Cities and Towns in Phillips County, Montana

Founded in February 5, 1915, Phillips County is one of 56 counties in the state of Montana. Historically, Phillips County was formed from Blaine County and Valley County. The city of Malta is the county seat. With FIPS code of 71, Phillips County has a population of 4,192 and area of 5,140 square miles (13,313 km²).

List of all cities in Phillips County, MT alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Dodson, MT	59524	406
Loring, MT	59537	406
Malta, MT	59538	406
Saco, MT	59261	406
Wagner, MT	59538	406
Whitewater, MT	59544	406
Zortman, MT	59546	406

Major Cities and Towns in Phillips County, Montana

Malta

Location and History

Malta, the county seat of Phillips County, is located in north-central Montana, approximately 100 miles north of Billings. The town was founded in the late 19th century and incorporated in 1891. It is named after Malta, the island in the Mediterranean Sea, because of the area’s early settlers’ connection to European heritage. The town’s development was significantly boosted by the arrival of the railroad and the homesteading boom of the early 20th century. Malta became an important agricultural center, particularly for wheat, barley, and other crops, as well as a hub for livestock farming. The construction of the Fort Assinniboine military post nearby, established in 1879, also played a significant role in Malta’s early growth. Though Fort Assinniboine was decommissioned in the late 1800s, the town continued to grow as an agricultural and trade center for the region. Malta’s history is deeply tied to the agricultural development of the Milk River Valley, and the town remains a key player in this industry today. With a small, rural population, Malta continues to serve as a vibrant town and is known for its community spirit and historical landmarks.

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 1.23 square miles
• Population (2020 Census): 2,052
• Zip Codes: 59538
• Latitude: 48.6823° N
• Longitude: 107.8800° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Malta is served by the Malta School District, which includes Malta High School, Malta Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district offers a well-rounded education with a strong emphasis on community involvement and extracurricular activities, including sports and arts programs. Malta is home to a number of landmarks that highlight its history and agricultural roots. One prominent landmark is the Fort Assinniboine Historic Site, which preserves the history of the military post and offers educational tours and events. The Phillips County Museum is another key landmark, showcasing exhibits on local history, Native American culture, and the development of the area through agriculture and military presence. The Milk River runs through Malta, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation. The town is also close to the C.M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, which is known for birdwatching and hiking. Malta’s main street, with its historic architecture, provides a nostalgic look at the early 20th-century development of the town, offering shops, restaurants, and local services.

Saco

Location and History

Saco is a small town located about 40 miles northeast of Malta, nestled in the northeastern part of Phillips County. The town was established in 1909 and grew as a farming and ranching community along the Milk River. Its name is derived from the Saco River in Maine, reflecting the settlers’ New England roots. The construction of the railroad through Saco in the early 20th century played a significant role in the town’s early development, providing a link to larger markets and trade routes. Like many small towns in rural Montana, Saco thrived due to homesteading and agricultural development, particularly wheat farming. The town remained a key agricultural hub throughout the 20th century, although its population has declined in recent decades. Today, Saco remains a quiet, rural town, with a small but dedicated community focused on farming, ranching, and small-scale industry. While the railroad no longer plays as large a role in the town’s economy, agriculture continues to be central to life in Saco, and the town serves as an important service center for the surrounding area.

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.57 square miles
• Population (2020 Census): 129
• Zip Codes: 59261
• Latitude: 48.2719° N
• Longitude: 107.3164° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Saco is served by the Saco School District, which includes the Saco High School and Saco Elementary School. The district offers a strong academic foundation with a focus on community involvement, extracurricular activities, and athletics. Saco is also known for its historical landmarks and scenic rural beauty. The Milk River runs near the town, providing recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. The Saco Community Center serves as a hub for local events and gatherings, and the Saco Historical Museum showcases the town’s agricultural past, with displays about early settlers, homesteading, and the role of the railroad in shaping the area. Saco is also surrounded by picturesque Montana landscapes, making it a great spot for outdoor activities such as hunting, hiking, and birdwatching. The small town atmosphere and its location in the heart of Phillips County make it a quiet yet important part of the local community.

Other Communities in Phillips County

In addition to Malta and Saco, Phillips County includes several smaller communities such as Zortman, Dodson, and Hays. Zortman is a historic mining town located in the Little Rocky Mountains, once home to a gold mining boom in the late 19th century. Today, Zortman is a quiet area that offers recreational activities like hiking, camping, and fishing. Dodson is located near the confluence of the Milk River and the Big Sandy Creek and is primarily a farming community. It is home to a small population but remains an important agricultural center in the county. Hays, located near the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, is a small Native American community that is home to the Gros Ventre and Assiniboine tribes. The town serves as a center for tribal affairs and community life on the reservation. Each of these communities contributes to the agricultural and cultural diversity of Phillips County, with farming, ranching, and Native American heritage remaining central to the area’s identity.