Lincoln County, Montana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 10th-largest in Montana
The population of Lincoln County, Montana is 20,656 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 10th-largest county in Montana. The median household income is $47,018, the median home value is $258,700, and the median age is 52.6.
The population of Lincoln County has grown 12.6% since 2010 (19,693 → 22,184), a +0.85% annualized rate.
20,656
Population
+0.85%
Annual growth
6
People / sq mi
$47,018
Median Income
$258,700
Median Home Value
Lincoln County covers 3,613 sq mi of land at 5.7 people per square mile.
About Lincoln County, MT
Lincoln County is a county in Montana with a population of 20,656. It ranks #10 among counties in Montana by population. The median age is 52.6, older than the national median. The population is 50.3% male and 49.7% female.
The median household income in Lincoln County is $47,018, below the US median of $74,580. 9.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $258,700, with monthly rent averaging $810. The homeownership rate of 79.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Lincoln County reflects 18.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 15.6% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 18.9 minutes each way.
Lincoln County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lincoln County had a population of 19,693 in 2010 and 22,184 in 2024, a 12.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 22,184 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.87%.
22,184
Population (2024)
19,693
Population (2010)
22,184
Peak (2024)
0.87%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 19,693 |
| 2011 | 19,629 |
| 2012 | 19,494 |
| 2013 | 19,437 |
| 2014 | 19,208 |
| 2015 | 19,085 |
| 2016 | 19,332 |
| 2017 | 19,589 |
| 2018 | 19,862 |
| 2019 | 20,099 |
| 2020 | 19,744 |
| 2021 | 20,597 |
| 2022 | 21,485 |
| 2023 | 21,867 |
| 2024 | 22,184 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 91.6% |
| Black or African American | 0.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
52.6
Median Age
49.7%
Female
50.3%
Male
29.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.5% · Seniors (65+): 29.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $47,018$-22,904 vs state |
| Mean household income | $66,504 |
| Per-capita income | $29,864 |
| Poverty rate | 9.0%+1.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 43.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lincoln County is professional & business services, accounting for 16.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
3.8%
Carpool
61.8%
Public transit
15.6%
Work from home
18.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$258,700$-79,400 vs state
Median home value
$810
Median rent
79.0%
Homeownership rate
10,991
Total housing units
80.6%
Occupied
19.4%
Vacant
21.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
85.8%
With health insurance
92.1%
With broadband internet
53.2%
Foreign-born
13.2%
Veterans (18+)
24.3%
With a disability
95.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.9%
High School+
18.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Montana
Other counties in Montana
Part of Montana
Metro areas in Montana
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Lincoln County, Montana has a population of 20,656 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 10th-largest county in Montana. Population density is 6 people per square mile.
The population of Lincoln County has grown 12.6% since 2010 (19,693 → 22,184), a +0.85% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lincoln County, Montana is $47,018, with mean (average) household income of $66,504 and per-capita income of $29,864. 9.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lincoln County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (91.6%), Hispanic or Latino (3.8%), Black or African American (0.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lincoln County, Montana is 52.6 years. Residents are 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
The median home value in Lincoln County is $258,700 and median monthly rent is $810. 79.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 10,991 total housing units, 19.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lincoln County, Montana is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 16.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.
Billings is among the largest cities associated with Lincoln 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.