What is Billings County and where is it located?

Billings County is a county situated in the U.S. state of North Dakota. It is located in the southwestern part of the state.

When was Billings County created and organized?

The Territorial legislature authorized the creation of Billings County on February 10, 1879, and it was officially organized on May 4, 1886.

Who is Billings County named after?

Billings County is named in honor of Frederick H. Billings, who served as the president of the Northern Pacific Railway.

What is the county seat of Billings County, and is it the only incorporated place?

The county seat of Billings County is Medora, which is also the only incorporated place within the county.

What were the population figures for Billings County in the 2020 census and the 2024 estimate?

According to the 2020 census, Billings County had a population of 945. By 2024, the estimated population had increased to 1,063.

How does Billings County rank in terms of population within North Dakota?

With a population of 945 in 2020, Billings County is the second-least populous county in North Dakota.

What is the total area of Billings County?

Billings County covers a total area of 1,153.116 square miles (2,986.56 km²).

How much of Billings County's total area is comprised of water?

Approximately 4.628 square miles (11.99 km²) of Billings County's total area is water, which accounts for about 0.40% of its total area.

Describe the terrain of Billings County.

The terrain in Billings County is characterized by rugged, semi-arid hills in its western sections, transitioning to more level ground towards the east. The highest terrain is found along its western boundary.

Which major river flows through the western part of Billings County?

The Little Missouri River flows northward through the western portion of Billings County.

What is the highest elevation point mentioned in Billings County?

The highest terrain in Billings County is located along its west boundary line, reaching an elevation of 2,523 feet (769 meters) above sea level.

Which unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in Billings County?

The South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is situated in the central part of Billings County, just north of Medora.

What are the primary highways that serve Billings County?

The major highways serving Billings County are Interstate 94 and U.S. Highway 85.

Which counties are adjacent to Billings County?

Billings County is bordered by McKenzie County to the north, Dunn County to the northeast, Stark County to the east, Slope County to the south, and Golden Valley County to the west.

What protected areas are located within Billings County?

Billings County contains parts of the Little Missouri National Grassland, Rough Rider State Park, and the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

How has the population of Billings County changed over time, based on the provided census data?

Billings County experienced significant population fluctuations. After starting with 1,323 people in 1880, it dropped to 170 in 1890, then surged to 10,186 in 1910. Subsequent decades saw declines, with a low of 783 in 2010, followed by an increase to 945 in 2020.

What was the median household income in Billings County as of the 2023 American Community Survey?

As of the 2023 American Community Survey, the median household income in Billings County was $81,250.

What percentage of Billings County's population lives below the poverty line, according to the 2023 ACS?

Approximately 10.5% of Billings County's population lives at or below the poverty line, based on the 2023 American Community Survey data.

What was the employment rate and educational attainment in Billings County according to the 2023 ACS?

Billings County had an estimated employment rate of 62.1%, with 32.4% of its population holding a bachelor's degree or higher and 94.6% holding a high school diploma.

What were the most common ancestries reported by residents in Billings County?

The most commonly reported ancestries by residents in Billings County were English (97.9%), followed by Indo-European (1.8%), and Spanish (0.3%).

What was the median age in Billings County in 2010?

In 2010, the median age for residents of Billings County was 48.6 years.

What percentage of households in Billings County were headed by married couples living together in 2010?

In 2010, 56.1% of households in Billings County consisted of married couples living together.

What was the per capita income in Billings County in 2010?

The per capita income for Billings County in 2010 was $28,666.

What percentage of families in Billings County were below the poverty line in 2010?

In 2010, approximately 6.8% of families in Billings County were living below the poverty line.

What is the general political leaning of Billings County voters?

Billings County voters have traditionally leaned Republican, with Republican candidates consistently receiving over seventy percent of the county's vote in recent elections.

How did Billings County vote in the 1992 and 1996 presidential elections regarding third-party candidates?

Billings County showed significant interest in third-party candidates, giving Ross Perot over twenty percent of the vote in both the 1992 and 1996 presidential elections.

What percentage of the vote did Pat Buchanan receive in Billings County in the 2000 presidential election?

Pat Buchanan received approximately six percent of the vote in Billings County when he ran as the Reform Party's candidate in the 2000 presidential election.

How did Billings County vote in the 2020 Presidential election?

In the 2020 United States presidential election, Billings County voters cast 541 votes for the Republican candidate (85.20%) and 72 votes for the Democratic candidate (11.34%), with 22 votes (3.46%) going to third parties.

What recreational facilities or trails are mentioned in relation to Billings County?

The Bully Pulpit Golf Course, located near Medora, and the Maah Daah Hey Trail, which starts south of Medora, are mentioned as recreational points of interest in the vicinity of Billings County.

