Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Sheridan County, Montana, had a population of 3,539. The median age is 50.4 years, with about 23% under 18 and 26% aged 65 or older. The gender split is approximately 50.4% male and 49.6% female. Racially, the county is 89.7% White, 6.4% Native American, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 3.3% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Education, Employment and Housing

Sheridan County, MT, has 4 public schools, including Plentywood High School. The high school graduation rate is about 93%, while roughly 18% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School ratings average around 6/10, suggesting solid academic performance. Educational programs focus on career and technical education, with some AP courses. Adult education options are limited locally but accessible online. The county reports low incidents of school violence, with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, supporting a safe, personalized learning environment.

Sheridan County, MT, has an employment rate of approximately 60.5%, with major industries including agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting (23%), healthcare & social assistance (16%), and retail trade (11%). The most common occupations are management (22%), office & administrative support (13%), and construction/extraction (11%). About 76% of workers commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 14.8 minutes. Most employment is based locally within the county, while a smaller portion commutes to neighboring Roosevelt and Daniels counties for work.

Sheridan County, MT, has a high homeownership rate of approximately 77%, with a median home value of around $136,000 (2022 data). Median gross rent is about $600 per month. The housing stock is primarily single-family homes, with some mobile homes and small apartment complexes in towns like Plentywood. Property values have remained stable with slight increases yearly. Neighborhoods are largely rural and close-knit. Property taxes average 1.0% of assessed value, translating to about $1,360 annually on a median-priced home, offering affordable living compared to national averages.

Elections

Sheridan County, MT, had 2,390 registered voters in 2022. Elections include federal, state, and local offices, with recent turnout around 71%. In the 2020 presidential election, 71% voted Republican, 27% Democrat. Polling locations include the county courthouse in Plentywood and several rural sites. Key issues are agriculture, property taxes, and rural health. Elections are administered by the county clerk & recorder’s office. Voters generally favor the Republican Party. Early voting and absentee ballots are available, with about 40% of ballots cast absentee in recent elections.

County Crime & Safety

Sheridan County, MT, reports relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. In 2022, the county recorded approximately 38 total crimes, including 4 violent crimes and 34 property crimes, equating to a crime rate of about 6.5 per 1,000 residents. Law enforcement emphasizes community policing, and most crimes involve minor theft or vandalism. Reporting is handled by the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office, with all incidents logged annually for state and FBI databases. Overall, Sheridan County remains considered a safe rural area.