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Population Review

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.

Musselshell County within Montana · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

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

Musselshell County is a county in Montana with a population of 5,068. It ranks #35 among counties in Montana by population. The median age is 51.3, older than the national median. The population is 51.6% male and 48.4% female.

The median household income in Musselshell County is $59,010, below the US median of $74,580. 10.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $221,200, with monthly rent averaging $865. The homeownership rate of 82.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Musselshell County reflects 21.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 20.2% of workers primarily work from home, noticeably above the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 27.9 minutes each way.

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%.

2024 · 5K20102024

5,452

Population (2024)

4,555

Population (2010)

5,452

Peak (2024)

1.31%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
20104,555
20114,747
20124,693
20134,684
20144,647
20154,631
20164,640
20174,623
20184,623
20194,626
20204,749
20214,910
20225,188
20235,377
20245,452

Race & Ethnicity

White88.3%
Black or African American0.0%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)6.7%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

51.3

Median Age

48.4%

Female

51.6%

Male

28.8%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
4.1%
5–9
5.6%
10–14
5.8%
15–19
5.9%
20–24
3.3%
25–34
7.9%
35–44
10.3%
45–54
12.2%
55–59
6.8%
60–64
9.2%
65–74
18.6%
75–84
8.3%
85+
1.9%

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 rate10.7%+3.6% vs state
Unemployment rate3.1%
Employment-to-population49.7%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
21.4%
Agriculture
16.3%
Finance & real estate
12.0%
Construction
8.3%
Public administration
6.4%
Retail trade
5.3%
Arts, entertainment & food
5.1%
Information
3.5%

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.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.