Education, Employment and Housing

Daniels County, MT, is served mainly by Scobey Public Schools, including Scobey High School. Around 91% of adults are high school graduates, while about 20% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The district comprises one elementary, one middle, and one high school, with a total enrollment of roughly 220 students. Average ACT scores are about 21. School safety measures are strong, with a low incident rate. Educational programs include FFA, athletics, and dual-credit courses. Adult education is limited but available through county extension offices.

As of 2022, Daniels County, MT, had an unemployment rate of approximately 2.6%. The largest employment sectors are agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (about 39%), followed by educational services, health care, and social assistance (18%), and retail trade (10%). Most workers (over 71%) are employed in management, business, science, and arts occupations. Commuting is largely local, with 82% of workers traveling less than 20 minutes to work, and over 75% working within the county. Only about 8% of workers commute outside Daniels County for employment.

Daniels County, MT, had a homeownership rate of approximately 79% in 2022, with median home values around $120,000. Median gross rent stood at roughly $557 monthly. The county's housing stock is primarily single-family homes, with limited multi-family options. Scobey, the county seat, is the core neighborhood, offering most amenities. Property values have seen modest appreciation, with a 5% increase from 2021 to 2023. Property tax rates average 0.87%, with typical annual taxes for a median-value home near $1,044. The rental market is small due to the high ownership rate and low population density.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Daniels County, MT, had a population of 1,661. The median age was about 49 years, indicating an older population. Approximately 50.2% were male and 49.8% were female. The county is predominantly White (93.7%), with Native Americans making up 2.2%, and Hispanics or Latinos representing 1.4%. Other racial groups and ethnicities comprise the remaining small percentage.

Elections

Daniels County, MT, had 1,337 registered voters in 2022. The county conducts general, primary, municipal, and school board elections, typically with results favoring Republican candidates—e.g., in the 2020 presidential election, 82% voted Republican. Polling occurs mainly at Scobey City Hall and the Courthouse. Issues often focus on agriculture and rural services. Election administration is handled by the Daniels County Election Administrator. Active political parties include the Republican and Democratic parties, though Republican registration and turnout are significantly higher.

County Crime & Safety

Daniels County, MT, maintains a notably low crime rate compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the county reported just 6 total crimes, including 0 violent crimes and 6 property crimes, according to Montana's Crime Data. The crime rate stands at approximately 2.1 incidents per 1,000 residents, highlighting a strong community commitment to safety. Local law enforcement regularly publishes crime statistics, ensuring transparency and public awareness. Overall, Daniels County is considered a safe area with minimal criminal activity.