Silver Bow County Public RecordsMontana

Silver Bow County, Montana had approximately 22,500 registered voters in 2022. The county administers local, state, and federal elections, including school board and municipal votes. In the 2020 presidential election, 59% voted Democratic, 38% Republican. There are 13 polling locations, including the Butte Civic Center. Issues include economic development and mining regulations. Elections are managed by the Silver Bow County Clerk & Recorder, with voter turnout around 75% in general elections. The Democratic Party holds a significant advantage in registrations, reflecting Butte’s labor history. Voting options include in-person, absentee, and mail-in ballots.

Silver Bow County, Montana, has a population of approximately 35,440 (2022). The median age is about 41 years. Gender distribution is nearly balanced, with 49.9% male and 50.1% female. Racially, the county is predominantly White (92%), followed by Native American (3%), multiracial (3%), and small percentages of other races. Hispanic or Latino individuals account for about 3% of the population.

Silver Bow County, MT, served mainly by Butte School District, has 16 public schools, including Butte High School. About 92.4% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 25.9% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools score an average of 5/10 on GreatSchools ratings. Adult education is offered via local programs and Montana Tech. Safety measures include SROs and security protocols. Educational programs feature AP, dual-credit, and CTE options.

As of 2023, Silver Bow County, MT, has an employment rate of approximately 57%. Key industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (21.5% of jobs), Retail Trade (11.9%), and Educational Services (10.6%). Most workers are employed in office and administrative support (12.7%) and sales positions (9.6%). About 85% of residents work within the county, with a mean commute time of 15 minutes. Construction and mining remain notable employers, contributing 7.2% and 5.9% to county employment, respectively.

Silver Bow County, MT, featuring the city of Butte, has a homeownership rate of about 65%, with a median home value near $190,000 in 2023—a rise from previous years. Around 35% of residents rent, at a median gross rent of $800/month. Housing includes historic single-family homes, duplexes, and small apartment buildings. Popular neighborhoods include Uptown Butte and Walkerville. Property tax rates average 1.16%, translating to roughly $2,200 annually on a median-valued home. The market is relatively affordable compared to national trends, with steady appreciation and a wide mix of older and newer properties.

Silver Bow County, MT, has a crime rate above the national average, with recent reports indicating approximately 32 crimes per 1,000 residents annually. Violent crime, including assault and robbery, accounts for about 5 per 1,000, higher than Montana’s average. Property crime, such as burglary and theft, remains a concern at 27 per 1,000 residents. The county sheriff’s department and Butte Police actively encourage community reporting and safety initiatives, resulting in steady rates of case clearance and proactive policing. Despite ongoing efforts, residents are advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.