Fergus County, Montana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 18th-largest in Montana
The population of Fergus County, Montana is 11,581 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 18th-largest county in Montana. The median household income is $59,731, the median home value is $202,700, and the median age is 45.3.
The population of Fergus County has grown 2.4% since 2010 (11,585 → 11,862), a +0.17% annualized rate.
11,581
Population
+0.17%
Annual growth
3
People / sq mi
$59,731
Median Income
$202,700
Median Home Value
Fergus County covers 4,339 sq mi of land at 2.7 people per square mile.
About Fergus County, MT
Fergus County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 3 people per square mile. With 11,581 residents, Fergus County is a county in Montana. It ranks #18 among counties in Montana by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $59,731 — below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 8.8%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $202,700, with typical rent around $868.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 23.8% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. An unusually large 16.2% of workers are remote, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
Fergus County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Fergus County had a population of 11,585 in 2010 and 11,862 in 2024, a 2.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 11,862 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.18%.
11,862
Population (2024)
11,585
Population (2010)
11,862
Peak (2024)
0.18%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 11,585 |
| 2011 | 11,463 |
| 2012 | 11,394 |
| 2013 | 11,470 |
| 2014 | 11,336 |
| 2015 | 11,315 |
| 2016 | 11,333 |
| 2017 | 11,280 |
| 2018 | 11,088 |
| 2019 | 11,032 |
| 2020 | 11,470 |
| 2021 | 11,619 |
| 2022 | 11,669 |
| 2023 | 11,816 |
| 2024 | 11,862 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.3
Median Age
48.8%
Female
51.2%
Male
24.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.0% · Seniors (65+): 24.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $59,731$-10,191 vs state |
| Mean household income | $76,413 |
| Per-capita income | $34,970 |
| Poverty rate | 8.8%+1.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Fergus County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.8%
Drive alone
9.2%
Carpool
61.6%
Public transit
16.2%
Work from home
18.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$202,700$-135,400 vs state
Median home value
$868
Median rent
66.0%
Homeownership rate
6,008
Total housing units
86.6%
Occupied
13.4%
Vacant
34.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
84.9%
With health insurance
92.1%
With broadband internet
32.6%
Foreign-born
12.2%
Veterans (18+)
14.4%
With a disability
95.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.2%
High School+
23.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Montana
Other counties in Montana
Part of Montana
Metro areas in Montana
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Fergus County, Montana has a population of 11,581 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 18th-largest county in Montana. Population density is 3 people per square mile.
The population of Fergus County has grown 2.4% since 2010 (11,585 → 11,862), a +0.17% annualized rate.
The median household income in Fergus County, Montana is $59,731, with mean (average) household income of $76,413 and per-capita income of $34,970. 8.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Fergus County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.2%), Hispanic or Latino (2.7%), Black or African American (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Fergus County, Montana is 45.3 years. Residents are 48.8% female and 51.2% male.
The median home value in Fergus County is $202,700 and median monthly rent is $868. 66.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,008 total housing units, 13.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Fergus County, Montana is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.2%.
Billings is among the largest cities associated with Fergus 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.