List of Counties in Montana
Montana has 56 counties. The most populous counties are Yellowstone County (Billings), Missoula County, Gallatin County (Bozeman), Flathead County (Kalispell), Cascade County (Great Falls), Lewis and Clark County (Helena), Ravalli County, Silver Bow County, Lake County, and Butte-Silver Bow (Consolidated). Yellowstone County is the largest by population, with Billings serving as a major economic hub in the region. Gallatin County, home to Bozeman, is also growing rapidly due to its proximity to Yellowstone National Park and a booming tech sector.
List of All Counties in Montana
- Beaverhead County, Montana
- Big Horn County, Montana
- Blaine County, Montana
- Broadwater County, Montana
- Carbon County, Montana
- Carter County, Montana
- Cascade County, Montana
- Chouteau County, Montana
- Custer County, Montana
- Daniels County, Montana
- Dawson County, Montana
- Deer Lodge County, Montana
- Fallon County, Montana
- Fergus County, Montana
- Flathead County, Montana
- Gallatin County, Montana
- Garfield County, Montana
- Glacier County, Montana
- Golden Valley County, Montana
- Granite County, Montana
- Hill County, Montana
- Jefferson County, Montana
- Judith Basin County, Montana
- Lake County, Montana
- Lewis and Clark County, Montana
- Liberty County, Montana
- Lincoln County, Montana
- Madison County, Montana
- McCone County, Montana
- Meagher County, Montana
- Mineral County, Montana
- Missoula County, Montana
- Musselshell County, Montana
- Park County, Montana
- Petroleum County, Montana
- Phillips County, Montana
- Pondera County, Montana
- Powder River County, Montana
- Powell County, Montana
- Prairie County, Montana
- Ravalli County, Montana
- Richland County, Montana
- Roosevelt County, Montana
- Rosebud County, Montana
- Sanders County, Montana
- Sheridan County, Montana
- Silver Bow County, Montana
- Stillwater County, Montana
- Sweet Grass County, Montana
- Teton County, Montana
- Toole County, Montana
- Treasure County, Montana
- Valley County, Montana
- Wheatland County, Montana
- Wibaux County, Montana
- Yellowstone County, Montana
1. Beaverhead County
Overview
Beaverhead County is the largest county by land area in Montana, located in the southwestern part of the state. It is bordered by Idaho to the south, and its geography includes wide open plains, mountain ranges, and parts of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The county seat is Dillon, a small town that serves as the economic and cultural hub of the region. Beaverhead County’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, as well as outdoor recreation and tourism. The area is rich in history, with the Lewis and Clark Expedition having passed through in the early 1800s. Established in 1865, the county was named after the nearby Beaverhead Rock, a prominent landmark used by Native Americans and early explorers.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 9,500 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Dillon
- Major Airports: Dillon Airport
- Major Highways: I-15, MT-278, MT-41
2. Fergus County
Overview
Fergus County is located in central Montana and is one of the largest counties in the state by land area. It is bordered by Petroleum County to the east and Wheatland County to the west. The county seat is Lewistown, a historic town known for its role as a regional center for agriculture and trade. Fergus County’s economy is based on farming, ranching, and some oil and gas production. The surrounding landscape features the Judith Mountains and vast plains that support a strong agricultural economy. Established in 1885, Fergus County has a rich history tied to the homesteading era and was named after James Fergus, a prominent early settler.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 11,500 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Lewistown
- Major Airports: Lewistown Municipal Airport
- Major Highways: US-87, MT-200, MT-3
3. Flathead County
Overview
Flathead County is located in northwestern Montana, bordered by Canada to the north and Lincoln County to the west. The county seat is Kalispell, a rapidly growing town that serves as the gateway to Glacier National Park. Flathead County is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, and the surrounding mountain ranges. The economy is driven by tourism, outdoor recreation, and timber, with Glacier National Park attracting millions of visitors each year. Established in 1893, the county was named after the Flathead Native American tribe that originally inhabited the area. Today, it is one of the fastest-growing regions in Montana.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 110,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Kalispell
- Major Airports: Glacier Park International Airport
- Major Highways: US-93, US-2, MT-83
4. Missoula County
Overview
Missoula County is located in western Montana and is bordered by Ravalli County to the south and Lake County to the north. The county seat is Missoula, the second-largest city in the state and home to the University of Montana. Missoula County has a diverse economy that includes education, healthcare, retail, and outdoor recreation. The city of Missoula is known for its vibrant arts scene, access to outdoor activities like hiking and fishing, and its role as a cultural hub in western Montana. Established in 1860, Missoula County has a rich history tied to early trading posts, the timber industry, and the railroad.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 122,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Missoula
- Major Airports: Missoula International Airport
