Prairie County, Montana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 51st-largest in Montana
The population of Prairie County, Montana is 1,251 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 51st-largest county in Montana. The median household income is $45,192, the median home value is $167,100, and the median age is 49.1.
The population of Prairie County has declined 6.0% since 2010 (1,183 → 1,112), a -0.44% annualized rate.
1,251
Population
-0.44%
Annual growth
1
People / sq mi
$45,192
Median Income
$167,100
Median Home Value
Prairie County covers 1,737 sq mi of land at 0.7 people per square mile.
About Prairie County, MT
Prairie County is a county in Montana with a population of 1,251. It ranks #51 among counties in Montana by population. The median age is 49.1, older than the national median. The population is 54.0% male and 46.0% female.
The median household income in Prairie County is $45,192, below the US median of $74,580. 21.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $167,100, with monthly rent averaging $827. The homeownership rate of 76.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Prairie County reflects 20.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 31.8% of workers primarily work from home, noticeably above the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 15.7 minutes each way.
Prairie County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Prairie County had a population of 1,183 in 2010 and 1,112 in 2024, a -6.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 1,183 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.41%.
1,112
Population (2024)
1,183
Population (2010)
1,183
Peak (2010)
-0.41%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 1,183 |
| 2011 | 1,141 |
| 2012 | 1,141 |
| 2013 | 1,163 |
| 2014 | 1,125 |
| 2015 | 1,140 |
| 2016 | 1,159 |
| 2017 | 1,097 |
| 2018 | 1,056 |
| 2019 | 1,064 |
| 2020 | 1,090 |
| 2021 | 1,096 |
| 2022 | 1,114 |
| 2023 | 1,115 |
| 2024 | 1,112 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 89.8% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
49.1
Median Age
46.0%
Female
54.0%
Male
34.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.0% · Seniors (65+): 34.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $45,192$-24,730 vs state |
| Mean household income | $67,490 |
| Per-capita income | $29,068 |
| Poverty rate | 21.2%+14.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 51.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Prairie County is agriculture, accounting for 36.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
8.0%
Carpool
52.4%
Public transit
31.8%
Work from home
15.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$167,100$-171,000 vs state
Median home value
$827
Median rent
76.3%
Homeownership rate
667
Total housing units
78.0%
Occupied
22.0%
Vacant
23.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.3%
With health insurance
85.8%
With broadband internet
21.3%
Foreign-born
9.0%
Veterans (18+)
16.6%
With a disability
98.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.5%
High School+
20.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Montana
Other counties in Montana
Part of Montana
Metro areas in Montana
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Prairie County, Montana has a population of 1,251 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 51st-largest county in Montana. Population density is 1 people per square mile.
The population of Prairie County has declined 6.0% since 2010 (1,183 → 1,112), a -0.44% annualized rate.
The median household income in Prairie County, Montana is $45,192, with mean (average) household income of $67,490 and per-capita income of $29,068. 21.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Prairie County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (89.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Prairie County, Montana is 49.1 years. Residents are 46.0% female and 54.0% male.
The median home value in Prairie County is $167,100 and median monthly rent is $827. 76.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 667 total housing units, 22.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Prairie County, Montana is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 36.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.6%.
Billings is among the largest cities associated with Prairie 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.