Custer County, Montana
Miles City is the beating heart of Custer County, located in the middle of eastern Montana’s vast prairie. This is cowboy country. In fact, the annual Bucking Horse Sale draws thousands of visitors, turning the sleepy town into a lively celebration of all things Western.
You can still see cattle drives here, with real cowboys moving herds across the open range. The Yellowstone River winds through the county, serving as a lifeline in this semi-arid landscape.
The county is named after General Custer, but these days, it’s better known for its ranches and rodeos. Oil and gas have brought some changes, but agriculture still reigns supreme. For those who love wide-open spaces and star-filled nights, Custer County feels like freedom.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Custer County |
| County Seat | Miles City |
| Etymology | Named after General George Armstrong Custer |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Miles City, Ismay, Kinsey, Hathaway |
| Interstates and Highways | I-94, MT 59, MT 12 |
| FIPS Code | 30-017 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 3,793 square miles (Land: 3,783 sq mi, Water: 10 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Prairie County (North), Fallon County (East), Carter County (Southeast), Powder River County (South), Rosebud County (West), Garfield County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Mountain Time Zone (MT) |
| State | Montana |
| Coordinates | 46.2630° N, 105.6844° W |
| Major Landmarks | Range Riders Museum, Pirogue Island State Park, Tongue River Winery |
| Population | Approximately 11,800 |
