Chouteau County, Montana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 34th-largest in Montana
The population of Chouteau County, Montana is 5,888 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 34th-largest county in Montana. The median household income is $56,927, the median home value is $185,100, and the median age is 42.9.
The population of Chouteau County has grown 1.2% since 2010 (5,810 → 5,880), a +0.09% annualized rate.
5,888
Population
+0.09%
Annual growth
1
People / sq mi
$56,927
Median Income
$185,100
Median Home Value
Chouteau County covers 3,973 sq mi of land at 1.5 people per square mile.
About Chouteau County, MT
What distinguishes Chouteau County is density: among the most sparsely settled of US counties, around 1 people per square mile. Chouteau County is a county in Montana with a population of 5,888. It ranks #34 among counties in Montana by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $56,927 — below the US median of $78,538. About 9.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $185,100, with typical rent around $485.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 22.6% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 13.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
Chouteau County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Chouteau County had a population of 5,810 in 2010 and 5,880 in 2024, a 1.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 5,939 in 2021. Average annual growth rate: 0.10%.
5,880
Population (2024)
5,810
Population (2010)
5,939
Peak (2021)
0.10%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 5,810 |
| 2011 | 5,812 |
| 2012 | 5,933 |
| 2013 | 5,854 |
| 2014 | 5,902 |
| 2015 | 5,777 |
| 2016 | 5,780 |
| 2017 | 5,738 |
| 2018 | 5,759 |
| 2019 | 5,681 |
| 2020 | 5,917 |
| 2021 | 5,939 |
| 2022 | 5,917 |
| 2023 | 5,877 |
| 2024 | 5,880 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 78.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.1% |
| Asian | 0.2% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 18.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.9
Median Age
50.2%
Female
49.8%
Male
22.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.1% · Seniors (65+): 22.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $56,927$-12,995 vs state |
| Mean household income | $79,363 |
| Per-capita income | $31,978 |
| Poverty rate | 9.9%+2.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Chouteau County is agriculture, accounting for 28.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
7.7%
Carpool
65.8%
Public transit
13.0%
Work from home
19.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$185,100$-153,000 vs state
Median home value
$485
Median rent
65.9%
Homeownership rate
2,868
Total housing units
77.1%
Occupied
22.9%
Vacant
34.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.1%
With health insurance
86.3%
With broadband internet
24.8%
Foreign-born
8.5%
Veterans (18+)
12.8%
With a disability
99.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.3%
High School+
22.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Montana
Other counties in Montana
Part of Montana
Metro areas in Montana
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Chouteau County, Montana has a population of 5,888 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 34th-largest county in Montana. Population density is 1 people per square mile.
The population of Chouteau County has grown 1.2% since 2010 (5,810 → 5,880), a +0.09% annualized rate.
The median household income in Chouteau County, Montana is $56,927, with mean (average) household income of $79,363 and per-capita income of $31,978. 9.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Chouteau County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (78.3%), Hispanic or Latino (18.4%), Asian (0.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Chouteau County, Montana is 42.9 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
The median home value in Chouteau County is $185,100 and median monthly rent is $485. 65.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,868 total housing units, 22.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Chouteau County, Montana is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 28.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.8%.
Billings is among the largest cities associated with Chouteau County, Montana, with a population of 118,321.
Chouteau County, MT Climate
Chouteau County, MT has an average annual temperature of 7.3°C (45°F) and receives about 369 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.3°C
Avg Temp
369
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -7° / 19° | 19 mm |
| February | -3° / 26° | 12 mm |
| March | 2° / 35° | 21 mm |
| April | 7° / 45° | 29 mm |
| May | 13° / 55° | 67 mm |
| June | 17° / 63° | 64 mm |
| July | 21° / 69° | 34 mm |
| August | 20° / 69° | 39 mm |
| September | 14° / 58° | 34 mm |
| October | 8° / 47° | 19 mm |
| November | 0° / 33° | 14 mm |
| December | -4° / 24° | 17 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 Chouteau County, MT
The most comfortable months to visit Chouteau County, MT are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -14°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Chouteau County
Visiting or relocating to Chouteau County, MT? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Chouteau County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Chouteau County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Chouteau County, MT by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Montana
Population 167,340
Population 122,194
Population 119,639
Population 108,445
Full rankings of Montana counties
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.