McCone County, Montana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 47th-largest in Montana
The population of McCone County, Montana is 1,818 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 47th-largest county in Montana. The median household income is $71,842, the median home value is $197,400, and the median age is 52.4.
The population of McCone County has declined 1.6% since 2010 (1,745 → 1,717), a -0.12% annualized rate.
1,818
Population
-0.12%
Annual growth
1
People / sq mi
$71,842
Median Income
$197,400
Median Home Value
McCone County covers 2,642 sq mi of land at 0.7 people per square mile.
About McCone County, MT
What distinguishes McCone County is density: among the most sparsely settled of US counties, around 1 people per square mile. With 1,818 residents, McCone County is a county in Montana. It ranks #47 among counties in Montana by population.
Median household income is $71,842, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the lowest of comparable US counties, at 3.1% — below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $197,400, with typical rent around $543.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 21.4% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Working from home is common here: 15.7% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
McCone County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of McCone County had a population of 1,745 in 2010 and 1,717 in 2024, a -1.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 1,745 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.10%.
1,717
Population (2024)
1,745
Population (2010)
1,745
Peak (2010)
-0.10%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 1,745 |
| 2011 | 1,709 |
| 2012 | 1,700 |
| 2013 | 1,714 |
| 2014 | 1,713 |
| 2015 | 1,698 |
| 2016 | 1,729 |
| 2017 | 1,695 |
| 2018 | 1,655 |
| 2019 | 1,649 |
| 2020 | 1,729 |
| 2021 | 1,710 |
| 2022 | 1,712 |
| 2023 | 1,684 |
| 2024 | 1,717 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 91.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 6.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
52.4
Median Age
47.9%
Female
52.1%
Male
28.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.4% · Seniors (65+): 28.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $71,842+$1,920 vs state |
| Mean household income | $85,543 |
| Per-capita income | $38,749 |
| Poverty rate | 3.1%-4.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 60.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in McCone County is agriculture, accounting for 34.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
15.7%
Carpool
63.0%
Public transit
15.7%
Work from home
20.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$197,400$-140,700 vs state
Median home value
$543
Median rent
86.1%
Homeownership rate
1,082
Total housing units
75.6%
Occupied
24.4%
Vacant
13.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.2%
With health insurance
91.2%
With broadband internet
28.1%
Foreign-born
8.5%
Veterans (18+)
13.3%
With a disability
95.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
96.5%
High School+
21.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Montana
Other counties in Montana
Part of Montana
Metro areas in Montana
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
McCone County, Montana has a population of 1,818 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 47th-largest county in Montana. Population density is 1 people per square mile.
The population of McCone County has declined 1.6% since 2010 (1,745 → 1,717), a -0.12% annualized rate.
The median household income in McCone County, Montana is $71,842, with mean (average) household income of $85,543 and per-capita income of $38,749. 3.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In McCone County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (91.3%), Hispanic or Latino (6.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in McCone County, Montana is 52.4 years. Residents are 47.9% female and 52.1% male.
The median home value in McCone County is $197,400 and median monthly rent is $543. 86.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,082 total housing units, 24.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in McCone County, Montana is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 34.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.6%.
Billings is among the largest cities associated with McCone County, Montana, with a population of 118,321.
McCone County, MT Climate
McCone County, MT has an average annual temperature of 6.9°C (44°F) and receives about 322 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
6.9°C
Avg Temp
322
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -10° / 14° | 10 mm |
| February | -6° / 22° | 6 mm |
| March | 0° / 32° | 12 mm |
| April | 7° / 45° | 27 mm |
| May | 13° / 56° | 55 mm |
| June | 19° / 66° | 67 mm |
| July | 22° / 72° | 44 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 33 mm |
| September | 15° / 59° | 34 mm |
| October | 8° / 47° | 16 mm |
| November | -1° / 31° | 8 mm |
| December | -7° / 19° | 10 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 McCone County, MT
The most comfortable months to visit McCone County, MT are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -16°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near McCone County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.