Bachelor's+
35.3%
5% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.1%
3% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Musselshell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population34
Median Age63.5 yrs
Density13/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans8.8%
Economy
Per Capita$29,847
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$514M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$225,186
Housing Units49
Rent Burden22.2%
Health
Obesity33.1%
Uninsured11.8%
Smoking13.9%
Depression24.3%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
Rain15.5 in/yr
Elevation3,056 ft (931 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+35.3%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.48
Community
2024 VoteR 85% / D 13%
Broadband85.2%
Libraries1
Is Musselshell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Musselshell receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a low poverty rate. Musselshell offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Musselshell experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 15.5 inches, including 42.9 inches of snow.
Musselshell has a population of 34 with a density of 13 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age is 63.5 years, 63% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.8% female and 41.2% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 8.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34
Total Population
2023 Census
63.5yrs
Median Age
63% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Musselshell vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Musselshell vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $29,847 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,200, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 199 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 37.5% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Musselshell vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $29,847 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,200 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,337 |
| Gini Index | 0.454 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 199 |
| County GDP | $514M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 15 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,325 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 62.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 37.5% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $225,186. Fair market rent ranges from $1,226 for a one-bedroom to $1,344 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 49 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $2,325 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 22.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,007 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,226 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,344 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,869 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,255 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 49 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,325 |
| 34% below US avg |
In Musselshell, 33.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 26.4% have high blood pressure. 13.9% are current smokers. 22.1% report binge drinking. 21.5% are physically inactive. 24.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 11.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,896. 51.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Musselshell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.1% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.4% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.5% |
| Depression | 24.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 32.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.2% |
| Uninsured | 11.8% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,896 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,654 |
| Checkup Rate | 64.3% |
| Dental Visits | 59.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,831/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Musselshell experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 15.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 42.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 3,056 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.2°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,056 ft (931 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 13/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.4942°N, 108.0963°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Musselshell County County |
| Nearest Airport | Billings Logan International (BIL)
52 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
15.5"
59% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.92"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 17.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 74.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 25.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.2 on Jul 21, 2023.
| Jul 6, 2021 |
27 km SSE of Melstone, Montana |
M3.6 |
30 km |
| Dec 23, 1991 |
10 km SW of Colstrip, Montana |
M3.6 |
130 km |
| Jul 21, 2023 |
Eastern Montana |
M3.2 |
125 km |
| May 21, 2013 |
32 km NE of Melstone, Montana |
M2.8 |
54 km |
| Oct 16, 2011 |
Eastern Montana |
M2.7 |
104 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
41 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1965 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2010 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1986 |
EF2 |
16 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1962 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1958 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2016 |
EF1 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1996 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1991 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1991 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1991 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1990 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1955 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1955 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 2020 |
EF0 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 2020 |
EF0 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2013 |
EF0 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2011 |
EF0 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2011 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 2005 |
EF0 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2005 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BRIDGE COULEE (222,571 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
BRIDGE COULEE |
222,571 |
80 km |
| 1984 |
HAWK CREEK |
157,778 |
30 km |
| 2008 |
DUNN MTN. ASSIST |
105,494 |
32 km |
| 2006 |
PINE RIDGE COMPLEX |
103,074 |
62 km |
| 2006 |
BUNDY RAILROAD |
91,575 |
41 km |
| 2021 |
P F |
66,375 |
91 km |
| 2012 |
DELPHIA |
40,396 |
10 km |
| 2020 |
BOBCAT |
31,020 |
30 km |
| 1999 |
FISHEL CREEK |
28,611 |
3 km |
| 2021 |
MUSSELSHELL TRAIL RD |
22,723 |
39 km |
| 2012 |
DAHL |
21,448 |
43 km |
| 2006 |
LODGEPOLE (BLACK PULASKI COMPLEX) |
15,248 |
95 km |
| 2022 |
BUSMAN ROAD |
12,584 |
55 km |
| 2020 |
GASS FLATS |
10,723 |
91 km |
| 1996 |
COLFAX |
8,429 |
100 km |
| 1994 |
GRIERSON |
7,985 |
34 km |
| 2003 |
JONNY |
7,689 |
73 km |
| 2017 |
CRYING |
7,497 |
91 km |
| 1998 |
BURNT SHED |
6,395 |
15 km |
| 2015 |
3 HL TIN CAN UNIT F PRESCRIBED FIRE |
5,911 |
79 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
1.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
47°F (9°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Musselshell has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 25°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 15.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.9") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Musselshell. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$237 ($142-$378) |
| Specialist Visit |
$331 ($189-$520) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($95-$331) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,081 ($757-$4,730) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71-$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$237 ($142-$378) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24-$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47-$114) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$284 ($142-$473) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$568 ($378-$946) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($95-$331) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$95 ($57-$142) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47-$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$378 ($142-$757) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,622 ($3,784-$11,352) |
| Roof Repair |
$946 ($378-$1,892) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,514 ($5,203-$14,190) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,419 ($473-$3,311) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,190 ($4,730-$28,380) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,730 ($1,892-$9,460) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,419 ($757-$2,838) |
| Will Preparation |
$473 ($189-$946) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,365 ($946-$4,730) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28-$95) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$142 ($71-$237) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$76 ($47-$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.88 ($2.84-$5.20) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.31 ($2.37-$4.73) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.59 ($2.37-$5.20) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.26 ($2.84-$6.15) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.20 ($3.78-$7.10) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.95 ($0.57-$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($76-$237) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$142) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38-$114) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38-$95) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28-$95) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47-$142) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71-$473) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,892 ($1,135-$3,311) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.57-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$95 ($28-$237) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,135 ($568-$2,365) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$946 ($473-$1,892) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$378 ($189-$662) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24-$95) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$946 ($378-$2,365) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,825 ($4,730-$28,380) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28-$95) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$95 ($47-$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28-$95) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$284 ($142-$473) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($95-$378) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,030 |
| Toddler | $1,065 |
| Preschool | $920 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $809 |
| Toddler | $823 |
| Preschool | $823 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Musselshell
What is the population of Musselshell?
Musselshell has a population of 34 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 13 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 63.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.8% female and 41.2% male.
Is Musselshell expensive to live in?
Musselshell is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.6 / below the baseline of 100.
What is the weather like in Musselshell?
Musselshell has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 15.5 inches, with 42.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Musselshell?
The job market in Musselshell is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,200. There are 199 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Musselshell?
Schools in Musselshell score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 35.3% of adults in Musselshell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Musselshell?
The obesity rate in Musselshell is 33.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.9% of adults are smokers. 21.5% are physically inactive. 24.3% of residents report depression. 11.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 51.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,896.
What are the demographics of Musselshell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Musselshell is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 8.8% of the population are military veterans. 20.6% of residents have a disability. 88.2% have health insurance coverage.