Toole County Public RecordsMontana

Toole County, MT, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. In 2023, the county reported approximately 65 total crimes, with 6 violent crimes and 59 property crimes, according to FBI data. The violent crime rate stands at 1.2 per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate is about 12 per 1,000. Local law enforcement actively encourages crime reporting and community engagement, helping to maintain the area's overall safety and security.

Toole County, MT, had 2,800 registered voters in 2022. The county holds primary, general, and special elections, managed by the Toole County Election Administrator. In the 2020 presidential election, 72% voted Republican, 25% Democrat. Major polling locations include Shelby Civic Center and Toole County Courthouse. Recent election issues centered on mail-in ballots and voter ID. The county’s electorate is predominantly Republican, with local Democratic and Libertarian presence. Voter turnout typically ranges from 65% to 75%, reflecting high civic engagement despite the rural setting.

Toole County, MT, has one main high school—Shelby High—with an enrollment of about 170 students and average test scores near the Montana state median (approx. 50% proficiency in math and reading). Only about 18% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The county maintains three public schools, ensuring small class sizes for personalized attention. School safety incidents are low, reflecting the rural community setting. Adult education and vocational programs are limited, but some resources are available through partnerships with regional colleges. Overall, educational opportunities strive to meet local needs despite limited program diversity.

As of 2022, Toole County, MT had an employment rate of about 57%, with approximately 1,800 employed residents. Major industries include healthcare and social assistance (18%), retail trade (15%), and transportation (13%). Leading occupations are in office and administrative support (14%), management (13%), and transportation-related jobs (12%). Nearly 75% of workers commute by car, with a mean travel time of 12 minutes. Most employment is concentrated in the city of Shelby, while smaller numbers commute to nearby counties or towns.

Toole County, MT, features a homeownership rate around 70%, with the rest renting. Median home values are approximately $180,000, while median gross rent is about $680 monthly. Housing in the county consists mainly of single-family homes, with some apartments and mobile homes. Shelby, the county seat, is the primary neighborhood, offering most housing services. Property values have seen modest growth in recent years, rising 3–5% annually. Property tax rates approximate 0.8% of assessed value. Overall, Toole County offers affordable housing options in a rural Montana setting.

As of 2022, Toole County, MT has a population of approximately 4,800 people. The median age is about 42 years, with 50.3% male and 49.7% female. The racial composition is predominantly White (84%), with Native American (11%), Hispanic or Latino (3%), and smaller percentages of other groups. The county’s demographic reflects a largely rural, aging population with modest diversity.