Cities and Towns in Powder River County, Montana
Founded in March 7, 1919, Powder River County is one of 56 counties in the state of Montana. Historically, Powder River County was formed from Custer County. The city of Broadus is the county seat. With FIPS code of 75, Powder River County has a population of 1,702 and area of 3,297 square miles (8,539 km²).
List of all cities in Powder River County, MT alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Biddle, MT | 59314 | 406 |
| Broadus, MT | 59317 | 406 |
| Olive, MT | 59343 | 406 |
| Otter, MT | 59062 | 406 |
| Powderville, MT | 59345 | 406 |
| Sonnette, MT | 59317 | 406 |
Major Cities and Towns in Powder River County, Montana
Broadus
Location and History
Broadus, the county seat of Powder River County, is located in the southeastern part of Montana, near the confluence of the Powder River and its tributaries. The town was founded in the late 19th century and became a major stop on the Northern Pacific Railway. It was named after the Broadus family, who were early settlers in the region. Broadus grew quickly as a trading post for local ranchers, farmers, and miners. The town’s economy was based on cattle ranching, and it served as an important supply hub for surrounding ranches. Although it has remained small over the years, Broadus retains much of its historical charm and serves as a vital center for the surrounding rural communities. Broadus has been shaped by its proximity to both the Powder River and the railroad, with cattle ranching continuing to be a major part of the local economy. As the county seat, Broadus is home to the county courthouse, local government offices, and several businesses, making it the administrative and commercial hub of Powder River County.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.75 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 466
- Zip Codes: 59317
- Latitude: 45.4473° N
- Longitude: 105.3964° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Broadus is served by the Powder River School District, which includes Broadus High School, Powder River Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district offers a variety of academic programs, along with extracurricular activities such as athletics and arts. Broadus is home to several landmarks that showcase its history and culture. The Powder River Courthouse, built in the early 20th century, is a central feature of the town and a reminder of its role as the county seat. The Powder River itself is an important historical and recreational landmark, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Custer National Forest offers additional recreational opportunities, including hiking and camping, and is a popular area for outdoor enthusiasts. Broadus also has a number of local businesses and services that cater to the agricultural community, which remains an important part of the area’s economy. Despite its small size, Broadus serves as the heart of Powder River County, offering essential services, historical landmarks, and a peaceful rural lifestyle.
Powderville
Location and History
Powderville is a small, unincorporated community located approximately 20 miles west of Broadus. It was established in the late 1800s as a ranching and farming community along the Powder River. Early settlers used the area’s fertile soil and access to water for agricultural purposes, and the town grew as a center for local ranchers to gather and trade. Powderville’s location on the Powder River also made it an ideal spot for cattle ranching, which remains a significant part of the local economy today. The town was named after the Powder River, which is a prominent feature of the landscape. While Powderville was once a thriving town, its population has declined over the years, and today it remains a quiet, rural community. Although it lacks the amenities of larger towns, Powderville serves as a reminder of the area’s rich agricultural history and its connections to the broader ranching culture of southeastern Montana.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.18 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 44
- Zip Codes: 59345
- Latitude: 45.4939° N
- Longitude: 105.4076° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
As a small community, Powderville is served by the Powder River School District, with students attending schools in nearby Broadus. The community itself lacks its own school but is connected to the broader educational system of Powder River County. The Powder River and surrounding landscape are important landmarks in Powderville, offering recreational opportunities such as fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching. While Powderville lacks large-scale tourist attractions, the scenic beauty of the Powder River and the surrounding countryside is its greatest asset. The town’s history as a ranching community can still be seen in the surrounding ranches, many of which are active today. The area is quiet and sparsely populated, with a focus on agriculture and ranching. Despite being small, Powderville holds a significant place in Powder River County’s agricultural history, and its residents continue to live in a rural, agrarian setting that has changed little over the years.
Other Communities in Powder River County
Powder River County also includes several smaller communities and rural areas. These include Ranchester, a small settlement that once served as a stop along the railroad, and Biddle, an unincorporated community located to the north of Broadus. Both of these towns, while not as populous as Broadus, play important roles in the county’s rural landscape. Ranchester and Biddle share much of the agricultural heritage of Powder River County, with local farms and ranches contributing to the region’s economy. The county as a whole is sparsely populated, with much of its economy focused on agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, and outdoor recreation, including hunting and fishing. The small, tight-knit communities of Powder River County are linked by their shared rural lifestyle and historical connections to the land, making it a tranquil and scenic area of Montana. Despite their modest size, these towns help shape the unique character of Powder River County, contributing to its agricultural and historical identity.
