Powder River County, Montana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 48th-largest in Montana
The population of Powder River County, Montana is 1,762 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 48th-largest county in Montana. The median household income is $68,009, the median home value is $149,400, and the median age is 48.6.
The population of Powder River County has declined 0.3% since 2010 (1,739 → 1,734), a -0.02% annualized rate.
1,762
Population
-0.02%
Annual growth
1
People / sq mi
$68,009
Median Income
$149,400
Median Home Value
Powder River County covers 3,298 sq mi of land at 0.5 people per square mile.
About Powder River County, MT
What distinguishes Powder River County is density: among the most sparsely settled of US counties, around 1 people per square mile. Powder River County is a county in Montana with a population of 1,762. It ranks #48 among counties in Montana by population.
The typical household here earns about $68,009, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 6.1%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $149,400, with typical rent around $609.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 25.2% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Working from home is common here: 14.9% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
Powder River County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Powder River County had a population of 1,739 in 2010 and 1,734 in 2024, a -0.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 1,777 in 2014. Average annual growth rate: -0.02%.
1,734
Population (2024)
1,739
Population (2010)
1,777
Peak (2014)
-0.02%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 1,739 |
| 2011 | 1,739 |
| 2012 | 1,754 |
| 2013 | 1,754 |
| 2014 | 1,777 |
| 2015 | 1,768 |
| 2016 | 1,747 |
| 2017 | 1,748 |
| 2018 | 1,729 |
| 2019 | 1,688 |
| 2020 | 1,693 |
| 2021 | 1,707 |
| 2022 | 1,725 |
| 2023 | 1,731 |
| 2024 | 1,734 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 88.5% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
48.6
Median Age
50.0%
Female
50.0%
Male
31.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.1% · Seniors (65+): 31.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $68,009$-1,913 vs state |
| Mean household income | $96,304 |
| Per-capita income | $41,750 |
| Poverty rate | 6.1%-1.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Powder River County is agriculture, accounting for 28.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
11.3%
Carpool
48.2%
Public transit
14.9%
Work from home
20.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$149,400$-188,700 vs state
Median home value
$609
Median rent
77.6%
Homeownership rate
997
Total housing units
71.5%
Occupied
28.5%
Vacant
22.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.4%
With health insurance
93.0%
With broadband internet
44.6%
Foreign-born
8.5%
Veterans (18+)
15.8%
With a disability
98.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.5%
High School+
25.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Montana
Other counties in Montana
Part of Montana
Metro areas in Montana
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Powder River County, Montana has a population of 1,762 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 48th-largest county in Montana. Population density is 1 people per square mile.
The population of Powder River County has declined 0.3% since 2010 (1,739 → 1,734), a -0.02% annualized rate.
The median household income in Powder River County, Montana is $68,009, with mean (average) household income of $96,304 and per-capita income of $41,750. 6.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Powder River County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (88.5%), Hispanic or Latino (3.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Powder River County, Montana is 48.6 years. Residents are 50.0% female and 50.0% male.
The median home value in Powder River County is $149,400 and median monthly rent is $609. 77.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 997 total housing units, 28.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Powder River County, Montana is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 28.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.7%.
Billings is among the largest cities associated with Powder River 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.