Stillwater County Public RecordsMontana

As of the 2020 Census, Stillwater County, MT, had a population of 8,963. The median age is about 45 years. Approximately 50.8% are male and 49.2% female. Racially, the county is predominantly White (93.7%), with small percentages of American Indian (1.1%), two or more races (3%), and Hispanic or Latino (2.8%). The population under 18 accounts for 22.3%, and those 65 and older make up 21.8%.

Stillwater County, MT, had around 5,800 registered voters in 2022. Elections include federal, state, and local races, plus school board and special district votes. In the 2020 presidential election, about 80% voted Republican, 17% Democrat. Polling places include county fairgrounds and local schools. Key issues are property taxes and land use. The County Election Administrator oversees elections. Major parties are Republican and Democrat; Republicans dominate. Early and absentee voting options are available to all.

Stillwater County, MT, has about 8 public schools serving roughly 1,200 students, including Columbus High School. About 93% of adults hold a high school diploma, while around 23% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety ratings are above Montana’s average, and graduation rates typically exceed 90%. The county offers adult education and vocational programs through local organizations. School quality scores average 6/10, with a focus on small class sizes and supportive, community-centered educational programs.

Stillwater County, MT, has an employment rate of approximately 64.5%. Major industries include mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (26%), followed by educational services, health care, and social assistance (17%), and construction (11%). Occupations are led by management, business, science, and arts (30%), and natural resources, construction, and maintenance (23%). About 75% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 26 minutes; key employment locations include Columbus and nearby Billings, with 17% commuting outside the county for work.

Stillwater County, MT, boasts a homeownership rate of approximately 77%, with median home values around $330,000 in 2024. Median monthly rents average $1,100. The housing market has seen moderate growth, with property values rising about 5% year-over-year. Typical housing types include single-family homes and ranch properties, with newer developments in neighborhoods near Columbus and Absarokee. Property taxes average 0.8% of assessed home value, meaning annual taxes of roughly $2,640 for the median home. The area offers a rural lifestyle, scenic surroundings, and a stable, moderately priced housing market.

Stillwater County, MT, generally maintains low crime rates compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported approximately 58 total crimes, including 5 violent crimes and 53 property crimes, resulting in a crime rate of about 7.4 per 1,000 residents. The local sheriff’s office actively promotes public safety and encourages crime reporting through various community channels. Despite occasional incidents, Stillwater County remains one of Montana's safer regions, with law enforcement focusing on proactive measures and community engagement to sustain low crime levels.