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
Carter County is a county in Montana with a population of 1,361. It ranks #50 among counties in Montana by population. The median age is 56.7, older than the national median. The population is 51.5% male and 48.5% female.
The median household income in Carter County is $52,171, below the US median of $74,580. 8.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $176,600, with monthly rent averaging $731. The homeownership rate of 61.6% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Carter County reflects 20.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 29.7% of workers primarily work from home, noticeably above the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 16.4 minutes each way.
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.
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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.