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
Chouteau County is a county in Montana with a population of 5,888. It ranks #34 among counties in Montana by population. The median age is 42.9, older than the national median. The population is 49.8% male and 50.2% female.
The median household income in Chouteau County is $56,927, below the US median of $74,580. 9.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $185,100, with monthly rent averaging $485. The homeownership rate of 65.9% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Chouteau County reflects 22.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 13.0% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.8 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.
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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.