Cities and Towns in Custer County, Montana
Founded in February 2, 1865, Custer County is one of 56 counties in the state of Montana. Historically, Custer County was one of the 9 original counties. The city of Miles City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 17, Custer County has a population of 11,916 and area of 3,783 square miles (9,798 km²).
List of all cities in Custer County, MT alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Ismay, MT | 59336 | 406 |
| Kinsey, MT | 59338 | 406 |
| Miles City, MT | 59301 | 406 |
| Volborg, MT | 59351 | 406 |
Major Cities and Towns in Custer County, Montana
Miles City
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 3.34 sq mi
- Population: 8,354 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 59301
- Latitude and Longitude: 46.4083° N, 105.8406° W
Location and History
Miles City, the county seat of Custer County, is located on the banks of the Yellowstone River and is known for its rich cowboy heritage. Founded in 1877 near Fort Keogh, which was established after the Battle of Little Bighorn, Miles City became a central hub for cattle ranching and agriculture in southeastern Montana. The town grew rapidly as it attracted cowboys, settlers, and businesses supporting the cattle trade, earning a reputation as a quintessential Western town. The advent of the Northern Pacific Railway further boosted Miles City’s economy, connecting it to other parts of Montana and enhancing its role in livestock trading. Today, Miles City is celebrated for its Western heritage, with rodeos, fairs, and museums preserving its historical character.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Miles City is served by the Miles City Unified School District, which includes Custer County District High School. Major landmarks include the Range Riders Museum, which displays artifacts from the Old West and local history, and the historic Waterworks Art Museum, housed in a former water treatment plant. The annual Miles City Bucking Horse Sale is one of the town’s most notable events, attracting rodeo enthusiasts from across the country for a multi-day celebration of cowboy culture, featuring bronc riding, parades, and live music.
Ismay
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.07 sq mi
- Population: 19 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 59336
- Latitude and Longitude: 46.4914° N, 105.6258° W
Location and History
Ismay, one of the smallest incorporated towns in Montana, is located in northern Custer County. Originally established as a railway town in the early 20th century, Ismay was named after Isabella and May, the daughters of a railroad official. The town enjoyed brief prosperity as a stop along the Milwaukee Road, with local businesses catering to rail passengers and area ranchers. However, as railroad use declined, so did the town’s population. In the 1990s, Ismay briefly gained national attention when it renamed itself “Joe” in support of the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Joe Montana, sparking a fundraising initiative. Despite its small size, Ismay has a unique story and a community dedicated to preserving its history and rural charm.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ismay is part of the Plevna School District, with students typically attending schools in nearby Plevna or Miles City. The town’s main landmarks include the historic railroad structures and local gathering spots that reflect its railway heritage. The surrounding plains offer scenic views typical of rural Montana, and Ismay residents participate in community events held in nearby towns, maintaining a strong sense of connection to the area’s ranching and farming traditions.
