Cities and Towns in Richland County, Montana

Founded in May 27, 1914, Richland County is one of 56 counties in the state of Montana. Historically, Richland County was formed from Dawson County. The city of Sidney is the county seat. With FIPS code of 83, Richland County has a population of 11,283 and area of 2,084 square miles (5,398 km²).

List of all cities in Richland County, MT alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Crane, MT	59217	406
Enid, MT	59243	406
Fairview, MT	59221	406
Lambert, MT	59243	406
Savage, MT	59262	406
Sidney, MT	59270	406

Major Cities and Towns in Richland County, Montana

Sidney

Location and History

Sidney, the county seat of Richland County, is located in the northeastern corner of Montana, along the Yellowstone River. The town was founded in 1891 when the Great Northern Railway extended its tracks to the area, attracting settlers who were looking for land to farm and trade. Sidney became a key stop on the railroad, which contributed to its early growth as a commercial hub. The town’s economy was initially driven by agriculture, particularly wheat and cattle, as well as oil exploration and production, which became a major part of its economy in the 20th century. The Sidney area was part of the Homestead Act settlements, and much of its history is tied to farming, ranching, and resource extraction. Over the years, Sidney expanded its infrastructure and services to accommodate a growing population. Sidney also developed as a center for education, commerce, and healthcare in the region, and its proximity to the Bakken oil fields has led to new economic opportunities in recent years. Sidney remains a thriving town with a mix of agricultural, industrial, and energy-based industries, serving as a vital center for northeastern Montana.

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 2.44 square miles
• Population (2020 Census): 6,118
• Zip Codes: 59270
• Latitude: 47.7100° N
• Longitude: 104.1566° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Sidney is served by the Sidney School District, which includes Sidney High School, Sidney Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district offers a range of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and sports teams. The town is home to several important landmarks, such as the Richland County Courthouse, which is a key government building in the region. Sidney is also known for its proximity to the Yellowstone River, which offers outdoor recreational opportunities like fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The Sidney Historical Museum is another popular landmark, showcasing the town’s history, including its early days as a railroad stop, its agricultural development, and the impact of the oil industry. Another key feature is the Sidney Health Center, which provides medical services to the town and surrounding areas. Sidney’s strong community spirit is reflected in annual events such as the Richland County Fair, which brings together residents and visitors for agricultural exhibitions, rodeo events, and live entertainment. With its blend of history, education, and modern industry, Sidney is the cultural and economic heart of Richland County.

Fairview

Location and History

Fairview is located in the southeastern part of Richland County, near the North Dakota border and along the Yellowstone River. The town was established in the late 1800s as part of the expansion of agricultural settlement in the region, particularly following the completion of the railroad. Fairview grew as a farming community, with settlers drawn by the fertile lands along the Yellowstone River. Initially, Fairview was a small agricultural settlement, but it became a more established town as the area developed into a vital grain and livestock producing region. Over the years, Fairview has retained its rural charm and remains closely connected to the farming and ranching industries. The town’s population has remained relatively small, but it continues to be an important center for agriculture and trade in the area. Fairview also benefited from the rise of the oil industry, particularly during the boom years of the Bakken oil field in the 2000s. Despite the changes in the economy, Fairview has maintained its historic roots and continues to be an important rural community in Richland County.

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 1.05 square miles
• Population (2020 Census): 732
• Zip Codes: 59221
• Latitude: 47.8845° N
• Longitude: 104.0162° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Fairview is served by the Fairview School District, which includes Fairview High School and several elementary schools. The district provides strong academic programs, athletics, and extracurricular activities for students. Fairview’s landmarks include the Fairview Community Park, which features recreational amenities like sports fields, a playground, and picnic areas. The town is also home to several historical sites that reflect its agricultural past, such as the Fairview Post Office and other early 20th-century buildings. The Yellowstone River, a central feature of Fairview, offers ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and outdoor activities, and is an important resource for the area’s agriculture. Fairview is also closely connected to the larger regional economy, particularly due to its proximity to Sidney and the growing oil industry in the Bakken formation. Local events, such as the annual Fairview Rodeo, celebrate the town’s ranching heritage. While Fairview remains a small rural community, it plays an essential role in the economic life of Richland County, especially in agriculture and energy.

Lambert

Location and History

Lambert is located in the western part of Richland County, just south of Sidney. It was established in the early 1900s as a small agricultural community that supported the surrounding ranching and farming industry. The town grew with the advent of the railroad and continued to thrive as local settlers took advantage of the fertile soils and favorable climate for growing crops. Lambert is named after a local homesteader, and like many small towns in Montana, it began as a railroad stop, serving as a trading post for agricultural products and a hub for local commerce. Over the decades, Lambert has remained a quiet rural community with a strong agricultural focus, although it has faced economic challenges as larger cities like Sidney grew and diversified. Despite this, Lambert remains an important part of Richland County’s agricultural economy. In the 21st century, the town has continued to hold onto its rural character, with many residents involved in farming, ranching, and small businesses. Lambert’s small size belies its important role in the county’s economy, especially within the broader context of agricultural production in northeastern Montana.

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.33 square miles
• Population (2020 Census): 240
• Zip Codes: 59252
• Latitude: 47.6887° N
• Longitude: 104.4020° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Lambert is served by the Lambert School District, which includes Lambert High School and several elementary schools. The district focuses on providing quality education in a small-town setting, with extracurricular programs in athletics and arts. Lambert’s main landmarks include the Lambert Community Park, a hub for local gatherings and outdoor recreation, offering spaces for picnicking and sports activities. The town is also known for its proximity to the Yellowstone River, which provides opportunities for outdoor recreation like fishing and boating. The Lambert area has a rich history tied to farming and ranching, and while the town itself is small, it plays an important role in the region’s agricultural activities. Lambert also participates in several regional events, including the Richland County Fair, where local agriculture and 4-H programs are highlighted. The town’s historic buildings, which date back to its early 20th-century establishment, add to its rural charm and serve as reminders of its agricultural roots. Lambert is a quiet, close-knit community with a strong sense of pride in its agricultural heritage.

Other Communities in Richland County

In addition to Sidney, Fairview, and Lambert, Richland County also includes a number of small towns and unincorporated areas, such as Savage and Richey, each contributing to the county’s agricultural and cultural landscape. Savage, a small community in the eastern part of the county, is known for its farming heritage and proximity to the Yellowstone River. Richey, a town in the southern part of Richland County, is also a key farming community with a history tied to the railroad and agriculture. These towns, although small, remain integral to the overall economy of Richland County, particularly within the agricultural and energy sectors. Each community, with its rural charm and strong agricultural roots, helps form the fabric of Richland County, contributing to its identity as a significant center for farming, energy, and community life in northeastern Montana.