Deer Lodge County, Montana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 23rd-largest in Montana
The population of Deer Lodge County, Montana is 9,512 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 23rd-largest county in Montana. The median household income is $49,533, the median home value is $209,700, and the median age is 49.6.
The population of Deer Lodge County has grown 5.6% since 2010 (9,291 → 9,811), a +0.39% annualized rate.
9,512
Population
+0.39%
Annual growth
13
People / sq mi
$49,533
Median Income
$209,700
Median Home Value
Deer Lodge County covers 737 sq mi of land at 12.9 people per square mile.
About Deer Lodge County, MT
Deer Lodge County skews on age — the median resident is 49.6, older than the national median. Deer Lodge County is a county in Montana with a population of 9,512. It ranks #23 among counties in Montana by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $49,533, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 12.9% of residents fall below the poverty line, close to the national 12.4%. Median home value is $209,700, with typical rent around $661.
Roughly 22.3% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 7.7%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Deer Lodge County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Deer Lodge County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Deer Lodge County had a population of 9,291 in 2010 and 9,811 in 2024, a 5.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 9,811 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.39%.
9,811
Population (2024)
9,291
Population (2010)
9,811
Peak (2024)
0.39%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 9,291 |
| 2011 | 9,282 |
| 2012 | 9,220 |
| 2013 | 9,264 |
| 2014 | 9,125 |
| 2015 | 9,115 |
| 2016 | 9,071 |
| 2017 | 9,122 |
| 2018 | 9,159 |
| 2019 | 9,207 |
| 2020 | 9,423 |
| 2021 | 9,522 |
| 2022 | 9,541 |
| 2023 | 9,685 |
| 2024 | 9,811 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.6% |
| Black or African American | 0.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
49.6
Median Age
46.8%
Female
53.2%
Male
25.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 9.7% · Seniors (65+): 25.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $49,533$-20,389 vs state |
| Mean household income | $64,237 |
| Per-capita income | $32,758 |
| Poverty rate | 12.9%+5.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Deer Lodge County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
5.7%
Carpool
76.2%
Public transit
7.7%
Work from home
21.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$209,700$-128,400 vs state
Median home value
$661
Median rent
69.5%
Homeownership rate
5,506
Total housing units
82.8%
Occupied
17.2%
Vacant
30.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.2%
With health insurance
88.6%
With broadband internet
35.8%
Foreign-born
12.7%
Veterans (18+)
26.0%
With a disability
98.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.8%
High School+
22.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Montana
Other counties in Montana
Part of Montana
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Deer Lodge County, Montana has a population of 9,512 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 23rd-largest county in Montana. Population density is 13 people per square mile.
The population of Deer Lodge County has grown 5.6% since 2010 (9,291 → 9,811), a +0.39% annualized rate.
The median household income in Deer Lodge County, Montana is $49,533, with mean (average) household income of $64,237 and per-capita income of $32,758. 12.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Deer Lodge County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.6%), Hispanic or Latino (3.9%), 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 Deer Lodge County, Montana is 49.6 years. Residents are 46.8% female and 53.2% male.
The median home value in Deer Lodge County is $209,700 and median monthly rent is $661. 69.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,506 total housing units, 17.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Deer Lodge County, Montana is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.
Billings is among the largest cities associated with Deer Lodge County, Montana, with a population of 118,321.
Deer Lodge County, MT Climate
Deer Lodge County, MT has an average annual temperature of 1.6°C (35°F) and receives about 409 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
1.6°C
Avg Temp
409
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -8° / 18° | 24 mm |
| February | -6° / 22° | 17 mm |
| March | -4° / 25° | 25 mm |
| April | 0° / 31° | 32 mm |
| May | 4° / 39° | 59 mm |
| June | 9° / 48° | 60 mm |
| July | 13° / 55° | 36 mm |
| August | 12° / 54° | 42 mm |
| September | 8° / 46° | 39 mm |
| October | 3° / 37° | 26 mm |
| November | -4° / 25° | 24 mm |
| December | -8° / 18° | 25 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 Deer Lodge County, MT
The most comfortable months to visit Deer Lodge County, MT are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 22°C high). The coldest is January (near -14°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Deer Lodge County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.