Blaine County Public RecordsMontana

As of the 2020 Census, Blaine County, MT has a population of 7,044. Approximately 51% are male and 49% female. The median age is 38.5 years. Racially, about 49% identify as American Indian or Alaska Native, and 47% as White; other groups make up about 4%. Around 3% are Hispanic or Latino. The county’s population is fairly young, with 27% under 18 and about 17% aged 65 or older.

As of 2024, Blaine County, Montana has around 4,000 registered voters. The county conducts federal, state, and local elections, with 2022 turnout at 65%. Recent results show a near-even Republican-Democrat split: in the 2020 presidential race, Republicans received 52% and Democrats 46%. Main polling locations include Chinook and Harlem. Key issues for voters are agriculture, education, and Native American rights, with significant input from the Fort Belknap Reservation. Elections are managed by the County Election Administrator. Parties active in the county include Democrats, Republicans, and Libertarians.

Blaine County, MT, has around 11 public schools, including 3 high schools. Approximately 88% of adults hold a high school diploma, while about 14% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety incidents are low, and schools score an average of 4–5/10 on state assessments. The county offers adult education programs and extracurriculars in arts and STEM. While educational attainment lags behind state averages, initiatives for after-school tutoring and career readiness are being expanded.

Blaine County, MT, had an employment rate of approximately 55.9% in 2022. Leading industries include agriculture (21.5%), education and healthcare (22.8%), and public administration (10.2%). Top occupation types are management, business, science, and arts (28.6%), plus service occupations (20.7%). About 67% of residents drive alone to work, with an average commute time of 15.7 minutes. While most are employed within the county, some commute to neighboring regions, notably Hill County.

Blaine County, MT, has a homeownership rate of about 69%, with median home values around $138,000 in 2023. Renters make up roughly 31% of residents, paying a median gross rent of $610 monthly. The property market has seen modest annual growth, about 3% since 2021. Housing is predominantly single-family homes, with some small multi-unit buildings. Most neighborhoods are rural or small town, notably in Chinook and Harlem. Property taxes average 0.85% of assessed value, leading to relatively low annual payments. The mix of affordability and rural character defines the county’s housing landscape.

Blaine County, MT, reports relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. In 2022, the county recorded approximately 195 total crimes, including 15 violent crimes and 180 property crimes. The violent crime rate stood at 2.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, while property crime was 28.5 per 1,000. Crime statistics, compiled by local law enforcement and the Montana Board of Crime Control, show consistent year-to-year trends. Residents generally perceive Blaine County as safe, with community policing and prompt reporting contributing to lower crime rates when compared to other Montana counties.