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.
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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.