Hill County, Montana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 12th-largest in Montana
The population of Hill County, Montana is 16,260 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 12th-largest county in Montana. The median household income is $55,313, the median home value is $187,600, and the median age is 34.0.
The population of Hill County has declined 0.5% since 2010 (16,151 → 16,065), a -0.04% annualized rate.
16,260
Population
-0.04%
Annual growth
6
People / sq mi
$55,313
Median Income
$187,600
Median Home Value
Hill County covers 2,899 sq mi of land at 5.6 people per square mile.
About Hill County, MT
Hill County skews on age — the median resident is 34.0, younger than the national median. With 16,260 residents, Hill County is a county in Montana. It ranks #12 among counties in Montana by population.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $55,313, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 15.1%, above the national 12.4%. Median home value is $187,600, with typical rent around $752.
25.6% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Just 4.6% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 14 minutes each way.
Hill County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Hill County had a population of 16,151 in 2010 and 16,065 in 2024, a -0.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 16,534 in 2013. Average annual growth rate: -0.04%.
16,065
Population (2024)
16,151
Population (2010)
16,534
Peak (2013)
-0.04%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 16,151 |
| 2011 | 16,391 |
| 2012 | 16,395 |
| 2013 | 16,534 |
| 2014 | 16,500 |
| 2015 | 16,435 |
| 2016 | 16,440 |
| 2017 | 16,468 |
| 2018 | 16,351 |
| 2019 | 16,494 |
| 2020 | 16,253 |
| 2021 | 16,207 |
| 2022 | 16,069 |
| 2023 | 16,181 |
| 2024 | 16,065 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 68.8% |
| Black or African American | 0.3% |
| Asian | 0.2% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 27.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
34.0
Median Age
49.0%
Female
51.0%
Male
16.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 24.2% · Seniors (65+): 16.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $55,313$-14,609 vs state |
| Mean household income | $74,611 |
| Per-capita income | $29,497 |
| Poverty rate | 15.1%+8.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Hill County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
6.0%
Carpool
72.9%
Public transit
4.6%
Work from home
13.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$187,600$-150,500 vs state
Median home value
$752
Median rent
66.8%
Homeownership rate
7,232
Total housing units
86.1%
Occupied
13.9%
Vacant
33.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.3%
With health insurance
90.3%
With broadband internet
22.8%
Foreign-born
6.2%
Veterans (18+)
11.7%
With a disability
97.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.2%
High School+
25.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Montana
Other counties in Montana
Part of Montana
Metro areas in Montana
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Hill County, Montana has a population of 16,260 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 12th-largest county in Montana. Population density is 6 people per square mile.
The population of Hill County has declined 0.5% since 2010 (16,151 → 16,065), a -0.04% annualized rate.
The median household income in Hill County, Montana is $55,313, with mean (average) household income of $74,611 and per-capita income of $29,497. 15.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Hill County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (68.8%), Hispanic or Latino (27.1%), 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 Hill County, Montana is 34.0 years. Residents are 49.0% female and 51.0% male.
The median home value in Hill County is $187,600 and median monthly rent is $752. 66.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,232 total housing units, 13.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Hill County, Montana is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Billings is among the largest cities associated with Hill County, Montana, with a population of 118,321.
Hill County, MT Climate
Hill County, MT has an average annual temperature of 5.8°C (42°F) and receives about 285 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
5.8°C
Avg Temp
285
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -10° / 14° | 12 mm |
| February | -6° / 21° | 7 mm |
| March | 0° / 31° | 13 mm |
| April | 6° / 43° | 20 mm |
| May | 12° / 54° | 47 mm |
| June | 17° / 62° | 54 mm |
| July | 20° / 67° | 35 mm |
| August | 20° / 67° | 31 mm |
| September | 14° / 56° | 30 mm |
| October | 7° / 45° | 13 mm |
| November | -2° / 29° | 10 mm |
| December | -7° / 19° | 13 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 Hill County, MT
The most comfortable months to visit Hill County, MT are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -16°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Hill County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.