Valley County, Montana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 28th-largest in Montana
The population of Valley County, Montana is 7,540 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 28th-largest county in Montana. The median household income is $64,515, the median home value is $198,600, and the median age is 43.2.
The population of Valley County has grown 0.8% since 2010 (7,378 → 7,434), a +0.05% annualized rate.
7,540
Population
+0.05%
Annual growth
2
People / sq mi
$64,515
Median Income
$198,600
Median Home Value
Valley County covers 4,926 sq mi of land at 1.5 people per square mile.
About Valley County, MT
What distinguishes Valley County is density: among the most sparsely settled of US counties, around 2 people per square mile. With 7,540 residents, Valley County is a county in Montana. It ranks #28 among counties in Montana by population.
The typical household here earns about $64,515, below the US median of $78,538. About 7.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $198,600, with typical rent around $769.
Roughly 21.5% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. An unusually large 17.9% of workers are remote, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 15 minutes each way.
Valley County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Valley County had a population of 7,378 in 2010 and 7,434 in 2024, a 0.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 7,636 in 2013. Average annual growth rate: 0.06%.
7,434
Population (2024)
7,378
Population (2010)
7,636
Peak (2013)
0.06%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 7,378 |
| 2011 | 7,463 |
| 2012 | 7,506 |
| 2013 | 7,636 |
| 2014 | 7,636 |
| 2015 | 7,630 |
| 2016 | 7,548 |
| 2017 | 7,413 |
| 2018 | 7,409 |
| 2019 | 7,390 |
| 2020 | 7,561 |
| 2021 | 7,566 |
| 2022 | 7,560 |
| 2023 | 7,475 |
| 2024 | 7,434 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 84.9% |
| Black or African American | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 11.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.2
Median Age
49.6%
Female
50.4%
Male
24.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.3% · Seniors (65+): 24.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $64,515$-5,407 vs state |
| Mean household income | $77,051 |
| Per-capita income | $31,869 |
| Poverty rate | 7.1% |
| Unemployment rate | 2.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 58.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Valley County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.6% of workers.
How residents commute
1.0%
Drive alone
4.5%
Carpool
65.2%
Public transit
17.9%
Work from home
15.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$198,600$-139,500 vs state
Median home value
$769
Median rent
77.7%
Homeownership rate
4,253
Total housing units
69.6%
Occupied
30.4%
Vacant
22.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.6%
With health insurance
92.0%
With broadband internet
27.4%
Foreign-born
8.2%
Veterans (18+)
15.0%
With a disability
98.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.7%
High School+
21.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Montana
Other counties in Montana
Part of Montana
Metro areas in Montana
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Valley County, Montana has a population of 7,540 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 28th-largest county in Montana. Population density is 2 people per square mile.
The population of Valley County has grown 0.8% since 2010 (7,378 → 7,434), a +0.05% annualized rate.
The median household income in Valley County, Montana is $64,515, with mean (average) household income of $77,051 and per-capita income of $31,869. 7.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Valley County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (84.9%), Hispanic or Latino (11.5%), Black or African American (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Valley County, Montana is 43.2 years. Residents are 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
The median home value in Valley County is $198,600 and median monthly rent is $769. 77.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 4,253 total housing units, 30.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Valley County, Montana is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.0%.
Billings is among the largest cities associated with Valley County, Montana, with a population of 118,321.
Valley County, MT Climate
Valley County, MT has an average annual temperature of 6.2°C (43°F) and receives about 295 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
6.2°C
Avg Temp
295
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -12° / 11° | 9 mm |
| February | -7° / 19° | 6 mm |
| March | 0° / 31° | 11 mm |
| April | 7° / 45° | 20 mm |
| May | 13° / 56° | 47 mm |
| June | 19° / 65° | 59 mm |
| July | 22° / 72° | 48 mm |
| August | 21° / 71° | 31 mm |
| September | 15° / 58° | 27 mm |
| October | 8° / 46° | 18 mm |
| November | -2° / 28° | 10 mm |
| December | -9° / 16° | 9 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 Valley County, MT
The most comfortable months to visit Valley County, MT are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -17°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Valley County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.