Lake County, Montana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 9th-largest in Montana
The population of Lake County, Montana is 32,073 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 9th-largest county in Montana. The median household income is $61,965, the median home value is $369,200, and the median age is 43.8.
The population of Lake County has grown 16.0% since 2010 (28,792 → 33,403), a +1.07% annualized rate.
32,073
Population
+1.07%
Annual growth
22
People / sq mi
$61,965
Median Income
$369,200
Median Home Value
Lake County covers 1,490 sq mi of land at 21.5 people per square mile.
About Lake County, MT
Housing cost is the defining feature of Lake County: the median home is valued at $369,200. With 32,073 residents, Lake County is a county in Montana. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Montana in the country, at #9 by population.
The typical household here earns about $61,965, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 12.0%, close to the national 12.4%. Housing is expensive: the median home is worth $369,200, with typical rent around $884.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 30.5% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. A solid 11.1% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
High housing values reframe the income picture in Lake County — even solid earnings stretch less against home prices and rents at this level.
Lake County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lake County had a population of 28,792 in 2010 and 33,403 in 2024, a 16.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 33,403 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.07%.
33,403
Population (2024)
28,792
Population (2010)
33,403
Peak (2024)
1.07%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 28,792 |
| 2011 | 28,983 |
| 2012 | 29,021 |
| 2013 | 29,138 |
| 2014 | 29,236 |
| 2015 | 29,482 |
| 2016 | 29,722 |
| 2017 | 30,277 |
| 2018 | 30,346 |
| 2019 | 30,586 |
| 2020 | 31,247 |
| 2021 | 32,081 |
| 2022 | 32,821 |
| 2023 | 33,255 |
| 2024 | 33,403 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 65.6% |
| Black or African American | 0.2% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 29.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.8
Median Age
50.5%
Female
49.5%
Male
23.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.3% · Seniors (65+): 23.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $61,965$-7,957 vs state |
| Mean household income | $84,874 |
| Per-capita income | $33,786 |
| Poverty rate | 12.0%+4.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lake County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
3.6%
Carpool
71.6%
Public transit
11.1%
Work from home
21.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$369,200+$31,100 vs state
Median home value
$884
Median rent
73.8%
Homeownership rate
16,457
Total housing units
74.0%
Occupied
26.0%
Vacant
26.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
85.9%
With health insurance
91.4%
With broadband internet
43.5%
Foreign-born
10.3%
Veterans (18+)
16.2%
With a disability
93.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.0%
High School+
30.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Montana
Other counties in Montana
Part of Montana
Metro areas in Montana
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Lake County, Montana has a population of 32,073 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 9th-largest county in Montana. Population density is 22 people per square mile.
The population of Lake County has grown 16.0% since 2010 (28,792 → 33,403), a +1.07% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lake County, Montana is $61,965, with mean (average) household income of $84,874 and per-capita income of $33,786. 12.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lake County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (65.6%), Hispanic or Latino (29.3%), Black or African American (0.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lake County, Montana is 43.8 years. Residents are 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
The median home value in Lake County is $369,200 and median monthly rent is $884. 73.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 16,457 total housing units, 26.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lake County, Montana is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.6%.
Billings is among the largest cities associated with Lake 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.