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
What distinguishes Pondera County is density: among the most sparsely settled of US counties, around 4 people per square mile. Pondera County is a county in Montana with a population of 6,012. It ranks #33 among counties in Montana by population.
The typical household earns $53,500, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 14.9%, above the national 12.4%. Median home value is $179,200, with typical rent around $806.
19.5% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 5.5%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 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.
Pondera County, MT Climate
Pondera County, MT has an average annual temperature of 6.8°C (44°F) and receives about 308 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
6.8°C
Avg Temp
308
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 21° | 10 mm |
| February | -3° / 26° | 7 mm |
| March | 1° / 35° | 13 mm |
| April | 7° / 44° | 23 mm |
| May | 12° / 53° | 56 mm |
| June | 16° / 61° | 64 mm |
| July | 20° / 67° | 35 mm |
| August | 19° / 66° | 39 mm |
| September | 13° / 56° | 28 mm |
| October | 8° / 46° | 14 mm |
| November | 0° / 32° | 10 mm |
| December | -5° / 24° | 9 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 Pondera County, MT
The most comfortable months to visit Pondera County, MT are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -12°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Pondera County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.