RANK #641 / 996 · POP 71,487 · MT
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.3%
Lewis and Clark County, Montana, is defined by its connection to the historic Lewis and Clark Expedition and its striking natural scenery, including segments of the Rocky Mountain Front and the Continental Divide. Helena, the state capital and county seat, serves as a central hub. The county offers extensive outdoor recreation, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, and camping across its 407 acres of parkland and numerous trails. Major water features like the Missouri, Blackfoot, and Dearborn Rivers provide diverse recreational activities. Commuting within the county is primarily by car, with Interstate 15 and U.S. Highways 12 and 287 serving as key routes. Public transportation is available in Helena and East Helena.
Life in Lewis and Clark County blends a connection to history with access to natural amenities. The public schools in Lewis and Clark County are rated above average. The economy has seen job growth since 2020, with government, finance, and professional and technical services among the higher-paying industries. The area attracts families and young professionals, with a notable percentage of residents owning their homes. Lewis and Clark County's population has steadily increased, with a significant number of people moving into the county between 2020 and 2023.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.3x relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Lewis and Clark County has a Boom Town Index score of 36/100, ranking #641 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +2.4% and a median household income of $71,967, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Lewis and Clark County is $332,000 with median rent at $1,006/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2168, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.6% year-over-year. Job growth: +2.4%. Home values changed +2.6% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.85% of Lewis and Clark County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.