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
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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.
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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.