Prairie County, Montana Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Prairie County is located in Montana with a total population of 1,251. It is the 51st most populous county out of 56 in Montana.

Age Demographics

The median age in Prairie County is 49.1 years. This is 22% higher than the state median of 40.2 years. 10.6% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Prairie County is $45,192. This is 35% lower than the state median of $69,922. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 42% lower. The poverty rate stands at 23.9%. This is 99% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 1.1%. This is 69% lower than the state rate of 3.8%. The median home value is $167,100. Housing costs are 51% lower than the state median of $338,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x. 76.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 10% higher than the state average of 69.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

Prairie County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 89.4% of all residents. Asian residents account for 3.9%. The Hispanic or Latino population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 4.4%. The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (3.9% vs 0.8%).

Education

20.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 42% lower than the state rate of 34.5%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 88.5%.