Prairie County Public RecordsMontana

Prairie County, MT, serves around 300 students with 3 public schools, including Terry High School. The high school graduation rate is approximately 87%, while about 15% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher—below the state average. School safety incidents are rare, with fewer than 2 reported each year. Standardized test scores are slightly below the Montana average. Adult education and vocational programs are limited but available through nearby community colleges. Prairie County schools emphasize small class sizes and personalized attention, offering core academics and some career-oriented electives.

Prairie County, MT, has an employment rate of about 54% among residents aged 16 and over. Agriculture is the leading industry, employing nearly 30% of the workforce, followed by education, healthcare, and public administration. About 27% of workers hold management, business, science, and arts occupations. The vast majority (over 75%) commute less than 20 minutes to work, with most jobs located within the county. Self-employment is high, reflecting the region’s rural, agricultural character. Unemployment stands at approximately 2.5%, lower than the national average.

Prairie County, MT, has a homeownership rate of about 77%, with median home values around $108,000 (2022). Rental options are limited, and median gross rent is approximately $590 per month. Detached single-family homes dominate, with few multifamily units. Towns like Terry and Fallon are main neighborhoods, offering quiet, rural living. Property values have remained stable with modest growth. Property tax rates are low, averaging 0.84%, meaning annual taxes on a $108,000 home are about $900, making Prairie County an affordable choice for homeowners seeking a close-knit, small-town atmosphere.

As of the 2020 Census, Prairie County, MT had a population of 1,088. The median age was 52.7 years, reflecting an older demographic. About 50.4% were male and 49.6% female. The county’s population was predominantly White (95.8%), with small percentages identifying as American Indian or Alaska Native (1.6%), and those of two or more races (2%). Hispanic or Latino residents comprised around 1.8%.

Prairie County, MT, is one of the safest counties in Montana, with crime rates significantly below national averages. According to the FBI’s 2022 Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data, Prairie County reported 0 violent crimes and only 2 property crimes (burglary and larceny) for the year, resulting in a property crime rate of 76.7 per 100,000 residents. Law enforcement responds promptly despite limited resources, and residents report high feelings of safety. Crime reporting adheres to Montana state guidelines, ensuring accuracy and transparency in all statistics.

Prairie County, Montana, with about 1,100 residents, had roughly 800 registered voters in 2022. Elections include federal, state, and local races, with the county favoring Republican candidates—Donald Trump won 88% of the vote in 2020. Voters cast ballots at polling places in Terry and Fallon. Key local issues include agricultural policy and rural services. The Clerk and Recorder’s Office administers elections, ensuring compliance with state laws. Prairie County’s political landscape is dominated by Republican and some independent voters, with Democrats making up a small minority.