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
The poverty rate is what most separates Dawson County from the typical county: 3.9% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Dawson County is a county in Montana with a population of 8,874. It ranks #26 among counties in Montana by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $70,953 — below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the lowest of comparable US counties, at 3.9% — below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $187,400, with typical rent around $823.
25.5% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 6.8%, and the average commute runs about 20 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.