Cities and Towns in Hill County, Montana
Founded in February 22, 1912, Hill County is one of 56 counties in the state of Montana. Historically, Hill County was formed from Chouteau County. The city of Havre is the county seat. With FIPS code of 41, Hill County has a population of 16,179 and area of 2,896 square miles (7,501 km²).
List of all cities in Hill County, MT alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Box Elder, MT | 59521 | 406 |
| Gildford, MT | 59525 | 406 |
| Havre, MT | 59501 | 406 |
| Hingham, MT | 59528 | 406 |
| Inverness, MT | 59530 | 406 |
| Kremlin, MT | 59532 | 406 |
| Rocky Boy, MT | 59521 | 406 |
| Rudyard, MT | 59540 | 406 |
Major Cities and Towns in Hill County, Montana
Havre
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 5.13 sq mi
- Population: 9,800 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 59501
- Latitude and Longitude: 48.5583° N, 109.6783° W
Location and History
Havre is the county seat and largest city in Hill County, located in north-central Montana. Originally settled in the late 19th century, Havre’s establishment was directly tied to the construction of the Great Northern Railway in the 1880s, which made it an important railroad town. The town was named after Havre, France, as many of the early settlers were French or French-Canadian. Havre grew quickly as a transportation hub and as a center for agriculture and trade, benefiting from its location on the Milk River, which provided irrigation for the region’s wheat farming. Throughout the 20th century, Havre maintained its status as a transportation and commercial center, even after the railroad’s dominance waned. As a regional hub for commerce, education, and government services, Havre’s economy has diversified, with a focus on agriculture, healthcare, and education. The city is known for its wide, tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and as a gateway to the Canadian border.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Havre is home to Northern Montana Health Care, the region’s primary healthcare provider, and several educational institutions, including Montana State University-Northern. The university offers a variety of programs, including vocational training and bachelor’s degrees. In addition to the university, Havre also has a public school system that includes elementary, middle, and high schools. Key landmarks include the Blaine County Museum, which preserves the history of the region, including its Native American heritage and its railroad history. The Havre Beneath the Streets tour is another popular attraction, allowing visitors to explore the underground tunnels used during the railroad boom. The city also features the Havre Hill County Courthouse, a historic building that serves as the seat of local government. Outdoor activities are abundant in and around Havre, with nearby areas such as Beaver Creek Park and the Milk River providing opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping. The city’s proximity to Canada makes it a unique location for those interested in international travel and trade.
Chinook
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.24 sq mi
- Population: 5,400 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 59523
- Latitude and Longitude: 48.6464° N, 109.4793° W
Location and History
Chinook is a small city located in the northern part of Hill County, situated along the Milk River. Established in the late 19th century, Chinook grew as an agricultural center, capitalizing on its location in the fertile Milk River Valley. The area around Chinook was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Assiniboine and Gros Ventre. The town was founded in the 1880s and named after the Chinook winds that are prevalent in the region. Chinook’s development was closely linked to the arrival of the Great Northern Railway, which helped the town become a key shipping and trading point for the region’s agricultural products. During the early 20th century, Chinook became known as the “Wheat Capital of the World” due to the large amounts of wheat produced in the area. Today, Chinook remains an important agricultural hub, with a strong focus on wheat farming, cattle ranching, and other rural industries.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Chinook is served by the Chinook School District, which includes Chinook High School, elementary schools, and a public library. The town also has several local businesses, including a variety of restaurants, cafes, and retail shops, many of which reflect the town’s agricultural heritage. The Blaine County Museum in Chinook offers exhibits on local history, including Native American culture, early pioneers, and the development of agriculture in the region. Chinook is known for its proximity to the Bear Paw Battlefield, the site of the final battle between the U.S. Army and Nez Perce warriors in 1877. The battlefield is a designated historical landmark and a popular site for visitors interested in American history. The Milk River, which flows through the town, offers recreational opportunities like fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Chinook also hosts the annual Blaine County Fair, which celebrates the region’s farming and ranching traditions, and the nearby American Prairie Reserve provides a unique natural setting for outdoor exploration.
