Dawson County, Montana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 26th-largest in Montana
The population of Dawson County, Montana is 8,874 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 26th-largest county in Montana. The median household income is $70,953, the median home value is $187,400, and the median age is 43.5.
The population of Dawson County has declined 2.5% since 2010 (8,952 → 8,731), a -0.18% annualized rate.
8,874
Population
-0.18%
Annual growth
4
People / sq mi
$70,953
Median Income
$187,400
Median Home Value
Dawson County covers 2,372 sq mi of land at 3.7 people per square mile.
About Dawson County, MT
Dawson County is a county in Montana with a population of 8,874. It ranks #26 among counties in Montana by population. The median age is 43.5, older than the national median. The population is 52.6% male and 47.4% female.
The median household income in Dawson County is $70,953, near the US median of $74,580. 3.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $187,400, with monthly rent averaging $823. The homeownership rate of 72.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Dawson County reflects 25.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.6 minutes each way.
Dawson County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Dawson County had a population of 8,952 in 2010 and 8,731 in 2024, a -2.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 9,591 in 2015. Average annual growth rate: -0.16%.
8,731
Population (2024)
8,952
Population (2010)
9,591
Peak (2015)
-0.16%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 8,952 |
| 2011 | 9,030 |
| 2012 | 9,238 |
| 2013 | 9,392 |
| 2014 | 9,518 |
| 2015 | 9,591 |
| 2016 | 9,279 |
| 2017 | 8,966 |
| 2018 | 8,683 |
| 2019 | 8,638 |
| 2020 | 8,922 |
| 2021 | 8,859 |
| 2022 | 8,801 |
| 2023 | 8,820 |
| 2024 | 8,731 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.5
Median Age
47.4%
Female
52.6%
Male
20.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.4% · Seniors (65+): 20.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $70,953+$1,031 vs state |
| Mean household income | $84,201 |
| Per-capita income | $36,998 |
| Poverty rate | 3.9%-3.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Dawson County is professional & business services, accounting for 28.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
5.3%
Carpool
81.8%
Public transit
6.8%
Work from home
19.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$187,400$-150,700 vs state
Median home value
$823
Median rent
72.4%
Homeownership rate
4,377
Total housing units
84.8%
Occupied
15.2%
Vacant
27.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.6%
With health insurance
92.9%
With broadband internet
38.3%
Foreign-born
8.3%
Veterans (18+)
17.4%
With a disability
99.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.3%
High School+
25.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Montana
Other counties in Montana
Part of Montana
Metro areas in Montana
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Dawson County, Montana has a population of 8,874 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 26th-largest county in Montana. Population density is 4 people per square mile.
The population of Dawson County has declined 2.5% since 2010 (8,952 → 8,731), a -0.18% annualized rate.
The median household income in Dawson County, Montana is $70,953, with mean (average) household income of $84,201 and per-capita income of $36,998. 3.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Dawson County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.3%), Hispanic or Latino (3.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Dawson County, Montana is 43.5 years. Residents are 47.4% female and 52.6% male.
The median home value in Dawson County is $187,400 and median monthly rent is $823. 72.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 4,377 total housing units, 15.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Dawson County, Montana is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 28.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.1%.
Billings is among the largest cities associated with Dawson 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.