Rosebud County, Montana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 27th-largest in Montana
The population of Rosebud County, Montana is 8,236 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 27th-largest county in Montana. The median household income is $56,430, the median home value is $188,900, and the median age is 36.7.
The population of Rosebud County has declined 11.4% since 2010 (9,245 → 8,194), a -0.86% annualized rate.
8,236
Population
-0.86%
Annual growth
2
People / sq mi
$56,430
Median Income
$188,900
Median Home Value
Rosebud County covers 5,008 sq mi of land at 1.6 people per square mile.
About Rosebud County, MT
Rosebud County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 2 people per square mile. Rosebud County is a county in Montana with a population of 8,236. It ranks #27 among counties in Montana by population.
The typical household here earns about $56,430, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 15.9% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $188,900, with typical rent around $644.
18.9% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 6.0%, and the average commute runs about 15 minutes each way.
Rosebud County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Rosebud County had a population of 9,245 in 2010 and 8,194 in 2024, a -11.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 9,355 in 2015. Average annual growth rate: -0.84%.
8,194
Population (2024)
9,245
Population (2010)
9,355
Peak (2015)
-0.84%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 9,245 |
| 2011 | 9,328 |
| 2012 | 9,349 |
| 2013 | 9,303 |
| 2014 | 9,327 |
| 2015 | 9,355 |
| 2016 | 9,263 |
| 2017 | 9,225 |
| 2018 | 9,047 |
| 2019 | 8,955 |
| 2020 | 8,306 |
| 2021 | 8,082 |
| 2022 | 8,122 |
| 2023 | 8,123 |
| 2024 | 8,194 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 54.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.2% |
| Asian | 0.4% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 40.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
36.7
Median Age
50.2%
Female
49.8%
Male
16.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 23.9% · Seniors (65+): 16.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $56,430$-13,492 vs state |
| Mean household income | $71,671 |
| Per-capita income | $28,291 |
| Poverty rate | 15.9%+8.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Rosebud County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
5.0%
Carpool
75.8%
Public transit
6.0%
Work from home
15.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$188,900$-149,200 vs state
Median home value
$644
Median rent
66.3%
Homeownership rate
3,785
Total housing units
81.1%
Occupied
18.9%
Vacant
33.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
85.0%
With health insurance
85.1%
With broadband internet
33.1%
Foreign-born
11.6%
Veterans (18+)
17.6%
With a disability
91.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.4%
High School+
18.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Montana
Other counties in Montana
Part of Montana
Metro areas in Montana
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Rosebud County, Montana has a population of 8,236 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 27th-largest county in Montana. Population density is 2 people per square mile.
The population of Rosebud County has declined 11.4% since 2010 (9,245 → 8,194), a -0.86% annualized rate.
The median household income in Rosebud County, Montana is $56,430, with mean (average) household income of $71,671 and per-capita income of $28,291. 15.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Rosebud County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (54.3%), Hispanic or Latino (40.9%), Asian (0.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Rosebud County, Montana is 36.7 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
The median home value in Rosebud County is $188,900 and median monthly rent is $644. 66.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,785 total housing units, 18.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Rosebud County, Montana is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 5.3%.
Billings is among the largest cities associated with Rosebud County, Montana, with a population of 118,321.
Rosebud County, MT Climate
Rosebud County, MT has an average annual temperature of 7.9°C (46°F) and receives about 331 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.9°C
Avg Temp
331
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -7° / 20° | 13 mm |
| February | -3° / 27° | 9 mm |
| March | 2° / 35° | 15 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 34 mm |
| May | 13° / 56° | 59 mm |
| June | 18° / 65° | 60 mm |
| July | 22° / 72° | 31 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 27 mm |
| September | 15° / 60° | 33 mm |
| October | 9° / 48° | 25 mm |
| November | 1° / 33° | 12 mm |
| December | -5° / 23° | 13 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 Rosebud County, MT
The most comfortable months to visit Rosebud 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 -13°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Rosebud County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.