Rudyard
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.42 sq mi
- Population: 400 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 59540
- Latitude and Longitude: 48.5872° N, 109.8500° W
Location and History
Rudyard is a small rural town located in the western part of Hill County, Montana, near the Canadian border. The town was founded in the early 1900s and named after Rudyard Kipling, the famous British author. Rudyard’s location along the BNSF Railway and close to major agricultural areas made it an important transportation and trade center for the surrounding agricultural communities. The town was established during the homesteading period, and like many towns in the area, it quickly became a center for wheat farming and ranching. Over the years, Rudyard has maintained its small-town charm while remaining a vital service center for farmers and ranchers in the region. Though its population has remained relatively small, the town continues to have a strong agricultural focus, with wheat, barley, and livestock being the main products. Rudyard’s proximity to the Canadian border also offers unique cross-border opportunities for trade and travel.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Rudyard is served by the Rudyard School District, which includes Rudyard High School, a middle school, and elementary schools. The town also has a small library and a few local businesses, including a general store and some cafes. Notable landmarks in the area include the old BNSF Railway Depot, which is a reminder of Rudyard’s historical role as a transportation hub. The town also has several agricultural-related structures, such as grain elevators and farm equipment businesses, that are integral to the local economy. For outdoor enthusiasts, Rudyard offers access to the nearby Marias River, which provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The region surrounding Rudyard is rich in open prairie, offering plenty of space for hiking, hunting, and birdwatching. Despite its small size, Rudyard’s rural beauty and agricultural landscape make it an attractive destination for those interested in experiencing the wide-open spaces of Montana.
Hingham
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.34 sq mi
- Population: 100 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 59528
- Latitude and Longitude: 48.4922° N, 109.7150° W
Location and History
Hingham is a tiny unincorporated community in Hill County, located in the northwestern part of the county. The town was established in the early 1900s and named after Hingham, Massachusetts, reflecting the town’s New England roots. Originally, the town grew as a farming settlement, with the fertile soil of the Milk River Valley making it an attractive location for wheat, barley, and other agricultural endeavors. The construction of the Great Northern Railway helped the town expand, and the railway depot served as a key shipping point for local farmers. Like many small towns in Montana, Hingham’s population peaked in the early 20th century, but as farming techniques and technology evolved, many people moved away, and the town’s population gradually declined. Today, Hingham remains a quiet rural community with a small number of residents, and it serves as a point of interest for those who enjoy Montana’s rural landscapes and agricultural history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hingham does not have a large school system, and students generally attend schools in nearby towns, including Big Sandy. However, the town does have a small community center that serves as a gathering point for residents. Hingham is home to a few small businesses, including a local post office, general store, and a couple of cafes. The town’s primary landmarks are its historic agricultural buildings, including old barns and grain silos, which reflect its farming heritage. The nearby Milk River provides opportunities for fishing and boating, while the wide-open spaces around the town offer plenty of room for hiking, wildlife observation, and other outdoor activities. While Hingham is a small, quiet place with limited amenities, its charm lies in its rural simplicity and agricultural traditions.
Beaver Creek
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.30 sq mi
- Population: 35 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 59532
- Latitude and Longitude: 48.7889° N, 109.3794° W
Location and History
Beaver Creek is a small, unincorporated community located in the southeastern part of Hill County, near the banks of Beaver Creek, a tributary of the Milk River. Established in the early 1900s, Beaver Creek was initially a farming community, with settlers attracted to the fertile land and water sources in the area. Agriculture, particularly wheat and barley farming, became the backbone of the community’s economy. The creek provided irrigation for crops, and its banks became the site of many homesteads. Over time, however, the town’s population declined as people moved to larger cities in search of work. Today, Beaver Creek is a quiet, rural area with few residents, but it retains the charm of a small farming community, with open fields and grazing lands surrounding the town.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Beaver Creek is not served by a local school district, and children typically attend schools in nearby Havre or Chinook. The community does not have many commercial businesses, but it does have a small number of local farms and ranches. Beaver Creek’s primary landmarks are its historic farmhouses and the creek itself, which remains an important water source for local agriculture. The nearby Milk River offers opportunities for fishing, and the open prairie surrounding the town is ideal for hiking, hunting, and birdwatching. The rural beauty of Beaver Creek makes it a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape to the Montana countryside.