Carter County Public RecordsMontana

Carter County, MT, serves its students primarily through Ekalaka Public Schools, including Carter County High School. The district operates two schools, enrolling around 120 students K-12, with a student-teacher ratio of approximately 7:1. About 87% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 16% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety reports indicate low incident rates. Educational offerings include standard K-12 programs and limited extracurriculars, with distance learning options for advanced coursework.

As of 2022, Carter County, MT, had an employment rate of approximately 56%. The predominant industries are agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (36%), followed by educational services, health care, and social assistance (14%). Most workers are employed in management, business, science, and arts occupations (27%) and natural resources, construction, and maintenance (24%). About 74% of workers commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 20.4 minutes, while 93% work within the county. The unemployment rate was around 2.5% (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates).

Carter County, MT, has a homeownership rate of around 75%, with median home values near $120,000 as of 2023. The rental market is limited, with median rents around $650 per month. Housing types primarily include single-family homes, many of which are older and situated on large lots or ranchland. Ekalaka is the primary town and neighborhood hub. Property values have remained stable, with slight annual increases. Property tax rates average 0.83%, making homeownership relatively affordable compared to national averages.

As of the 2020 Census, Carter County, MT, had a population of approximately 1,415 people. The median age is 49.7 years, reflecting an older demographic. About 52% are male and 48% are female. The racial makeup is predominantly White (93%), with small percentages of American Indian (2.5%), two or more races (3.7%), and Hispanic or Latino (1.6%). The county remains sparsely populated and rural, with a low population density.

Carter County, MT, had 820 registered voters as of 2022. Voters participate in federal, state, and local elections—such as the 2020 presidential race, where Republicans received about 87% of the vote. Election administration is handled by the Carter County Clerk and Recorder in Ekalaka, which also serves as the primary polling location. Turnout averages around 65%. Major issues include land use and agriculture. The county skews strongly Republican, with Democrats making up less than 10% of registered voters. Voting options include absentee, early, and in-person on Election Day.

Carter County, Montana, boasts a low crime rate compared to national averages. According to recent FBI data, the county reported fewer than 10 total index crimes annually, with violent crimes being rare—no homicides or robberies were reported in the past five years. Property crimes, such as burglary and theft, are minimal, averaging under 5 incidents per year. The Sheriff's Office provides regular updates and encourages community reporting, which contributes to prompt response and a strong sense of safety among residents. Overall, Carter County remains one of the safest rural counties in Montana.