Fergus County
countyFergus County is located in central Montana and serves as the state's geographic center. The county's landscape features a mix of mountains, prairies, and river valleys. As of 2020, the population was 11,446, with a more recent estimate of 11,862 residents in 2024. Fergus County maintains a rural character, with a significant portion of its residents living in urban areas. The economy of Fergus County is largely based on agriculture, particularly grain farming, hay production, and cattle ranching. Historically, mining also played a role in the county's economy. Key employment sectors include agriculture, healthcare, and retail trade. Fergus County offers a blend of outdoor recreation and historical attractions. The county is home to portions of the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, the Lewis and Clark National Forest, and the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. Lewistown, the county seat, features historic buildings, museums, and cultural events, including the annual Métis Celebration.
Fergus County, Montana
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 08027
- Country
- United States
- County
- Fergus County
- Region
- Central Montana
- Elevation
- 3,936 ft
- Total Area
- 4,350 sq mi
- Land Area
- 4,340 sq mi
- Water Area
- 11 sq mi
- Latitude
- 47.26
- Longitude
- -109.22
- Climate
- The county experiences a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and relatively short, while winters are cold and long. Precipitation is moderate, with most rainfall occurring in the spring and early summer. Snowfall is common in the winter months.
- Notable Features
- Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge · Lewis and Clark National Forest · Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument · Snowy Mountains · Judith Mountains · Moccasin Mountains · Belt Mountains · Highwood Mountains · Missouri River
- Neighboring Areas
- Chouteau County · Blaine County · Phillips County · Petroleum County · Musselshell County · Golden Valley County · Wheatland County · Judith Basin County
- Population (2020)
- 11,446
- Est. Population (2024)
- 11,862
- Median Age
- 45.3
- Median Income
- $59,731
- Poverty Rate
- 8.8%
- Owner-Occupied
- 66%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county is 92.7% White, 1.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1% Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races, 0.933% Two Races Including Other, and 0.881% Asian. Hispanic or Latino residents comprise 2.2% of the population.
- Government Type
- County Commission
- Governing Body
- Fergus County Commissioners
- Body Size
- 3 members
- Unemployment Rate
- 3.1%
- Economic Profile
- Agriculture · Ranching
- Employment Sectors
- Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting · Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade
- School Districts
- Lewistown Elementary School District · Winifred Public Schools
- Transportation
- U.S. Highway 87 · U.S. Highway 191 · Montana Highway 3 · Montana Highway 80 · Montana Highway 81 · Montana Highway 200
- Major Facilities
- Fergus County Courthouse · Lewistown Airport
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge · Lewis and Clark National Forest · Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument · James Kipp Recreation Area
- Parks & Trails
- City Parks in Lewistown · The Lewistown Park System contains over 200+ acres of parkland under its stewardship. This parkland includes reservoirs, parks, ponds, trails outdoor recreation facilities and boulevard strips.
- Founded
- 1885
- Named After
- James Fergus
- Historical Significance
- Fergus County played a significant role in the early development of central Montana, particularly in agriculture and mining. Its establishment and subsequent divisions shaped the modern county landscape of the region.
- Key Events
- County established from parts of Meagher and Chouteau Counties in 1885. · Parts of Fergus County were taken for Judith Basin, Wheatland, Golden Valley and Petroleum Counties. · Lewistown founded in 1874 with the establishment of Fort Lewis. · Railroad arrived in 1903, bringing homesteaders.