Musselshell County, MT demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,152
1.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$58,920/yr
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,663
-0.5% year-over-year change

Musselshell County population

How many people live in Musselshell County

Musselshell County is home to 5,152 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.5% of Musselshell County locals are male, and 48.5% are female.

Total population
5,152
1.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.5%
2,652
Female
48.5%
2,500
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,652 51.5% 1.4%
Female 2,500 48.5% 1.9%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Musselshell County is 51, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.8% are children under 15, then 9.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17.9% of the population, while another 27.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 29% are 65 or older.

Median age
51.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.8%
15 to 24
9.9%
25 to 44
17.9%
45 to 64
27.4%
Over 65
29%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 813 15.8% 2.6%
15 to 24 510 9.9% 9.9%
25 to 44 923 17.9% 0.0%
45 to 64 1,412 27.4% -1.3%
Over 65 1,494 29% 2.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Musselshell County, 97.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.2% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 5.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.7%
Non-citizens
1.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,005 97.2% 1.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 86 1.7% 10.3%
Non-citizens 61 1.2% -1.6%
Racial breakdown
White
87.2%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
3.8%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.3%
Other
3.7%
Value Percent
White 4,495 87.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 196 3.8%
Two or more races 271 5.3%
Other 190 3.7%

Households in Musselshell County

A peek inside Musselshell County households

Musselshell County has 2,148 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.9% are families, while the remaining 37.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,148
0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
797
Family households
1,351
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 797 37.1% 5.8%
Family households 1,351 62.9% -2.0%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Musselshell County

The housing landscape of Musselshell County

Musselshell County's housing consists of 2,663 units, with 78.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 18% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,663
-0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,084 78.3%
1 unit, attached 39 1.5%
3 or 4 units 30 1.1%
20 to 49 units 18 0.7%
50 or more units 12 0.4%
Mobile home 480 18%
Homes built since 2020
23
109.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Musselshell County

In Musselshell County, the median construction year is 1975. About 19.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 529 19.9% -16.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 166 6.2% 12.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 178 6.7% -10.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 220 8.3% 35.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 463 17.4% 6.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 307 11.5% 17.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 209 7.8% -42.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 346 13% 15.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 222 8.3% 29.1%
Built in 2020 or later 23 0.9% 109.1%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Musselshell County occupancy rates

Out of the 2,148 occupied housing units in Musselshell County, 85.1% are owner-occupied, while 14.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 19.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,148
0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
321
Owner occupied
1,827
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 321 14.9% -13.7%
Owner occupied 1,827 85.1% 3.9%
Unoccupied housing units
19.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Musselshell County housing costs

Housing costs in Musselshell County come to a median of $778 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,138.

Median housing costs per month
$778/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Musselshell County
$1,138/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Musselshell County

Musselshell County education at a glance

About 43.8% of the population in Musselshell County went to high school, while 25.5% pursued college studies. Another 8.4% earned an associate degree and 15.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 70 1.7% -35.2%
High school diploma 1,820 43.8% 9.7%
College diploma 1,061 25.5% 1.8%
Associate degree 347 8.4% -9.9%
Bachelor's degree 634 15.3% -6.1%
Graduate degree 222 5.3% 6.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Musselshell County

How much people earn in Musselshell County

The average annual household income in Musselshell County was $77,399 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -4.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $58,920, reflecting a -0.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Musselshell County
$77,399/year
-4.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Musselshell County
$58,920/year
-0.1% year-over-year change

Musselshell County income by age

In Musselshell County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $81,622. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $80,479 overall. Overall, 82.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $81,622 4.6%
45 - 64 $80,479 3.0%
Over 65 $34,458 -7.3%
Above poverty level
4,221
Below poverty level
868
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,221 82.9% -0.1%
Below poverty level 868 17.1% 13.5%

Employment in Musselshell County

Workforce and job types in Musselshell County

The job market in Musselshell County is powered by 2,126 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 16% run their own businesses, 60.9% are employed by private companies, and 13% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,126
1.8% year-over-year change
White collar
1,570
Blue collar
556
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,570 73.8% 6.4%
Blue collar 556 26.2% -9.2%
Employer type
Self employees
16%
Private companies
60.9%
Governmental workers
13%
Not for profit companies
10.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 339 16% 0.3%
Private companies 1,294 60.9% 0.8%
Governmental workers 276 13% -9.2%
Not for profit companies 217 10.2% 34.0%
Unemployment rate
9.2%
63.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Musselshell County stands at 9.2%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Musselshell County

How people get around in Musselshell County

In Musselshell County, the average commute time is 25 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 68% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
25 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,415 68% -5.5%
Walk 121 5.8% 63.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Musselshell County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
59015 394 126 $69,583 $89,406
59054 227 102 $54,250 $66,132
59059 159 89 $39,519 $45,839
59072 4,690 1,923 $59,594 $79,202

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Musselshell County demographics 

What is the total population of Musselshell County?

Musselshell County has a total population of 5,152 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Musselshell County?

The gender ratio in Musselshell County is as follows:
  • 51.5% males (2,652 residents)
  • 48.5% females (2,500 residents)

What is the median age in Musselshell County?

The median age in Musselshell County is 51.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Musselshell County?

The age distribution in Musselshell County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.8% (813 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.9% (510 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17.9% (923 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.4% (1,412 residents)
  • Over 65: 29% (1,494 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Musselshell County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Musselshell County is as follows:
  • White: 87.2% (4,495 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 3.8% (196 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.3% (271 residents)
  • Other: 3.7% (190 residents)

What percentage of the population in Musselshell County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.2% of the population in Musselshell County.

How many housing units are there in Musselshell County?

There are 2,663 housing units in Musselshell County, reflecting a -0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Musselshell County and what is the average household size?

Musselshell County has a total of 2,148 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Musselshell County?

Musselshell County has a median household income of $58,920, representing a -0.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Musselshell County?

The employment rate is 90.8% in Musselshell County, with a workforce of 2,126 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.8% (1,570 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.2% (556 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 16% (339 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.9% (1,294 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13% (276 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.2% (217 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025