What are the unorganized territories within Billings County?

Billings County is divided into two unorganized territories by the U.S. Census Bureau: North Billings and South Billings.

What areas do the North and South Billings unorganized territories encompass?

The North Billings territory includes all of the county north of Interstate 94, while the South Billings territory covers the area south of I-94, excluding Medora.

What was the population of the North Billings unorganized territory in 2020?

In the 2020 census, the North Billings unorganized territory had a population of 566.

What was the population of the South Billings unorganized territory in 2020?

The South Billings unorganized territory had a population of 258 according to the 2020 census.

What unincorporated communities are located in Billings County?

The unincorporated communities in Billings County include Fairfield, Gorham, Fryburg, and Sully Springs.

What is listed under the 'See also' section of the article?

The 'See also' section lists the National Register of Historic Places listings in Billings County, North Dakota.

What was the impact of county boundary changes on the 1910 population figure for Billings County?

The 1910 population figure for Billings County included populations from townships that were later partitioned to form Golden Valley County (in 1912) and Slope County (in 1915).

What was the racial makeup of Billings County in the 2020 census?

In the 2020 census, Billings County's racial makeup was predominantly White (96.40%), with smaller percentages of African American (0.42%), Native American (0.53%), Asian (0.63%), and individuals identifying with two or more races (2.01%). Hispanic or Latino individuals constituted 2.33% of the population.

What was the median home value in Billings County as of the fourth quarter of 2024?

As of the fourth quarter of 2024, the median home value in Billings County was reported as $341,706.

What was the percentage of non-Hispanic White residents in Billings County in 2020?

In the 2020 census, 95.45% of Billings County's population was identified as non-Hispanic White.

How did the population of Billings County change between the 2010 and 2020 censuses?

The population of Billings County increased by 20.7%, from 783 in 2010 to 945 in 2020.

What was the percentage of German ancestry reported in Billings County in the 2010 census?

In the 2010 census, 40.6% of Billings County residents reported German ancestry.

What was the percentage of Ukrainian ancestry reported in Billings County in the 2010 census?

According to the 2010 census, 19.1% of Billings County residents reported Ukrainian ancestry.

What was the percentage of Norwegian ancestry reported in Billings County in the 2010 census?

In the 2010 census, 17.7% of Billings County residents reported Norwegian ancestry.

What was the percentage of the population that identified as Hispanic or Latino in Billings County in the 2023 estimate?

The 2023 estimate indicated that 2.8% of Billings County's population was Hispanic or Latino.

What was the percentage of Asian residents in Billings County in the 2020 census?

In the 2020 census, 0.63% of Billings County's population identified as Asian.

What was the percentage of residents with a bachelor's degree or higher in Billings County, according to the 2023 ACS?

According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 32.4% of Billings County's population held a bachelor's degree or higher.

What was the percentage of residents with a high school diploma in Billings County, according to the 2023 ACS?

The 2023 American Community Survey data shows that 94.6% of Billings County's population held a high school diploma.

What was the population density of Billings County in 2020?

In 2020, the population density of Billings County was 0.8 inhabitants per square mile (0.3 per km²).

What was the percentage of the population that identified as Native American or Alaska Native in Billings County in 2020?

In the 2020 census, 0.53% of Billings County's population identified as Native American or Alaska Native.

What was the percentage of the population that identified as African American in Billings County in 2020?

In the 2020 census, 0.42% of Billings County's population identified as African American.

What was the percentage of the population that identified as Pacific Islander in Billings County in 2020?

In the 2020 census, 0.00% of Billings County's population identified as Pacific Islander.

Billings County North Dakota Wiki: Billings County: Prairie Frontier and Population Dynamics

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Geographic Landscape

Topographical Features

Billings County is characterized by a diverse topography, transitioning from rugged, semi-arid hills in its western expanse to more level terrain eastward. The county's highest elevations are found along its western boundary, reaching approximately 2,523 feet (769 meters) above sea level. The Little Missouri River traverses the western part of the county, a significant hydrological feature shaping the landscape. Bullion Creek also flows eastward through the southwestern section, eventually joining the Little Missouri River.

Land and Water Distribution

With a total area of 1,153.12 square miles (2,986.56 km²), Billings County ranks as the 28th largest county in North Dakota by area. The vast majority of this area, 1,148.49 square miles (2,974.57 km²), is land. Water bodies constitute a small fraction, approximately 4.63 square miles (11.99 km²), representing about 0.40% of the total area. Notably, the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is situated within the central portion of the county, north of its county seat, Medora.

Key Transportation Corridors

Major transportation arteries facilitate access and connectivity within and through Billings County. Interstate 94 runs through the county, providing a vital east-west link. Additionally, U.S. Highway 85, a significant north-south route, also serves the county, enhancing its accessibility and integration into regional transportation networks.

