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
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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.
Fergus County, MT Climate
Fergus County, MT has an average annual temperature of 4.7°C (40°F) and receives about 474 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
4.7°C
Avg Temp
474
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 21° | 24 mm |
| February | -4° / 25° | 16 mm |
| March | -2° / 29° | 25 mm |
| April | 3° / 38° | 36 mm |
| May | 8° / 47° | 88 mm |
| June | 13° / 55° | 82 mm |
| July | 16° / 61° | 47 mm |
| August | 16° / 61° | 49 mm |
| September | 11° / 52° | 42 mm |
| October | 6° / 42° | 26 mm |
| November | -1° / 30° | 18 mm |
| December | -5° / 23° | 21 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 Fergus County, MT
The most comfortable months to visit Fergus County, MT are typically August, July and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 24°C high). The coldest is January (near -12°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Fergus County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.