Yellowstone County Public RecordsMontana

Yellowstone County, MT, hosts over 55 public schools, including 13 high schools. The high school graduation rate is around 87%, and approximately 31% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Notably, Billings School District 2 serves the largest student population, with average test scores slightly above Montana’s average. The county invests in adult education via City College at MSU Billings and adult learning programs. School safety initiatives and mental health resources are ongoing focuses. Yellowstone County schools offer diverse programs, including AP, STEM, and vocational training options.

Yellowstone County, MT, boasts an employment rate of approximately 96% as of 2023. Health care and social assistance is the largest industry, employing about 18.5% of workers, followed by retail trade (13%) and educational services (9%). Major occupation types include office and administrative support (13%), sales (10%), and management (9%). Around 82% of residents commute by car, with a mean travel time of 17 minutes. Billings serves as the primary employment hub, hosting over 80% of county workers.

Yellowstone County, MT, features a homeownership rate of around 68%, with median home values at approximately $316,000 in 2023, and median rent near $1,100 per month. The housing market has shown steady growth, with property values rising about 6% year-over-year. Housing types include single-family homes, apartments, and some townhouses, particularly in Billings neighborhoods like West End, Heights, and Downtown. Property tax rates average about 0.87%, resulting in an annual tax of roughly $2,749 on a median-priced home. The county blends affordable living with diverse neighborhood options and robust real estate trends.

As of 2023, Yellowstone County, MT, has a population of approximately 165,000. The median age is about 39 years, with 49.4% male and 50.6% female residents. The racial/ethnic composition is predominantly White (85%), with Native American (5%), Hispanic or Latino (5%), and African American, Asian, and other groups making up the remainder. This diversity is reflected in community events and cultural engagement throughout the county.

Yellowstone County, MT, reports higher crime rates compared to state averages, particularly in Billings, its largest city. According to recent FBI data, the county had a violent crime rate of approximately 540 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2022, above the national rate of 380. Property crime is also significant, with about 3,200 reports per 100,000 residents. Law enforcement actively encourages community reporting and runs prevention programs. While overall crime has seen a slight decrease since 2021, certain areas continue to experience elevated safety concerns requiring ongoing attention.

Yellowstone County, MT, has over 110,000 registered voters as of 2024. Elections include federal, state, county, and municipal races, with GOP dominance–Donald Trump won 58% in 2020. Major polling locations include MetraPark and local schools, with 19 precincts countywide; over 70% voted absentee in recent cycles. Key issues are property taxes and public safety. The county’s election office manages ballots and compliance, supervised by an elected clerk/recorder. The Republican and Democratic parties are active, but Republicans hold most local offices. Recent turnout rates exceed 75% in general elections.