Pondera County, Montana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 33rd-largest in Montana
The population of Pondera County, Montana is 6,012 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 33rd-largest county in Montana. The median household income is $53,500, the median home value is $179,200, and the median age is 41.2.
The population of Pondera County has declined 1.3% since 2010 (6,161 → 6,078), a -0.10% annualized rate.
6,012
Population
-0.10%
Annual growth
4
People / sq mi
$53,500
Median Income
$179,200
Median Home Value
Pondera County covers 1,625 sq mi of land at 3.7 people per square mile.
About Pondera County, MT
Pondera County is a county in Montana with a population of 6,012. It ranks #33 among counties in Montana by population. The median age is 41.2, older than the national median. The population is 50.3% male and 49.7% female.
The median household income in Pondera County is $53,500, below the US median of $74,580. 14.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $179,200, with monthly rent averaging $806. The homeownership rate of 66.7% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Pondera County reflects 19.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 18.0 minutes each way.
Pondera County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Pondera County had a population of 6,161 in 2010 and 6,078 in 2024, a -1.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 6,218 in 2013. Average annual growth rate: -0.09%.
6,078
Population (2024)
6,161
Population (2010)
6,218
Peak (2013)
-0.09%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 6,161 |
| 2011 | 6,195 |
| 2012 | 6,152 |
| 2013 | 6,218 |
| 2014 | 6,140 |
| 2015 | 6,100 |
| 2016 | 6,024 |
| 2017 | 5,954 |
| 2018 | 5,936 |
| 2019 | 5,858 |
| 2020 | 5,877 |
| 2021 | 6,017 |
| 2022 | 6,093 |
| 2023 | 6,108 |
| 2024 | 6,078 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 79.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 18.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.2
Median Age
49.7%
Female
50.3%
Male
21.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.6% · Seniors (65+): 21.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $53,500$-16,422 vs state |
| Mean household income | $72,053 |
| Per-capita income | $28,921 |
| Poverty rate | 14.9%+7.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Pondera County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
12.1%
Carpool
71.9%
Public transit
5.5%
Work from home
18.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$179,200$-158,900 vs state
Median home value
$806
Median rent
66.7%
Homeownership rate
2,753
Total housing units
81.4%
Occupied
18.6%
Vacant
33.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.4%
With health insurance
87.9%
With broadband internet
25.5%
Foreign-born
8.3%
Veterans (18+)
18.4%
With a disability
89.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.8%
High School+
19.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Montana
Other counties in Montana
Part of Montana
Metro areas in Montana
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Pondera County, Montana has a population of 6,012 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 33rd-largest county in Montana. Population density is 4 people per square mile.
The population of Pondera County has declined 1.3% since 2010 (6,161 → 6,078), a -0.10% annualized rate.
The median household income in Pondera County, Montana is $53,500, with mean (average) household income of $72,053 and per-capita income of $28,921. 14.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Pondera County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (79.3%), Hispanic or Latino (18.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Pondera County, Montana is 41.2 years. Residents are 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
The median home value in Pondera County is $179,200 and median monthly rent is $806. 66.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,753 total housing units, 18.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Pondera County, Montana is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.7%.
Billings is among the largest cities associated with Pondera 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.