Cascade County Public RecordsMontana

Cascade County, MT, is served by over 30 public and private schools, including 4 main high schools. About 92% of adults have a high school diploma, while roughly 25% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The Great Falls Public School District reports average test scores near the Montana state mean. School safety initiatives include security cameras and resource officers. Adult education is available through Great Falls College MSU, with diverse technical and degree programs. Educational programming features AP, dual-credit, and CTE options, supporting both college-bound and vocational students.

As of 2023, Cascade County, MT has an unemployment rate of approximately 3.2%. Major employment sectors include Health Care & Social Assistance (19%), Retail Trade (12%), and Public Administration (11%). The leading occupation types are Office & Administrative Support (14%) and Sales (11%). About 87% of the county’s workforce commutes by car, with an average commute time of 17 minutes. Most residents work within Cascade County itself, primarily in the city of Great Falls, which serves as the county's economic hub.

Cascade County, MT has a homeownership rate of around 68%, and median home values are approximately $265,000, with median monthly rents at $900. The housing market has seen values rise by about 6% year-over-year. Housing types primarily include single-family homes, with some apartments and mobile homes. Notable neighborhoods in Great Falls, the county seat, include Fox Farm and Riverview. Property taxes average 0.83% of assessed value, lower than the national average. The housing market remains moderately competitive, supporting both buyers and renters seeking affordability.

As of 2023, Cascade County, MT, has an estimated population of about 84,400. The median age is approximately 39 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. Racially, the county is 87% White, 6% Native American, 1% Black, 1% Asian, and 5% Hispanic or Latino (of any race). The county's diversity has grown modestly in recent years, with a steady influx of younger families and minorities.

Cascade County, MT, had 47,189 registered voters in 2022. The county conducts primary, general, and special elections, with recent 2022 turnout at 61%. In the 2022 general election, 55% voted Republican, 43% Democrat. Polling places include Great Falls Civic Center and ExpoPark; absentee voting is popular, with 59% using it in 2022. Key issues include property taxes and public safety. Elections are administered by the Cascade County Elections Office. Both major parties are active locally, with Republicans currently holding a majority on the County Commission as of 2024.

Cascade County, MT, had a crime rate of 34.87 per 1,000 residents in 2022. Property crimes, including burglary and theft, make up the majority, with over 1,400 reported incidents, while violent crime rates were 4.2 per 1,000 people (around 252 cases). Great Falls, the county seat, experiences higher crime rates than the state average. Law enforcement agencies encourage prompt crime reporting via 911 or local authorities. Efforts to increase patrols and community watch programs aim to enhance public safety and reduce crime rates year over year.