Population172,692 (2025 estimate)
Rimrock Views and a City Full of Possibilities
Yellowstone County, MontanaExplore Yellowstone County, Montana, through Billings, the Yellowstone River corridor and nearby communities including Laurel. This guide brings local places and practical public resources together so you can plan an outing, find a service or get to know the area. Start with Billings, the county seat, then explore the communities and landscapes around it. Follow the linked organizations for current schedules, access details and the information you need before heading out.
County at a Glance
Population172,692 (2025 estimate)
County seatBillings
Largest communityBillings
Established1883
ZIP coverage12
Total area2,649.0 sq mi (land and water; 2020 boundary data)
Major routesI-90, I-94, US 87
Area code406Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

Yellowstone County
Yellowstone County was established in 1883, with Billings as its county seat. Railroad development helped shape the city’s growth into a regional center for commerce and services. The Yellowstone River and sandstone rimrocks provide distinctive geographic reference points, while Laurel adds an important neighboring community. Museums, historic sites and cultural organizations interpret different parts of the area’s past. Today, local businesses, public institutions and transport connections continue that regional role, giving the county a mix of urban amenities and nearby open landscapes.
Billings provides a wide range of shopping, health, education and cultural options, while public parks and the river corridor offer room for outdoor time. Laurel and surrounding communities contribute their own local services and gathering places. Residents and visitors can build a day around museums, dining and a neighborhood outing without overlooking practical travel needs. Check the individual destination’s current schedule and fees, and use the linked public agencies for road conditions, county services and other information that supports a well-planned visit.
What shapes us
Living Heritage
Discover how railroad growth, regional commerce and the Yellowstone River landscape helped shape local identity. Historic places and community organizations offer starting points for understanding the county’s past and its continuing story.
Working Landscapes
Explore Billings’ sandstone rimrocks and the Yellowstone River corridor alongside the landscapes that support everyday life. Local businesses and outdoor destinations connect the county’s natural setting with practical work and recreation.
Community Connections
Arts venues, restaurants, public parks, local shopping and regional services bring residents and visitors into the same local places. Follow current programs and schedules to find opportunities that match your interests and the season.
Yellowstone County in Pictures
A closer look at local places and landscapes.
Montana judge rules birthdate requirement on ballot envelopes is unconstitutional
Lewis and Clark County District Court Judge Mike Menahan ruled Friday that the requirement to write birthdates on…
Read the Story Oct 8, 2026 • 2 min readAround Yellowstone County
Stories from every corner of Yellowstone County.
Montana judge rules birthdate requirement on ballot envelopes is unconstitutional
Lewis and Clark County District Court Judge Mike Menahan ruled Friday that the requirement to write birthdates on…
Oct 8, 2026 • 2 min read
'Nothing like it': Glendive grain elevator becomes canvas for Montana’s largest mural
A Bozeman artist is painting Montana's largest mural on Glendive's historic GTA grain elevator as part of a…
Oct 8, 2026 • 2 min read
More than 400 Sibanye-Stillwater workers end strike, back to work in Columbus and Nye on Friday
More than 400 workers returned to the Sibanye-Stillwater Metallurgical Complex and the mine in Nye on Friday, bringing…
Oct 8, 2026 • 2 min read
Q2 Billings Area Forecast: From fire risk to rain, mountain snow and chilly days
Warm and dry weather continues through Friday, and bring critical fire weather conditions. A Saturday cold front sends…
Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read
Q2 Billings Area Weather: Warm, dry through Friday; Cool, wet weekend
HAPPY HUMP DAY! Warm and dry weather with elevated fire danger through Friday gives way to a cold…
Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min readMeet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
Yellowstone County resources
Find official agencies and useful organizations for everyday needs. Open the relevant resource for current services and contact information.
Government
Schools
Hospitals
Public Safety
Disaster and Emergency Services
Emergency Services
State Parks
Trails
Forest Service lands and trails
Utilities
Montana Public Service Commission
Libraries
Courts
Montana Legal Services Association
DMV
Transportation
Postal Services
Veterans
Montana Department of Military Affairs
Employment
Find your way around Yellowstone County
Practical answers for residents and visitors.
Frequently asked questions
Start here, then follow the linked organization for current details.
Billings is the county seat of Yellowstone County. Start with Yellowstone County government for department contacts and public services.
Start with Yellowstone Art Museum and the other history and cultural destinations in the directory. Confirm each attraction’s current schedule before visiting.
Billings, Laurel provide starting points within Yellowstone County. Each has its own community setting; check local businesses and public resources when planning your route. Follow Yellowstone County government for public-service connections.
Use Montana 511 for current conditions. Major routes associated with the county include I-90, I-94, US 87; check the specific route before travel.
Start with Education & Schools and the Office of Public Instruction. Confirm enrollment and attendance boundaries with the relevant school district.
Billings Clinic is a local healthcare starting point. Use the provider’s own site for current locations, services and contact information.
Use Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the land-management links in the resources section. Confirm access, permits, fees and seasonal restrictions for the specific destination.
Yellowstone County government provides the official starting point for departments, meetings and records. Contact the relevant office to confirm its procedures and opening hours.
Start with Montana Veterans Affairs or VA Montana Health Care for program and location information.
Use MontanaWorks and the Department of Labor & Industry. Check employers directly for current openings and requirements.
Yellowstone Art Museum is one starting point for a family outing in Yellowstone County. Use the Kids’ Fun and Outdoor Fun listings, then confirm age suitability, schedules and admission directly with the operator.
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
Find something fun
Explore local placesPlan your next stop with these specific local destinations.

