Lake County Public RecordsMontana

Lake County, MT has 19 public schools serving approximately 2,800 K-12 students, with a high school graduation rate of about 84%. Bachelor’s degree attainment among adults is around 19%, below the national average. The average school test score is 46%, indicating moderate performance. School safety initiatives and adult education programs, including GED and vocational training, are available to enhance lifelong learning. Specialized programs support Native American students, reflecting the local Flathead Reservation community.

As of 2022, Lake County, MT had an employment rate of approximately 54%, with major industries including health care and social assistance (20%), retail trade (11%), and educational services (10%). Most employed residents work in management, sales, or office occupations. About 76% of workers commute by car, with a mean travel time of 21 minutes. While many are employed within the county, roughly 15% commute to nearby counties such as Missoula.

Lake County, MT, has a homeownership rate of about 73%, with a median home value of $353,000 as of 2023, reflecting a 5% annual increase. Rental opportunities are limited, with a median rent around $1,200. Housing types range from single-family homes to lakeside properties, especially near Polson and Flathead Lake. Key neighborhoods include Pablo, Ronan, and Big Arm. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging 0.84% of home value. The market remains competitive due to high demand for lakeside living and scenic views.

Lake County, Montana, had 20,122 registered voters as of November 2022. It primarily hosts federal, state, and local elections, including school board and tribal elections due to its location within the Flathead Reservation. In the 2020 presidential election, 58% voted Republican, 40% Democratic. Major issues include water rights and tribal-state relations. Polling sites operate in Polson, Ronan, and St. Ignatius; absentee/mail-in ballots are popular (over 70% usage in 2020). Elections are administered by the County Election Office, and both Democratic and Republican parties are active locally, reflecting a closely divided electorate.

Lake County, MT, experiences a crime rate higher than the Montana average, with recent data indicating about 39.1 crimes per 1,000 residents annually. Violent crime stands at 4.8 per 1,000, while property crime is 34.3 per 1,000—both above national rates. Law enforcement relies on community reporting and proactive patrols, yet challenges persist. The clearance rate for reported crimes is approximately 34%. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities to aid in safety efforts.

As of the 2020 census, Lake County, Montana, had a population of 31,134. The median age was approximately 42.3 years. The gender split was nearly even, with about 50.6% female and 49.4% male. Racially, the county was 62.2% White and 23.7% American Indian or Alaska Native, with Hispanic or Latino individuals comprising 3.9%. Other races and those identifying with two or more races made up the remaining portion.