According to Countryaah, Blaine County is located in the northern part of Montana, bordering the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. The county is bordered to the north by Hill County, to the east by Chouteau County, to the south by Liberty County, and to the west by Phillips and Valley Counties. Blaine County covers an area of approximately 1,500 square miles, making it one of Montana’s largest counties. The county seat is Chinook.
The landscape of Blaine County consists mainly of rolling hills and prairies. There are several small lakes scattered throughout the county. The most notable lake is Lake Elwell which is Montana’s second-largest reservoir. Several creeks run through Blaine County including Big Sandy Creek, Beaver Creek, and Milk River. These creeks provide an important source of irrigation water for local farmers and ranchers. Additionally, there are several large oil fields located in the southwestern corner of Blaine County which have been a major source of income for many residents over the years.
The climate in Blaine County is generally mild with cold winters and hot summers. Average temperatures range from a low of -10 degrees Fahrenheit in January to a high of 90 degrees Fahrenheit in July. Precipitation averages about 16 inches per year with most rainfall occurring during spring and summer months when thunderstorms are common throughout the region. Snowfall typically occurs between October and April with an average yearly total ranging from 20 to 30 inches depending on elevation within the county.
Demographics of Blaine County, Montana
Blaine County is a rural area with a population of approximately 6,500 people. Most of the population is concentrated in the county seat of Chinook, with other small towns such as Turner, Zurich, and Harlem accounting for the rest of the population. The county has an even gender split with 50% male and 50% female. The median age in Blaine County is 38 years old and the majority of residents are white (94%). Native American (3%), Hispanic or Latino (1%), Asian (2%), and other races (less than 1%) make up the remaining portion of Blaine County’s population.
The poverty rate in Blaine County is higher than the national average at 17%. The median household income for Blaine County is $44,965 compared to $53,482 for Montana as a whole. Unemployment in Blaine County stands at 4.3%, slightly lower than the state average of 4.6%. Education levels are slightly lower than state averages with 87% having graduated high school or obtained their GED compared to 91% statewide.
Overall, Blaine County is a rural area with a diverse population that faces economic challenges yet still strives to maintain its small town values and way of life.
Places of Interest in Blaine County, Montana
Blaine County, Montana offers a variety of places of interest for visitors to explore. In the county seat of Chinook, visitors can find the Blaine County Museum which features artifacts from the area’s past including ancient tools and clothing. Additionally, there is a historic downtown district with several shops and restaurants.
For outdoor enthusiasts, there are numerous opportunities in Blaine County. The Rocky Mountain Front offers some of the best hiking and camping in the state with trails that traverse through alpine forests and meadows filled with wildflowers. The Missouri River also runs through the county, providing recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and rafting.
The Bear Paw Mountains offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape as well as access to some great backcountry skiing during winter months. Additionally, Turner Lake provides excellent swimming and fishing opportunities for those looking to cool off during hot summer days.
In addition to its natural beauty, Blaine County is home to several other attractions such as Glacier National Park which is just an hour away from Chinook. The park offers a variety of activities including camping, biking trails, horseback riding trails, boat tours on Lake McDonald and much more. There are also several golf courses located throughout the county for those looking to hit the links while visiting Blaine County.
No matter what type of activities you enjoy or what type of scenery you prefer, Blaine County has something for everyone.
Notable People of Blaine County, Montana
Blaine County, Montana is home to a number of notable people who have made their mark in various fields.
Former United States Senator and Secretary of the Interior, Thomas Udall, was born in Blaine County. He served as a senator from 2009-2020 and was known for his work on energy and environmental issues.
The county is also the birthplace of American author Ivan Doig, whose works include “This House of Sky” and “Ride with Me, Mariah Montana”. Doig’s writing often focused on the history and culture of the region, providing readers with a unique perspective on life in rural Montana.
Another notable individual from Blaine County is Chris LeDoux, who rose to fame as a country singer/songwriter after winning multiple National Finals Rodeo championships in bareback riding. His songs have become classics among fans of country music throughout the United States.
Other famous people from Blaine County include Olympic gold medalist Earlene Brown; professional rodeo cowboy Jim Shoulders; and actor Sam Elliott, who grew up on a ranch near Chinook.
These are just some of the many notable people that have called Blaine County home over the years. From politicians to athletes to entertainers, this rural community has produced its fair share of influential individuals who have gone on to make their mark in their respective fields.