About Madison County

Madison County Business Patterns

Madison County Quick Facts

Montana by the Numbers

Print a Madison County Flier!

Economic Review of the Travel Industry in Montana, by
  Institute of Tourism and Recreation, University of Montana

In 2007, 118 properties were sold in Madison County.

The Median home price sold was $212,500

The Average home price sold was $212,500

Madison County contains 2.3 million acres:

       46% Federally owned
         6% State owned
         48% Privately owned

Madison County population is 7,404 (2000 census)

The Median Age of Madison County residents is 43.4 years.

Median Income is $39,82.00

Per capita income is $19,615.00. This ranks 31st among Montana’s 56 counties. Montana ranks 48th among all States in per capita income.

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 is recognized as one of the busiest tourist attractions in Montana. 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 communities in Madison County with distinction are: Alder, Harrison, Silver Star, Pony, McAllister, Laurin, Norris and Cameron. They rely on County support for numerous services.

1 out of 3 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.

Moonlight Basin, another major ski resort, is entirely in Madison County, contributing an additional $xxx in taxes.

Madison County has an estimated 1,200 miles of County roads.


109,000 acres in Madison County are classified prime farmland.

October 1998 study (contained in the Madison County Comprehensive Plan, 1999 Update, which is currently in revision):

         73,000 acres were subdivided.

         Of 2,859 lots, approximately 19% were built on (545 lots).

         Conservation Easements were in effect on 150,000 acres
         of private land.

         Noxious weeds or weed seed infest over 200,000 acres.

         Approximately 36,000 acres are considered flood prone.