Elections

Glacier County, MT had 7,151 registered voters as of 2022. It conducts federal, state, county, municipal, and school elections, including mail and in-person voting. In the 2020 presidential election, 57% voted Democratic and 41% Republican. There are nine polling locations, including in Cut Bank and Browning. Local issues include land use and tribal relations, as the county overlaps the Blackfeet Reservation. Voting is administered by the Glacier County Election Office, with major parties being Democratic and Republican. Recent voter turnout was about 61%. Provisional ballots and same-day registration are available to voters.

County Crime & Safety

Glacier County, MT, has a relatively high crime rate compared to state averages. According to the FBI's 2021 data, the county reported approximately 28 violent crimes and 54 property crimes per 1,000 residents, notably higher than Montana’s averages. The county’s rural geography can challenge law enforcement response times, impacting safety perceptions. Residents are encouraged to promptly report suspicious activities to improve accuracy in crime statistics and response efforts. Local programs focus on community policing and increasing public awareness to enhance safety across the region.

Education, Employment and Housing

Glacier County, MT has around 14 public schools, including Browning High and Cut Bank High. The high school graduation rate is approximately 77%, while only about 13% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (U.S. Census, 2020). Average test scores fall below the state average, with math and reading proficiency rates under 30%. School safety initiatives and Native American cultural programs are emphasized, reflecting the county’s significant Blackfeet Nation population. Adult education options are limited but present through local community outreach and online programs.

As of 2022, Glacier County, MT, reported an employment rate of approximately 54.3%. Major industries include health care and social assistance (22%), educational services (16.5%), and public administration (13%). Most workers are employed in office and administrative support (15%) and education-related occupations (13%). About 82% of residents commute by car, with a mean travel time of 14.4 minutes. The majority work locally within the county, particularly in Cut Bank and Browning, the region’s primary employment centers.

Glacier County, MT, features a homeownership rate of approximately 63%, with a median home value around $165,000 and median gross rent near $740 monthly. Housing options include single-family homes, mobile homes, and rentals, particularly in Cut Bank, Browning, and rural areas. Property values have seen modest growth, rising about 7% from 2022 to 2023. Property tax rates average 0.83% of assessed value, lower than the national average. Neighborhoods reflect the county’s rural, small-town atmosphere, with a mix of Native American and non-tribal communities.

Demographics

As of 2022, Glacier County, MT has an estimated population of 13,640. The median age is about 35 years. Females comprise roughly 50.5% of the population. The racial/ethnic makeup is predominantly Native American (63%), followed by White (33%), and others (Hispanic, Asian, Black, etc.) making up about 4%. The county is home to part of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, which strongly influences its demographics.