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Musselshell County

county

Musselshell 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

Overview
Classification
County
FIPS Code
30-065
Country
United States
County
Musselshell County
Geography
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
Demographics
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%).
Governance
Government Type
County Commissioners
Governing Body
Board of County Commissioners
Body Size
3 members
Economy
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
Education
School Districts
Roundup Elementary School District
Infrastructure
Transportation
U.S. Highway 12 · U.S. Highway 87 · Rail service
Major Facilities
Musselshell County Courthouse in Roundup
Recreation
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
History
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