Demographic Profile

Population Trends and Estimates

Billings County exhibits a low population density, consistent with its rural character. As of the 2020 Census, the county recorded a population of 945 residents. More recent estimates indicate a slight increase, with the population projected to be around 1,063 in the fourth quarter of 2024. This suggests a modest population growth trend in recent years.

Household and Economic Indicators

The county's housing landscape comprises approximately 372 estimated households, with an average of 2.49 persons per household. The median household income stands at $81,250, indicating a relatively strong economic standing for its residents. Approximately 10.5% of the population lives below the poverty line. The employment rate is estimated at 62.1%, with a notable portion of the adult population holding advanced educational qualifications: 32.4% possess a bachelor's degree or higher, while 94.6% have completed high school.

Population Composition and Ancestry

The demographic composition reveals a predominantly White population, with a significant percentage identifying as having English ancestry. The county's median age is approximately 44.7 years, suggesting an older demographic profile compared to national averages. The racial and ethnic breakdown, as per recent census data, shows a strong majority identifying as White, with smaller percentages reporting Native American, Asian, or other racial affiliations. Hispanic or Latino individuals constitute a small but present segment of the population.

Historical Population Trends
Census	Population	Change
1880	1,323	—
1890	170	−87.2%
1900	975	+473.5%
1910	10,186	+944.7%
1920	3,126	−69.3%
1930	3,140	+0.4%
1940	2,531	−19.4%
1950	1,777	−29.8%
1960	1,513	−14.9%
1970	1,198	−20.8%
1980	1,138	−5.0%
1990	1,108	−2.6%
2000	888	−19.9%
2010	783	−11.8%
2020	945	+20.7%
2024 (est.)	1,063	+12.5%

Source: U.S. Decennial Census & Census Bureau Estimates

Political Landscape

Voting Patterns and Trends

Billings County demonstrates a consistent pattern of strong support for the Republican Party in presidential elections, typically receiving over seventy percent of the vote in recent decades. However, the county has also shown a history of engagement with third-party candidates, notably providing significant vote shares to Ross Perot in the 1990s and Pat Buchanan in 2000. This suggests a nuanced political environment where traditional party loyalties coexist with independent or third-party considerations.

Presidential Election Results

The historical voting data for presidential elections reveals a clear Republican majority, with notable exceptions and third-party influences in specific cycles. The table below details the vote distribution across major parties and third parties from 1900 to 2024, illustrating the county's electoral history.

United States Presidential Election Results for Billings County, North Dakota
Year	Republican	%	Democratic	%	Third Party	%
1900	158	74.18%	51	23.94%	4	1.88%
1904	256	85.05%	37	12.29%	8	2.66%
1908	768	73.70%	236	22.65%	38	3.65%
1912	671	35.33%	547	28.80%	681	35.86%
1916	306	49.12%	276	44.30%	41	6.58%
1920	787	91.51%	61	7.09%	12	1.40%
1924	421	48.34%	32	3.67%	418	47.99%
1928	458	52.22%	412	46.98%	7	0.80%
1932	295	27.34%	760	70.44%	24	2.22%
1936	329	26.70%	729	59.17%	174	14.12%
1940	663	62.08%	404	37.83%	1	0.09%
1944	354	62.54%	209	36.93%	3	0.53%
1948	372	50.54%	311	42.26%	53	7.20%
1952	674	82.00%	143	17.40%	5	0.61%
1956	437	63.43%	248	35.99%	4	0.58%
1960	368	47.92%	400	52.08%	0	0.00%
1964	340	49.42%	348	50.58%	0	0.00%
1968	395	61.91%	174	27.27%	69	10.82%
1972	509	69.82%	192	26.34%	28	3.84%
1976	351	51.32%	285	41.67%	48	7.02%
1980	524	76.05%	122	17.71%	43	6.24%
1984	505	77.34%	133	20.37%	15	2.30%
1988	437	66.31%	211	32.02%	11	1.67%
1992	279	41.15%	123	18.14%	276	40.71%
1996	281	55.42%	116	22.88%	110	21.70%
2000	394	75.05%	82	15.62%	49	9.33%
2004	449	79.61%	99	17.55%	16	2.84%
2008	375	75.15%	114	22.85%	10	2.00%
2012	472	81.66%	89	15.40%	17	2.94%
2016	495	81.82%	59	9.75%	51	8.43%
2020	541	85.20%	72	11.34%	22	3.46%
2024	543	83.93%	93	14.37%	11	1.70%

Source: Election Atlas, New York Times, etc.

