Custer County, Montana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 17th-largest in Montana
The population of Custer County, Montana is 11,938 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 17th-largest county in Montana. The median household income is $63,585, the median home value is $204,200, and the median age is 42.6.
The population of Custer County has grown 2.3% since 2010 (11,691 → 11,964), a +0.17% annualized rate.
11,938
Population
+0.17%
Annual growth
3
People / sq mi
$63,585
Median Income
$204,200
Median Home Value
Custer County covers 3,783 sq mi of land at 3.2 people per square mile.
About Custer County, MT
Custer County is a county in Montana with a population of 11,938. It ranks #17 among counties in Montana by population. The median age is 42.6, older than the national median. The population is 50.5% male and 49.5% female.
The median household income in Custer County is $63,585, below the US median of $74,580. 5.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $204,200, with monthly rent averaging $918. The homeownership rate of 68.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Custer County reflects 29.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 13.6 minutes each way.
Custer County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Custer County had a population of 11,691 in 2010 and 11,964 in 2024, a 2.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 12,098 in 2015. Average annual growth rate: 0.18%.
11,964
Population (2024)
11,691
Population (2010)
12,098
Peak (2015)
0.18%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 11,691 |
| 2011 | 11,759 |
| 2012 | 11,804 |
| 2013 | 11,883 |
| 2014 | 12,023 |
| 2015 | 12,098 |
| 2016 | 11,844 |
| 2017 | 11,741 |
| 2018 | 11,576 |
| 2019 | 11,361 |
| 2020 | 11,863 |
| 2021 | 11,961 |
| 2022 | 12,005 |
| 2023 | 12,013 |
| 2024 | 11,964 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 91.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.6
Median Age
49.5%
Female
50.5%
Male
20.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.4% · Seniors (65+): 20.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $63,585$-6,337 vs state |
| Mean household income | $83,970 |
| Per-capita income | $35,864 |
| Poverty rate | 5.6%-1.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 63.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Custer County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
5.1%
Carpool
70.3%
Public transit
5.8%
Work from home
13.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$204,200$-133,900 vs state
Median home value
$918
Median rent
68.5%
Homeownership rate
5,770
Total housing units
87.4%
Occupied
12.6%
Vacant
31.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.4%
With health insurance
93.8%
With broadband internet
34.2%
Foreign-born
9.1%
Veterans (18+)
20.2%
With a disability
96.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.7%
High School+
29.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Montana
Other counties in Montana
Part of Montana
Metro areas in Montana
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Custer County, Montana has a population of 11,938 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 17th-largest county in Montana. Population density is 3 people per square mile.
The population of Custer County has grown 2.3% since 2010 (11,691 → 11,964), a +0.17% annualized rate.
The median household income in Custer County, Montana is $63,585, with mean (average) household income of $83,970 and per-capita income of $35,864. 5.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Custer County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (91.2%), Hispanic or Latino (4.0%), Black or African American (0.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Custer County, Montana is 42.6 years. Residents are 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
The median home value in Custer County is $204,200 and median monthly rent is $918. 68.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,770 total housing units, 12.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Custer County, Montana is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.8%.
Billings is among the largest cities associated with Custer 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.