Phillips County, Montana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 38th-largest in Montana
The population of Phillips County, Montana is 4,224 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 38th-largest county in Montana. The median household income is $58,156, the median home value is $175,000, and the median age is 44.9.
The population of Phillips County has declined 0.9% since 2010 (4,252 → 4,214), a -0.06% annualized rate.
4,224
Population
-0.06%
Annual growth
1
People / sq mi
$58,156
Median Income
$175,000
Median Home Value
Phillips County covers 5,140 sq mi of land at 0.8 people per square mile.
About Phillips County, MT
What distinguishes Phillips County is density: among the most sparsely settled of US counties, around 1 people per square mile. With 4,224 residents, Phillips County is a county in Montana. It ranks #38 among counties in Montana by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $58,156 — below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the lowest of comparable US counties, at 4.2% — below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $175,000, with typical rent around $623.
20.6% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. An unusually large 17.1% of workers are remote, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 14 minutes each way.
Phillips County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Phillips County had a population of 4,252 in 2010 and 4,214 in 2024, a -0.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 4,252 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.04%.
4,214
Population (2024)
4,252
Population (2010)
4,252
Peak (2010)
-0.04%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 4,252 |
| 2011 | 4,186 |
| 2012 | 4,123 |
| 2013 | 4,163 |
| 2014 | 4,174 |
| 2015 | 4,150 |
| 2016 | 4,121 |
| 2017 | 4,117 |
| 2018 | 4,047 |
| 2019 | 3,955 |
| 2020 | 4,211 |
| 2021 | 4,209 |
| 2022 | 4,223 |
| 2023 | 4,248 |
| 2024 | 4,214 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 83.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 14.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.4% |
Age & Sex
44.9
Median Age
46.8%
Female
53.2%
Male
23.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.6% · Seniors (65+): 23.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $58,156$-11,766 vs state |
| Mean household income | $79,818 |
| Per-capita income | $34,241 |
| Poverty rate | 4.2%-2.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Phillips County is agriculture, accounting for 30.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
7.0%
Carpool
61.7%
Public transit
17.1%
Work from home
13.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$175,000$-163,100 vs state
Median home value
$623
Median rent
74.8%
Homeownership rate
2,235
Total housing units
79.1%
Occupied
20.9%
Vacant
25.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.5%
With health insurance
93.0%
With broadband internet
20.2%
Foreign-born
9.7%
Veterans (18+)
15.0%
With a disability
98.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.3%
High School+
20.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Montana
Other counties in Montana
Part of Montana
Metro areas in Montana
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Phillips County, Montana has a population of 4,224 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 38th-largest county in Montana. Population density is 1 people per square mile.
The population of Phillips County has declined 0.9% since 2010 (4,252 → 4,214), a -0.06% annualized rate.
The median household income in Phillips County, Montana is $58,156, with mean (average) household income of $79,818 and per-capita income of $34,241. 4.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Phillips County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (83.3%), Hispanic or Latino (14.6%), Black or African American (0.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Phillips County, Montana is 44.9 years. Residents are 46.8% female and 53.2% male.
The median home value in Phillips County is $175,000 and median monthly rent is $623. 74.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,235 total housing units, 20.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Phillips County, Montana is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 30.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.0%.
Billings is among the largest cities associated with Phillips County, Montana, with a population of 118,321.
Phillips County, MT Climate
Phillips County, MT has an average annual temperature of 6.2°C (43°F) and receives about 307 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
6.2°C
Avg Temp
307
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -10° / 13° | 10 mm |
| February | -6° / 20° | 7 mm |
| March | 0° / 32° | 12 mm |
| April | 7° / 44° | 24 mm |
| May | 13° / 55° | 56 mm |
| June | 18° / 64° | 58 mm |
| July | 21° / 70° | 43 mm |
| August | 21° / 69° | 31 mm |
| September | 14° / 58° | 30 mm |
| October | 8° / 46° | 16 mm |
| November | -2° / 29° | 10 mm |
| December | -8° / 18° | 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 Phillips County, MT
The most comfortable months to visit Phillips County, MT are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -17°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Phillips County
Visiting or relocating to Phillips County, MT? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Phillips County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Phillips County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Phillips County, MT by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Montana
Population 167,340
Population 122,194
Population 119,639
Population 108,445
Full rankings of Montana counties
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.