Recreational Opportunities

Golf and Trails

Billings County offers notable recreational venues set against its distinctive natural backdrop. The Bully Pulpit Golf Course, situated three miles south of Medora, is a premier golfing destination recognized for its scenic layout. Complementing this, the Maah Daah Hey Trail, a renowned single-track non-motorized trail, begins approximately 30 miles south of Medora, providing extensive opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding through the rugged North Dakota badlands.

Communities and Governance

County Seat and Settlements

Medora serves as both the county seat and the sole incorporated municipality within Billings County. This historic town, known for its association with Theodore Roosevelt, is the primary center of population and administration. Beyond Medora, the county includes several unincorporated communities such as Fairfield, Fryburg, Gorham, and Sully Springs, which contribute to the county's dispersed settlement pattern.

Administrative Divisions

Billings County is organized into two unorganized territories for census and administrative purposes. North Billings territory encompasses all areas north of Interstate 94, while South Billings covers the territory south of I-94, excluding Medora. This division reflects the county's unique geographical and settlement characteristics.

Historical Context

Establishment and Evolution

Billings County was officially created by the Territorial legislature on February 10, 1879, and organized on May 4, 1886. It was named in honor of Frederick H. Billings, the president of the Northern Pacific Railway, acknowledging the railway's role in the region's development. The county's boundaries have undergone significant modifications over time, with substantial portions being partitioned to form neighboring counties, including Bowman, Golden Valley, and Slope Counties, reflecting the administrative evolution of southwestern North Dakota.

References

Source Citations

The information presented on this page is derived from publicly available data and academic sources. For detailed verification and further research, please refer to the following citations:

"Explore Census Data". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
"U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Billings County, North Dakota". www.census.gov. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
"Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
"Dakota Territory, South Dakota, and North Dakota: Individual County Chronologies". publications.newberry.org. The Newberry Library. 2006. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
"County History". www.nd.gov. State of North Dakota. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
Billings County ND Google Maps (accessed February 14, 2019)
"Find an Altitude" Billings County ND - Google Maps (accessed February 14, 2019). Archived from the original on May 21, 2019. Retrieved February 14, 2019.
"2024 County Gazetteer Files – North Dakota". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
"U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Billings County, North Dakota". www.census.gov. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
Natl Park Srvc/TRNP/South Unit Map (accessed February 14, 2019)
"County Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2024". Retrieved May 15, 2025.
"U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
"Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. 2007. Archived from the original on December 12, 2009. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
Forstall, Richard L. (April 20, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 19, 1999. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
"P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Billings County, North Dakota". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
"P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Billings County, North Dakota". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
"P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Billings County, North Dakota". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
"County Population by Characteristics: 2020-2023". www.census.gov. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
"Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved February 5, 2021.
"Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved February 5, 2021.
"US Census Bureau, Table P16: Household Type". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
"How many people live in Billings County, North Dakota". USA Today. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
"President Map - Election Results 2008". The New York Times. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
David Leip's Presidential Election Atlas - 1992 statistics
David Leip's Presidential Election Atlas - 1996 statistics
David Leip's Presidential Election Atlas - 2000 statistics
Leip, David. "Atlas of US Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 12, 2018.
"Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved February 5, 2021.
"Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved February 5, 2021.

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References

Natl Park Srvc/TRNP/South Unit Map (accessed February 14, 2019)

David Leip's Presidential Election Atlas - 1992 statistics

David Leip's Presidential Election Atlas - 1996 statistics

David Leip's Presidential Election Atlas - 2000 statistics

A full list of references for this article are available at the Billings County, North Dakota Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website regarding local governance, demographics, or economic data is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional consultation. Always refer to official government sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs related to local administration, legal matters, or financial planning.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Billings County: Prairie Frontier and Population Dynamics

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Geographic Landscape ⛰️

🏞️ Topographical Features

🌳 Land and Water Distribution

🛣️ Key Transportation Corridors

Demographic Profile 📈

👥 Population Trends and Estimates

🏠 Household and Economic Indicators

📊 Population Composition and Ancestry

Political Landscape 🗳️

🏛️ Voting Patterns and Trends

📊 Presidential Election Results

Recreational Opportunities ⛳

🏌️ Golf and Trails

Communities and Governance 🏘️

🏛️ County Seat and Settlements

🗺️ Administrative Divisions

Historical Context 📜

⏳ Establishment and Evolution

References 📚

🔗 Source Citations

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Geographic Landscape

Topographical Features

Land and Water Distribution

Key Transportation Corridors

Demographic Profile

Population Trends and Estimates

Household and Economic Indicators

Population Composition and Ancestry

Political Landscape

Voting Patterns and Trends

Presidential Election Results

Recreational Opportunities

Golf and Trails

Communities and Governance

County Seat and Settlements

Administrative Divisions

Historical Context

Establishment and Evolution

References

Source Citations

Teacher's Corner

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Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

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