Garfield County Public RecordsMontana

Garfield County, MT, is known for its low crime rate. According to the FBI’s 2022 Uniform Crime Reporting data, the county reported 0 violent crimes and only 2 property crimes, making it one of Montana’s safest counties. The crime rate stands at approximately 68 per 100,000 residents, significantly lower than the national average. Local law enforcement collaborates with community members to maintain safety. Residents enjoy a secure environment, with minimal criminal incidents reported annually.

Garfield County, MT, had 993 residents as of 2020, with about 690 registered voters. The county conducts federal, state, and local elections, including presidential, statewide, and county commission races. In the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump received 89% of the county’s vote. Polling locations include the Garfield County Courthouse in Jordan. Election administration is managed by the county clerk and recorder. The county is staunchly Republican, with over 80% registration typically favoring the GOP. Key issues include agriculture, land use, and rural healthcare access.

Garfield County, MT, serves its sparse population with 2 public schools, including Garfield County District High School. The county reports a high school graduation rate of about 90%, but only 15% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety incidents are rare, given the small student body—under 120 total K-12 students. Educational programs are limited but include basic athletics and vocational courses. The district’s overall GreatSchools rating is 5/10. Adult education options are few, with occasional GED programs offered locally or online.

Garfield County, MT, reported a civilian employment rate of around 58% in 2022. The largest employment sectors are agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting, accounting for approximately 36% of jobs. Management, business, and science occupations make up about 42% of the workforce. Most residents commute less than 15 minutes to work, with over 80% working within the county itself. The unemployment rate hovers near 2.5%. Overall, local employment is driven by agriculture and natural resources, reflecting the county's rural economy and sparse population.

Garfield County, MT, is sparsely populated with around 1,200 residents. About 70% of homes are owner-occupied, and median home values are near $125,000 (2022). Rental options are limited, with median gross rent around $530 monthly. Housing stock consists mostly of single-family homes and rural properties rather than defined neighborhoods. Property values have remained relatively stable, with modest annual increases of 2–3%. Property tax rates average 0.85% of assessed value. The market reflects rural Montana’s generally affordable, low-density, and owner-driven housing landscape.

As of the 2020 Census, Garfield County, MT had a population of 1,173. The median age was 49.3 years, with 51.3% male and 48.7% female residents. The racial makeup was 95.1% White, 2.7% Native American, 0.5% Asian, and 1.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals made up 1.4% of the population.