County Profile

• Madison County contains 2.3 million acres or 3,603 square miles:
  • 46% Federally owned
  • 6% State owned
  • 48% Privately owned
  • Madison County population is 7,915 (2015 estimate, US Census Bureau)
• Per capita income is $29,270 (2015 Estimate). This ranks 20th among Montana's 56 counties (2013 Estimate). Montana ranks 39th among all States in per capita income.
• Median household income (in 2015 dollars), 2011-2015 is $46,250, Statewide is $47,169 and US wide is $53,889
• Major business activities in Madison County are ranching, farming, construction, limited mining and tourism/recreation. Schools, medical services, county government, Forest Service, several resorts and several large construction companies are the County's major employers. Home construction, associated with extensive subdivision of the past 20 years, is one of the fastest growing industries in Madison County. Non-traditional ranch property owners are becoming more common. Family ranches, livestock numbers and successful year round main street businesses are being threatened by high land values and low agricultural economics.
• The County Seat is Virginia City. Virginia City was the Montana Territorial Capital from 1865 to 1875. The courthouse, constructed in 1875 is still used for County offices.
• National Historic Landmark Virginia City, one of the State's early successful mining towns, is now a visitor stop for thousands of travelers each year. Virginia City was home to over 10,000 residents in the mining boom of the 1860's and 70's. Virginia City and its neighboring town Nevada City are recognized as one of the busiest tourist attractions in Montana and are major seasonal employers. The State of Montana now owns and manages much of the historical district of Virginia City. Virginia City is a major seasonal employer in Madison County.
• Four towns in Madison County are incorporated: Ennis, Sheridan, Twin Bridges and Virginia City. All have functioning local governments.
• Other distance communities in Madison County: Alder, Big Sky, Harrison, Silver Star, Pony, McAllister, Laurin, Norris and Cameron. They rely on County support for numerous services.
• One out of three Madison County residents live within the towns.
• Madison, Beaverhead, Big Hole, Jefferson and Ruby Rivers are all major rivers in Madison County. Beginning in Madison County the Ruby River is a headwater of the Missouri River. All rivers and numerous other waters in Madison County are popular fishing and recreation destinations.
• Much of Big Sky, one of the west's premier resort destinations, lies in Madison County. Seasonally, Big Sky employs over 800 service oriented employees.
• Madison County is experiencing many other changes. Four high schools in Madison County are experiencing reduced enrollments. Four grade schools (K-8) and two rural schools (K-6) note the same concerns. Community populations are staying fairly consistent. Observation leads one to think that most communities in Madison County are becoming retirement based populations. Several towns are noting numerous main street and other business closures.
• Madison County has an estimated 1200 miles of County roads.
• 109,000 acres in Madison County are classified prime farmland.
• From the Madison County Growth Policy 2012:
  • 164, 700 acres were subdivided.
  • Of the 3,845 total subdivision lots in Madison County outside the incorporated towns, approximately 37% (1,423) of these lots were built on.
    
  • Conservation Easements were in effect on approximately 301,820 acres of private land.
  • Noxious weeds or weed seed infest over 200,000 acres.
  • Approximately 36,000 acres are considered flood prone.