Carbon County, Montana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 20th-largest in Montana
The population of Carbon County, Montana is 10,877 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 20th-largest county in Montana. The median household income is $71,017, the median home value is $379,300, and the median age is 50.5.
The population of Carbon County has grown 14.3% since 2010 (10,063 → 11,498), a +0.96% annualized rate.
10,877
Population
+0.96%
Annual growth
5
People / sq mi
$71,017
Median Income
$379,300
Median Home Value
Carbon County covers 2,048 sq mi of land at 5.3 people per square mile.
About Carbon County, MT
Age is the most distinctive thing about Carbon County: a median age of 50.5, older than the national median. Carbon County is a county in Montana with a population of 10,877. It ranks #20 among counties in Montana by population.
Median household income is $71,017, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 4.9%, below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $379,300, with typical rent around $882.
About 30.3% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, below the 35.0% national figure. A solid 10.8% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 29 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Carbon County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Carbon County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Carbon County had a population of 10,063 in 2010 and 11,498 in 2024, a 14.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 11,498 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.97%.
11,498
Population (2024)
10,063
Population (2010)
11,498
Peak (2024)
0.97%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 10,063 |
| 2011 | 10,089 |
| 2012 | 10,142 |
| 2013 | 10,338 |
| 2014 | 10,438 |
| 2015 | 10,404 |
| 2016 | 10,480 |
| 2017 | 10,687 |
| 2018 | 10,654 |
| 2019 | 10,703 |
| 2020 | 10,514 |
| 2021 | 10,900 |
| 2022 | 11,241 |
| 2023 | 11,426 |
| 2024 | 11,498 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.0% |
| Black or African American | 0.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
50.5
Median Age
49.1%
Female
50.9%
Male
27.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 13.9% · Seniors (65+): 27.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $71,017+$1,095 vs state |
| Mean household income | $94,240 |
| Per-capita income | $42,734 |
| Poverty rate | 4.9%-2.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Carbon County is professional & business services, accounting for 18.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.7%
Drive alone
6.1%
Carpool
66.2%
Public transit
10.8%
Work from home
28.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$379,300+$41,200 vs state
Median home value
$882
Median rent
74.1%
Homeownership rate
6,431
Total housing units
73.3%
Occupied
26.7%
Vacant
25.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.5%
With health insurance
94.2%
With broadband internet
51.2%
Foreign-born
8.7%
Veterans (18+)
17.1%
With a disability
97.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
96.7%
High School+
30.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Montana
Other counties in Montana
Part of Montana
Metro areas in Montana
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Carbon County, Montana has a population of 10,877 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 20th-largest county in Montana. Population density is 5 people per square mile.
The population of Carbon County has grown 14.3% since 2010 (10,063 → 11,498), a +0.96% annualized rate.
The median household income in Carbon County, Montana is $71,017, with mean (average) household income of $94,240 and per-capita income of $42,734. 4.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Carbon County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.0%), Hispanic or Latino (2.7%), Black or African American (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Carbon County, Montana is 50.5 years. Residents are 49.1% female and 50.9% male.
The median home value in Carbon County is $379,300 and median monthly rent is $882. 74.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,431 total housing units, 26.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Carbon County, Montana is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 18.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.
Billings is among the largest cities associated with Carbon County, Montana, with a population of 118,321.
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Statewide data for Montana
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Montana
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.