Sanders County Public RecordsMontana

Sanders County, MT, has around 8 public schools, including 3 high schools, serving approximately 1,200 students. About 81% of adults have a high school diploma, while 15% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Average standardized test scores are slightly below the Montana state average. School safety ranks well, with minimal reported incidents. Adult education and vocational programs are offered through local institutions. Educational programs focus on STEM and agriculture, though resources are limited compared to urban areas.

As of 2022, Sanders County, MT had an employment rate of about 47%, with approximately 4,500 employed residents. Major sectors include health care and social assistance (15%), retail trade (13%), and construction (11%). Top occupations are in office/administrative support (13%) and management (11%). Around 74% of workers commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 27 minutes. Most residents work within the county, though about 15% commute to neighboring counties, especially Missoula and Flathead.

Sanders County, MT, has a homeownership rate of about 80%, with the median home value around $315,000 in 2023. Median gross rent is approximately $850 per month. Housing types are primarily single-family homes, with some mobile homes and cabins. Hot Springs and Thompson Falls are notable neighborhoods. The area has seen property values increase by nearly 7% year-over-year. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging 0.81% of home value. The housing market remains tight due to limited inventory, attracting both retirees and remote workers seeking affordable rural living.

As of 2023, Sanders County, MT has a population of approximately 12,400. The median age is 52.7 years, reflecting an older demographic. About 50.4% of residents are male and 49.6% female. The county is predominantly White (91.8%), with Native Americans comprising 4.3%, and other races or multiracial individuals making up the remainder. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.8% of the population, contributing to the county’s limited but present ethnic diversity.

Sanders County, Montana, had approximately 8,600 registered voters in 2022. The county primarily participates in general, primary, and local elections, with mail-in and in-person voting at six polling locations, including the Courthouse in Thompson Falls. In the 2020 presidential election, Republicans dominated with 73% of the vote, Democrats received 24%. Key issues include public lands and taxation. Elections are administered by the Sanders County Election Office, overseen by the Clerk and Recorder. The county’s electorate is majority Republican, with Democratic and Independent parties present but less influential.

Sanders County, MT, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported a total of 102 criminal incidents, with 14 violent crimes and 88 property crimes, according to the Montana Board of Crime Control. The violent crime rate stands at approximately 2.4 per 1,000 residents, while property crime is 15.0 per 1,000. Local law enforcement actively encourages community reporting and crime prevention measures, contributing to the county’s reputation for safety and prompt response.