Carter County, Montana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 50th-largest in Montana
The population of Carter County, Montana is 1,361 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 50th-largest county in Montana. The median household income is $52,171, the median home value is $176,600, and the median age is 56.7.
The population of Carter County has grown 20.7% since 2010 (1,159 → 1,399), a +1.35% annualized rate.
1,361
Population
+1.35%
Annual growth
0
People / sq mi
$52,171
Median Income
$176,600
Median Home Value
Carter County covers 3,340 sq mi of land at 0.4 people per square mile.
About Carter County, MT
Remote work is unusually prominent in Carter County: 29.7% of workers primarily work from home, above the 14.0% national rate. Carter County is a county in Montana with a population of 1,361. It ranks #50 among counties in Montana by population.
The typical household earns $52,171, below the US median of $78,538. About 8.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $176,600, with typical rent around $731.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 20.3% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is widespread — 29.7% of workers stay home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 16 minutes each way.
The remote-work concentration is telling in Carter County — it skews toward higher-income, college-educated workers and reshapes both commute patterns and housing demand.
Carter County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Carter County had a population of 1,159 in 2010 and 1,399 in 2024, a 20.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 1,416 in 2021. Average annual growth rate: 1.41%.
1,399
Population (2024)
1,159
Population (2010)
1,416
Peak (2021)
1.41%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 1,159 |
| 2011 | 1,136 |
| 2012 | 1,157 |
| 2013 | 1,152 |
| 2014 | 1,150 |
| 2015 | 1,147 |
| 2016 | 1,175 |
| 2017 | 1,222 |
| 2018 | 1,223 |
| 2019 | 1,245 |
| 2020 | 1,407 |
| 2021 | 1,416 |
| 2022 | 1,402 |
| 2023 | 1,400 |
| 2024 | 1,399 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
56.7
Median Age
48.5%
Female
51.5%
Male
30.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 13.4% · Seniors (65+): 30.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $52,171$-17,751 vs state |
| Mean household income | $64,908 |
| Per-capita income | $29,865 |
| Poverty rate | 8.9%+1.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Carter County is agriculture, accounting for 45.8% of workers.
How residents commute
1.0%
Drive alone
8.1%
Carpool
51.9%
Public transit
29.7%
Work from home
16.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$176,600$-161,500 vs state
Median home value
$731
Median rent
61.6%
Homeownership rate
799
Total housing units
75.0%
Occupied
25.0%
Vacant
38.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.1%
With health insurance
93.7%
With broadband internet
60.5%
Foreign-born
8.7%
Veterans (18+)
16.1%
With a disability
99.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.3%
High School+
20.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Montana
Other counties in Montana
Part of Montana
Metro areas in Montana
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Carter County, Montana has a population of 1,361 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 50th-largest county in Montana. Population density is 0 people per square mile.
The population of Carter County has grown 20.7% since 2010 (1,159 → 1,399), a +1.35% annualized rate.
The median household income in Carter County, Montana is $52,171, with mean (average) household income of $64,908 and per-capita income of $29,865. 8.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Carter County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.2%), Hispanic or Latino (2.2%), Black or African American (0.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Carter County, Montana is 56.7 years. Residents are 48.5% female and 51.5% male.
The median home value in Carter County is $176,600 and median monthly rent is $731. 61.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 799 total housing units, 25.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Carter County, Montana is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 45.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.1%.
Billings is among the largest cities associated with Carter County, Montana, with a population of 118,321.
Carter County, MT Climate
Carter County, MT has an average annual temperature of 8°C (46°F) and receives about 354 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8°C
Avg Temp
354
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -7° / 19° | 12 mm |
| February | -4° / 25° | 11 mm |
| March | 1° / 34° | 18 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 36 mm |
| May | 14° / 57° | 61 mm |
| June | 19° / 67° | 65 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 40 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 26 mm |
| September | 16° / 60° | 33 mm |
| October | 9° / 47° | 25 mm |
| November | 0° / 32° | 13 mm |
| December | -5° / 22° | 14 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 Carter County, MT
The most comfortable months to visit Carter County, MT are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -14°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Carter County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.