Musselshell County
countyMusselshell County is located in south-central Montana, characterized by its rolling grasslands, the Musselshell River, and the forested Bull Mountains. As of 2024, the county's population was estimated to be 5,452. The county seat is Roundup, a town with a rich history tied to cattle ranching and coal mining. Musselshell County offers a blend of rural charm and access to outdoor recreation, making it a distinctive part of Montana's Big Sky Country. The local economy is supported by agriculture, ranching, coal mining, and oil and gas industries. The Signal Peak Mine is a significant employer in the area. Musselshell County also benefits from its location along major transportation routes, facilitating the movement of goods and people. Musselshell County's history is deeply rooted in the American West, with the Musselshell River named by Lewis and Clark in 1805. Established in 1911, the county has maintained its rural character while adapting to modern economic changes. The county provides a variety of recreational activities, including hunting, fishing, and exploring the scenic landscapes.
Musselshell County, Montana
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 30-065
- Country
- United States
- County
- Musselshell County
- Region
- South-central Montana
- Total Area
- 1,863.91 sq mi
- Land Area
- 1,861.16 sq mi
- Water Area
- 2.75 sq mi
- Latitude
- 46.49
- Longitude
- -108.4
- Climate
- The county's northwestern area is rolling grasslands, which slope southeastward to the Musselshell River and the forested Bull Mountains in the southeast.
- Notable Features
- Musselshell River · Bull Mountains · Rolling Grasslands
- Neighboring Areas
- Fergus County · Petroleum County · Rosebud County · Yellowstone County · Golden Valley County
- Population (2020)
- 4,730
- Est. Population (2024)
- 5,452
- Median Age
- 51.3
- Median Income
- $59,010
- Poverty Rate
- 10.7%
- Family Households
- 64.7%
- Owner-Occupied
- 82.5%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county was 87.7% White, 4.3% Two or More Races, 2.39% American Indian & Alaska Native, Other (1.87%), and Other (Hispanic) (1.34%).
- Government Type
- County Commissioners
- Governing Body
- Board of County Commissioners
- Body Size
- 3 members
- Unemployment Rate
- 3.1%
- Economic Profile
- Cattle ranching · Coal mining · Dry land farming · Oil and gas
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade · Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting
- Major Employers
- Signal Peak Mine
- School Districts
- Roundup Elementary School District
- Transportation
- U.S. Highway 12 · U.S. Highway 87 · Rail service
- Major Facilities
- Musselshell County Courthouse in Roundup
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Musselshell River · 4th of July Roundup Independence Extravaganza (RIDE) · Musselshell County Fairgrounds
- Parks & Trails
- Heritage Trail · River Walk in Roundup
- Founded
- 1911
- Named After
- Musselshell River
- Historical Significance
- Musselshell County's history is deeply rooted in the American West, with the Musselshell River named by Lewis and Clark in 1805. Established in 1911, the county has maintained its rural character while adapting to modern economic changes.
- Key Events
- County created from parts of Fergus, Yellowstone, and Meagher counties · Golden Valley County formed from western portion in 1915




