Female
49.2%
Male
13.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 26.2% · Seniors (65+): 13.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $56,680$-13,242 vs state |
| Mean household income | $70,442 |
| Per-capita income | $22,453 |
| Poverty rate | 18.1%+11.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 8.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 50.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Big Horn County is professional & business services, accounting for 29.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
3.3%
Carpool
68.3%
Public transit
10.7%
Work from home
20.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$148,200$-189,900 vs state
Median home value
$686
Median rent
68.2%
Homeownership rate
4,533
Total housing units
81.4%
Occupied
18.6%
Vacant
31.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
81.5%
With health insurance
86.9%
With broadband internet
22.8%
Foreign-born
5.0%
Veterans (18+)
12.6%
With a disability
74.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.5%
High School+
20.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Montana
Other counties in Montana
Part of Montana
Metro areas in Montana
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Big Horn County, Montana has a population of 12,963 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 14th-largest county in Montana. Population density is 3 people per square mile.
The population of Big Horn County has declined 0.9% since 2010 (12,912 → 12,796), a -0.06% annualized rate.
The median household income in Big Horn County, Montana is $56,680, with mean (average) household income of $70,442 and per-capita income of $22,453. 18.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Big Horn County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Hispanic or Latino (68.3%), White (28.7%), Asian (0.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Big Horn County, Montana is 32.3 years. Residents are 50.8% female and 49.2% male.
The median home value in Big Horn County is $148,200 and median monthly rent is $686. 68.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 4,533 total housing units, 18.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Big Horn County, Montana is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 29.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 8.1%.
Billings is among the largest cities associated with Big Horn County, Montana, with a population of 118,321.
Big Horn County, MT Climate
Big Horn County, MT has an average annual temperature of 7.7°C (46°F) and receives about 448 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.7°C
Avg Temp
448
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 21° | 24 mm |
| February | -3° / 27° | 20 mm |
| March | 2° / 35° | 31 mm |
| April | 7° / 44° | 53 mm |
| May | 12° / 53° | 71 mm |
| June | 17° / 63° | 63 mm |
| July | 21° / 70° | 28 mm |
| August | 21° / 70° | 26 mm |
| September | 16° / 60° | 46 mm |
| October | 9° / 48° | 37 mm |
| November | 1° / 34° | 27 mm |
| December | -4° / 25° | 22 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Big Horn County, MT
The most comfortable months to visit Big Horn County, MT are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -13°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Big Horn County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.