Richland County, Montana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 19th-largest in Montana
The population of Richland County, Montana is 11,329 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 19th-largest county in Montana. The median household income is $69,578, the median home value is $259,000, and the median age is 38.0.
The population of Richland County has grown 13.0% since 2010 (9,760 → 11,028), a +0.88% annualized rate.
11,329
Population
+0.88%
Annual growth
5
People / sq mi
$69,578
Median Income
$259,000
Median Home Value
Richland County covers 2,085 sq mi of land at 5.4 people per square mile.
About Richland County, MT
Richland County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 5 people per square mile. Richland County is a county in Montana with a population of 11,329. It ranks #19 among counties in Montana by population.
The typical household here earns about $69,578, below the US median of $78,538. Only 6.3% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $259,000, with typical rent around $866.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 19.4% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 5.1%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Richland County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Richland County had a population of 9,760 in 2010 and 11,028 in 2024, a 13.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 11,931 in 2015. Average annual growth rate: 0.93%.
11,028
Population (2024)
9,760
Population (2010)
11,931
Peak (2015)
0.93%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 9,760 |
| 2011 | 10,151 |
| 2012 | 10,791 |
| 2013 | 11,173 |
| 2014 | 11,555 |
| 2015 | 11,931 |
| 2016 | 11,442 |
| 2017 | 11,101 |
| 2018 | 10,955 |
| 2019 | 10,943 |
| 2020 | 11,534 |
| 2021 | 11,330 |
| 2022 | 11,191 |
| 2023 | 11,094 |
| 2024 | 11,028 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.6% |
| Black or African American | 0.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
38.0
Median Age
49.7%
Female
50.3%
Male
17.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.1% · Seniors (65+): 17.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $69,578$-344 vs state |
| Mean household income | $93,356 |
| Per-capita income | $37,672 |
| Poverty rate | 6.3%-0.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 65.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Richland County is professional & business services, accounting for 16.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
9.1%
Carpool
77.9%
Public transit
5.1%
Work from home
20.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$259,000$-79,100 vs state
Median home value
$866
Median rent
69.8%
Homeownership rate
5,590
Total housing units
80.5%
Occupied
19.5%
Vacant
30.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.9%
With health insurance
91.6%
With broadband internet
36.5%
Foreign-born
6.0%
Veterans (18+)
11.9%
With a disability
96.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
96.2%
High School+
19.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Montana
Other counties in Montana
Part of Montana
Metro areas in Montana
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Richland County, Montana has a population of 11,329 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 19th-largest county in Montana. Population density is 5 people per square mile.
The population of Richland County has grown 13.0% since 2010 (9,760 → 11,028), a +0.88% annualized rate.
The median household income in Richland County, Montana is $69,578, with mean (average) household income of $93,356 and per-capita income of $37,672. 6.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Richland County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.6%), Hispanic or Latino (2.2%), Black or African American (0.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Richland County, Montana is 38.0 years. Residents are 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
The median home value in Richland County is $259,000 and median monthly rent is $866. 69.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,590 total housing units, 19.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Richland County, Montana is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 16.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Billings is among the largest cities associated with Richland County, Montana, with a population of 118,321.
Richland County, MT Climate
Richland County, MT has an average annual temperature of 6.9°C (44°F) and receives about 368 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
6.9°C
Avg Temp
368
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -10° / 13° | 11 mm |
| February | -6° / 22° | 8 mm |
| March | 0° / 32° | 15 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 32 mm |
| May | 14° / 57° | 57 mm |
| June | 19° / 66° | 74 mm |
| July | 22° / 72° | 51 mm |
| August | 21° / 71° | 36 mm |
| September | 15° / 59° | 37 mm |
| October | 9° / 47° | 23 mm |
| November | -1° / 31° | 12 mm |
| December | -8° / 18° | 12 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 Richland County, MT
The most comfortable months to visit Richland County, MT are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -16°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Richland County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.