Petroleum County, Montana
Petroleum County sits right in the heart of Montana. Only about 500 people live here, making it the least populous county in the state. It was named after the oil boom of the 1920s, but these days, cattle and wheat are the main focus.
Winnett, the county seat, is basically a wide spot in the road. But don’t let that fool you. This place has plenty of character. The locals may be few, but they’re as friendly as they come. If you want peace and quiet, this is your spot.
The landscape is pure Montana, with rolling prairies stretching all the way to the horizon. The fishing is pretty decent too, if you can find your way to the right spots. And if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of prairie dogs popping up from their towns.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Petroleum County |
| County Seat | Winnett |
| Etymology | Named for its oil deposits |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Winnett, Cat Creek, Flatwillow |
| Interstates and Highways | MT 200 |
| FIPS Code | 30-069 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 1,674 square miles (Land: 1,654 sq mi, Water: 20 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Phillips County (North), Garfield County (East), Rosebud County (Southeast), Musselshell County (South), Fergus County (West) |
| Time Zone | Mountain Time Zone (MT) |
| State | Montana |
| Coordinates | 47.0046° N, 108.3545° W |
| Major Landmarks | Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, Musselshell River, Crooked Creek Recreation Area |
| Population | Approximately 500 |
