Townsend Public RecordsMontana

As of the 2020 Census, Townsend city in Broadwater County, Montana, had a population of 1,956. The median age was approximately 44 years. Gender distribution was about 49% male and 51% female. Racially, the city was predominantly White (around 93%), with small percentages of Native American (1.4%), two or more races (4.5%), and other races. Hispanic or Latino residents comprised about 2.6% of the population.

Townsend, located in Broadwater County, MT, relies heavily on personal vehicles for transportation, with over 90% of residents commuting by car and vehicle ownership rates exceeding 95% of households. Public transit options are limited or nonexistent, contributing to low public transit usage. The average one-way commute is approximately 25 minutes, primarily along U.S. Highway 287. Most residents work locally or commute to larger employment hubs such as Helena or Bozeman. The city’s transportation infrastructure centers on well-maintained roads, and traffic congestion is minimal due to the small population and rural setting.

Townsend, Broadwater County, MT, has a homeownership rate of about 80%, with median home values around $300,000 as of 2023. Rental housing is scarce, with median rents approximately $900/month. The property market has seen steady appreciation, rising nearly 10% year-over-year. Housing types are primarily single-family homes, with some newer subdivisions on the outskirts and historic homes near downtown. The city features compact neighborhoods with family-friendly amenities. Property taxes average about 0.84% of assessed value, among Montana's lower rates. The community’s attractive setting near Canyon Ferry Lake adds to real estate demand.

Townsend, in Broadwater County, MT, is served primarily by Townsend School District, which includes Broadwater High School and Townsend Elementary School, totaling 2 main public schools. The high school graduation rate is approximately 91%. There are no local colleges; only 17.2% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety reports are positive, with minimal incidents annually. Townsend schools score an average of 5/10 on GreatSchools. Adult education opportunities are limited, but some vocational programs are available. Overall, Townsend offers small-town schooling with modest academic outcomes and a safe learning environment.

Townsend, the seat of Broadwater County, Montana, has limited healthcare infrastructure, with one critical access hospital—Broadwater Health Center—offering inpatient, ER, and basic outpatient services. The town also hosts a few primary care clinics. Broadwater County’s uninsured rate is about 15%, with a majority insured via employer-based plans or Medicare/Medicaid. The population is around 5,000, predominantly White, and faces common rural health issues like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Specialist care requires travel to Helena (30 miles away). Healthcare providers include family physicians, nurses, and visiting specialists. Limited local mental health services are available.