Musselshell County, Montana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 35th-largest in Montana
The population of Musselshell County, Montana is 5,068 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 35th-largest county in Montana. The median household income is $59,010, the median home value is $221,200, and the median age is 51.3.
The population of Musselshell County has grown 19.7% since 2010 (4,555 → 5,452), a +1.29% annualized rate.
5,068
Population
+1.29%
Annual growth
3
People / sq mi
$59,010
Median Income
$221,200
Median Home Value
Musselshell County covers 1,869 sq mi of land at 2.7 people per square mile.
About Musselshell County, MT
Remote work is unusually prominent in Musselshell County: 20.2% of workers primarily work from home, above the 14.0% national rate. With 5,068 residents, Musselshell County is a county in Montana. It ranks #35 among counties in Montana by population.
The typical household here earns about $59,010, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 10.7%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $221,200, with typical rent around $865.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 21.9% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Working from home is common here: 20.2% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
The remote-work concentration is telling in Musselshell County — it skews toward higher-income, college-educated workers and reshapes both commute patterns and housing demand.
Musselshell County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Musselshell County had a population of 4,555 in 2010 and 5,452 in 2024, a 19.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 5,452 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.31%.
5,452
Population (2024)
4,555
Population (2010)
5,452
Peak (2024)
1.31%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 4,555 |
| 2011 | 4,747 |
| 2012 | 4,693 |
| 2013 | 4,684 |
| 2014 | 4,647 |
| 2015 | 4,631 |
| 2016 | 4,640 |
| 2017 | 4,623 |
| 2018 | 4,623 |
| 2019 | 4,626 |
| 2020 | 4,749 |
| 2021 | 4,910 |
| 2022 | 5,188 |
| 2023 | 5,377 |
| 2024 | 5,452 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 88.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 6.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
51.3
Median Age
48.4%
Female
51.6%
Male
28.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.5% · Seniors (65+): 28.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $59,010$-10,912 vs state |
| Mean household income | $81,413 |
| Per-capita income | $35,879 |
| Poverty rate | 10.7%+3.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 49.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Musselshell County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
3.6%
Carpool
65.3%
Public transit
20.2%
Work from home
27.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$221,200$-116,900 vs state
Median home value
$865
Median rent
82.5%
Homeownership rate
2,677
Total housing units
79.6%
Occupied
20.4%
Vacant
17.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.0%
With health insurance
87.2%
With broadband internet
54.5%
Foreign-born
12.9%
Veterans (18+)
20.2%
With a disability
96.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.4%
High School+
21.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Montana
Other counties in Montana
Part of Montana
Metro areas in Montana
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Musselshell County, Montana has a population of 5,068 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 35th-largest county in Montana. Population density is 3 people per square mile.
The population of Musselshell County has grown 19.7% since 2010 (4,555 → 5,452), a +1.29% annualized rate.
The median household income in Musselshell County, Montana is $59,010, with mean (average) household income of $81,413 and per-capita income of $35,879. 10.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Musselshell County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (88.3%), Hispanic or Latino (6.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Musselshell County, Montana is 51.3 years. Residents are 48.4% female and 51.6% male.
The median home value in Musselshell County is $221,200 and median monthly rent is $865. 82.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,677 total housing units, 20.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Musselshell County, Montana is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.
Billings is among the largest cities associated with Musselshell County, Montana, with a population of 118,321.
Musselshell County, MT Climate
Musselshell County, MT has an average annual temperature of 7.6°C (46°F) and receives about 340 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.6°C
Avg Temp
340
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 21° | 13 mm |
| February | -2° / 28° | 10 mm |
| March | 2° / 35° | 17 mm |
| April | 7° / 44° | 29 mm |
| May | 12° / 54° | 64 mm |
| June | 17° / 63° | 59 mm |
| July | 21° / 69° | 36 mm |
| August | 21° / 69° | 33 mm |
| September | 15° / 58° | 34 mm |
| October | 8° / 47° | 23 mm |
| November | 1° / 34° | 10 mm |
| December | -3° / 26° | 12 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Musselshell County, MT
The most comfortable months to visit Musselshell County, MT are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -13°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Musselshell County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.