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Population Review

Garfield County, Montana Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 53rd-largest in Montana

The population of Garfield County, Montana is 938 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 53rd-largest county in Montana. The median household income is $61,750, the median home value is $178,300, and the median age is 43.9.

The population of Garfield County has declined 0.9% since 2010 (1,192 → 1,181), a -0.07% annualized rate.

Garfield County within Montana · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

938

Population

-0.07%

Annual growth

0

People / sq mi

$61,750

Median Income

$178,300

Median Home Value

Garfield County covers 4,677 sq mi of land at 0.2 people per square mile.

About Garfield County, MT

What sets Garfield County apart is where people work — remote work is unusually prominent here, at 39.5% versus 14.0% nationally. Garfield County is a county in Montana with a population of 938.

Household earnings are middling, with a median of $61,750 — below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 12.8%, close to the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $178,300, with typical rent around $802.

Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 21.3% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is widespread — 39.5% of workers stay home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.

The remote-work concentration is telling in Garfield County — it skews toward higher-income, college-educated workers and reshapes both commute patterns and housing demand.

Garfield County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Garfield County had a population of 1,192 in 2010 and 1,181 in 2024, a -0.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 1,295 in 2016. Average annual growth rate: -0.02%.

2016 · 1K20102024
Garfield County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

1,181

Population (2024)

1,192

Population (2010)

1,295

Peak (2016)

-0.02%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
20101,192
20111,254
20121,244
20131,254
20141,274
20151,283
20161,295
20171,279
20181,262
20191,272
20201,171
20211,206
20221,221
20231,216
20241,181

Race & Ethnicity

White97.8%
Black or African American1.0%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.0%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

43.9

Median Age

50.2%

Female

49.8%

Male

27.5%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
7.8%
5–9
8.4%
10–14
4.3%
15–19
4.6%
20–24
3.9%
25–34
10.7%
35–44
10.9%
45–54
9.7%
55–59
6.8%
60–64
5.3%
65–74
15.2%
75–84
8.5%
85+
3.8%

Children (under 15): 20.5% · Seniors (65+): 27.5%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$61,750$-8,172 vs state
Mean household income$83,601
Per-capita income$35,206
Poverty rate12.8%+5.7% vs state
Unemployment rate0.0%
Employment-to-population60.8%

Top Industries by Employment

Agriculture
48.0%
Professional & business services
19.6%
Construction
4.9%
Public administration
3.6%
Retail trade
2.9%
Education & health care
2.5%
Manufacturing
2.5%
Finance & real estate
2.5%

The largest employment sector in Garfield County is agriculture, accounting for 48.0% of workers.

How residents commute

0.0%

Drive alone

13.9%

Carpool

41.3%

Public transit

39.5%

Work from home

18.2 min

Avg commute

Housing

$178,300$-159,800 vs state

Median home value

$802

Median rent

70.3%

Homeownership rate

746

Total housing units

54.6%

Occupied

45.4%

Vacant

29.7%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

89.1%

With health insurance

92.9%

With broadband internet

23.9%

Foreign-born

6.0%

Veterans (18+)

13.4%

With a disability

100.0%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

96.4%

High School+

21.3%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Montana

Other counties in Montana

Part of Montana

Metro areas in Montana

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Garfield County, Montana has a population of 938 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 53rd-largest county in Montana. Population density is 0 people per square mile.

The population of Garfield County has declined 0.9% since 2010 (1,192 → 1,181), a -0.07% annualized rate.

The median household income in Garfield County, Montana is $61,750, with mean (average) household income of $83,601 and per-capita income of $35,206. 12.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Garfield County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (97.8%), Black or African American (1.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Garfield County, Montana is 43.9 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.

The median home value in Garfield County is $178,300 and median monthly rent is $802. 70.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 746 total housing units, 45.4% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Garfield County, Montana is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 48.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.0%.

Billings is among the largest cities associated with Garfield County, Montana, with a population of 118,321.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.