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
Lake County is a county in Montana with a population of 32,073. It ranks #9 among counties in Montana by population. The median age is 43.8, older than the national median. The population is 49.5% male and 50.5% female.
The median household income in Lake County is $61,965, below the US median of $74,580. 12.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $369,200, with monthly rent averaging $884. The homeownership rate of 73.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Lake County reflects 30.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 11.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 21.8 minutes each way.
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.