Dawson County Public RecordsMontana

As of the 2020 Census, Dawson County, Montana, had a population of 8,940. The median age was 41.2 years, with 19% under 18 and 19% aged 65 or older. Gender distribution was approximately 53% male and 47% female. The racial and ethnic makeup was 92.8% White, 3.2% American Indian, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, 1.6% two or more races, and 2.7% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Dawson County, MT, had 5,307 registered voters for the 2022 general election, with turnout around 62%. Administered by the Dawson County Election Office in Glendive, elections include federal, state, county, and municipal races. Major parties are Republican and Democrat; in 2022, Republicans won most local offices, including a 76%–22% split in the U.S. House race. Common issues are agriculture, energy, and taxes. Polling locations include the Dawson County Courthouse and Fairgrounds. Voter registration requires MT residency and ID. The process is overseen by the County Clerk & Recorder.

Dawson County, MT has one main public high school, Dawson County High School, serving grades 9–12. The county’s public school system comprises approximately 7 schools, with a graduation rate of about 86%. Around 17% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety is a priority, with Dawson County reporting low incidences of violence. Educational programs include Advanced Placement (AP) courses and vocational training. Adult education opportunities are available through Dawson Community College, which supports workforce development and continuing education for residents.

Dawson County, MT, has an employment rate of approximately 59%, with about 4,000 individuals employed. The largest industry is Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting, employing around 16% of workers, followed by Health Care & Social Assistance (14%) and Retail Trade (11%). Most occupations are in Management, Sales, and Office roles. Roughly 83% of workers commute alone by car, with a mean travel time of 13 minutes. Nearly 95% of employed residents work within Dawson County, particularly in and around the county seat, Glendive. (Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2022).

Dawson County, MT, has a homeownership rate of approximately 70%, with median home values around $180,000 as of 2023. Median gross rent is about $650 monthly. The housing market remains stable, with modest annual appreciation under 5%. Housing types primarily include single-family homes and some duplexes, centered in neighborhoods like Glendive, the county seat. Property taxes average 1.1% of assessed value, relatively low compared to national rates. The area offers affordable living and a tight-knit community, appealing to both buyers and renters seeking value and stability.

Dawson County, MT, experiences relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported a total of 43 crimes, including 5 violent crimes (such as assault and robbery) and 38 property crimes (including theft and burglary). The crime rate stands at approximately 8.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. The Dawson County Sheriff’s Office actively encourages community participation in crime prevention, with most incidents promptly reported and investigated, helping maintain a sense of safety throughout the area.