Chouteau County Public RecordsMontana

As of the 2020 Census, Chouteau County, Montana, had a population of 5,895. The median age is approximately 41.7 years. About 51% of residents are male and 49% female. The racial composition is predominantly White (about 79%), with Native Americans comprising roughly 17% of the population; other races and those identifying as two or more races make up the remainder. Hispanic or Latino individuals account for about 2% of the population.

Chouteau County, MT, reports a low crime rate compared to national averages. As of 2022, the county recorded only 3 violent crimes and 24 property crimes, according to Montana Board of Crime Control data. This results in a property crime rate of about 422 per 100,000 residents and a violent crime rate of 53 per 100,000—both well below state and national rates. Local law enforcement actively encourages reporting and community-wide safety initiatives, contributing to the county’s reputation for safety and low overall crime statistics.

Chouteau County, MT, had 2,982 registered voters for the 2022 general election. The county holds primary, general, and special elections, with Republicans historically securing over 70% of votes in federal races. Polling locations include the Chouteau County Courthouse in Fort Benton and local schools. Key issues in recent elections include agriculture, property taxes, and rural infrastructure. The election office, led by the Clerk & Recorder, oversees administration. As of 2024, Republican and Democratic parties are active, with GOP registrations outnumbering Democrats 2:1. Voter turnout in 2022 was approximately 67%.

Chouteau County, MT, has several public schools, including 3 high schools (Big Sandy, Fort Benton, Geraldine) serving about 400 high school students. The high school graduation rate is around 90%, but only about 17% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety is generally rated positively, with few major incidents reported. Educational programs include vocational training and dual-credit college courses. Adult education options are limited, typically offered through Fort Benton Public Schools. Average standardized test scores are near the Montana state average. There are no colleges or universities within the county.

As of 2022, Chouteau County, MT, had an employment rate of approximately 60.7%. The leading industries include agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting (25%), followed by educational services, health care & social assistance (18%). The most common occupations are management, business, science, and arts (31%), and natural resources, construction, and maintenance (22%). About 68% of workers commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 18.6 minutes. Most residents work within the county, but around 18% commute to neighboring counties such as Cascade and Hill.

Chouteau County, MT, has a homeownership rate of around 71%, with median home values at approximately $140,000 and median gross rents near $650. Housing stock mainly consists of single-family homes, with some mobile homes and multifamily units, especially in Fort Benton and Big Sandy. The local market has seen modest appreciation, with values rising about 5% annually since 2020. Neighborhoods are small and community-oriented. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging 0.8% of home value. Rental options are limited, and vacancy rates stay below 7% due to steady demand and constrained new construction.