Education, Employment and Housing
Beaverhead County, MT, hosts 8 public schools, including Beaverhead County High School. Approximately 93% of adults have a high school diploma, while around 28% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average student-teacher ratio is 13:1, and schools consistently score above the Montana state average in graduation rates (over 90%). Safety measures, such as security protocols and counseling, are implemented in all schools. Educational programs include STEM, vocational training, and Advanced Placement courses, supporting both college and career readiness for students and adult learners.
Beaverhead County, MT, had an unemployment rate of 2.6% in 2023. Major industries include agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting (19.5% of jobs), educational services, and health care (17%). About 24% of workers occupy management, business, and science roles, while 18% work in natural resources. Approximately 73% of residents drive alone to work, with a mean commute time of 12.1 minutes. Most employment is local, with over 80% of employees working within the county.
Beaverhead County, MT has a homeownership rate of about 72%, with a median property value around $250,000 in 2023, reflecting a steady annual increase of 3–4%. Rental units comprise roughly 28% of housing, with median rents near $850 per month. Housing types are mainly single-family homes, with some apartments in Dillon, the primary town. Neighborhoods in Dillon offer proximity to schools and amenities, while rural areas feature larger lots. Property taxes average 0.83% of assessed value, with the typical homeowner paying around $2,000 annually. The market is stable, attracting buyers for affordability and outdoor lifestyle.
Elections
Beaverhead County, Montana, had approximately 5,400 registered voters in 2022. Elections include federal, state, county, and municipal races. In the 2020 presidential election, 74% voted Republican and 23% Democrat. Main polling locations are at the Beaverhead County Courthouse and Wise River Fire Hall. Issues often center on public land use and agriculture. Elections are managed by the Clerk & Recorder’s office. The county leans Republican, with the GOP holding most local offices. Voters may register in person or by mail; absentee and early voting are available. Voter turnout typically exceeds 70% during major elections.
County Crime & Safety
Beaverhead County, MT, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported 88 total crimes, including 12 violent and 76 property crimes, equating to a crime rate of approximately 16.2 per 1,000 residents. The sheriff’s office actively encourages community reporting and neighborhood vigilance, aiding in swift responses and case resolutions. Recent years have seen minor increases in property crimes, but violent offenses remain rare. Overall, Beaverhead County is considered a safe area, with local law enforcement and residents working together to keep crime rates below Montana’s state average.
Demographics
As of 2023, Beaverhead County, Montana has a population of approximately 9,500. The median age is about 42 years, with 51% male and 49% female residents. The racial composition is predominantly White (over 93%), followed by small percentages of Native American (about 2%), Hispanic or Latino (around 3%), and other races. The county has a relatively older population compared to national averages, reflecting its rural nature.
Popular names
- Andrew Doty
- Clayton Hildreth
- Clinton Rouse
- Dan Hill
- David Miller
- Heather Vandesandt
- Irene Miller
- Mary Johnson
- Rebecca Jones
- Robert Cox
- Roy Mcquiston
- Staci Anderson
- Tj McQuiston
- Alice Helkey
- Alison Damon
- Allee Hilton
- Anika Nye
- Ashley Fishbach
- Ben Carroll
- Brent Smith
- Charles Hamby
- Chelsea Owen
- Cherry Ellis
- Clarene Burch
- Cody Crane
- Cody Fellows
- Cody Hansen
- Corinne Welborn
- Craig Johnson
- Dana Keltz
- Daniel Downey
- Daniel Grosse
- Daniel Laden
- Darrell Johnson
- Darrell Smith
- Darren Wedding
- Denis Merchant
- Dennis Smith
- Derek Cantin
- Donald Johnson
- Dustin Rebich
- Dyanne Owen
- Gary Smith
- Gary Wheeler
- George Johnston
- Harry Neeley
- Heidi Peterson
- Holly Rowe
- Inez Reynolds
- Jaime Freeman
- James Brunzell
- James Christensen
- James Munday
- Jason Hoerning
- Jess Martin
- Joel Schnitzler
- John Cornia
- John Creger
- Jolene Rose
- Juan Hernandez
Other Counties in Montana
- Big Horn
- Blaine
- Broadwater
- Carbon
- Carter
- Cascade
- Chouteau
- Custer
- Daniels
- Dawson
- Deer Lodge
- Fallon
- Fergus
- Flathead
- Gallatin
- Garfield
- Glacier
- Golden Valley
- Granite
- Hill
- Jefferson
- Judith Basin
- Lake
- Lewis And Clark
- Liberty
- Lincoln
- Madison
- Mccone
- Meagher
- Mineral
- Missoula
- Musselshell
- Park
- Petroleum
- Phillips
- Pondera
- Powder River
- Powell
- Prairie
- Ravalli
- Richland
- Roosevelt
- Rosebud
- Sanders
- Sheridan
- Silver Bow
- Stillwater
- Sweet Grass
- Teton
- Toole