Carbon County Public RecordsMontana

As of 2022, Carbon County, MT has a population of approximately 10,842. The median age is 50.3 years, with 51% male and 49% female residents. Racially, the county is predominantly White (93.7%), with small percentages of Native American (1.2%), Hispanic or Latino (3.1%), and other races. The population under 18 makes up about 17.1%, while 22.7% are 65 or older.

Carbon County, MT, has 10 public schools serving K-12, including Red Lodge High School. The high school graduation rate is approximately 92%, while about 28% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools score above state averages, with test scores around 60% proficiency in math and reading. Adult education options are limited, but nearby colleges in Billings are accessible. School safety ratings are strong, with low incident rates. Programs include STEM, vocational training, and extracurriculars, supporting diverse student needs.

As of early 2024, Carbon County, MT, has an employment rate of approximately 59%. Major industries include agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (17%), health care and social assistance (16%), and retail trade (12%). The leading occupations are management (22%), sales and office (20%), and construction/extraction (13%). About 74% of workers commute by car, with an average one-way travel time of 23 minutes; around 19% work outside the county, mainly commuting to Billings. Remote work has grown, with roughly 14% of residents telecommuting.

Carbon County, MT, offers a mix of homeownership (approx. 72%) and rentals (28%), with a median home value around $350,000 in 2024, up about 8% year-on-year. Housing types range from historic homes in Red Lodge and Bridger to rural properties and newer developments. Neighborhoods like Red Lodge attract outdoor enthusiasts, while Fromberg and Joliet are quieter. Median rent averages $1,200/month. Property tax rates are roughly 0.8%, with the average annual bill near $2,800. Market demand is steady, driven by recreation and retirement appeal.

Carbon County, Montana, had 8,073 registered voters as of November 2022. In general, primary, and municipal elections, voting is overseen by the Carbon County Elections Office. In the 2020 presidential election, 73% voted Republican, 24% Democrat. Key issues include land use, water rights, and property taxes. Voting occurs at 8 polling locations, including the Red Lodge Civic Center. Election administration is nonpartisan, but political parties, primarily Republican and Democratic, play a major role. Voter turnout typically exceeds 70% in general elections, reflecting the county’s strong civic participation.

Carbon County, MT, reports a lower crime rate compared to national averages, with a violent crime rate of 2.0 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 12.5 per 1,000, according to 2023 data. The county’s law enforcement actively encourages crime reporting and transparency, contributing to a clearance rate above 55%. While some rural areas report occasional thefts and burglaries, serious violent offenses remain rare. Safety initiatives and community policing help maintain an overall secure environment, making Carbon County one of the safer regions in Montana.