Daniels County, Montana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 49th-largest in Montana
The population of Daniels County, Montana is 1,524 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 49th-largest county in Montana. The median household income is $58,000, the median home value is $177,800, and the median age is 48.7.
The population of Daniels County has declined 7.1% since 2010 (1,749 → 1,625), a -0.52% annualized rate.
1,524
Population
-0.52%
Annual growth
1
People / sq mi
$58,000
Median Income
$177,800
Median Home Value
Daniels County covers 1,426 sq mi of land at 1.1 people per square mile.
About Daniels County, MT
Daniels County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 1 people per square mile. Daniels County is a county in Montana with a population of 1,524. It ranks #49 among counties in Montana by population.
The typical household here earns about $58,000, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 9.7%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $177,800, with typical rent around $588.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 27.5% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 10.6%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 13 minutes each way.
Daniels County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Daniels County had a population of 1,749 in 2010 and 1,625 in 2024, a -7.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 1,798 in 2014. Average annual growth rate: -0.51%.
1,625
Population (2024)
1,749
Population (2010)
1,798
Peak (2014)
-0.51%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 1,749 |
| 2011 | 1,760 |
| 2012 | 1,775 |
| 2013 | 1,778 |
| 2014 | 1,798 |
| 2015 | 1,751 |
| 2016 | 1,730 |
| 2017 | 1,720 |
| 2018 | 1,706 |
| 2019 | 1,646 |
| 2020 | 1,653 |
| 2021 | 1,671 |
| 2022 | 1,644 |
| 2023 | 1,626 |
| 2024 | 1,625 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 89.6% |
| Black or African American | 0.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
48.7
Median Age
48.4%
Female
51.6%
Male
29.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.2% · Seniors (65+): 29.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $58,000$-11,922 vs state |
| Mean household income | $72,275 |
| Per-capita income | $35,113 |
| Poverty rate | 9.7%+2.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 63.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Daniels County is agriculture, accounting for 20.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
10.0%
Carpool
70.4%
Public transit
10.6%
Work from home
12.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$177,800$-160,300 vs state
Median home value
$588
Median rent
80.4%
Homeownership rate
1,130
Total housing units
63.4%
Occupied
36.6%
Vacant
19.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
97.7%
With health insurance
89.1%
With broadband internet
33.2%
Foreign-born
10.6%
Veterans (18+)
15.7%
With a disability
98.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
96.7%
High School+
27.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Montana
Other counties in Montana
Part of Montana
Metro areas in Montana
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Daniels County, Montana has a population of 1,524 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 49th-largest county in Montana. Population density is 1 people per square mile.
The population of Daniels County has declined 7.1% since 2010 (1,749 → 1,625), a -0.52% annualized rate.
The median household income in Daniels County, Montana is $58,000, with mean (average) household income of $72,275 and per-capita income of $35,113. 9.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Daniels County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (89.6%), Hispanic or Latino (3.1%), Black or African American (0.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Daniels County, Montana is 48.7 years. Residents are 48.4% female and 51.6% male.
The median home value in Daniels County is $177,800 and median monthly rent is $588. 80.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,130 total housing units, 36.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Daniels County, Montana is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 20.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.9%.
Billings is among the largest cities associated with Daniels County, Montana, with a population of 118,321.
Daniels County, MT Climate
Daniels County, MT has an average annual temperature of 8.8°C (48°F) and receives about 325 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.8°C
Avg Temp
325
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -7° / 20° | 11 mm |
| February | -1° / 30° | 8 mm |
| March | 3° / 37° | 15 mm |
| April | 9° / 48° | 21 mm |
| May | 16° / 60° | 53 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 66 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 51 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 35 mm |
| September | 15° / 59° | 26 mm |
| October | 8° / 47° | 17 mm |
| November | 1° / 34° | 10 mm |
| December | -4° / 25° | 12 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 Daniels County, MT
The most comfortable months to visit Daniels County, MT are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near -14°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Daniels County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.