Education, Employment and Housing

McCone County, MT, has limited educational facilities, with 3 public schools serving pre-K through 12th grade and no colleges or universities within the county. The high school graduation rate is about 86%, while approximately 17% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher (U.S. Census Bureau, 2021). School safety incidents are rare, reflecting the county’s low population (under 2,000 residents). Educational programs are primarily traditional, with some adult education and vocational offerings. Statewide standardized test scores are generally at or above the Montana average.

As of 2022, McCone County, MT, had an employment rate of approximately 60%, with about 930 residents in the labor force. The largest industries include agriculture (employing 35%), educational and health services (15%), and retail trade (10%). Major occupations are farming, management, and healthcare. Roughly 82% of workers commute less than 15 minutes, with most employed locally; under 5% work outside the county. The median household income is around $57,000.

McCone County, MT, features a high homeownership rate of around 80%, with median home values near $130,000 and median gross rents around $580 per month. Housing stock is primarily single-family homes, with few multifamily units. The property market remains stable, experiencing moderate value increases annually. Scattered rural neighborhoods offer spacious lots and agricultural settings. Property tax rates average approximately 0.8%, contributing to the area’s affordable living costs. Rental options are limited, with most residents owning their homes.

Demographics

As of 2020, McCone County, Montana, had a population of 1,729. The median age was approximately 49.1 years, reflecting an older demographic. About 50.5% of residents were male and 49.5% female. Racially, the population was predominantly White (94.3%), with small percentages identifying as American Indian (1.8%), two or more races (2.5%), and Hispanic or Latino (1.2%). Diversity remains limited, with the vast majority identifying as non-Hispanic White.

Elections

McCone County, Montana, had 1,215 registered voters as of 2022. Voters participate in federal, state, and local elections, including primaries and general contests. In the 2020 presidential election, about 85% voted Republican, 10% Democrat, and 5% others. There are three main polling locations in Circle, Vida, and Brockway. Key issues include agriculture, property taxes, and rural healthcare. Elections are managed by the County Election Administrator, adhering to Montana state law. The county primarily leans Republican, with minimal Democratic or third-party presence in recent cycles.

County Crime & Safety

McCone County, MT, is among the safest counties in the state, with a very low crime rate. According to the FBI’s 2022 Uniform Crime Reporting, the county reported 0 violent crimes and just 1 property crime, resulting in a crime rate of approximately 28.3 per 100,000 residents. The Sheriff's Office handles public safety, and due to the small, rural population (around 1,700 people), incidents are rare. Residents report high levels of safety, and law enforcement maintains a visible community presence while encouraging reporting of suspicious activity.