- Major Highways: I-90, US-93, MT-200
5. Park County
Overview
Park County is located in south-central Montana, bordered by Wyoming to the south and Sweet Grass County to the east. The county seat is Livingston, a historic town known for its proximity to Yellowstone National Park and its role as a gateway to the park. Park County’s economy is driven by tourism, outdoor recreation, and agriculture, with many visitors passing through on their way to Yellowstone. The county is also home to the Absaroka and Crazy mountain ranges, which provide opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Established in 1887, Park County was named after Yellowstone National Park and has a long history tied to the railroad and tourism industries.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 18,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Livingston
- Major Airports: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (nearby)
- Major Highways: I-90, US-89
6. Lewis and Clark County
Overview
Lewis and Clark County is located in western Montana, with the Rocky Mountains to the west and Broadwater County to the southeast. The county seat is Helena, which is also the state capital of Montana. Lewis and Clark County’s economy is centered around government services, healthcare, and education. Helena is a historic city that grew rapidly during the Montana Gold Rush in the 1860s and became an important political and economic center in the state. The county was named after the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition, which passed through the area in the early 1800s. Today, the region is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking and fishing in the nearby mountains and rivers.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 72,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Helena
- Major Airports: Helena Regional Airport
- Major Highways: I-15, US-12, US-287
7. Yellowstone County
Overview
Yellowstone County is located in southern Montana and is the most populous county in the state. It is bordered by Carbon County to the southwest and Big Horn County to the southeast. The county seat is Billings, the largest city in Montana and a regional economic hub for healthcare, energy, and transportation. Yellowstone County’s economy is diverse, with significant contributions from oil refining, agriculture, and retail. Billings is known for its growing metropolitan area and its proximity to major attractions such as Yellowstone National Park and the Beartooth Mountains. Established in 1883, Yellowstone County was named after the Yellowstone River, which flows through the region.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 170,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Billings
- Major Airports: Billings Logan International Airport
- Major Highways: I-90, I-94, US-87, MT-3
8. Cascade County
Overview
Cascade County is located in central Montana, bordered by Teton County to the northwest and Chouteau County to the northeast. The county seat is Great Falls, a city named after the nearby waterfalls on the Missouri River. Cascade County is an economic center for the region, with industries including agriculture, energy, and healthcare. Malmstrom Air Force Base, located in Great Falls, plays a key role in the county’s economy and is a major employer. The Missouri River and surrounding plains provide opportunities for outdoor recreation. Established in 1887, Cascade County has a rich history tied to early fur trading, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and the development of hydroelectric power.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 85,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Great Falls
- Major Airports: Great Falls International Airport
- Major Highways: I-15, US-87, MT-200
9. Gallatin County
Overview
Gallatin County is located in southwestern Montana, bordered by Park County to the east and Madison County to the west. The county seat is Bozeman, a rapidly growing city known for its high quality of life and proximity to Yellowstone National Park. Gallatin County is one of the fastest-growing areas in Montana, with an economy driven by education, technology, healthcare, and tourism. Bozeman is home to Montana State University, which is a major contributor to the local economy. Established in 1865, Gallatin County was named after Albert Gallatin, a Swiss-American politician and diplomat. The county’s stunning landscapes, including the Gallatin River and Bridger Mountains, attract visitors and outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 125,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Bozeman
- Major Airports: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
- Major Highways: I-90, US-191, MT-86
10. Ravalli County
Overview
Ravalli County is located in western Montana, bordered by Idaho to the west and Missoula County to the north. The county seat is Hamilton, a town known for its scenic views of the Bitterroot Mountains and its historic charm. Ravalli County’s economy is based on agriculture, particularly ranching, and tourism, with outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and skiing being popular in the area. The Bitterroot Valley, where much of the county is located, is known for its natural beauty and has attracted settlers since the 1800s. Established in 1893, Ravalli County was named after Father Anthony Ravalli, a Jesuit priest and early missionary in the region.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 45,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Hamilton
- Major Airports: Missoula International Airport (nearby)
- Major Highways: US-93, MT-38