Sweet Grass County Public RecordsMontana

Sweet Grass County, MT, has one public high school, Sweet Grass County High School, serving about 170 students, with a graduation rate of approximately 91%. The county has a few elementary schools but no higher education institutions locally; only 26% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety is rated average, with few reported incidents annually. Educational programs include FFA, sports, and dual-credit courses. Schools score around 6/10 academically. Adult education opportunities are limited and generally available through nearby community colleges.

As of 2022, Sweet Grass County, MT, had an employment rate of approximately 60%, with a civilian labor force of around 1,800. Key industries include Agriculture (15%), Health Care & Social Assistance (13%), and Retail Trade (10%). Most workers (over 60%) were in management, sales, and office occupations. The average commute time is about 13 minutes, with over 70% of employees working within the county and less than 3% commuting from outside Montana. Self-employment is significant, comprising about 30% of the workforce, reflecting the county’s rural character.

Sweet Grass County, MT, has a homeownership rate of around 74%, with median home values near $327,000 as of 2023. The median rent is approximately $925 per month. The housing market has shown steady appreciation, with home values rising about 6% year-over-year. Most housing consists of single-family homes, ranch-style properties, and some historic houses, particularly in Big Timber and surrounding rural neighborhoods. Property tax rates average 0.85% of assessed value. The area offers a quiet, small-town atmosphere with open landscapes and access to outdoor recreation.

Sweet Grass County, Montana, with about 2,380 registered voters as of 2022, holds elections for federal, state, and local offices, as well as ballot issues. In the 2020 presidential race, 76% voted Republican and 21% Democrat. Elections are overseen by the Clerk & Recorder in Big Timber, the usual polling location. Both absentee and in-person voting are available. Key issues include agriculture and land use. Republicans dominate party registration. For the June 2024 primary, voter turnout was approximately 60%.

As of 2022, Sweet Grass County, Montana has a population of approximately 3,700. The median age is about 48 years. Around 51% of residents are male and 49% female. The county is predominantly White (over 95%), with smaller populations of Hispanic or Latino (about 3%), Native American (less than 1%), and other racial groups. The area has a relatively older demographic compared to national averages, reflecting its rural character.

Sweet Grass County, MT, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. According to the latest FBI data (2022), the violent crime rate is approximately 1.2 per 1,000 residents, while property crime is about 8.4 per 1,000 residents. The county sheriff’s office actively encourages community reporting, assisting in quick response times. Overall, Sweet Grass County is considered safer than 60% of U.S. counties, contributing to a secure small-town atmosphere.