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Population Review

Silver Bow County, Montana Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 8th-largest in Montana

The population of Silver Bow County, Montana is 35,589 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 8th-largest county in Montana. The median household income is $57,504, the median home value is $223,500, and the median age is 40.3.

The population of Silver Bow County has grown 5.5% since 2010 (34,235 → 36,134), a +0.39% annualized rate.

Silver Bow County within Montana · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

35,589

Population

+0.39%

Annual growth

50

People / sq mi

$57,504

Median Income

$223,500

Median Home Value

Silver Bow County covers 718 sq mi of land at 49.6 people per square mile.

About Silver Bow County, MT

Silver Bow County is a county in Montana with a population of 35,589. It ranks #8 among counties in Montana by population. The median age is 40.3, older than the national median. The population is 51.7% male and 48.3% female.

The median household income in Silver Bow County is $57,504, below the US median of $74,580. 9.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $223,500, with monthly rent averaging $810. The homeownership rate of 70.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Silver Bow County reflects 27.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 16.2 minutes each way.

Silver Bow County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Silver Bow County had a population of 34,235 in 2010 and 36,134 in 2024, a 5.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 36,193 in 2023. Average annual growth rate: 0.39%.

2023 · 36K20102024

36,134

Population (2024)

34,235

Population (2010)

36,193

Peak (2023)

0.39%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201034,235
201134,420
201234,496
201334,610
201434,801
201534,746
201634,768
201734,859
201834,768
201934,901
202035,210
202135,510
202235,876
202336,193
202436,134

Race & Ethnicity

White90.9%
Black or African American0.1%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)4.7%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

40.3

Median Age

48.3%

Female

51.7%

Male

19.2%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.6%
5–9
5.5%
10–14
6.2%
15–19
6.1%
20–24
8.2%
25–34
12.4%
35–44
12.1%
45–54
11.0%
55–59
5.6%
60–64
8.2%
65–74
11.7%
75–84
5.7%
85+
1.8%

Children (under 15): 17.3% · Seniors (65+): 19.2%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$57,504$-12,418 vs state
Mean household income$77,994
Per-capita income$34,925
Poverty rate9.0%+1.9% vs state
Unemployment rate2.5%
Employment-to-population55.5%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
23.5%
Education & health care
10.2%
Construction
8.1%
Retail trade
8.0%
Finance & real estate
7.8%
Public administration
6.5%
Information
5.7%
Arts, entertainment & food
5.5%

The largest employment sector in Silver Bow County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.5% of workers.

How residents commute

0.9%

Drive alone

2.7%

Carpool

77.4%

Public transit

7.1%

Work from home

16.2 min

Avg commute

Housing

$223,500$-114,600 vs state

Median home value

$810

Median rent

70.5%

Homeownership rate

17,396

Total housing units

88.2%

Occupied

11.8%

Vacant

29.5%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

93.4%

With health insurance

92.4%

With broadband internet

28.6%

Foreign-born

9.7%

Veterans (18+)

19.4%

With a disability

97.3%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

94.0%

High School+

27.7%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Montana

Other counties in Montana

Part of Montana

Metro areas in Montana

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Silver Bow County, Montana has a population of 35,589 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 8th-largest county in Montana. Population density is 50 people per square mile.

The population of Silver Bow County has grown 5.5% since 2010 (34,235 → 36,134), a +0.39% annualized rate.

The median household income in Silver Bow County, Montana is $57,504, with mean (average) household income of $77,994 and per-capita income of $34,925. 9.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Silver Bow County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.9%), Hispanic or Latino (4.7%), Black or African American (0.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Silver Bow County, Montana is 40.3 years. Residents are 48.3% female and 51.7% male.

The median home value in Silver Bow County is $223,500 and median monthly rent is $810. 70.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 17,396 total housing units, 11.8% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Silver Bow County, Montana is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.

Billings is among the largest cities associated with Silver Bow County, Montana, with a population of 118,321.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.