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.
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Statewide data for Montana
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Montana
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.